This week in Phoenix news we’re turning our attention to quesadillas, sourdough bread making, and National Coffee Day. Not to mention all things fall, from drinks to pancakes to pizza. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Take Me Away to FoodieLand
FoodieLand, a massive national food festival, returns to Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway September 25 through 27, offering more than 200 food stalls, live music, and more. Tickets are $12.75 and must be purchased online.
National Coffee Day Brings Big Savings
While there are many silly food holidays these days, this one is serious. For those who love a good deal, here are three opportunities around Phoenix to snag cheap or free coffee on the holiday:
- Scramble’s drip coffee will be $1 with any purchase if you’re dining in
- Perks Café is serving up a 12-ounce cup of drip coffee for $1.
- Whataburger will give out a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee with no purchase necessary if you order online or in the app.
And Speaking of Coffee… The National Coffee Shops Rankings Are In!
Wallet Hub released its national ranking of cities with the best coffee shops. Scottsdale ranked 32nd, while Phoenix took home the 36th spot. Gilbert, Glendale, and Mesa also got recognition further down the list. Congratulations to us! Want some suggestions on where to go? Check out the Greater Phoenix metro list of hottest coffee shops.
Roaring Fork Veterans
And while we’re feeling congratulatory, Fermin and Alejo Guzman, two employees at Roaring Fork in Scottsdale, just celebrated 30 years with the company. In an industry with high turnover, that deserves some praise.
Learn to Make Sourdough From the Best
Don Guerra, the James Beard Award-winning baker, will teach you to make leavened whole-grain sourdough at Gilbert’s Agritopia Farm. He will walk participants through the entire sourdough process, making this one worthwhile for those who are eager to produce pretty (or just tasty) loaves, but need someone to hold their hand. Participants can hop online to reserve their spot for $150.
Restaurant Birth Announcements
Three bouncing baby restaurants have just been born into Phoenix and around the Valley.
- Kuza: It’s a Kuza! The Japanese-inspired newcomer arrives in north Scottsdale.
- Vecina: Big sister alert! The Arcadia favorite welcomes its second location in Scottsdale.
- Mia Culpa: Oh, brother! Roman God of Fire welcomes a mischievous new sibling September 25.
The Kids Are Getting Married
Stoop Kid and The Joy Lush Club have been casually seeing each other for years, with the burger-and-bagel counter popping up at the Uptown beer-and-wine bar. Now they’re making it official. Stoop Kid is becoming a permanent fixture at Joy Lush when the renovated space reopens later this month. Expect smash burgers, bagels, new lunch hours and, eventually, cocktails.
Taco ‘Bout a Sad Goodbye
Out in El Mirage, a glorious, bright-blue taqueria once served some of the most legendary tacos in town. But La Bamba Mexican Grill has suddenly gone dark, with the YELP page saying it’s permanently shuttered. It was yet another low blow to end a summer of sad closings. R.I.P. to the al pastor and aguas frescas. You will be missed.
Durant’s Earns New York Times’ Recognition
Our 76-year-old Phoenix steakhouse, Durant’s, was the only Valley restaurant to make the New York Times’ 2026 Restaurant List. This annual selection is a top 50 list of United States restaurants. The paper also published Durant’s shrimp cocktail on the NYT Cooking platform. Congratulations to Durant’s, though we already knew you were amazing.
National Quesadilla Day
Remember when we said national food holidays are kinda silly? Well, forgive us. Because everyone should celebrate National Quesadilla Day on September 25 (unless, I guess, you’re lactose intolerant). In honor of said “holiday,” the Mediterranean-Southwest fusion joint Feta Cowboy in Tempe invites you to indulge in its Oaxaca Jack Cheddar Quesadilla, served in a crispy tortilla with salsa on the side.
On this the Menu
Take a Trip to Spain
No passport actually required for this Spanish vacation. From September 24 through 27, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is bringing a taste of Southern Spain with its Passport to Spain celebration.
As part of the festivities (and coinciding with Arizona Restaurant Week), Prado will offer a Spanish-inspired, multi-course tasting menu from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with an optional wine pairing. Make a night of it with the resort’s other Spanish-inspired happenings, including flamenco dancing, a paella demonstration, Spanish wine tasting, and an Ibiza-inspired afternoon by the pool.
Pumpkin Spice Season
JOJO Coffeehouse has officially released its limited-time fall menu, available now through November 25. And yes, pumpkin spice lattes are here, as well as caramel macchiatos, toffee white mochas, and a pumpkin cream brown sugar cold brew. The new pancake flavors sound pretty decadent too: pumpkin, tiramisu, and blueberry lemon ricotta.
Wine and Dine at Luna
Wine Wednesday is upon us. On September 30 at 6 p.m., Luna by Giada at Caesars Republic Scottsdale kicks off a new monthly wine dinner series with a five-course meal paired with Silver Oak wines. Each course from Chef Giada De Laurentiis complements the featured pours, while a Silver Oak representative shares the stories behind the wines. Tickets are $180 per person, all-inclusive, and seating is limited. Reserve a ticket.
It’s Back, Baby
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria also announced its autumn menu return and yes, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza is back, baby. We’re also eyeing that pumpkin cheesecake and the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad, just in case we want the flavor without the carbs. Hey, options are nice.
Fall in a Mimosa Glass
Pumpkin in our caffeinated drinks is nice, but fall-themed cocktails? Yes, please. Wine Girl is bringing us apple cider mimosas, fall hugo spritzes, white fall sangrias with apple cider and cinnamon, and a whole lot more to toast to.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? We got you.
Friday: I decided to try The Delicatassen’s new fall menu for myself, starting with a banana bread white mocha and pumpkin chai, both served in novelty pop top canisters. Not too sweet and plenty creamy, I’m giving these beverages a thumbs up.
For lunch, I indulged in the Pastrami Hash and Eggs Bagel, a giant sandwich with classic deli flavors, and the Barbacoa Burrito. Finally, the dessert. I got the limited time birthday bagel, smothered in sprinkled cream cheese somehow tastes better than birthday cake. Yes, I’m coming back.
Saturday: We’re headed to Que Sazon South American Cuisine and Ceviche Bar, set in the charmingly restored Teeter House downtown. My Venezuelan friend says the empanadas remind her of home. Easy sell!
Sunday: And while we’re on a Latin America kick, why not give Mambo’s Dominican Food a chance? This Chandler eatery with its vibrant yellow walls caught our attention for its home-style cooking. We plan to share a platter of fried pork bites, Dominican fried chicken, and tostones before venturing into the traditional Mangu Tres Golpe, mashed plantains with red onions and salami.
