As October arrives in Phoenix, an array of all things pumpkin follows. Of course there’s the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte, but don’t stop there. Nowadays, the flavor of pumpkin has expanded to a variety of foods and drinks, including martinis, chili, and pancakes. Moreover, you can explore 15 Valley spots for pumpkin-infused goods, with or without the spice.
Pumpkin Drinks
The Soil & Seed Fairytale Pumpkin Espresso Martini
Living up to its reputation as a true farm-to-table restaurant, Quiessence at The Farm’s fall spin on the trending espresso martini features pumpkin puree from pumpkins grown at its on-site Fairytale Pumpkins. The variation served at this high-end farm-to-table restaurant is a mix of Fairytale Pumpkin purée, house spice syrup and of course, espresso. 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, qatthefarm.com
Pumpkin Latte at Peixoto Coffee
Peixoto Coffee—the acclaimed Valley coffee roaster that uses beans from its family farm in Brazil—serves a very special Pumpkin Latte. This shop’s spin on the popular fall beverage features syrup made using real pumpkin. But it doesn’t stop there. The latte is topped with rich, house-made pumpkin Chantilly cream, toasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of pumpkin sugar to sweeten the beverage. Multiple locations, peixotocoffee.com
Pumpkin Cheesecake Latte at The Montauk
The buzzy Scottsdale hot spot The Montauk has a very sweet variation for its pumpkin latte: the Pumpkin Cheesecake Latte. This sweet espresso-based drink is topped with a pumpkin-cheesecake cold foam and streusel. The Scottsdale hot spot describes this drink as “sweet, creamy, and basically fall in a glass.” 4360 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, themontaukaz.com
Pumpkinville Ale at Pedal Haus Brewery
Craft brewery Pedal Haus serves a Pumpkinville Ale that’s just perfect for autumn. This amber ale is brewed with pumpkin puree and spices for a dash of fall flavor. Multiple locations, pedalhausbrewery.com
Pumpkin Pie a la Mode Cider at Six Byrd Cider Co.
For a slice of pumpkin pie in a glass, consider ordering the Pumpkin Pie a la Mode Cider at Six Byrd Cider Co. The local cider purveyor serves a seasonal Pumpkin Pie a la Mode that’s made with a pumpkin and butternut squash puree. As you sip, see if you can notice the many different spices woven into the libation. This cider drink includes ground cinnamon sticks and whole Madagascar vanilla bean for a complete fall experience. 3619 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix; and 1920 E. University Dr., Ste. 101, Tempe, sixbyrd.com
Pumpkin Baked Goods
Pumpkin Bagels at Chompie’s
Looking to start your morning with a pumpkin treat? Then consider ordering a Pumpkin Bagel from Chompie’s. Pair the bagel with your choice of cream cheese flavors like plain, honey raisin walnut or blueberry. Multiple locations, chompies.com
Pumpkin With Ginger Snap Pie at Pie Snob
Cherished local pie bakery Pie Snob serves a few different variations of the classic fall pumpkin pie including plain, Pumpkin Buttermilk and Pumpkin Praline. There’s also Pumpkin With Ginger Snap, which features a ginger snap crust that gives it just a dash of holiday flair. Plus, mixed with the savory side of pumpkin, the pie balances fresh, spicy, and nutty in each bite. Multiple locations, piesnob.com
Pumpkin Baked Goods at Rise Up Bakery
Gilbert’s family-owned Rise Up Bakery serves a moist, rich and spiced pumpkin bread that’s made even sweeter with the addition of melt-y chocolate chips. But that’s not the only pumpkin-laced goodie. Also look for cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cheesecake. 861 N. Highley Rd., #109, Gilbert, riseupbakeryaz.com
Pumpkin Dream Pie at PIEfection
PIEfection’s Pumpkin Dream Pie was voted as a customer pick winner, and it’s not hard to see why. This decadent, made-from-scratch pie features the bakery’s own signature flaky crust that comes filled with the bakery’s handmade pumpkin pie filling and topped with a cream cheese and a generous layer of fresh whipped cream. Multiple locations, piefectionaz.com
Pumpkin Caramel Cupcake at Urban Cookies
Food Network “Cupcake Wars” winner Urban Cookies is serving a special Pumpkin Caramel Cupcake just in time for autumn. Urban’s variation features moist pumpkin cake finished with a healthy heap of cream cheese frosting, house-made caramel drizzle and completed with pie crumble for a savory finish. 2325 N. 7th St., Phoenix; and 8776 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, urbancookies.com
Pumpkin Everything Else
Pumpkin Pancakes at Hash Kitchen
Brunch and party hot spot Hash Kitchen grills up pumpkin pancakes at its six Valley locations. In true decadent Hash Kitchen fashion, these pancakes are topped with rich dark caramel sauce and candied pecans for a nice added crunch. Multiple locations, hashkitchen.com
Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Ravioli at 32 Shea
For a hearty and truly savory take on a pumpkin dish, order the Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Ravioli at the coffee shop and restaurant 32 Shea. The hip spot’s take on the fall pasta dish includes both roasted butternut squash and pumpkin seeds. 10626 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 32shea.com
Pumpkin Soup at Los Sombreros
South Scottsdale’s Mexican joint Los Sombreros serves a velvety and warming Pumpkin Soup during the fall season. As you might have guessed, this bowl of soup includes some Mexican flair and is topped with cotija and crunchy pumpkin seeds. This dish is one of this haunt’s seasonal favorites. 2534 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, lossombreros.com
Pumpkin Bread French Toast at Over Easy
Phoenix, Arizona-based breakfast joint Over Easy serves up a Pumpkin Bread French Toast for the fall. This take on the classic breakfast staple starts with house made pumpkin bread that’s both battered and griddled. Next, the French toast is topped with caramel, pumpkin mousse, gingersnap streusel and dusted with powdered sugar for a truly decadent finish. Multiple locations, eatatovereasy.com
Pumpkin Chili at Schnepf Farms
Although this isn’t a traditional menu item, we just had to mention Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party. From Wednesday through Sunday in October, Queen Creek’s Schnepf Farms hosts what’s essentially a mini state fair. Guests can look forward to attractions like hayrides, a stunt dog show, a Schnepf Roller Coaster and carousel rides along with fall treats. The two main food grills at the festival will serve a sweet and savory Pumpkin Chili that you can warm up to. Don’t want to wait in line? You can preorder your chili and pick it up at a select time. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, pumpkinandchiliparty.com
