Phoenix's 5 Quirkiest Restaurants

As we gear up for our Retail & Hospitality event next month, we want to share some truly remarkable Phoenix dining options, ranging from New American dishes to traditional Italian cuisine to a particularly hard-to-find bar.

1. Ocotillo

Utilizing an indoor/outdoor design, Ocotillo offers cozy seating inside as well as airy courtyard space, often home to wine tasting events. The restaurant features New American seasonal cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients and offers vegan and gluten-free options.

Where: 3243 North 3rd St

2. Melinda's Alley

Open on Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm, Melinda’s Alley is intentionally hard to find, offering an expansive menu of craft cocktails. With no signage and no official website, it is designed to embody a modern-day speakeasy in the basement of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Where: 110 North Central Ave, south of Monroe street & north of Adams

3. Buck &Rider

Buck &Rider, serving fresh seafood, raw bar items, hand-rolled sushi, and farm-fed meats, gets its cheeky name from the term for two crabs locked together intimately. If the delicious food isn’t enough to qualify the eatery as “unique,” views of Camelback Mountain and rotating express-delivery oysters sure are.

Where: 4225 East Camelback Road

4. The Arrogant Butcher

A venue notorious for cohabitation of politicians and sports fans alike, The Arrogant Butcher offers three private dining rooms and serves “the best of everything,” including seafood, steaks and burgers, with libations ranging from draft beer to wine and cocktails. It is the recipient of the 2015 Opentable Diner’s Choice award.

Where: 2 East Jefferson

5. Forno 301

Bringing authentic Italian cuisine to downtown Phoenix, Forno 301’s wood-fired pizzas made with flour from Naples and fresh bruschetta are sure to hit the spot, the Phoenix New Times claims. The restaurant’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere embodies a traditional Italian dining experience.

Where: 301 West Roosevelt St

You can hear more about the buzzing Phoenix scene at Bisnow's Retail & Hospitality event next month at the Grand Sheraton Phoenix. Register here.

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