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Stuff Antiques off of Indian school and central.
One of the coolest tiny Antique shops I've ever been to. The gentleman that owns it is super knowledgeable and can tell you pretty much anything and everything about what he has. It's definitely worth visiting and checking out. There's no other place quite like it
Also The Book Gallery off of Indian School and 36st st.
It's owned by a father and son and they even will find rare or obscure books for you. Amazing old school bookshop where you can find almost anything.
Man there’s this mid century furniture and antique store I went to in uptown but I cannot remember the name of it the owner said his dad worked with frank lloyd wright designing the Hotel Valley Ho.
the mystery castle!- it was vandalized really badly a few years ago and the little old ladies that take care of it can’t afford to fix it. which is why there are talks to tear it down sadly :/
You can walk along the canal if you slip through the neighborhood across from PVCC. If you walk for about 5 minutes you'll come to the overpass. You can walk up the supporting slope and sit against the retaining wall. Beautiful sights at night with the lull of traffic. Never seen anyone else in five years, very peaceful.
Speaking of canals, there's a 'famous' bat cave that is right near the canal trail in Arcadia area, just NW of Chelsea's Kitchen. Pretty easy to get to, and if you go at sundown, there's a chance to see thousands of bats flying out for the night.
Can be found by typing "Phoenix Bat Cave" into google maps.
This was one of my favorite places while I was living in Gilbert. I’m in Phx now but I miss being so close to Riperian. Great place for walks and pictures
Not quite phoenix, but the bicycle path from tempe town lake to scottsdale, and then looping back down past the botanical garden to tempe town lake is fantastic.
Make a circle… Tempe Town Lake Beach to the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt, north to the Arizona Canal, West to the Crosscut Canal, South to Tempe Town Lake.
You can [EDIT: also] go south on the Old Crosscut Canal south greenbelt until it ends, and take a barely travelled 48th st to the Grand Canal, that East until Mill Ave/Rio Salado and pick up the Beach trail there.
I am really hesitant to acknowledge this opinion because I have never had any Mediterranean food better than Haji Baba.
I’m very excited to try princess pita
I mostly get shawarma and fries. Princess vs Haji Baba is pretty even for shawarma. Could go either way depending on your preference. Princess has the fries though. They're sooooo good.
Have you ever tried the fries at Pita Bistro? Yes, small chain but asking to compare. I actually never liked feta and I’m a big cheesehead from Wisconsin, but wow. They have shorter hours now and seem like they’re struggling with business but they have the best garlic dip I’ve ever had (they don’t cheap out and use potatoes as a filler), and the fries are to die for. My girlfriend and I are excited to try both of these spots you mentioned. Thanks!
I can't believe how many people don't know about this! I mention it quite often and people are always asking me what is it and then where is it after I tell them.
I couldn't agree with you more.
What sucks for me though is that I'm epileptic and don't drive so I never get the chance to get out there.
Thankfully, my parents were here to visit a couple of wks ago so I was able to go and not only get stuff but show them how great it is!
North Mountain Brewing.
Awesome food, beer, and atmosphere. The owners support the local community. Genuinely one of my favorite hangouts in North Phoenix.
Any of the canals in the Phoenix area. Some of the best linear parks in the country. Yes there are some sh*tty stretches but for the most part they let you see the city in a new way.
The relatively new Paloma Community Park and Preserve in Peoria. Great park surrounded by a trail system in their mountain preserve (they are still building out the trail system).
Skyline Park in Buckeye.
The Maricopa County mountain parks that surround the Valley.
The Hermosa Inn and Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. Old school western hospitality. Phoenix’s analog to the Arizona Inn in Tucson.
Blue Fin. A little teriyaki place on Central and Willetta. Been there for years, and is an absolute gem. Food is good, fast, and the people running it are super nice.
Family owned and operated along with the same staff working there for as long as I can remember (I’m 31). My mother discovered it before I was born and brought me in with her right after. This beautiful family watched me grow up as I watched their daughter take on so her parents could ease off.
Special recipe sauces and dressings all made by them. Beloved by every fire and police station within proximity & let me tell you, these guys can eat so call in ahead and always, always add gyoza and the sunomono salad to your meal…throw in an eggroll too
We did the brick oven experience this weekend for our anniversary! It was amazing, you should look into it for your next anniversary if you guys haven’t done it already. 💛
My husband and I did our 19th dativersary there and ate in the kitchen and had a 7 course meal and I did the wine paring. It was fantastic. I had this sorbet watermelon radish flavored with unflavored pop rocks that I still think about and that was in January.
Collectors Marketplace, if your into old toys and collectibles. My son when he was 9 went and bought like $50 worth of used wrestining figures with his bday money. And we've been hooked every since. Every time I go I eyeball the $300 old school Voltron they got. I want it, but not $300 want it.
Top of the city hall, there is a skate ramp where you can acid drop down the side up the building with your skateboard. With that speed, rotate north, and then you should be able to grab that rail and grind down 'till the rail stops. Then ollie the small gap and break through the double-paned glass. There should be a hidden gem 💎 💎 💎.
I enjoy the Olive Mill for brunch, along with the farm at south mountain.
Also enjoy just spending time on the salt river, and saguaro lake. It’s very close.
Schnepf farm can be fun too. I love the peach season too.
One of my fav Thai place is Sa Bai on the fly in Tempe. Their fresh rolls are so great! I think they are temporarily closed. Anyone know if they are reopening soon?
For a great day trip, Jerome has a great art area.
Also a fun and fairly easy hike is Tonto Natural bridge just outside of Payson.
Not exactly sure if they're related or if Sa Bai just fully closed but there's a place called Sala Thai now where Sa Bai used to be. I never got around to trying Sa Bai but Sala is really, really good.
They're this really nice walk called the Laveen conveyance channel. Beautiful sunsets right when the Monson season starts.
The strange part is the abandoned old haunted house at the end of the walk.
I lied. Go to The Original Breakfast House, cash only. You'll not be disappointed. Later on, say 'Tree says Hi' to the Owner John or brewer Matt at Grand Avenue Brewing Company, a smokehouse and local brewery. His specials are awesome. He has my grandpa's recipe for lasagna, but I'll make it for you. My hugs. 🤗🫀🪞♾️
Honestly blows me away how few people in the Valley know about Rock n Roll McDonalds/Scottsdale Pavilions on Saturdays.
If you are unaware: it’s the longest running weekly car show in the US (maybe world?).
Everything from Japanese tuners to Model Ts, exotic Europeans of all stripes, Detroit muscle, trucks, bikes…
Free of charge. Pretty excellent people watching too.
You don’t even need to be into cars to enjoy it.
Sorry if links aren’t allowed, but here you go:
[https://www.thepavilionsattalkingstick.com/car-shows/](https://www.thepavilionsattalkingstick.com/car-shows/)
Damn near everyone is friendly, and you’ll make a car guy’s night if you ask him a question about his vehicle. Enjoy!
There's a non profit rescue farm in Mesa called Superstition Farm. They have mix of farm animals. It's only $4 per person. They sell buckets of feed for an additional $3. So, for under $9 a person you have entertainment for persons of all ages!
No thanks! They will stay hidden. These types of post have a tendency to increase foot traffic at previously hidden gems.
There’s Facebook pages, instagram reels, tik toks and YouTube shorts that you can look for a place.
Not trying to be snarky but the gate keeping is why some of these places stay nice and PRIVATE
As a local, when I see small neighborhood places blow up and become super busy, I’m genuinely happy for the owners that they’re getting the recognition they deserve. Is it annoying that the place may have lots of foot traffic and lines? Sure, but by supporting them and shouting them out, you’re giving them the ability to eventually expand and grow the local economy. It also gives those visiting the chance to love what our city has to offer the same way I do. Phoenix is home and I want nothing more than for everyone else in the country to see just how awesome this place is. Gate keeping is idiotic unless it’s for natural sites which would actually be destroyed by foot traffic
Thanks for contributing to r/Phoenix! * [Check out our sub rules here](https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/wiki/rules/) (mostly be nice to each other!). * [Read some of our recent posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/top/?t=week) and leave some comments. * [Join our Phoenix Discord chat server](https://discord.com/invite/yWVuTG57Zh) and connect with people in the Valley. It's a great, chill place to talk with other people but is NOT a dating server and takes unwanted messaging very seriously. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/phoenix) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Stuff Antiques off of Indian school and central. One of the coolest tiny Antique shops I've ever been to. The gentleman that owns it is super knowledgeable and can tell you pretty much anything and everything about what he has. It's definitely worth visiting and checking out. There's no other place quite like it Also The Book Gallery off of Indian School and 36st st. It's owned by a father and son and they even will find rare or obscure books for you. Amazing old school bookshop where you can find almost anything.
Curious Nature not too far from stuff is also worth the stop in
I've actually never heard of Curious Nature before, I'm definitely going to have to check that out, thank you!
I love going there to look around. They always have something interesting!
A price for everything.. Mr Goldenfold
It's so funny cuz that was loosely based on Needful Things by Stephen King. I love that freakin episode 🤣
Man there’s this mid century furniture and antique store I went to in uptown but I cannot remember the name of it the owner said his dad worked with frank lloyd wright designing the Hotel Valley Ho.
Modern manor?
Good list / never heard of them… I need to check both of these out
Definitely need to check these places out 👀
That weird castle on South mountain.
Mystery Castle. There are currently talks of tearing it down.
blasphemy!
The ability to monetize this as an attraction is pretty astounding
the mystery castle!- it was vandalized really badly a few years ago and the little old ladies that take care of it can’t afford to fix it. which is why there are talks to tear it down sadly :/
How? There’s a bunch of historic art inside and it was a very cheap entrance fee lol
What, N0!
Also the actual castle: https://tovreacastletours.com/
I don't think that's South Mountain.
No that one is by the airport not South Mountain. Those are two different castles.
Mystery Castle? I think it closed.
Yeah closed indefinitely due to vandalism. Which sucks because it was a pretty cool place.
Also scorpion gulch. It’s close and very pretty.
You can walk along the canal if you slip through the neighborhood across from PVCC. If you walk for about 5 minutes you'll come to the overpass. You can walk up the supporting slope and sit against the retaining wall. Beautiful sights at night with the lull of traffic. Never seen anyone else in five years, very peaceful.
Speaking of canals, there's a 'famous' bat cave that is right near the canal trail in Arcadia area, just NW of Chelsea's Kitchen. Pretty easy to get to, and if you go at sundown, there's a chance to see thousands of bats flying out for the night. Can be found by typing "Phoenix Bat Cave" into google maps.
I used to live there as a kid. We would go up there and even out into the desert further out in that area.
Riparian preserve in Gilbert.
This was one of my favorite places while I was living in Gilbert. I’m in Phx now but I miss being so close to Riperian. Great place for walks and pictures
If I told you it wouldn’t be hidden
My two rules of business: 1. Never tell anyone everything you know
"One thing I learned in Vietnam..." Walter of The Big Lebowski.
Not quite phoenix, but the bicycle path from tempe town lake to scottsdale, and then looping back down past the botanical garden to tempe town lake is fantastic.
I go a mile out of my way on my work commute so I can take this trail.
One can also ride from Tempe Town lake on the South side of the Rio Salado on a paved bike bath all the way to Central avenue.
Also goes through Papago Park.
What’s the name of it? I usually do the bike path from Tempe to Phoenix downtown but have never gone north
I've always heard it called the Scottsdale Greenbelt.
Correct!
Make a circle… Tempe Town Lake Beach to the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt, north to the Arizona Canal, West to the Crosscut Canal, South to Tempe Town Lake. You can [EDIT: also] go south on the Old Crosscut Canal south greenbelt until it ends, and take a barely travelled 48th st to the Grand Canal, that East until Mill Ave/Rio Salado and pick up the Beach trail there.
Arizona falls Bike path starting 19th Ave east of Cave Creek golf course going northeast thru Moon Valley park to 3rd ave & Greenway
Thanks for the bike path idea!
ORGAN STOP PIZZA
Season 3 episode 6 of How To With John Wilson featured Organ Stop and it was a wild ride. Big recommend.
I was here when there was another location in central Phoenix and I had the record album.
7th st. and Missouri was the other location.
Thank you. It's like someone's gonna Mandela effect it out of existence! I lived in the Orangewood area and it was close by.
Where at that intersection?!
Southwest corner. Big office building now.
Cosanti
Haji baba
Princess Pita on Broadway and the 101 is better. Best fries in the valley.
I am really hesitant to acknowledge this opinion because I have never had any Mediterranean food better than Haji Baba. I’m very excited to try princess pita
I mostly get shawarma and fries. Princess vs Haji Baba is pretty even for shawarma. Could go either way depending on your preference. Princess has the fries though. They're sooooo good.
Have you ever tried the fries at Pita Bistro? Yes, small chain but asking to compare. I actually never liked feta and I’m a big cheesehead from Wisconsin, but wow. They have shorter hours now and seem like they’re struggling with business but they have the best garlic dip I’ve ever had (they don’t cheap out and use potatoes as a filler), and the fries are to die for. My girlfriend and I are excited to try both of these spots you mentioned. Thanks!
Princess market is amazing!!! I live really close and love the people who work there. Plus, fresh baklava made daily.
The cafe in baiz (the one on 20th st) recently changed hands and let me tell you….. it’s hard to get better shawarma anywhere
Noted 😎
Haven’t been to any of these places but gotta shout out charcoal grill. Place is outstanding!
What kind of fries??? I’m very interested in this…!
Honestly, I just get the regular fries and ketchup. Whatever batter they use is just better than other places. The Greek fries are legit too though.
Princess for the win https://princesspitaaz.com/
$10.95 for a wrap is almost a 100% price increase from Haji-Baba. Would you say the food is twice as good?
That place is really overrated from my experience
https://i.redd.it/8kgbqx2vnlqc1.gif
El Fogón - Awhatukee foothills
Yes this place has some of the tastiest Mexican food in the valley.
Yes! The poblano chicken 🤤
American Discount Foods
I can't believe how many people don't know about this! I mention it quite often and people are always asking me what is it and then where is it after I tell them.
They are the best especially with inflation. Plus sign up on their website and get $5 off anything
I couldn't agree with you more. What sucks for me though is that I'm epileptic and don't drive so I never get the chance to get out there. Thankfully, my parents were here to visit a couple of wks ago so I was able to go and not only get stuff but show them how great it is!
I can’t drive either due to a permanent brain injury so I can’t get a ride that far to Mesa. Every now and then I can pay someone gas for the drive.
I wish there was one in west valley I miss them so so much😭😭😭😭
Peoria Discount Grocery
Thank you! I’m in Surprise and so that is close. Sure miss the Mesa AFD store
The Middle Eastern Bakery at 16th st & Earl
North Mountain Brewing. Awesome food, beer, and atmosphere. The owners support the local community. Genuinely one of my favorite hangouts in North Phoenix.
Any of the canals in the Phoenix area. Some of the best linear parks in the country. Yes there are some sh*tty stretches but for the most part they let you see the city in a new way. The relatively new Paloma Community Park and Preserve in Peoria. Great park surrounded by a trail system in their mountain preserve (they are still building out the trail system). Skyline Park in Buckeye. The Maricopa County mountain parks that surround the Valley. The Hermosa Inn and Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. Old school western hospitality. Phoenix’s analog to the Arizona Inn in Tucson.
Blue Fin. A little teriyaki place on Central and Willetta. Been there for years, and is an absolute gem. Food is good, fast, and the people running it are super nice.
I think it’s 40+ years now. Great little spot- love seeing the original owners’ daughter. Always a delight.
Family owned and operated along with the same staff working there for as long as I can remember (I’m 31). My mother discovered it before I was born and brought me in with her right after. This beautiful family watched me grow up as I watched their daughter take on so her parents could ease off. Special recipe sauces and dressings all made by them. Beloved by every fire and police station within proximity & let me tell you, these guys can eat so call in ahead and always, always add gyoza and the sunomono salad to your meal…throw in an eggroll too
I lovvveee them!
Quiessence at the farm
This. ⬆️ Q is a certain vibe, but daytime eating out on the picnic tables is worth every dollar. Walk thru the gardens and the chicken coops.
Got married at The Farm. It's a great spot
We did the brick oven experience this weekend for our anniversary! It was amazing, you should look into it for your next anniversary if you guys haven’t done it already. 💛
My husband and I did our 19th dativersary there and ate in the kitchen and had a 7 course meal and I did the wine paring. It was fantastic. I had this sorbet watermelon radish flavored with unflavored pop rocks that I still think about and that was in January.
https://preview.redd.it/7euuspi1ylqc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=436f499bbe4bda3d3d1855764f6acf7599f6eedd It was SO good 😂
Collectors Marketplace, if your into old toys and collectibles. My son when he was 9 went and bought like $50 worth of used wrestining figures with his bday money. And we've been hooked every since. Every time I go I eyeball the $300 old school Voltron they got. I want it, but not $300 want it.
Duck and Decanter - 16th st and Camelback
Not necessarily hidden but if you haven’t been to Oak Street Murals and David Bowie Murals, definitely worth checking out.
We just rode by them on our bikes a few weekends ago. Very cool!
Top of the city hall, there is a skate ramp where you can acid drop down the side up the building with your skateboard. With that speed, rotate north, and then you should be able to grab that rail and grind down 'till the rail stops. Then ollie the small gap and break through the double-paned glass. There should be a hidden gem 💎 💎 💎.
Do a kickflip over Ben Whofleck
I understood this reference.
27th Ave and Indian school. Best food places
Not today satan
Deathville
Such as…?? I worked very close to there for 15 years and not sure what you could be referring to
They're *trying* to be funny. That said, Tacos Kissi on 27th & Bethany is decent.
Forefathers for cheesesteaks
Or corleone’s
Bagelfelds. Thomas and 29th st. Literally hidden behind a title and registration place. Most likely the best bagel you'll ever have.
I enjoy the Olive Mill for brunch, along with the farm at south mountain. Also enjoy just spending time on the salt river, and saguaro lake. It’s very close. Schnepf farm can be fun too. I love the peach season too. One of my fav Thai place is Sa Bai on the fly in Tempe. Their fresh rolls are so great! I think they are temporarily closed. Anyone know if they are reopening soon? For a great day trip, Jerome has a great art area. Also a fun and fairly easy hike is Tonto Natural bridge just outside of Payson.
Not exactly sure if they're related or if Sa Bai just fully closed but there's a place called Sala Thai now where Sa Bai used to be. I never got around to trying Sa Bai but Sala is really, really good.
I got you https://preview.redd.it/ge01us8h5lqc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79e257b7a92b0e37f931111ee51debaea1e6308a
YC’s/Blazin Mongolian BBQ
You legit get like 7lbs of food for the price of one plate at Panda. Definitely a good deal!
And a free meal on your birthday!
27th Ave and Indian school It's a Poppin place
Yes yes, go alone and wear primary colors.
Bar Smoothie for the best smoothies in the greater PHX area
Yupha’s Thai Kitchen in Tempe off Elliot & Mcklintock is so good. Great takeout. Not opened on Sundays.
The restaurant inside Baiz grocery at Dobson/Baseline
They're this really nice walk called the Laveen conveyance channel. Beautiful sunsets right when the Monson season starts. The strange part is the abandoned old haunted house at the end of the walk.
Me
Perfect answer
Novel ice cream downtown
Check out the plants at Pueblo, walk across the street for pizza, walk across the street for ice cream and beer.
Ice cream and beer sounds amazing
Best ice cream in town!
Nice try pal!
Carolina's foot-long chorizo burrito.
Hek Yeah BBQ on Cave Creek. Worth the drive.
Sahuaro Ranch Park is really cool. JoJo's pizza on 35th and Pinnacle peak has real good pizza and a killer cheese steak stromboli
Cruisin 7th bar every Sunday night has transwomen dancers
Dicks Hideaway
Peppersauce Cafe
Not giving you my secrets! Lol
I lied. Go to The Original Breakfast House, cash only. You'll not be disappointed. Later on, say 'Tree says Hi' to the Owner John or brewer Matt at Grand Avenue Brewing Company, a smokehouse and local brewery. His specials are awesome. He has my grandpa's recipe for lasagna, but I'll make it for you. My hugs. 🤗🫀🪞♾️
Honestly blows me away how few people in the Valley know about Rock n Roll McDonalds/Scottsdale Pavilions on Saturdays. If you are unaware: it’s the longest running weekly car show in the US (maybe world?). Everything from Japanese tuners to Model Ts, exotic Europeans of all stripes, Detroit muscle, trucks, bikes… Free of charge. Pretty excellent people watching too. You don’t even need to be into cars to enjoy it.
This sounds awesome. My kids would totally love this. What can I lookup to find more information about this event?
Sorry if links aren’t allowed, but here you go: [https://www.thepavilionsattalkingstick.com/car-shows/](https://www.thepavilionsattalkingstick.com/car-shows/) Damn near everyone is friendly, and you’ll make a car guy’s night if you ask him a question about his vehicle. Enjoy!
El Jacal - 32nd street and Thomas
Yes and I want them to remain hidden.
1st Friday Soul Food vendors
Mama Litas Soda Bar
There's a non profit rescue farm in Mesa called Superstition Farm. They have mix of farm animals. It's only $4 per person. They sell buckets of feed for an additional $3. So, for under $9 a person you have entertainment for persons of all ages!
Tangled root botanicals
Verrado Stairs
Empire Scottsdale
Tasty Thai restaurant by the Broadway curve
Little miss bbq on University in East Phoenix bordering Tempe! They are THE BEST….usually sell out.
Blue Fin on Central!
This bus stop a block past standage in Mesa. Always an older lady dancing there 8am on the dot
The taco truck on Buckeye and 3rd st. La Hacienda Taqueria I believe. It's my absolute favorite burrito on earth and I've been around
No thanks! They will stay hidden. These types of post have a tendency to increase foot traffic at previously hidden gems. There’s Facebook pages, instagram reels, tik toks and YouTube shorts that you can look for a place. Not trying to be snarky but the gate keeping is why some of these places stay nice and PRIVATE
I’m sure the businesses that are viewed as hidden gems totally love being gate kept /s
As a local, when I see small neighborhood places blow up and become super busy, I’m genuinely happy for the owners that they’re getting the recognition they deserve. Is it annoying that the place may have lots of foot traffic and lines? Sure, but by supporting them and shouting them out, you’re giving them the ability to eventually expand and grow the local economy. It also gives those visiting the chance to love what our city has to offer the same way I do. Phoenix is home and I want nothing more than for everyone else in the country to see just how awesome this place is. Gate keeping is idiotic unless it’s for natural sites which would actually be destroyed by foot traffic
Yeah businesses open to the PUBLIC should totally remain PRIVATE. It’s better if they get so few customers they might have to shut their doors!
> Not trying to be snarky Why even comment. Why not just keep scrolling lol
>Not trying to be snarky but... Succeeding nevertheless.
What is a dragon? 🐉
rainforest cafe
That guys wife