Ice Cream - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:46:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Ice Cream - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 Amazing Vending Machines You Won’t Believe Exist in Japan https://thecreativeadventurer.com/amazing-vending-machines-you-wont-believe-exist-in-japan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazing-vending-machines-you-wont-believe-exist-in-japan https://thecreativeadventurer.com/amazing-vending-machines-you-wont-believe-exist-in-japan/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:31:55 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21428 Before I ever had the idea of planning a trip to Japan, the image I had...

The post Amazing Vending Machines You Won’t Believe Exist in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Before I ever had the idea of planning a trip to Japan, the image I had in my mind was a city replete with vending machines. I had written an essay in University all about the history of vending machines, and of course, a portion of that covered Japan. I had these images in my mind of a hybrid city, old and new, modern and ancient, joined together by rows and rows of vending machines, like the patchwork on an old torn-up sweater. And honestly, I wasn’t that far off.

Vending machines make up a huge section of the fabric of the country whether you are in a big city or out in the countryside. There are 5 million vending machines to be found across the country. That’s one vending machine for every 23 people and these babies rack in more than $60 billion annually! So next time you’re visiting Japan you need to check them out! But you’ll be surprised to find more than just soda and candy inside…

Japanese vending machines sell everything from flowers to fish. From bread to bees. Uncovering hidden vending machines selling strange oddities becomes an unwritten game on your travels. Every new street you walk down an opportunity to discover something new!

Japanese Vending Machines
  1. History
  2. Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan?
  3. How to Pay
  4. Checklist
  5. Drink Vending Machines
  6. Popcorn Vending Machine
  7. Canned Oden
  8. Mystery Vending Machine
  9. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
  10. Sake Tasting Vending Machine
  11. Pokémon vending machine
  12. Omamori Vending Machine
  13. Shibuya 109 T-shirt Vending Machine
  14. Hot Food Vending Machine
  15. Fruit Vending Machines
  16. Natto Vending Machine
  17. Flower Vending Machine
  18. Dashi Soup Stock 
  19. Bread in a Can
  20. Bugs in a Can
  21. Umbrella Vending Machine
  22. Cigarette Machine
  23. Corn Potage
  24. Ice Cream
  25. Crepes
  26. Medical Masks
  27. Vegetable Vending Machines
  28. Egg Vending Machines
  29. Rice Vending Machines
  30. Curry Vending Machine
  31. Instant Noodles Vending Machine
  32. PCR Testing Kit Vending Machine
  33. Jihanki Shokudo

History

The very first vending machine was made in Alexandria in 251 BC! It was a holy water dispenser. It worked by inserting a coin into a slot and the weight of the coin would trigger a lever to dispense a vial of holy water. The different weights of the various coins would dispense different sizes of holy water. Impressive that such an invention dates back so far into history.

The first Japanese vending machine was made in 1888. It was designed by Tawaraya Koshichi who was an amateur inventor and full-time furniture maker. Koshichi sold tobacco out of his machine, a popular kind of vending machine still to this day.

One of the oldest remaining vending machines is still on display in the Postal Museum of Japan, located in Tokyo. The machine dated back to 1904 and was an automatic stamp and postcard vending machine.

The boom of vending machines began in the 1950s with automated “fountain-style juice dispensers” installed inside office buildings. These machines would dispense a cup of juice for just 10 yen into a small paper cup. You could get a little taste of your favourite drink without needing to leave the office. These caught on like wildfire and more and more machines began appearing all over Japan.  In the 60s and 70s, vending machines were used to dispense short-distance tickets at train stations. In these more remote locations where it wasn’t financially viable to employ human workers 24/hours a day, these made a huge change in how the rail system functioned. And now, automated machines are responsible for almost 100% of the ticketing at metro stations in Japan.

Momotarou2012, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan?

There are lots of different reasons why the vending machine’s popularity exploded in Japan. In many of the larger, more populated cities, real estate costs are astronomically high. Therefore, vending machines have become the best option to replace medium and small-sized convenience stores. This also means cost-savings in the workforce as you don’t need to employ a cashier full time to checkout customers. All you need is one man to replace the stock every few days (or more frequently depending on the location.)

Japanese people are also overly concerned with convenience. They are busy people with workdays exceeding those of any other country. So being able to run out and get a coffee from a “vendo” means you don’t even need to walk down the street to the local coffee shop.

While other countries keep most of their vending machines safe indoors, in Japan there are millions outside. The crime rate in Japan is so low that the machines are rarely ever vandalized. Lastly, Japanese people love automation. Japan has long been a country of extraordinary inventions. Many of these vending machines are an automated answer to a physical problem and the Japanese love to see their ingenuity in action.

How to Pay

Japan is a majorly cash-based society. A surprising thing considering how we sometimes view Japan as this metropolis of modernity. Most vending machines require coins to dispense any item inside. In the past few years we can started to see more and more modern machines, some of which have entirely LED displays. These newer machines are able to accept cards but often then only works with local credit cards.

Over the years, more and more machines have been retrofitted with tap payments. This works with your Suica and Pasmo metro cards. These cards are meant to be used to pay for your trips on the metro but can be preloaded with funds and used at vending machines and even some convenience stores. If you are travelling on the public rail system you’ll need one of these cards so I would always advise you to load it up with more money than you think as you’ll find so many different ways to use your cards.

Checklist

I’ve included a fun checklist of the most interesting vending machines I’ve found on my travels if you want to make a game of this hunt too! If you discover some new ones, add them to the list and please comment on this post of what they are and where you found them here so other people can find them too! Some of these vending have specific locations and I’ve done my best to add those to a google map at the bottom of this post for you to follow! Others are scattered around the city so you just need to keep your eyes peeled. Happy Hunting!

Drink Vending Machines

I have an entire post dedicated just to the incredible and exciting drinks you can find inside vending machines in Japan. In general, these consist of the following categories:

  • Sodas
  • Juices
  • Yogurt Drinks
  • Milk
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Water
  • Vitamin Drinks
  • Alcohol

Feel free to check out my post entirely dedicated to these unique creations to see if you can find them all or discover a new favourite for yourself.

Popcorn Vending Machine

Akihabara, the kingdom of Otaku culture, is one of the main hubs where you can find the best vending machines in the city! One of the most popular places for vending machine hunters has been dubbed Akihabara Vending Machine Corner. I’ve pinned the location of this place on the map at the bottom of this post.

Right out front is the ever-popular Popcorn Vending Machine. This retro-styled machine pops freshly made popcorn on demand for just 220 yen a cup. While the device looks old and run down, the popcorn it produces is surprisingly fresh and delicious! That’s one of the most interesting things about Japan, even those things that look old and unusable are maintained in perfect working order. So don’t let the age fool you!

Canned Oden

Also found in Akihabara’s vending machine corner is the canned oden machine. Oden is a Japanese one-pot dish consisting of ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and fishcakes all inside a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth. The canned version is served piping hot, even inside the vending machine. You peel off the lid and inside is a little toothpick that helps you eat all the ingredients in the soup. To drink the broth you just need to sip it like a drink. While this might seem pretty strange for those in a rush or who need a hit of oden before the konbinis open, this is super convenient!

If you can’t make it out to Japan to see and experience the amazing food for yourself you should check out Sugoi Mart, a Japanese online store, shipping all over the world everything that Japan has to offer. From snacks, chocolates, anime licenses to toys and collectibles, our motto is pretty much: You want it? They have it! If they don’t, let them know and they will! Use Promo code: CREATIVE15 for 15% OFF today!

Mystery Vending Machine

Perhaps one machine that has gained notoriety over the last few years is the Akihabara Mystery Vending Machine. To be honest with you, this machine is a total novelty. While it’s interesting to look at, don’t waste your money getting anything from inside it. Inside this ubiquitous machine, are a series of white boxes. On the exteriors are strange notes and weird poems that have absolutely nothing to do with the contents inside. Each one costs around 500 yen and while they suck you in to imagine you’ll get a real unique surprise they are nothing more than stale chocolates and other cheap everyday snacks. It’s worth a laugh to look at but save your money for something else.

Akihabara Gachapon Hall

Gachapon refers to the little vending machines that dispense capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon ‘is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These little brightly coloured machines each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the collection you’re going to receive. It’s totally random. Most locations include some rare toys which become sought-after collector treasures. The toys change pretty often, so there’s always something new to buy.

We found little plastic cats were sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon-shaped cookies, and lots of Japanese cartoon characters often themed around the nearest holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family. They are wonderfully weird and always unexpected. The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is where you can find hundreds of these machines all in one place. Although spotting them all over the city is a fun little activity, if you’re looking for something in particular, then this is the place you should check out!

Sake Tasting Vending Machine

Located inside the minature mall near the west exit of Ryogoku Station is ‘Tokyo Store.’ Inside this small stand-up bar, you’ll find a series of sake vending machines. Inside the metal and glass boxes are sake bottles from all over Japan. But you aren’t buying the whole bottle. Instead, you can drop your coins into the dispenser and try out a small shot of sake from that region. Inside each machine are three types of sake: Junmai shu (200 yen/cup), Ginjo-shu (300 yen/cup) and Daiginjo-shu (400 yen/cup). Each one is brewed slightly differently, and they each have progressively stronger alcohol content. The more alcohol, the more expensive the drink.

To use the vending machines, take one of the small blue and white ceramic cups from the clean station and choose your sake. Place the cup under the dispenser and drop in your coins. Then your cup will be filled up with that specified sake! If you don’t have 100 yen coins, there is a change dispense located at the store’s front. If you’ve never tried sake before, this is a great way to see what you like and don’t like. Feel free to share your shots with a friend to ensure you don’t get too buzzed, as some of the sake can be pretty strong!

Pokémon vending machine

Over in Odaiba, you can find a Pokémon vending machine. Pokémon stores are one of the most sought after shops in Tokyo. Since the Odaiba mall doesn’t have a Pokémon store, they have installed this little vendo to ensure, you can still “catch them all!” This is one of the most modern vending machines, with a touch screen and a digital inventory. Inside this machine, you’ll find everything from the newest plushy toys to themed keychains. They are dispensed into these adorable white and red boxes, an added bonus to the entire experience.

Omamori Vending Machine

Omamori are Japanese amulets commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each one is dedicated to particular Shinto kami. Kamis are important spirits or gods in Shintoism. The kami embody values and virtues and are thought to be ancient ancestors made of different forces of nature. Outside Japanese shrines, there are usually little shops where you can buy various Omamori. These amulets are said to provide various forms of luck or protection.

Over the years, as fewer people are working inside these shrines as the population dwindles, they needed to come up with a way to still sell these items. In this case, vending machines have given visitors the ability to get their dose of protection at any time of the day, without the need for an open kiosk. Good luck on demand. Can’t get more modern than that!

Corpse Reviver, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Shibuya 109 T-shirt Vending Machine

At the entrance to the popular shopping mall Shibuya 109, you’ll find a brightly coloured t-shirt vending machine. Inside this machine, you’ll find a series of graphic souvenir t-shirts. The shirts aren’t the cheapest at 1,200 to 2,500 yen apiece, but honestly, the shirts’ designs are pretty impressive.

Hot Food Vending Machine

24-Hour Hot Meal Vending Machines are found throughout the country in areas where there might not be a restaurant or where people find themselves after hours needing food. The items inside are frozen, and once you insert your money and select your meal, the frozen food is placed inside a microwave where it is reheated automatically. Depending on the type of meal you choose, it will take a different amount of time to reheat, and then the microwave door will pop open. They offer everything from hot dogs, takoyaki (octopus balls), hamburgers, fries and even the iconic fish-shaped dessert taiyaki! Although the food might be a little subpar, the boxes in which the food is packaged are surprisingly well designed. The Yakisoba is most likely your best bet as the noodles reheat pretty well, and the sauce is well flavoured enough to balance out the dish.

Fruit Vending Machines

For a quick and healthy breakfast on the go, find yourself a Banana or Apple vending machine. These are mainly found inside train stations for people on their way to work. They are sold either by a bunch (for the bananas) or individually packaged. Japanese people tend not to shop for huge grocery orders like we do in North America. So their fridges aren’t constantly stocked with fresh food. So these machines are a great way for them to get some fresh fruit before heading off to work.

James Hadfield, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Natto Vending Machine

Natto might be the only thing I tried in Japan that I roundly objected to. That being said, so many people love it and swear by its health benefits. Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans that have been fermented. It’s considered a breakfast food but can be eaten anytime. While I’m a fan of fermented kimchi, there is something about the slimy and sticky texture of natto that I just can’t get on board with. Natto vending machines are another popular stop for many salary men and women on their work who need a quick breakfast on the go!

Flower Vending Machine

In the lower levels of Shinjuku station, you might happen upon these flower vending machines. These vending machines are fairly large in order to dispense full sized bouquets which can even come inside glass vases. For those salarymen who might not have time to stop in at a florist on the way home to their beloved this is a great option. The flowers come in a vareity of sizes, as small as a single rose. They are replcaed daily so there is always something fresh.

m-louis .®, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dashi Soup Stock 

At first glance, you might think this vending machine is selling black tea, but if you look closer, you might be shocked at what you see inside. Inside the brown liquid bottles is an entire fish! These are, in fact, not drinks but Dashi soup stock. Dashi is one of the most essential ingredients in many Japanese dishes, like ramen, okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

It might seem strange to foreigners to see these in such large quantities taking up an entire vending machine, but running out of dashi might be like running out of sugar. And instead of going to the neighbours to borrow a cup of sugar, you can just go to the vending machine down the street. Suppose you’re interested in buying one but have no idea how to use it without cooking an entire pot of soup? In that case, you can pour some into some instant ramen to boost up the flavour or just drizzle it over soft-boiled eggs in the morning for an even more tasty meal.

Bread in a Can

Inokashira Park, in the quaint neighbourhood of Kichijōji, is home to a few impressive vending machines. Inokashira Park is a beautiful park to visit outside the city centre if you’re looking for a peaceful place to escape to. One of the most popular vending machines you can find here is the canned bread vending machine! Canned bread was invented to preserve food during the war and is still something people eat today. Here in the park, these machine serves flavours like blueberry, strawberry and orange. Although this seems like a bad idea, the bread is surprisingly soft and the fruity jam really adds to the flavour.

Bugs in a Can

If you thought bread in a can was weird, well, then Inokashira Park has a real surprise in store for you. You can also buy canned grasshoppers or bee larvae from the same vending machine! This is really for the brave at heart. That being said, the bugs are heavily flavoured in soya sauce, so the critters’ taste is pretty muted, you just have to get over the texture…

Umbrella Vending Machine

Japan is known for its extreme weather. Japan’s rainy season lasts from the beginning of June to mid-July and can come out of nowhere. For this reason, you never want to be caught without an umbrella. Lucky for you, they have their fair share of Umbrella vending machines. The umbrellas cost only 500 yen and are surprisingly sturdy considering the low price!

mdxdt, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cigarette Machine

One of the only things I don’t like about Japan is the number of people smoking. Unlike many other countries, smoking is still wildly popular here. And therefore, Cigarette Vending Machines can be found everywhere you go. These require a special age-verification ID card to purchase anything to ensure underage people are not smoking. While I’m not the biggest fan of these machines’ popularity, as it seems to feed the addiction, I would be remiss not to mention them here.

Corn Potage

You might have heard of the infamous Japanese corn soup in a can and indeed, it’s real! Corn Potage, or corn soup, is a drinkable meal that is served warm and on the go! These are super popular in the winter as a great way to warm up and feed your body as well! While it might seem strange, corn soup is absolutely delicious and totally worth your time and money to try! You just need to get past the idea of drinking chunky soup, and then you’ll be home free.

Ice Cream

On hot days in the middle of Japan’s crushingly humid summers, there is nothing better than cold ice cream. But sometimes, when you’re wandering around the park, you don’t want to have to get up and walk all the way over to the convenience store. That’s where ice cream vending machines come in! Ice cream in Japan is superb, and there are so many unique varieties you can find inside these machines.

Crepes

If ice cream isn’t your favourite dessert, not to fear, vending machines in Japan also serve up crepes! The crepe vending machines serve both hot and cold varieties. They have flavours like cheese and strawberry, chocolate and banana, custard, caramel and more! They cost around 200 yen apiece. These are pretty rare, so if you find one, definitely give it a try!

Medical Masks

Well before COVID-19, Japan was all over the idea of wearing medical masks. Japanese people take the well-being of others very seriously. Before COVID-19, everyone would wear masks not because they were afraid of other people’s illnesses but instead, to wear if they were feeling unwell as to not spread the disease to others. Because illness can hit at any time, mask dispensers were extremely popular. The vending machine masks also allow the purchaser not to have to interact with anyone either, no need to go inside a convenience store. I’m sure they will be making lots more of these machines in 2021!

Vegetable Vending Machines

Out in the country, instead of farmers’ markets, vegetable producers can place their goods inside vegetable vending machines where locals can come and pick up their shopping for the day. These have everything from radishes, lettuce, sweet potatoes and more! You won’t find these in big cities where grocery stores are more popular but they are great for rural areas. These are the Japanese version of farm stands we might find on country roads in North America.

Egg Vending Machines

Eggs vending machines are another item you’ll find in the country. They come as small as packs of 6, the perfect size for a few soft-boiled eggs to make for breakfast in the morning. These vending machines are so adorable and often are designed to look like a giant chicken 🙂

Rice Vending Machines

Another solution servicing the countryside is rice vending machines. These sell rice by the pound in all sorts of varieties. This is a great way to pick up the rice you need for the day or the week without travelling to the grocery store which can sometimes be a far drive depending on the ruralness of the area. Rice is the lifeblood of meals in Japan so the fact these are open 24 hours a day is fantastic!

Curry Vending Machine

Curry in Japan is one of my favourite things to eat. Japanese curry is unlike Thai or Indian curry, it is a creation all of its own. One way which people have been eating curry for years is in these retort pouches. And vending machine curry pouches were a great way for people to get a delicious curry to cook quickly when they go home. Inside the laminate pouch are different varieties of curry and rice that just need to be dipped in boiling water or microwaved for 3-7 minutes. Then open the pouch and chow down on your curry. It might seem odd to buy your curry in a pouch when there are so many fast-food curry joints but some people who has a particular nostalgia for them swear the flavour is more pronounced in these retort pouches. You’ll have to try it for yourself to find out!

Instant Noodles Vending Machine

Cup Noodles is a brand of instant ramen we all have eaten in college. It may have been invented in Japan in 1971 but it has since become a phenomenon all over the world. But in Japan, you can get your ramen fix from a Cup Noodles Vending Machine! These single-serving cups of freeze-dried noodles are brought to life with the addition of boiling water. These vending machines sell a variety of different flavours and after the cup is dispensed you use the on-site boiling water station to rehydrate your noodles!

PCR Testing Kit Vending Machine

This is perhaps the more 2020 Japanese invention of all time – the vending machine PCR Covid testing kit. These machines sell at-home saliva-based kits for 4,500 yen. You just give yourself a swab and mail in the kit for analysis. No need to go into any pharmacies or hospitals for a test possibly spreading the virus further. Right now there are five locations, but more are said to be installed over the next few months.

番記者, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jihanki Shokudo

If you’re interested in an experience unlike any other, then head over to Jihanki Shokudo, the Automated Diner. Jihanki Shokudo is a fully unstaffed restaurant featuring a few retro vending machines. These serve up hot noodles, sandwiches, burgers and more! There are several tables inside where you can eat your reheated meal. In addition to the food, there are a series of drink vending machines and a few gatchapon as well. While the machines inside don’t look very fancy and slightly rundown, there are serviced frequently, and the food inside is as fresh as vending machine food can be. For any vending machine addict, it’s worth checking out just for the strangeness of the experience. 

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best vending machines you can seek out in Japan. But I’m sure there are lots more which I have yet to discover. If you have any favourites please let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to seek them out on my next adventure to Japan.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Amazing Vending Machines You Won’t Believe Exist in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/amazing-vending-machines-you-wont-believe-exist-in-japan/feed/ 5 21428 The Best Places to Eat in Phoenix [UPDATED 2023] https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-places-to-eat-in-phoenix/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-places-to-eat-in-phoenix https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-places-to-eat-in-phoenix/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2017 02:30:48 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-best-places-to-eat-in-phoenix/ Every time I visit the Valley of the Sun I am consistently amazed by the enticing restaurants popping up all over the city. For anyone spending a few hours, a few days or even an extended vacation, here are some of my favourite joints to visit while enjoying the sunshine, desert views and Sonoran hospitality.

The post The Best Places to Eat in Phoenix [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Every time I visit the Valley of the Sun, I am consistently amazed by the enticing restaurants popping up throughout the city. Phoenix is becoming one of the most vibrant foodie communities in the United States, and no matter where in the city you find yourself, there is always something delicious to eat! For anyone spending even a few hours, a few days or an extended vacation in Phoenix, here are some of my favourite spots to eat, no matter the time of day! Enjoy the sunshine, desert views and Sonoran hospitality while dining on the best the city has to offer!

Table Of Contents
  1. Breakfast
  2. Coffee
  3. Brunch
  4. Snacks
  5. Lunch
  6. Dinner
  7. The Mission
  8. Dessert

Breakfast

Matt’s Big Breakfast

Matt’s Big Breakfast is a staple of Phoenician breakfast time. After initial success at its first location in Downtown Phoenix, Matt’s Big Breakfast has expanded all over the Valley. So no matter where you find yourself early in the morning, there is a Matt’s not far. 

Matt’s Big Breakfast has known for its cage-free eggs made “cracked to order.” Their breakfast is served all day, so there is no need to rush out the door. There is almost always a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. The decor combines hipster cafes and high school cafeterias, making the place warm and homey. But be sure to try the Chop and Chick if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with two eggs and an Iowa-seared pork rib chop! The enormous waffles are light and fluffy, and the griddle cakes are topped with sweet cream butter – drooling yet? Don’t wait – head down to Matt’s Big Breakfast for some delicious comfort food.

Vovomena

Located in the heart of downtown, just off McDowell Road, is Vovomeena. Vovomeena is a little bit of a hidden gem, and I’m almost one to keep it secret…But such an amazing place can’t keep secret forever. The staff here are so charming and kind, making the experience exceptional. The food is a mix of different flavours. But all inspired by their Portuguese grandmother (who they named the restaurant after.)

One of my favourite things about this place is their Japanese cold brew which is the perfect pairing to all their dishes. My favourite order has got to be their Mexican benedict with chorizo and hollandaise. But if you have a sweet tooth, go for the banana bread pudding french toast – it’s to die for!

Coffee

Lux Central

Lux Coffee, just off Central Avenue, is one of those spots that screams “good vibes!” Walking in here every day feels like walking into a friend’s house. Their coffee menu is vast, but they don’t sacrifice great beans and well brewed coffee for trendy flavours. Instead, they balance a perfect brew and interesting flavour combinations perfectly to create the most delicious drinks. When it’s not boiling out, you’ll find me o the patio Thankfully their interior is huge, so there is always room inside to sit and relax with your morning brew.

Lola’s Coffee

Lola’s Coffee, just off Roosevelt Road, is a stunning family-owned & operated coffee shop that offers up some of the best brews in the city. Their menu is small and simple, but when the coffee is this good, that’s all you need! This spot is always super busy in the morning, so if you are planning on coming, I would warn you that parking is often full. It’s better to walk over or park nearby and stroll down. Their outdoor patio is so charming, and when its this busy, people watching is at it’s best here!

Dutch Brothers

If you’re in the mood for a drive-thru or quick-stop experience but don’t wanna settle for the standard Starbucks, you should give Dutch Brothers a try. Dutch Brothers have some of the best staff I think you’ll meet anywhere in the USA. Their sweet creations consist of variations like “the Kicker” (a blend of silky Irish cream) and “the Carmelized” ( creamy caramel mixed with mocha.) Or, for the daring, give “the 991” a try. It’s a blend of Irish cream and six shots of espresso! And there’s just no beating their darling Dutch iconography on their storefronts and coffee cups. 

Copper Star Coffee

If you have more time to relax, stop downtown at Copper Star Coffee in the charming Melrose District. Copper Star is a hip coffee shop inside a converted gas station and mechanics shop. Inside, there are delightful treasures and artworks all over the walls. The eclectic blend of mix-matched furniture makes for a cozy atmosphere. The drinks are unique, and their Lavender Mocha is my absolute favourite!

Brunch

Windsor

Brunch isn’t just for the big cities. There are many places to go for brunch around the city, but the Windsor is one of the best. I love the midcentury decor; the bright red brick walls feel chic and welcoming. Their Highroad Sandwich, made with eggs, belly bacon, tomato & garlic aioli, is pure perfection and the best hangover cure. Their Matador is my favourite, though; two eggs over easy stacked with griddled cheddar potatoes, a crispy tortilla, salsa verde & avocado relish. It feels like the epitome of Phoenix on a plate, a mix of American, Mexican and southwestern flavours.

HULA’S Modern Tiki

In the fashionable Old Scottsdale downtown, you can find this stylish eatery! I am absolutely obsessed with the design of this hip brunch spot! As the name infers, Hula’s offers up Polynesian-inspired food inside an old-school tiki bar-styled interior. I cannot come here and miss out on their French Toast. Unlike anywhere else I’ve been, their french toast is dipped in a coffee-batter before being cooked and then topped with apples and plantain compote! It’s absolutely magical.

While the food is next level, the drinks make this place the best stop for brunch! If you’re visiting with a group, you’ve got to try the Scorpion Bowl! It’s a huge rum-based cocktail served in a bowl for around 2-4 people!

Snacks

Phoenix Public Market Cafe

The Phoenix Public Market cafe in Downtown Phoenix is one of my favourite places to hop into for a snack. Their pastries are unrivalled, and there is nothing like a cup of their cactus iced tea or cold brew coffee on the side of a mountainous pastry. The Public Market is a program of Community Food Connections which came together to create an excellent storefront and weekly open-air market on Saturdays. Since the foodie community came together to create this place, it is no surprise that the food is so good! Try one of their enormous cinnamon buns or homemade pop tarts if you need a sugar rush to get you through the rest of the day.

Lunch

Queen Creek Olive Mill

One of my favourite places to take new visitors for a relaxing and delicious afternoon is the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The Olive Mill is Arizona’s only operating olive mill that makes its own olive oil and associated products. You can tour the mill and see the trees, learn how olive oil is processed and even how they use all kinds of oils in the kitchen. Tours cost $7/adult or $10 with a glass of Prosecco. The tour lasts 45 minutes and runs from midday to midafternoon on the half hour. 

Joyride Taco House

Joyride Taco House is one of the most fantastic restaurants in the city. When you walk in the door, it’s like you stepped back in time. The door and stylings are right out of the 70s. It’s the perfect place for a party as it’s very suitable for big groups. The food is ideal for sharing, and the best idea is to order a little bit of everything on the menu and pass it around. It might not be traditionally authentic Mexican food, but it’s a fresh take on classic dishes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Taco Guild

If you know me, you’ll know I love anything medieval. When I saw a taco restaurant in Phoenix inspired by the gothic period’s art and architecture, set inside a historic church, you better believe I was there in a split second! And thankfully for me, Taco Guild‘s food was just as good as the interior decor! as the name implies, the restaurants serve up innovative tacos inspired by a variety of international cuisine that has tacos as an integral part of their daily life.

America’s Taco Shop

Ok, ok, I know, there are a lot of tacos on this list. But that’s the best thing about a trip to Phoenix. Arizona shares its southern border with Mexico. Over the years, so much of the local cuisine has been influenced by immigrants from the state of Sonora in Mexico. America’s Taco Shop was founded by America Corrales, who first came to the U.S. from her native Mexico. She brought a passion for Mexican cuisine, specifically her mother’s hand-written recipes. After opening her first restaurant, her down-to-earth food immediately caught fire with the locals.

Today, there are more than half a dozen locations across the city. The food here feels as close to the real thing as possible; it’s simple, cheap and absolutely delicious. Don’t miss out on a cold cup of horchata (a rice-based beverage flavoured with cinnamon.) It’s the perfect thing for a hot day or to cool down your mouth after spicy salsa!

Dinner

Cibo Pizzeria

The best place in the city for a romantic evening is Cibo Pizzeria. The restaurant is located in a quaint, circa 1913 bungalow. They feature Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas. My favourite, for those who like it hot, is the Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami! Their unique and modern white pizzas are also very popular, one of the best being the Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. In the evening, the tree outside is covered in twinkle lights, and from time to time, even a local musician will come to entertain the diners under the setting sun.

Fuego at The Clarendon

Attached to the super trendy and retro chic hotel Clarendon, Fuego is a lively restaurant serving a Cuban and Latin-inspired menu with some of the best margaritas and mojitos in town! The Enchiladas and Chile Relleno are my favourites and make me think of Mexico City. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it will often have live music playing, which adds a wonderful touch to the entire experience. If you want to guarantee a meal with music, you can always call to check.

The Mission

For dinner, head over to the Mission, which is situated right beside the old Spanish Mission site. The decor inside the restaurant is dark and mysterious. A large Himalayan salt block wall and the twinkle of candlelit chandeliers welcome you inside. The Mission serves up a mix of modern and traditional Latin cuisine. Don’t skip their Wagyu pastrami taco; truly a decadent experience.

Dessert

Churn

If there’s one thing people know about Phoenix, having visited or not, it is hot. Scorching, in fact. And there is nothing better to cool you off on a hot summer than a creamy and refreshing ice cream cone. And Churn does it better than anyone else. Their rotating, innovative flavours mean that you can come back all the time and always find something new to try. But they always have the classic on hand, such as; Cookies & Mint, Sweet Cream and Butter Pecan. Rotating flavours you HAVE to try if you get the chance are Whiskey Toffee Pecan, Peaches ‘n Honey, Mexican Chocolate (which has a little spice) and Oatmeal Cookie Dough. All the flavours are made from all-natural ingredients. You can feel a little better when scarfing down on this sweet treat!

Melt

Melt is another one of my favourite ice cream shops. Just off the trendy Roosevelt Row, you’ll find Melt has some of the most interesting and unique flavours found anywhere! Everything from Butterbeer, pina colada sorbet, maple bacon, jolly rancher, apple pie, blueberry, banana nut and Vietnamese coffee can all be found here! Plus, all their ice cream is served inside those classic Chinese take-out containers, which adds to the quirky delights this shop offers!

Shakes & Cones

For dessert in Scottsdale, head over to Shakes & Cones. While Scottsdale is mostly known for its upscale dining, Shakes & Cones still feels like a simple family joint. They make small batches of soft-serve ice cream and even offer non-dairy options for vegetarians. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here, just simple ingredients that highlight the fantastic flavour of their ice cream.

What are your favourite places to visit in Phoenix? There’s always something new to try in this ever-growing foodie city, so take a chance and see if you find yourself eating at the next hot spot.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Best Places to Eat in Phoenix [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-places-to-eat-in-phoenix/feed/ 0 199