The SBC 2017 is almost here. So, it’s with great pleasure that we introduce our fifth annual ERLC guide to food and fun at the convention. We want to bring you the best of what Phoenix has to offer so that you can make the most of your time at the annual meeting. Freddy T. Wyatt has another great guide to Phoenix on his blog as well. And while you’re at the SBC, make plans to join the ERLC at these events:
- Healthy Churches in a Confusing Culture: A Conversation with 9Marks & ERLC: Join Russell Moore and Mark Dever for a vibrant discussion.
- Global Hunger Relief Run: Sign up for this 5K to benefit Southern Baptist’s efforts to alleviate hunger around the world.
FOOD
There’s no shortage of food in Phoenix, whether it’s one of your favorite chains or somewhere new. With the help of a few friends, we’ve compiled a list of options—in order of zip code—near the Phoenix Convention Center and further out. We hope you enjoy!
Breakfast Club | $$ “Bright, modern counter serve providing coffee, breakfast standards & lunchtime sandwiches & salads.” Address: 2 E Jefferson St #22-213, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cartel Coffee Lab “Hip coffeehouse chain serving up house-roasted brews in chill, bohemian surroundings.” Address: 1 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
CIBO | $$ “Quaint, circa-1913 bungalow presenting Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas.” Address: 603 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Lol-o’s Chicken and Waffles | $$ “Down-home restaurant fixing up fried chicken & soul food accompanied by hearty sides.” Address: 1220 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
The Vig Fillmore | $$ “Fashionable fixture for high-end pub fare, with a brunch menu, music, outdoor seating & bocce court.” Address: 606 N 4th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Pizzeria Bianco | $$ “Cozy, brick-walled restaurant serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas & Italian small plates.” Address: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana Phoenix “Pizzeria providing Neapolitan pies, plus Italian fare from antipasti to gourmet panini.” Address: 705 N 1st St #120, Phoenix, AZ 85004
La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop | $ “Inventive burritos, tacos & quesadillas are the forte of this counter-serve spot with a salsa bar.” Address: 1919 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Welcome Diner | $ “Pint-sized, circa-1945 diner with counter seating & a menu of comfort fare featuring Southern flair.” Address: 924 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Ocotillo | $$ “Locally sourced, seasonal American fare in a cavernous space with a modern industrial vibe.” Address: 3243 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Taco Guild | $ “Set in an old church, this gastropublike spot serves sustainable Mexican fare.” Address: 546 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
St. Francis | $$ “Bi-level restaurant featuring seasonal New American fare.” Address: 111 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Gadzooks | $ “Diners choose their own tortillas, fillings & fixin's for enchiladas & tacos at this Mexican eatery.” Address: 3313 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Fuego Bistro | $$ “Small, colorful storefront bistro serving a menu of Latin eats.” Address: 713 E Palo Verde Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Okra Cookhouse | $$ “Custom Southern dishes with Italian flair in hip, contemporary environs.” Address: 5813 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Otro Cafe | $$ “A colorful, casual destination serving Mexican fare all day.” Address: 6035 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace | $$ “Organic coffeeshop, sandwich eatery & health-focused food marketplace with a colorful, retro vibe.” Address: 1590 Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Delux | $$ “Trendy, stylish setting serving elevated takes on burgers & fries.” Address: 3146 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Hopdoddy Burger Bar | $ “All-natural burgers made with meat ground in house, fresh baked buns, and a side of hand-cut fries.” Address: 2033 E Camelback Rd A13, Phoenix, AZ 85016
The Parlor Pizzeria | $$ “Parlor serving gourmet pizzas & other Italian dishes in an airy space with recycled-wood accents.” Address: 1916 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
ATL Wings | $ “We started in 2012 with the Idea to make the Best Wings in Arizona.” Address: 3923 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Ingo’s Tasty Food | $ “Innovative New American eatery with a roomy patio for salads & grass-fed burgers.” Address: 4502 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018
The Stand Burgers & Tacos | $ “Utilitarian quarters serving up elevated fast-food items crafted from area-sourced ingredients.” Address: 3538 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Chelsea’s Kitchen | $$ “Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare & a patio overlooking the canal.” Address: 5040 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe | $ “Modest, family-owned eatery serving homestyle Southern & soul food 7 days a week since the '60s.” Address: 808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Bobby Q | $$ “Family-friendly eatery serving steak, BBQ ribs & other American comfort items in a rustic setting.” Address: 8501 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051
The White Chocolate Grill | $$ “Contemporary restaurant serving refined riffs on American staples plus shareable signature desserts.” Address: 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Elmer’s Tacos | $ “Long-running eatery serving traditional Mexican fare in a low-key, counter-serve setting.” Address: 355 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
Dazzo’s Dog House | $ *Cash only* “Snug outpost with sports memorabilia decor offering fries & hot dogs with a variety of toppings.” Address: 6143 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
ACTIVITIES
The most well known place to go in Arizona is, of course, The Grand Canyon. Since we’ll be within a few hours drive, the trip to visit this majestic landmark is worth it. But there are also plenty of other things to see and do, including hikes, staying at resorts and visiting shopping centers, while in Phoenix.
The Grand Canyon | about 4 hours away
Slide Rock & Sedona “Slide Rock State Park is a state park, taking its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek.” Address: Coconino National Forest, 6871 N. Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Camelback Mountain (get on it early to beat the heat & take plenty of water)
Hole in the Rock | Great to do with kids “Hole-in-the-Rock is a natural geological formation in Papago Park.” Address: Papago Park, 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Children’s Museum of Phoenix “Expansive museum with 300-plus interactive play areas for babies to kids up to age 10.” Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
The Phoenix Zoo Address: Papago Park, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Butterfly Wonderland “Indoor, interactive rainforest habitat housing thousands of butterflies, plus a cafe & gift shop.” Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Aquarium “OdySea Aquarium is a marine aquarium, and the largest aquarium in the Southwest United States. It holds more than 2,000,000 US gallons of water and spans over 200,000 square feet.” Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Wet-n-Wild “Wet'n'Wild Phoenix is situated on approximately 35 acres of land, making it the largest theme park in the state.” Address: Adobe Dam Regional Park, 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310
Top shopping and splash pad combos: Pick up a few souveniors and allow your kids to cool down and run around at one of these shopping centers.
CityScape “CityScape Phoenix is a high-rise mixed-use development in Downtown Phoenix consisting of residential, retail, office, and hotel components.” Address: 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Desert Ridge Marketplace “Desert Ridge Marketplace is a super-regional shopping mall.” Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Kierland Commons “Stylish outdoor shopping center with upscale designer shops and restaurants.” Address: 15205 N Kierland Blvd #150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Outlets at Anthem The Outlets at Anthem is an outlet mall that has hosted the tallest Christmas tree in America for multiple years.” Address: 4250 W Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Top (family friendly) resorts: Many people simply aren’t aware that the resorts in Phoenix during the summer are much cheaper. These listed are a few of the wellknown “Staycation” types, but be sure to search Groupon for some good deals.
The Arizona Grand Address: 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044
The Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale “This upscale resort hotel is a 5.2-mile drive from shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and 8.5 miles from Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home.” Address: 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Westin Kierland “This sprawling Southwestern-style resort is 3 miles from the TPC of Scottsdale golf course, and 9.8 miles from Downtown Scottsdale.” Address: 6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
The Scott “Less than a mile from shopping in Old Town Scottsdale, this upscale modern resort is a mile from the Camelback Mountain trailhead.” Address: 4925 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Other activities to consider:
Drive out in the desert on Route 66 or the Apache Trail (the desert landscape is amazing).
Peruse Old Town Scottsdale (Scottsdale was founded by Baptist Chaplain Winfield Scott).
Eat at El Chorro ($$$) for an authentic Arizona experience. “1937 landmark offering upscale American fare, a bocce ball court, big patio & occasional live music.” Address: 5550 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253