Best of Jewish Phoenix

Phoenix is a big city, and finding the best of everything can be daunting for even a long-time resident. To help our readers get the most out of their time in the Valley, we've compiled the Best of Jewish Phoenix, The Sequel. Read on to discover reader-to-reader advice on the best shopping, restaurants, activities, religious services and more.

To everyone who sent in a Best of Jewish Phoenix ballot, thank you; we couldn't have done it without you. Look on page 33 for the names of the prizewinners.

Best bagels:
Einstein Bros. Bagels
numerous Valley locations

Einstein Bros. wins Best of Jewish Phoenix this year for their delectable selection of bagels and cream cheeses. Choose from cinnamon raisin swirl, sun-dried tomato, onion, blueberry, pumpernickel and more, as well as cream cheeses including garden veggie, strawberry and onion and chive.

Best knish:
Chompie's
three Valley locations

Warm oven-baked knishes are a treat at this New York-style deli. Try a Coney Island-style knish, or a potato, veggie, kasha or meat-filled one.

Best marble rye:
Karsh's Bakery
5539 N. Seventh St.
Phoenix - 602-264-4874

Pick up a loaf of savory marble rye as well as cookies, cakes and other baked goods. The smell when you walk in the door is enough to start your stomach growling.

Best kosher hot dog:
Costco
10 Valley locations

Believe it or not, the best place in town to chow down on a kosher dog is at the popular warehouse store chain. A warm Hebrew National is the perfect end to a bulk shopping trip.

Best kosher desserts:
Cookies Amour
1341 E. Northern Ave.
Phoenix - 602-944-6789

Fresh-baked kosher cookies and other treats from Cookies Amour are a delight for anyone longing to indulge a sweet tooth. Varieties include oatmeal spice, snicker-doodles, chocolate chunk, peanut butter chocolate chip, macaroons and brownies.

Best matzo ball soup:
Chompie's
three Valley locations

When it comes to good taste and warm comfort, few things are better than a big bowl of matzo ball soup. The Chompie's variety is served in hearty portions. Try their Mish-Mosh chicken soup, which comes with noodles, matzo balls, carrots and kreplach.

Best challah:
Arizona Bread Company
five Valley locations

Our readers say this family-owned artisan bakery produces the best challah in town. Try the original or the round raisin variety. In addition to challah, the company produces a wide range of gourmet breads and offers light and healthful meals.

Best deli platter:
Chompie's
three Valley locations

When it's time to have company over, Chompie's does it with style with a variety of top-quality meats and more. Pair the cold cuts with some of Chompie's many varieties of bread for sandwiches that taste like heaven.

Best breakfast:
The Good Egg
11 Valley locations

It's the most important meal of the day, so why not try breakfast at this perennial Valley favorite? Choose from mouth-watering breakfast skillets, omelets, frittatas, pancakes and more.

Best restaurant for kids:
5 & Diner
nine Valley locations

With its bright d‚cor, tableside jukeboxes and simple, tasty food, 5 & Diner is a fun night out for kids and their parents. Finish up a meal with a hearty milkshake - they're a 5 & Diner specialty.

Best steakhouse:
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
two Valley locations

This is the steakhouse that devoted carnivores dream of. Ruth's Chris serves perfectly executed steaks with a variety of delicious sides including garlic mashed potatoes and saut‚ed mushrooms.

Best Chinese restaurant:
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
five Valley locations

The readers of Jewish News love P.F. Chang's and its delicious dishes served family-style. Start with an appetizer of hot and sour soup or spring rolls, then move onto culinary delights like ginger chicken with broccoli or Mongolian beef.

Best New York-style pizza:
NYPD Pizza
five Valley locations

It's an offer you can't refuse. NYPD Pizza offers traditional New York-style thin crust pizza at reasonable prices. If pizza isn't what you want, the menu includes soups, salads, calzones and sandwiches.

Best Sunday brunch:
Casino Arizona
524 N. 92nd St.
Scottsdale - 480-850-7777

Who needs Las Vegas when blackjack, poker and buffets are right in your own backyard? The Sunday brunch at Casino Arizona offers a wide range of favorites for a reasonable price.

Best Israeli or Middle Eastern food:
Sabuddy Israeli Restaurant
825 W. University Drive
Tempe - 480-894-8387

Visit Sabuddy for delicious and inexpensive cuisine. Middle Eastern favorites such as baba ghanouj share menu space with European treats like schnitzel and goulash. Whatever you choose, it's a safe bet you'll be back for more.

Best place to splurge on dinner:
T. Cook's, Royal Palms Resort
5200 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix - 602-840-3610

Voted the top restaurant in Phoenix by Food & Wine Magazine, T. Cook's is a truly unforgettable dining experience. The luxurious atmosphere is echoed in the sumptuous dishes, which include caramelized leek and tomato ravioli, grilled beef tenderloin and seared duck breast.

Best "come as you are" Friday night service:
Temple Chai
4645 E. Marilyn Road
Phoenix - 602-971-1234

The point of this worship service is not how you appear, but what you can add to tefilah (prayer). The music invites participation and the moments of silence provide times for reflection. And maybe, just maybe, there will be dancing in the aisles.

Best kid-friendly Friday night service:
Temple Chai
4645 E. Marilyn Road
Phoenix - 602-971-1234

The service is early enough to pray as a family and still get home before bedtime. With the singing loud enough, children "being children" will not detract from the service. Also, children and adults alike can get caught up in the music.

Most creative Friday night service:
Raw Kaballah
Beth El Congregation
4118 W. Glendale Ave.
Phoenix - 602-944-3359

Appetizers, onegs with creative themes and a worship service accompanied by a live band makes this Shabbat service for young adults a great place to see old friends and make new ones (and it'll make parents happy that their kids are finally doing something Jewish).

Best place to buy bar and bat mitzvah clothing:
Nordstrom's
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7055 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale - 480-946-4111

Top-quality clothes for kids are available at this upscale department store. You'll find beautiful outfits for that special day.

Best bridal shop:
David's Bridal
three valley locations

Don't trust bridal and bridesmaids' gowns to just anyone. David's Bridal has a reputation for beautiful merchandise. They have locations all over the country, which simplifies arrangements for out-of-town bridesmaids.

Best place to buy a baby gift:
Target
numerous Valley locations

It's a no-brainer. From toys to books to clothes to diapers, Target is one-stop shopping for all a baby's needs.

Best hotel for out-of-town guests:
Arizona Biltmore
Resort and Spa
2400 E. Missouri Ave.
Phoenix - 602-955-6600

The Arizona Biltmore will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year, and for good reason. The resort provides world-class accommodations and service in a breathtaking desert setting. The Sunday Champagne Brunch is a local favorite.

Best museum:
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix - 602-257-1222

The Phoenix Art Museum is the premier place in the Valley to appreciate world-class sculpture, paintings, pottery, clothing and more. Admission to all but the special exhibitions is free on Thursdays.

Best place to see a play:
Grady Gammage Auditorium
Arizona State University
Tempe - 480-965-3434

This striking building is a Frank Lloyd Wright design and routinely stages the most popular theater events such as "The Producers" and "Les Miserables." The hustle and bustle of nearby Mill Avenue make the theater an ideal spot for a night out.

Best place to meet for coffee:
Coffee Plantation
Biltmore Fashion Park
2468 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix - 602-553-0203

The central location and beautiful surroundings of the Coffee Plantation at Biltmore Fashion Park make it a popular meeting spot for old and new friends. Take a break from shopping to sit on the patio with a cup of java and watch the world go by.

Best spa:
Spa at Camelback Inn
5402 E. Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale - 480-596-7040

Get pampered at the Spa at Camelback Inn. Nestled in the heart of the five star, five-diamond resort, the spa has been recognized as one of the top 100 spas in the world. Visitors can get facials or massages, have their hair done, work out with a personal trainer, or dine at the spa's restaurant, Sprouts.

Best fitness center:
Valley of the Sun JCC
12701 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale - 480-483-7121

The fitness center at the VOSJCC offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment as well as access to swimming pools, racquetball, exercise classes and personal trainers.

Best trail for a morning hike:
Squaw Peak

An early-morning mountain hike is a favorite Phoenix way to start the day. Squaw Peak offers trails, picnic areas and gorgeous city views.

Best shopping mall:
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale

This centrally located mall holds the best of the best in Valley shopping, including Kenneth Cole, Crate and Barrel, Tiffany & Co., and more than 100 more. When you're done walking around, eat at one of the many great restaurants, including Kona Grill, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, and Nick and Tony's.

Best day trip destination:
Sedona

A two-hour drive from the Valley lands you squarely in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Let the majesty of the red rock be a backdrop as you visit the art galleries, shops and hiking trails that Sedona offers.

Best Judaica store:
Israel Connection
5539 N. Seventh St.
Phoenix - 602-265-6606

Israel Connection in Phoenix has plenty of everything to satisfy the needs of the Phoenican Jewish population. Books, gifts, cards, menorahs and much, much more occupy the shelves. If shopping makes you hungry, stop next door at Scott's Generations for a nosh.

Best library:
Scottsdale Civic Center
3839 Civic Center Blvd.
Scottsdale - 480-312-2476

Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the Civic Center Library is a beautiful and peaceful place to while away an afternoon. Settle down in front of the enormous windows that face Civic Center Park, browse through the library store, or read with the kids in the elaborate forest- and castle-themed children's room.

Best indoor place to have fun with the kids:
Makutu's Island
6919 W. Ray Road
Chandler - 480-893-0106

This indoor playplace is heaven on Earth to rambunctious kids and their parents. There are playground areas, a video arcade, a theater, a caf‚ and even special play areas for toddlers and young children. The affordable admission price makes Makutu's Island an ideal place to take the little ones.

Best outdoor place to have fun with the kids:
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix - 602-273-1341

The pathways of the Phoenix Zoo are loved by children of all ages. Take an afternoon to stare at and learn about animal species from all over the globe.

Best place to feel like a native Phoenician:
Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix - 480-941-1225

Frolic among the cacti and the desert wildlife at this one-of-a-kind Valley attraction. The rare flora and fauna will captivate you and have you feeling at home in no time.

Best place to meet Jewish singles under 40:
YLD programs

Although the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix is for singles and couples, the variety of programming - from social and educational to community service and leadership building - provides a good way to meet people with similar interests.

Best place to meet Jewish singles over 40:
Valley of the Sun JCC events
12701 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale - 480-483-7121

Like a good matchmaker, the VOSJCC provides numerous monthly opportunities for singles to meet and mingle. Call for information on activities.

Best bar for happy hour:
Kona Grill
two Valley locations

While practically every bar has happy hour specials, at Kona Grill patrons get discounted prices on truly delicious fare such as strawberry margaritas, sushi and gourmet pizzas. The patio at the Fashion Square location is a great place to relax after a long day's work.

Best place to get engaged:
Compass Restaurant
Hyatt Regency,
Phoenix - 602-440-3166

This revolving restaurant at the top of downtown Phoenix's premier hotels is an elegant and romantic place to pop the question. Enjoy gourmet food and a comprehensive wine list while admiring the city lights of the Valley of the Sun.

Best bar for mingling:
Casey Moore's Oyster House at Ninth and Ash
850 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe - 480-968-9935

Casey Moore's at night provides an endless stream of interesting people to meet. From stockbrokers to Arizona State professors to musicians, you never know who's sitting next to you at the bar.

Best place to people-watch:
Mill Avenue, Tempe

On any night and especially on the weekends, Mill Avenue from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway is a bustling center of Valley life. People of all ages walk the tree-lined street to shop, eat, drink, and to see and be seen.

Best bar for a trendy night out:
Kazimirez World Wine Bar
7137 E. Stetson Drive
Scottsdale - 480-946-3004

Like any hip nightspot, this wine bar can be difficult to find, but the search is worth the results. Plush couches and a swank, sophisticated atmosphere provide a backdrop for one of the best wine lists in the city. Gourmet noshes such as exotic cheese platters and mini-pizzas are also available.

Best dance club:
Axis/Radius
7340 E. Indian Plaza
Scottsdale - 480-970-1112

Scottsdale clubs come and go, but Axis/Radius has been consistently popular with locals, visitors and celebrities for several years. Dress to impress and expect a large cover (by Arizona standards), but it's worth it.

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