Best of Jewish Phoenix

Metropolitan Phoenix is a big place, and finding the best of everything can be intimidating for visitors, new arrivals and even long-term Phoenicians.

The third annual Best of Jewish Phoenix reveals the top places in the Valley to eat, shop and more.

Enjoy!

Food and Drink

Best kosher market

Segal's
4818 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-277-5769

The Segal family has been providing top-quality kosher goods to the Valley's Jewish community for quite a while. Let's put it this way: Their current location on Seventh Street, which the market has occupied for 20 years, is known as Segal's New Place.

In truth, Segal's is one-stop glatt kosher shopping supervised by the Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth. From meat to matzo, milk to Manischewitz, you'll find it here. And in case you don't feel like cooking, there's a restaurant on premises.

Readers' choice: Scottsdale Kosher Market

Best kosher catering

Simply Scrumptious
480-483-2425

If you attend a catered kosher event in the Valley, there's a good chance that the good people at Simply Scrumptious are behind it. Valley Jews look to the Scottsdale company for kosher food for a wide variety of events, including synagogue programs, weddings and more.

Best deli

Miracle Mile Deli
7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale
623-979-3430
1949 E. Camelback Road, Suite 160, Phoenix
602-776-0992

Don't read this on an empty stomach. Miracle Mile Deli is the destination for a wide variety of big, fresh hot and cold sandwiches, including rare roast beef, albacore tuna, corned beef, chopped liver, hot pastrami, barbecue chicken and much more. If sandwiches aren't your bag, Miracle Mile serves up burgers and soups, too, and be prepared to wash it all down with the best selection of Dr. Brown's sodas in town. Hungry yet?

Best Shabbat/holiday takeout

Scottsdale Kosher Market
10211 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-315-8333

It's been a long week; you're tired. Why make Shabbat dinner when Scottsdale Kosher Market will make you a complete, delicious meal you can simply pick up on the way home?

The menus vary every week, and customers rely on getting delicious entrees and sides to grace their Shabbat table.

In less than two years, SKM has gone from a temporary Passover market to an invaluable resource for East Valley Jews that includes a grocery store, deli, caterer and Judaica shop.

SKM also provides takeout feasts for Jewish holidays and Thanksgiving.

Best kosher restaurant

Bon Appetit
1133 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-274-9010

Look out for the new kid in town. Bon Appetit just opened last month, but is getting rave reviews for its glatt kosher fare that includes everything from hamburgers to chicken sharwma to borscht. Owners Alex and Alexandra Sharakov moved to the Valley five years ago from Uzbekistan, and have definitely made an impression on the local kosher scene. Bon Appetit also offers Shabbat takeout, catering and private parties.

Readers' choice: Yaffa Restaurant

Best bagels

Chompie's
3202 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix
602-971-8010; 9301 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, 480-860-0475
1160 E. University Drive, Tempe
480-557-0700

Cinnamon raisin, garlic, pumpernickel. Blueberry, parmesan, sourdough. Banana nut, eight-grain, Florentine. Whole wheat, apple cinnamon, onion. Low-carb. Bialys. Get the picture?

The Borenstein family set a new standard for Valley bagel-making when they opened the first Chompie's 25 years ago. Now, fresh, delicious bagels are available at three Chompie's locations plus select grocery stores around town.

And what about the cream cheese, you ask? Southwest, olive pimiento, chive. Veggie, strawberry almond, plain. Garlic herb, honey-raisin walnut...

Reader's choice: New York Bagels & Bialys

Best pastrami

Miracle Mile Deli
7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center Glendale, 623-979-3430
1949 E. Camelback Road Phoenix, Suite 160
602-776-0992

Never underestimate the power of pastrami on rye. Miracle Mile has a great hot pastrami sandwich - not too fatty, but not too lean - that comes with your choice of delicious sides like French fries, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad or chips.

Best deli platter

Goldman's Best Cooking
6929 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480-367-9477

Serving up fresh, high-quality meats, cheeses and veggies, deli platters from Goldman's will be a hit with everyone at your event.

Best latkes

Kashman's Place
23425 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-585-6221

They're not just for Chanukah anymore. Kashman's serves up great latkes, crisp and tasty, and the applesauce and sour cream are never in short supply.

Best knish

Scott's Generations
5539 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-277-5662

Webster's Dictionary calls a knish "a piece of thin rolled dough folded over a filling, as of mashed potatoes or chopped meat, and baked." We call a knish pure and simple Jewish comfort food, and Scott's Generations deli is the best place in the Valley to get one. Choose from a potato, veggie, meat or broccoli and cheese knish, and prepare to be satisfied.

Best matzo ball soup

Kashman's Place
23425 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-585-6221

Matzo ball soup: the phrase alone conjures warm, fuzzy feelings of home, family and comfort. Kashman's Place in North Scottsdale serves up a mean bowl of matzo ball soup that goes along well with the menu of New York deli favorites. Kashman's serves great breakfasts, too.

Best breakfast

Leo the Delicatessen
5101 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-941-4477

Leo's opens at 7 a.m. daily - the better to take advantage of their delicious breakfast menu. Highlights include their oven-baked apple and German pancakes and omelets. Ifyou can't make it in for breakfast, Leo's also has a full New York-style deli menu for lunch and dinner.

Best brunch

The Phoenician
6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480-941-8200

Prepare to be dazzled - and stuffed. The brunch at the Phoenician is a sight to be seen: table after table of goodies, including bagels and pastries, omelets, meats, desserts and more. The one-of-a-kind dining experience doesn't come cheap, but is a true Phoenix treasure.

Best steakhouse

Drinkwater's City Hall
6991 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480-941-4700

Vegetarianism, while a completely respectable way of eating, overlooks an important fact: Meat tastes good. In fact, at Drinkwater's City Hall, it tastes sublime. This upscale steakhouse combines rich décor with fabulous cuts of meat, seafood entrees like the swordfish chop and bone-in ahi tuna filet, and mouth-watering sides like caramelized onions and garlic mashed potatoes. But fear not, vegetarians: A great selection of salads means that there's something for everyone.

Best restaurant for dining alone

News Café at Kierland Commons
15024 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-922-5353

It's OK to eat alone at The News Café. In fact, if you're one who enjoys a quiet meal reading the newspaper or a magazine, this is a good spot to do so. The menu features a coffee bar, all-day breakfast, fresh bakery goods, and tasty sandwiches, soups and salads. Menu items include the Tribune Turkey Breast, the Vegetarian Voice and the Messenger Mediterranean Plate. And the staff is friendly and lets you read your paper in peace.

Best sushi

Zen 32 Sushi and Grille
3160 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-954-8700

If you've ever have a craving for sushi at 10 p.m., long after most Valley restaurants close, it's good to know about Zen 32. The fusion grill and sushi bar serves sushi until midnight and the Zenbar - with Japanese animation on the screen and a full bar, including tasty martinis - is open every day until 2 a.m. Inside, the stylish candle-lit décor and friendly, silk-clad staff provide ambiance. A patio - with continually changing color pillars and misters or heaters, depending on the season - is a fashionable, yet casual gathering spot for groups.

Best Chinese food

Fate
905 N. Fourth St., Phoenix, 602-254-6424

This downtown restaurant is the place for cutting-edge Asian food, hip atmosphere and cool clientele. Fate also includes a lot of tofu-based dishes perfect for the vegetarian population. They're also open late to accommodate night owls with cravings for potstickers.

Best special-occasion restaurant

Lon's at the Hermosa
5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, 602-955-7878

Whether it's a birthday, promotion, graduation or anniversary, the food and atmosphere of Lon's at the Hermosa is perfect for any celebration. The authentic hacienda is cozy and intimate and the patio has spectacular views of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. The food is world-class and features locally grown produce.

Best pizza

Sauce Pizza and Wine
742 E. Glendale Ave., #126, Phoenix
602-216-2400

When you're craving pizza, but can't bring yourself to dial up Papa John's again, head out to Sauce, a creative new restaurant that slices up innovative pies, tasty salads and more. Choose from mozzarella and fontina, wild mushroom and truffled arugula, chicken and broccoli rabe and many more. Salads include mozzarella, tomato and basil and chicken, pine nuts and Gorgonzola. Paninis and lasagna are also available, and the reasonably priced food can be washed down with a selection from Sauce's wine list.

Best late-night eatery

My Florist Café

530 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix
602-284-0333

If you're out late and you have a hankering for something more sophisticated than Denny's, head to My Florist Café. (You can't miss it - the neon sign atop the building is enormous.) The ambiance is urban cool but not cold, and the food - from a peppery pastrami sandwich on fresh baked rye to a salad studded with goat cheese and pears - is delectable. Word to the wise: the pianist is terrific, but she can be LOUD.

Best seafood

Fish Market
1720 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-277-3474

Even in Arizona, seafood cravings happen. And when they do, Fish Market is the place to be. As the only Fish Market restaurant located outside of California, the Phoenix location - which includes the second-floor "Top of the Market," a place for trendy, cozy dining - offers sushi and oyster bars along with its rich menu. The wood-fired pizza is sure to please, as well as any of the wood-fired fish dishes - all for a fair price.

Best Middle Eastern food

Haji-Baba
1513 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
602-894-1905

On any given night, Haji-Baba restaurant and market is packed with its eclectic clientele: Arizona State University students, families with young children and Middle East natives craving the familiar foods of home. The menu reflects the diverse cuisine of the region, including falafel, babaganoush, two kinds of shwarma and even gyros. And if you're feeling inspired, the market provides the raw materials necessary to make a Middle Eastern feast in your very own kitchen.

Best Italian food

Maggiano's
16405 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-333-4100

Maybe you're one of those people who order the same thing every time you visit a restaurant. Or maybe, you always try a different entrée.

Whichever the case, Maggiano's is the Italian restaurant for you; the menu (and the portions) are huge, and we've yet to try something we didn't like. Spinach salad with Gorgonzola and roasted onions? To die for. Veal and mushroom ravioli? Delectable. Salmon with lemon and herbs? Melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Whatever your pick, Maggiano's is a restaurant to enjoy again and again.

Best wine shop

Sportsman's Fine Wines & Spirits
3205 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-955-7730

If you're looking for an enormous selection of world wines, look no further than Sportsman's in Phoenix. Sportsman's combines a huge stock with knowledgeable staff to ensure you leave with the best bottle for your taste buds (and your wallet). In addition to vino, Sportsman's also stocks a great selection of spirits and beers.

Best cheese shop

Cheuvront Wine and Cheese Bar
1326 N. Central Ave, Phoenix
602-307-0022

If you gasp at horror at Parmesan in the green can, and wouldn't dream of putting American cheese in a sandwich, Cheuvront's is the place for you. On any given day, Cheuvront's offers about 20 different cheeses ranging from the well-known to the exotic. You have the option of staying and snacking on a sampler platter or getting your cheese to go.

Lifestyle

Best Judaica shop

The Jewish Quarter
10701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-905-5202
Anything you want, they've got it. Israel Connection and The Jewish Quarter have been providing for the Judaica needs of the community for years and have a staggering selection of merchandise. Tallitot, tzedakah boxes, seder plates: you name it, and they've got lots to choose from. The book section is a particular standout, with titles encompassing history, food, learning, holidays, and much more.

Best bridal shop

Bridal Couture and Eveningwear of Scottsdale
8220 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480-991-3207

Whatever the big day - wedding, prom, black-tie affair - Bridal Couture has the dress. This Scottsdale boutique specializes in high-end merchandise, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Bridal couture also carries a select collection of jewelry to accent your ensemble.

Best jeweler

Phillip Original Jewelry
9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
480-767-0777

Forget diamonds: a skilled jeweler is a girl's real best friend. Phillip Original Jewelry is the best of both worlds: a top-quality jeweler that specializes in original design and excels at redesigning customers' treasured pieces. They also repair jewelry and replace watch batteries.

Best store for pets

The Barkery
20789 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
480-473-0052

The furriest member of the family deserves a little luxury too, and The Barkery in Scottsdale is just the place to pick up a treat for your VIP (Very Important Pet). The Barkery has a huge selection of dog and dog-related items, including gourmet treats, bowls, sweaters, collars, carriers, beds and much more.

Best place to adopt a pet

Arizona Animal Welfare League
30 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, 602-273-6850

If you're looking for that perfect cat, dog, or other critter, look no further than the Arizona Animal Welfare League. The pet shelter has a wide variety of pets to choose from - be sure to check out the "Cattery" - and helpful volunteers will help you pick the one that's right for you. Not only that, the shelter offers many different classes to help train your new pet.

Best spa

Arizona Biltmore Spa
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix
602-381-7632

Everyone needs a little spoiling once in a while. When you're ready for some pampering, head to the spa at The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The facility offers everything you need to get gorgeous, including manicures and pedicures, a wide range of facials, waxing, hair and scalp treatments and much more.

Best museum

The Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-252-8848

Phoenix has a lot of world-class amenities: spectacular golf courses, the world's tallest fountain, and a world championship baseball team (well, not this year). But it's also home to The Heard Museum, which USA Today newspaper called "the nation's most prestigious private Indian arts center." The Heard celebrates all Native American culture with a natural focus on the cultures of the Southwest. Besides the museum's excellent collections, it hosts numerous events throughout the year, including a Spanish market, the annual Guild Indian Fair & Market, Celebration of Basketweaving and Native Foods Festival and World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

Best library

Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-262-4636

The largest library in town is also beautiful, centrally located and host to numerous programs for children and adults. The five stories hold almost one million volumes, an enormous children's section and Teen Zone and a fully integrated Spanish collection. The library also hosts community events like art exhibits, poetry readings and computer classes.

Best luxury resort

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Drive
480-585-4848

Once upon a time, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess was virtually isolated in North Scottsdale. Now, it's perfectly situated among great restaurants, shopping and recreational activities. The resort itself boasts gorgeous grounds, a world-class spa, three award-winning restaurants and two golf courses. For out-of-town visitors or even townies looking for a weekend of luxury, the Princess is an ideal choice.

Readers' choice: Four Seasons Scottsdale

Best hotel for out-of-town guests

Chaparral Suites Resort
5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-949-1414
Living in sunny, beautiful Phoenix means that you'll never want for out-of-town visitors. When you need a place to stash the in-laws for a few days, choose Chaparral Suites Resort in Scottsdale. The resort features roomy, comfortable accommodations, two pools, great restaurants, and a can't-be-beat location in the heart of Scottsdale.

Best in-state weekend getaway

Sedona

Life can get pretty hectic in Phoenix. When it's time to destress, drive up to Sedona for a weekend of relaxation and natural beauty. The tiny town is a big draw for artists and New Age-types, and visitors can spend time shopping, gallery-hopping or hiking among the world-famous red rocks.

Best bicycle path

Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt Scottsdale

This Scottsdale bike path connects four parks: Vista Del Camino, Eldorado, Indian School and Chaparral. The 12-mile path mostly runs north-south along Hayden Boulevard and is usually buzzing with active types, including cyclists, inline skaters, joggers and walkers. For an extra treat, stop for a picnic lunch on the shore of one of the parks' artificial lakes.

Best local hiking

Piestewa Peak
Phoenix

The name has changed, but the diversity and beauty of the trails has remained the same. Piestewa Peak has eight trails of varying length intensity (including a children's nature trail). Enjoy stunning city views and get up close and personal with native plants and animals.

Best public golf course

Sanctuary Golf Course
10690 E. Sheena Drive, Scottsdale
480-502-8200

Arizona is one of the world's premier golf destinations, and Sanctuary gets our vote for the best public place to get teed off. Built on the western slope of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains, Sanctuary is a gorgeous 18-hole course that provides a haven for native flora and fauna. The clubhouse boasts a dining room, outdoor pavilion and well-stocked pro shop.

Best place to feel "big city"

First Fridays

By now, you've no doubt read about how Phoenix is turning into a hip megalopolis. If you're wondering where the evidence is, look no further than downtown Phoenix on the first weekend of each month. Of note: two artists' collectives on Roosevelt, 515 and eye lounge, show an eclectic range of local artists. And Bentley Projects, the downtown outpost of the contemporary Scottsdale gallery, has just expanded its cavernous space at Third and Grant streets.

Readers' choice: the I-10 freeway at rush hour

Best place to watch the sunset

McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills, 480-471-0173

Gorgeous sunsets are one of Arizona's claims to fame; why not take a short drive to Fountain Hills and get a top-notch seat for the yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples of the Phoenix sky? The park isn't just a sunset destination, though. It's also popular with hikers, bikers, horseback riders, campers, picnicking families and nature enthusiasts.

On the town

Best place to meet Jewish singles under 40

Arizona Adventurers www.arizonaadventurers.org

You've tried JDate, you've tried the bar scene and now you'd like to give up dating and just go have fun. As the saying goes, "You meet someone when you least expect it." So grab your hiking boots or your baseball glove and plan to meet other Jewish singles who are looking for a little adventure. Members go on hikes around the state, play volleyball and baseball and gather for holiday parties. And there are married couples who met at Arizona Adventurers events, so you never know...

Best place to meet Jewish singles over 40

Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-483-7121

There's always something going on at the JCC. From singles events like speed dating to mix-and-mingles at local coffeehouses, to public programs like Jewish Book Month and the Art of J.A.V.A. show, the next opportunity to meet that special someone is a short trip away.

Best place to dance

Martini Ranch
7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
480-970-0500

It's two, two, two clubs in one. Martini Ranch in Scottsdale has the best of both dancing worlds: pop hits and '80s favorites downstairs (often performed by hot Valley cover bands like Rock Lobster and The Chadwicks), and hip-hop and other high energy dance music upstairs in the swanky Shaker Room. Whatever music you prefer to get down to, you'll find it here.

Best spot for romance

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
480-991-3388

Romantic restaurants? Check. Gondola rides? Got 'em. Sand beach? No problem. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch is a great place to get lovey-dovey. Check out Squash Blossom restaurant for upscale Southwestern fare, Golden Swan for Asian food, or Sandolo for Italian cuisine, then follow it up with a leisurely gondola ride through the resort's waterways or a walk for two along the beach. Ooh-la-la.

Best art event

Scottsdale ArtWalk
480-990-3939

Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, the Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place 7-9 p.m. every Thursday year round on Main Street, west of Scottsdale Road & Marshall Way. Meet the artists, attend opening receptions and partake in refreshments all while strolling the tree-lined streets in the downtown village. There are more than 100 galleries to explore.

Best hangout for nondrinkers

Lux Coffeebar
4404 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-266-6469

A few years ago, if you wanted to hang out somewhere hip and exciting, you had to go to a bar. Now, hip and exciting is available for the nonalcoholic set, in the form of Lux. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the subtle yet cool décor, or if you're feeling peckish, grab a nosh at Pane Bianco, Lux's next door neighbor and a recent creation of Pizzeria Bianco owner Chris Bianco.

Best wine bar

Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
480-946-3004

When we say "best," we mean that Kazimierz has a shockingly large yet helpful and cleverly written wine list. We also mean that this tucked-away treasure in the Fifth Avenue area of Scottsdale has a swank décor that works well with large groups as well as intimate wine tastings for two. The food's great too, with selections like Egyptian flatbread pizzas, cheese platters, and chocolate truffle cake.

Readers' choice: Postino

Best ladies' night out

Sophie's French Bistro
2320 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix
602-956-8897

Men have their rib joints and sports bars; when it's just the girls, hit Sophie's French Bistro for an intimate meal and delicious food. There won't be a big-screen television in sight as you and your pals are treated to excellent service, elegant décor and to-die-for desserts.

Best place to hear live music

Dodge Theatre
400 W. Washington St., Phoenix
602-379-2800

There's a reason they filmed "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" at the Dodge Theatre: it's a great place for live performance. Dozens of high-profile artists have performed at Dodge Theatre since it opened in 2002, including Tony Bennett, The Pixies, Prince and The Moody Blues. Great acoustics and an eye-catching design work well with virtually every performer. Upcoming shows include Clay Aiken, Bill Cosby and B.B. King.

Best place for karaoke

Giligin's
4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale 480-874-2264

You may not think a beach shack would fit in among the slick clubs and bars of Scottsdale, but we'd take great food, an eclectic crowd and a fun beach theme over strict dress codes and overpriced martinis any day of the week. There's always something going on at Giligin's and most of it's weird, from goldfish racing to spinning a wheel of misfortune. Karaoke night is always high-energy, with eager bar patrons belting out their favorite tunes for the boisterous crowd.

Best spot for some laughs

Tempe Improv
930 E. University Drive, Tempe
480-921-9877

Believe it or not, we have a world-class comedy club right here in the Valley. Tons of big names have visited the club, including Richard Lewis, Bill Bellamy, Richard Jeni, Kevin Pollack, Dave Attell and many, many more. The Improv also has a full dinner menu and bar, making it the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry.

Best movie theater

Harkins Camelview 5
7001 E. Highland Ave., Scottsdale
480-947-8778

Looking for mindless mainstream cinema? Look elsewhere. Harkins Camelview 5 is one of the few places in the Valley to find foreign, independent and limited-release movies, and Friday and Saturday nights find the place packed with cinema buffs out for an evening's entertainment. When the credits roll, you're conveniently located near a wide variety of Scottsdale nightlife.

Readers' choice: Harkins Scottsdale 101

Best place to see a play

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
602-254-7399

This downtown Phoenix institution is home to no less than four of the Valley's outstanding performing arts companies: Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theatre, Center Dance Ensemble and Childsplay. There's always some-thing going on at the Herberger: the center hosts about 450 productions per year, plus youth outreach programs, art exhibits and more.

Readers' choice: Grady Gammage Auditorium

Best coffeehouse

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Nine Phoenix locations

Coffeehouse aficionados can have as much trouble finding a place that suits them as Goldilocks had finding the best porridge. Luckily, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf gets it just right: a hip, relaxed atmosphere and a huge menu of creative drink selections like the Ice Blended line of flavored coffee creations.

KidsKids

Best b'nai mitzvah clothing store

Boys: Thaku's Mens Wear
4320 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-947-7070
16055 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive Phoenix

Girls: Nordstrom
Scottsdale Fashion Square, 480-946-4111

After years of planning, the big day is finally here. Make sure the bar mitzvah looks snazzy on the bimah with a suit from Thaku's Mens Wear. Thaku's carries a wide variety of boys' dressy clothing, and the selection for Dad is great too. For the bat mitzvah, Nordstrom's is one-stop shopping for elegant, stylish clothes and accessories.

Best indoor activity

Makutu's Island
6919 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-893-0106

If only there had been places like this when we were growing up. Alas, it's the younger generation that gets to reap the benefits of Makutu's Island, an indoor play center certain to tire out even the most energetic youngster. Kids can romp through the Big Banana Tree, an enormous 25-foot tree filled with tunnels and slides; win prizes and play games in the Inferno arcade room; explore the nooks and crannies of the Pirates' Den and much more.

Readers' choice: AZ on the Rocks

Best outdoor activity

Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, 602-273-1341

Coyotes and tarantulas and javelinas - oh my! The Phoenix Zoo has an amazing collection of animals from all over the globe, but don't forget the Arizona Trail, the part of the zoo that features local fauna. The zoo, which was recently named one of Child Magazine's top five zoos in the country for kids and families, has numerous opportunities for an up-close-and-personal zoo experience, including watching demonstrations with zookeepers and petting animals at Harmony Farm.

Best way to cool off in the summer

Big Surf
500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480-947-7873

It's July, it's 110 degrees in the shade, and the kids' sneakers are melting. Before you spontaneously combust, head to Big Surf water park in north Tempe. The kids will go crazy for 20 acres of twisting, turning waterslides, speed slides, play areas and a wave pool. In between rides, check out the snack bar and ice cream parlor.

Best place to take the kids for the night

Gameworks
Arizona Mills, 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
480-839-4263

We'll let you in on a little secret: You might have as much fun at Gameworks as your kids do. This two-level tribute to electronic fun features the best of the old and the new, including virtual reality games, driving games, dancing games, air hockey, whack-a-mole, Skee Ball and much, much more. For those of us born before 1990, there's a treasure trove of old-school arcade games, including Donkey Kong, Pac-Man and Galaga. When you're done playing, retire upstairs to the restaurant or - if you come back without the kids - the bar.

Best restaurant for kids

5 & Diner
Nine Valley locations

It doesn't really matter that the little ones are far too young to have heard of sock hops, President Eisenhower or Elvis Presley. They'll still have a ball at 5 & Diner, a '50s-style casual restaurant famous for cheery red-and-silver décor, tableside jukeboxes and mouth-watering milkshakes. The menu is large and filled with tried-and-true kid-friendly items: hamburgers, grilled cheese, chicken strips and more. You'll be transported down memory lane; the kids will just enjoy themselves.

Best kid-friendly restaurant for adults

Chuy's Mesquite Broiler
Seven Valley locations

Don't let your kids grow up thinking Taco Bell is Mexican food; start them out early with tasty south-of-the-border grub from Chuy's Mesquite Broiler. The simple Baja-style food includes lots of dishes that are easy on young taste buds: burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and more. Plus, the bright fiesta décor appeals to all ages.

Readers' choice: Red Robin

Staff Writer Stephanie N. Henschel, Managing Editor Leisah Namm and Associate Editor Deborah Sussman Susser contributed to this report.

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