Thrillist picks the best new restaurants in Phoenix

PHOENIX — It’s always easy to go eat where you know what the food is like.

The food there may just be mediocre, but you are happy enough with it. But what are you missing out on because you won’t eat somewhere new?

Thanks to Thrillist, now you know exactly what you could be sinking your teeth into instead, as they named the best new restaurants in Phoenix from 2016.

Technically these are from the Phoenix area, since a few are from Scottsdale, but all of them are just a short drive away.

From Phoenix, MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails, Buck & Rider, CRUjiente Tacos, Stock & Stable and Lou Malnati’s Pizzaeria were all named some of the best new places to try in the Valley.

MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails

Housed inside chic, new FOUND:RE Phoenix boutique hotel, MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails offers an eclectic, globally inspired menu and is centered around a wood-fired oven. The diverse menu, features several different kinds of pizzas, salads, salmon, and a lobster bisque. MATCH also has an extensive and unique cocktail menu, along with local beers and wines. Try the Purple Rain, which is made with local beet, black balsam, black currant, sparkling wine, and lemon.

Buck & Rider

You might have given up on finding top quality seafood in Phoenix, but Buck & Rider will be your saving grace. Seafood is flown in each day to create dishes such as the Thai Style King Crab Salad, made with avocado, mango, peanuts, and cilantro, and the Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna Burger with avocado. The upscale, beach house-inspired restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Stop by for happy hour Monday through Saturday from 11 am- 7 pm, for deals on drinks and items from the oyster bar.

CRUjiente Tacos

CRUjiente Tacos opened in November and is reimagining Mexican classic street tacos in a modern Latin dining experience. Menu items include bold and flavorful seasonal soups, guacamole, and tacos. Don’t miss out on the the pork belly taco, which is topped with kimchee, cilantro, and Sriracha aioli. A signature cocktail menu is heavily focused on mescal, tequila, and bourbon. Guests can also purchase high-end spirits and keep the bottles in one of the restaurant’s 14 lockers for future visits.

Stock & Stable

Housed in an ornately renovated 1950s building, Stock & Stable is a modern American gastropub offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as an impressive happy hour. For dinner, guests can look forward to a selection of appetizers, pastas, salads, sandwiches and classic entrees like blackened salmon and braised short rib. The salami board is another menu staple, featuring jalapeño salami, soppressata, noble bread and sour cherry spread. Pair your meal with a cocktail or two, or opt for an entire pitcher of tequila, grapefruit and violet liquors.

Lou Malnati’s is a popular Chicago-based piemaker that opened its first location in Phoenix in May. The one in the Valley marked their first out-of-state location, but they have plans to open eight more locations in the Phoenix area.

The other five spots on Thrillist’s list are all in Scottsdale; BLK Live, Hash Kitchen, Crab & Mermaid, Fat Ox and Farm & Craft.

BLK Live

With a name inspired by the highest quality beef in the United States, it only makes sense that BLK Live has some of the best burgers in Scottsdale. The BBQ Stuffed Burger is slathered with Sailor Jerry’s BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and fried onions, while the BLK Classic ups the ante on a burger with quality toppings. In addition to its delicious menu of classic comfort foods, BLK Live has a concert hall and a poolside lounge that host live music Wednesdays through Sundays.

Hash Kitchen

Scottsdale’s beloved Hash Kitchen has opened a new location farther north. This creative brunch spot serves up whimsical menu items, including Oreo Cookie Pancakes and the Nutella and Banana French Toast. There’s even a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar to boot. The fun, hip décor and DJ sets will surely elevate your weekend brunch from a dining experience to a party.

Crab & Mermaid

This spring, Crab & Mermaid opened its doors and changed the seafood landscape in Old Town Scottsdale forever. The causal, beach-themed spot offers an assortment of appetizers, like the New England Clam Chowda’ and the Buffalo Jumbo Shrimp, as well as tacos, bowls and a variety of entrees such as the Alaskan King Crab Plate and the Fish N’ Chips. Stop by on Tuesdays for all day happy hour featuring $2 oysters, $4 draft beers and $5 craft cocktails.

Fat Ox

Phoenix native and renowned chef Matt Carter  — the mastermind behind The Mission, Zinc Bistro, and The House Brasserie — has opened Fat Ox in November. The upscale Italian restaurant focuses on serving simple, yet filling dishes like the Dry Aged Prime Porterhouse, Hokkaido Scallops, and Scottish Salmon. The food is complimented by an extensive wine menu and classic Italian sweets like cannoli, tiramisu, and olive oil cake.

Farm & Craft

Farm & Craft offers a new approach to healthy eating with a seasonal menu that aims to encourage an anti-inflammatory diet, increase probiotic levels, maintain high levels of antioxidants, and reduce stress with sustainable, gluten-free, organic and hormone-free ingredients. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as fresh pressed juices, kombucha, organic sodas, and even healthy cocktails. Make your body and your mind happy with a Happy Apple Bourbon, made with Four Roses bourbon, local honey, apple and ginger juice.

So if you’re are tired at eating at the same place time and time again, check out one of these new locations, and see if experimenting pays off.

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