The Tastiest Comfort Food in Phoenix

Republica Empanada

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1057) • $$

"I've had this spot bookmarked for years and finally visited recently. It helped that I had seen Keith Lee's review and was going to be in Mesa. We arrived around 7 on Friday night and it was busy - folks dining in, waiting to order, and hanging out on the patio with the DJ.We ordered a variety of empanadas: el capitán, elote (2), jalapeño potato popper (2), mushroom & chicken, republica chicken, and two dessert ones: dizzy fig and Nutella & banana. We were quoted a wait time of 40 minutes so we walked around the area, but our food was prepared in less time.I love that they were in labeled bags and hot and fresh. They come with a green salsa that's pretty tasty. Our favorites were the elote and Jalapeño popper - lots of flavor. I liked the addition of olives to the mushroom & chicken and the El Capitán but I wish there was more than one in each. The dizzy fig was too sweet for our liking but I'm glad we tried it. And the Nutella & banana was solid but could've used another flavor like cinnamon.Overall this place has great vibes, friendly staff, and a strong love for the city of Mesa. I would come back to support them!"

Tryst Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (635) • $$

"My buddy and I wanted someplace healthy shortly after lunch on a Sunday. It was busy but not so busy that we had to wait for a table. The server was patient and attentive. He had some strong recommendations, which is always appreciated, as I rarely order by looking at the menu.I had the Ahi Tuna Melt and it was pretty good. I personally would have appreciated some jalapeños, or hot peppers.They had a relatively large selection of healthy-type foods. I say "healthy-type" because they looked healthy-ish but I haven't tried them, yet, so I don't know.I could definitely see going back!!"

Ranch House Grille

★★★★☆ 4 (448) • $$

"Breakfast here with a friend who recommended it. Was directed to choose a table, and ordered coffee.We both decided on Chicken fried steak, eggs over medium, hash browns and toast.Within a reasonable time, food arrived. Large, CFS, covered in the right amount of nice gravy. Big portion of crisped hash browns. Perfectly cooked eggs, and hot toast.Doesn't get much better than this!Definitely has the old school ambience of a family owned diner. Server was okay. Food was fresh, plentiful and priced right. If in the area, would eat here again."

Famous 48

★★★★☆ 3.9 (237) • $$

"I've been here a few times over the years, and it suits the bill for a neighborhood sports bar and restaurant. The have a large bar and indoor and patio dining with plenty of TVs.I really like their chicken nachos. The beer selection is good and Church Music or Tower Station IPAs are always a good call. On this last visit my friend enjoyed his Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic IPA."

Country Boys Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (218) • $$

"Third time here for breakfast , every time wonderful service and great food . I've seen the negative reviews and doubt how genuine they are , every place has a problem day or two , so I take it as I see it . The chicken fried steak omelet is huge cheesy and great along with a giant square of crispy hash browns , biscuits and gravy were perfect as well , I will always suggest this place first for some real down home American cooking , I wish them more business comes daily"

Ironwood American Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (128) • $$

"Came here for lunch as my hotel room comes with $32 breakfast voucher. Brunch is $26 per person, which is good enough to cover fo my breakfast. There are a lot of selections. My favorite were smoke salmon sandwich, chia seed pudding, and fruit yogurt. Food was tasty, and coffee was amazing (not sour). Will come back for breakfast again before I check-out.Service was fast, and my server was very friendly and attentive."

Aint Nicks Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (48) • $$

"So, after a long night out, we decided to look for a karaoke bar near our hotel. And let me tell you I am so glad we found this place !!From the outside it literally looks just like a biker bar , but you will find a super chill place to hang out inside!They have an outdoor bar games in the patio. They have pool tables. They have a great great indoor bar and of course karaoke. !Mike thank you so much for making us feel so welcomed!Everyone at the bar and in the other room areas or so friendly, and so welcoming that we will definitely be back !And don't forget the drinks were absolutely great !"

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (84)

"We rolled through the drive-thru here on our way to the Tanger Outlet Mall in Glendale. It was a half hour from where we were in Scottsdale. We had to get a quick something to quench our thirst and hopefully not pass out before we made it to the outlet, lol. When it's 116° outside, you better STAY hydrated!!So we got a fruit punch and Dole Whip. They hit the spot. I always start to feel a little lightheaded and dizzy if I'm in extreme heat, so a lil sugar fix usually gets me back out of grouch mode. Dole Whip is my jam, and the portion here was just right, and so is the price. I'd pay more than twice in CA, ughhh.Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is reminiscent of Ono and L&L. Idk if they're sister companies, but they serve the same type of dishes. If I come through this area again, I would dine inside to see if the food is legit. The service was great, and we were in and out in minutes. Thanks for coming to our rescue when we were severely parched! Be back soon!"

Make A Mac

★★★★☆ 3.9 (43)

"The service was quick and very very friendly, and the food was deliciously hot. The green chillies were absolute perfection and I want more already."

Salt & Sugar Taqueria

★★★★★ 4.6 (21)

"I've seen on the News of grand opening in Mesa of this cute aesthetic, pink tacos and pink glitter cookies. That's what drove me there with my friends . And the owner was so sweet to us and provided us details of what's coming soon to her menu . Gave us some great service . The detail in this restaurant was amazingly nice to have in Mesa . The cute heart pink straws and to the pastry. The carne asada seasoning tacos was on point . They even can let you take home the seasoning for your meat . And they have this great drink that is healthy and delicious for you . And prices are fair due to the love they put into their food . Great place for a girls day , or to drag your husband out for the support of your girly authentic picture to post with the pink lol . Definitely coming back again to try other things on their menu . Btw they sell pink tortillas to take home or the pastries ."

Macology

★★★☆☆ 2.5 (26)

"We just moved to Phoenix and this food truck came to our complex. I am glad we tried it out. Lobster Mac and cheese was delicious. Burnt ends and shrimp were also good. Brisket wasn't quite as good as the others, but was solid! Young lady at the counter was friendly and helpful!"