Comic themed burgers to concept bars: Your guide to dining at Desert Ridge Marketplace
Desert Ridge Marketplace opened in Phoenix in 2001 and has since become known as an exciting, family-friendly outdoor shopping mall with plenty of food and entertainment. And it's continued to evolve, with some major changes introduced this year.
In January, the outdoor marketplace and entertainment destination introduced the Sip and Stroll program, which allows customers to order alcoholic beverages from bars and take them to-go as they shop in designated areas.
Since then, the dining options have expanded with at least five new restaurants opened in the last six months and another half dozen coming soon.
Here's a look at all the restaurants and bar options at Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix.
Details: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com.
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Artichoke Basille's Pizza
This New York-based pizza joint opened its third Valley location in November 2022 at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Choose between traditional pepperoni or margherita pizzas or a slice of one of Artichoke Basille's signature crab, artichoke or vodka pies.
Details: 480-247-8660. artichokepizza.com.
Backyard (Coming Soon)
With locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Backyard is an indoor/outdoor adult amusement bar and grill serving burgers, sandwiches and cocktails. Guests are encouraged to bring their furry friends along, too.
The Desert Ridge location is expected to open in 2024.
Details: backyardusa.com/phoenix. @backyardphx on Instagram.
Barrio Queen
Barrio Queen is known for cochinita pibil, chile en nogada, fresh guacamole, hand-pressed tortillas and house-made salsa.
Details: 480-466-7445, barrioqueen.com.
BJ's Brewhouse
The Desert Ridge Marketplace outpost of this microbrewery chain serves beer, burgers, steak and dessert pizookies (pizza cookies).
Details: 480-538-0555, bjsrestaurants.com.
Breakfast Kitchen Bar
Breakfast Kitchen Bar offers brunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day. The menu includes omelets, benedicts, French toast, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers and brunch bowls. They also have an entire section of the menu dedicated to keto-friendly options, including breakfast pizzas, a spicy egg white chicken scramble and blackened salmon.
Details: 480-597-3887, breakfastkitchenbar.com.
Cafe Zupas
The national chain offers soups, salads and sandwiches, plus a "secret menu" featuring a BBQ brisket sandwich, creamy tomato soup and brisket stroganoff.
Details: 480-339-8038, cafezupas.com.
Cartel Roasting Co.
Tempe-born coffee shop Cartel Roasting Co. opened its ninth Valley location at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The shop sells espresso and filter coffee, tea and dishes like a poblano and potato burrito, confetti donut and chia pudding. You can also buy bags of coffee and merchandise at this location.
Details: cartelroasting.co.
Chipotle
Chipotle is located on the south side of Desert Ridge Marketplace near Target and Nekter Juice Bar.
Details: 480-473-5019, chipotle.com.
Coldstone Creamery
Coldstone Creamery, located near the splash pad and It's Sugar candy store, serves customizable ice cream and signature cakes.
Details: 480-585-7952, coldstonecreamery.com.
ComicX
The only U.S. location of the Mexico-based, comic book-themed restaurant is located at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The menu includes a "Hen Solo" sandwich made with chicken, pickles and smoky aioli, and character-themed cocktails such as the "Harley Gin" made with either gin or vodka, passion fruit syrup, lemonade and a Luxardo cherry.
The entire restaurant is decorated with comic book and movie memorabilia, from life-sized statues of characters like the Joker and Batman to a seating area that looks like the inside of a Star Wars ship, making for endless photo ops.
Details: 480-306-6780, @comicxusa on Instagram.
Copper Blues Live
One side of Copper Blues is dedicated to the restaurant, which serves pizzas, burgers and small bites like chicken wings, truffle fries, brussels sprouts and drunken hot dogs. The other side of Copper Blues is dedicated to hosting live events such as music and stand-up comedy.
Signature cocktails (which can now be taken to-go) include the Champagne Supernova with Tanqueray gin, elderflower, aperol, lemon and orange bitters and prosecco, and the Kickstart My Heart made with Deep Eddy vodka, Red Bull, fresh citrus juice and a vanilla cordial.
Details: 602-910-5161, cblive.com.
CupBop
You might remember Cupbop's owners Junghun Song and Dok Kwon from season 13, episode 21 of "Shark Tank." The nationally popular "Korean BBQ in a cup" restaurant is located on the east side of the shopping center near AMC Theaters.
Details: 602-727-7403, cupbop.com.
Dave & Buster's
The all-ages arcade and bowling alley serves wings, burgers, grilled salmon, parmesan chicken, ribs, truffle fries and pretzel dogs. The extensive drinks menu includes a variety of beers, wines and spirits, plus specialty cocktails like a strawberry watermelon margarita, smoky mezcal bloody mary and a chocolate bourbon milkshake.
Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Details: 480-538-8956, daveandbusters.com.
Dirty Dough
Dirty Dough, known for its "super-stuffed cookie bombs," opened its third Arizona location in February at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Two additional locations are set to open later this year in Phoenix and Tucson.
Details: 602-293-3122, dirtydoughcookies.com.
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Einstein Brothers Bagels
Located in the northwest corner of the shopping center near Albertsons, Einstein Brothers serves fresh-baked gourmet bagels, egg sandwiches, cookies, muffins, smoothies, juices and coffee.
Details: 480-585-3920, einsteinbros.com.
Fat Tuesday (Coming Soon)
The New Orleans-based restaurant and bar is best known for its frozen cocktails, specifically the 190 Octane made with Everclear and orange juice and the Hurricane made with Meyers rum, light rum, Amaretto fruit punch and a lime wedge. The food menu includes paninis, pizza and small bites.
The Desert Ridge location is set to open in the summer of 2023.
Details: fattuesdayaz.com.
Flower Child
Flower Child's mission is to make everything from scratch using fresh ingredients. The health-focused menu includes crushed avocado toast, organic strawberry and roasted beet salad, chicken yakisoba noodles and a vegan "Thai dye" wrap made with spicy tofu, Thai basil, avocado, carrots, daikon radish, cilantro and snap peas. Make your own meal by choosing a protein and two sides such as smashed gold potatoes or gluten-free mac and cheese.
Details: iamaflowerchild.com.
Fly Bye
Fly Bye, the to-go only pizza restaurant from Fox Restaurant Concepts, is located in the northwest corner of Desert Ridge Marketplace near Albertsons. Pizza options include black truffle mushroom, BBQ chicken, artichoke pesto and crispy chicken parmesan. Fly Bye also offers hoagies and chopped salads.
Details: 602-351-5150, flybyetogo.com.
Foley Ranch (Coming Soon)
Foley Ranch is described on Desert Ridge's website as "the soon-to-be hottest country bar in Phoenix." No menu information has been shared yet, but the bar will be located on the west side between BJ’s Brewhouse and ComicX.
The new country bar is expected to open in the fall of 2023.
Details: foleyranch.com.
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In-n-Out Burger
The drive-thru burger and milkshake joint is located at the northwest corner of Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Details: 1-800-786-1000, in-n-out.com.
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
Islands offers gourmet burgers such as the Longboarder with Thousand Island dressing, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, onion and tomato; the Bleunami with Bleu cheese dressing, lettuce, tomato, red onion and bleu cheese crumbles; and the Kilauea with Jalapeño and a black pepper-crusted burger topped with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and fried onions.
Details: 480-513-7231, islandsrestaurants.com.
It's Sugar
It's Sugar is a whimsical candy store specializing in rare sweets like giant gummy bears, cereal boxes full of sour gummy worms and surprise snack boxes packed with treats from Japan or Mexico. The store also sells gag gifts.
Details: 480-513-1902, itsugar.com.
Jimmy Johns
Jimmy Johns sells fresh subs and wraps. The Desert Ridge location is on the east side near AMC Theaters.
Details: 480-321-8052, jimmyjohns.com.
Jin Jia (Coming Soon)
Jin Jia is being billed as an elevated Chinese restaurant from HL Concepts. It will be located on the west side of The District near Barnes & Noble.
No set opening date has been revealed yet, but the restaurant is expected to open in late 2023.
Details: jinjiausa.com.
Kona Grill (Coming Soon)
Menu highlights at Kona Grill include sweet chili glazed salmon, macadamia nut chicken, NY strip steak, poke bowls and signature sushi rolls. The new location is set to open on the west side of the marketplace in 2023.
Details: konagrill.com.
Majerle's Sports Grill
Owned by former NBA All-Star Dan Majerle, the sports grill's menu features Slam Dunk shrimp, Majerle's tacos, Book's BBQ sammie and Murph's mac and cheese burger.
Details: 480-585-4999, majerles.com.
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Mimi's Cafe
Mimi's Cafe is a New American restaurant chain that serves sandwiches, burgers and entrees like chicken pot pie, coastal shrimp pasta, jambalaya and chicken cheddar mac. The grand breakfast includes two eggs, your choice of sausage and either pain perdu with mixed berries, malted waffles, brioche or cinnamon roll French toast or buttermilk griddlecakes.
Details: 480-419-5006, mimiscafe.com.
Nautical Bowls (Coming Soon)
Nautical Bowls is a health-focused concept offering acai bowls that are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based and soy-free. Customers can choose a signature bowl like the Sunrise —made with blue majik, pitaya, granola, banana, strawberries and honey — or a build-your-own custom bowl.
The franchise will open another Arizona location in Tempe in 2024. The Desert Ridge location is expected to open in 2023.
Details: nauticalbowls.com.
Nekter Juice Bar
Nekter Juice Bar serves handcrafted acai bowls, smoothies, fresh juices and cleanses. Nekter is located in the southwest corner of the marketplace, next to Target.
Details: 480-508-4458, nekterjuicebar.com.
Panda Express
Panda Express is located on the east side of The District near the splash pad and AMC Theaters.
Details: 480-502-8399, pandaexpress.com.
Port of Subs
Port of Subs offers 18 different options of classic subs; hot subs like a gourmet grilled cheese, buffalo chicken melt and meatball marinara; a turkey bacon ranch or grilled chicken caesar wrap; fresh salads; sides including macaroni salad, potato salad and cookies; and for breakfast, either the smoked ham, turkey sausage or peppered bacon, egg and cheese sub.
Details: 480-502-7962, portofsubs.com.
ShareTea
Originally established in Taiwan, ShareTea offers freshly brewed milk tea, fruit tea, ice-blended teas and non-alcoholic tea mojitos. Any tea can be upgraded with the addition of red bean, pudding, aloe vera, lychee jelly, boba pearls or herb jelly.
Details: 602-800-7869, 1992sharetea.com.
Sid's Garage
The first Arizona location of Sid's Garage is located on the east side of The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Sid's makes its burger patties with a half-pound wagyu and black Angus blend. The restaurant also serves scratch-made bloody marys and boozy shakes including the Midnight Munchies with fruity pebbles, vanilla ice cream and brown butter and the Southern Belle with maple, caramel, peach jam and vanilla ice cream.
Details: 623-335-1233, sidsgarage.com.
Sizzle
At Sizzle Korean BBQ, choose your meat and cook it yourself on a traditional Korean grill at the table. Each beef or pork platter is served with traditional side dishes, salad and a steamed egg.
Details: 480-265-9406, sizzlekoreanbbq.com.
Slices
Slices offers New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pizzas, plus calzones and salads. Unique pizza flavors include garlic herb chicken, mac and cheese, potato bacon, smoked mushroom and Colby Monterey garlic. The restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free pizzas and crustless keto bowls.
Details: 480-513-1861, slicesdesertridge.com.
Smoothie King
As the name suggests, Smoothie King offers an array of smoothies, from energizing smoothies blended with coffee to traditional fruit smoothies and every option in between. Smoothie King is located in the northeast corner near Albertsons.
Details: 480-502-7962, smoothieking.com.
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food's first Arizona location is now open at Desert Ridge Marketplace near the splash pad and AMC theaters. House favorites include "doquitos," or Mediterranean taquitos; Berliner fries topped with Berliner red sauce, tzatziki sauce, cabbage, carrot slaw, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, corn and pepperoncini; and a doner basket, which includes a salad and fries topped with a protein of your choice, tzatziki, feta, pepperoncini, onion, green pepper, cucumber, tomato, crispy garbanzo, falafel ball, olives, fried pita and hummus.
Details: 213-613-0101, spitz-restaurant.com.
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar offers high-quality sirloins, filets and prime rib steaks, pistachio-crusted king salmon and a lobster tail dinner. Other menu highlights include chicken and BBQ pork ribs, Mediterranean cauliflower and a Keg burger.
Details: 480-419-7772, thekeg.com.
The Whining Pig and Pigtails
The Whining Pig bar offers a limited food menu of grilled cheese sandwiches and meat and cheese plates. They also offer a large selection of wines and over 125 craft beers.
Its sister concept Pigtails is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located inside the same building. No password is required to enter the speakeasy.
Details: 480-500-5358, thewhiningpig.com.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
Thirsty Lion Gastropub offers burgers like the BBQ white cheddar burger or the jalapeno pepper jack burger, clam chowder or beer cheese soup, Baja fish tacos, smoked pork ramen, spicy sausage mac, and Gochujang BBQ pork and kimchi fried rice. Brunch is available on weekends starting at 10 a.m.
Details: 480-419-5070, thirstyliongastropub.com/arizona.
Tikka Shack
Located on the east side of The District, Tikka Shack serves Indian cuisine including tikka masala, samosas, southern curry and kabob bowls.
Details: 602-354-8800, tikkashack.com.
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Yard House
Yard House mains include steaks and chops, fontina vodka penne, cilantro lime chicken, Nashville hot chicken and pancakes, lobster garlic noodles, spicy jambalaya and spicy beef garlic noodles. Other menu items include pizzas, half-pound burgers and tacos.
Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. to close Sundays through Thursdays.
Details: 480-563-9273, yardhouse.com.
Yonutz (Coming Soon)
Yonutz is opening its first Arizona dessert shop at Desert Ridge in Phoenix later this summer. The "outrageous doughnut ice cream sandwich shop" offers regular and mini doughnuts, ice cream, Smashed doughnuts and Smashed milkshakes.
The "Smashed doughnut" is a doughnut cut in half, stuffed with ice cream, hot pressed and served with a variety of toppings.
The Desert Ridge location is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023.
Details: yonutz.com.
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix restaurant guide: Italian to BBQ at Desert Ridge Marketplace
