The Best of Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix
Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix, Arizona is easily one of the most exciting spots in the city. This walkable arts district is filled with trendy restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and great spots to grab a drink. And all of this is set against the backdrop of colorful street art on seemingly every building. I’m breaking down all of the best restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and things to do in this incredible part of the city.
This is your guide to all of the best spots in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix.
Where is Roosevelt Row?
Roosevelt Row is an area of downtown Pheonix centered around Roosevelt Street. It also encompasses the surrounding area, stretching north to south approximately from I-10 to Fillmore Street and east to west from 7th Ave to 16th Street.
FIRST FRIDAYS
On the first Friday of every month from about 6pm-10pm, Roosevelt Street hosts open gallery exhibits, pop-up markets, live music, and food trucks. The Phoenix Art Museum also offers free entry during select hours. As you might expect, this event is a huge draw every month, so expect crowds.
Getting Around Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix
Roosevelt Row is very walkable. Roosevelt Street, in particular, is lined with great places to stop, so it’s easy to hop from one place to the next. If you want to cover a little more distance, there are e-scooters and bike rentals available through Lime and Spin.
Street parking is available, but it can fill up quickly. Plan to park once and then spend the majority of the time exploring on foot. Some areas are metered, but you won’t need to pay much, if anything, for parking.
Best Places to Eat in Roosevelt Row
BRUNCH
Matt’s Big Breakfast
This is the spot for brunch in Phoenix. The restaurant is open daily from 7am-2pm, and it’s best to come early. Expect a long wait during peak hours any day of the week. They offer both scratch-made breakfast and lunch menus, but breakfast is what people come here for.
Welcome Diner
The biscuits are the star of the show at Welcome Diner. If you can’t make it for weekend brunch, stop by for lunch or dinner to grab a chicken and biscuit sandwich (or any of their other Southern-inspired dishes).
LUNCH & DINNER
Taco Chelo
Taco Chelo is the perfect representation of Roosevelt Row. As a collaboration between chef and artist, it’s where incredible food meets artistically designed interiors. This is a must-stop in Roosevelt Row!
Taco Boy’s
Taco Boy’s was featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. The meat here comes from the owner’s family butcher shop, and the big draw is the salsa and veggie bar that lets you create your own perfect taco.
The Churchill
This food hall is made up of converted shipping containers centered around a shared outdoor courtyard. Along with a number of great food options, you’ll also find a few local shops and a bar.
Farish House
Farish House lovingly crafts French-inspired meals served up in an adorable red-brick cottage. They also offer full-course afternoon tea. Not something you might expect to find in Phoenix!
CIBO
This is the go-to spot for housemade, fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The restored 1913 building, complete with a fireplace, is such a cozy setting as well. Perfect for those chilly desert evenings!
First & Last
This trendy spot is focused on the ingredients. High-quality, seasonal ingredients lend themselves to the menu of seafood, pasta, and meat dishes here. The drinks are amazing as well!
Best Places to Drink in Roosevelt Row
COFFEE
FUTURO
Housed in the Palabra building, the minimal and modern design really stands out. Luckily, the coffee stands out just as much. A few baked goods and house-crafted dishes are available as well.
Songbird Coffee & Tea House
The space here is cozy and eclectic, with a primary focus on good coffee and tea. True to the Roosevelt Row spirit, Songbird often hosts musicians, artists, poets, and storytellers. They offer breakfast sandwiches and house-made pastries as well, including some gluten-free and vegan options.
LIBATIONS
Greenwood Brewing
This woman-owned brewery has a solid selection of flagships along with an ever-rotating list of experimental brews. The taproom is on the smaller side, but it’s beautiful.
Rough Rider
This spot also serves up Southern-style comfort food, but I love it for the cocktail bar. Rough Rider is inspired by the fashions, fare, and libations of the late 19th Century. The Old World inspiration makes for a beautiful space and an excellent menu.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing
This outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot to relax with a brew. There are always a ton of beers on tap here, so a flight might be the way to go if you can’t decide. They also have a tasty food menu, including a separate vegan menu.
Palma | Ghost Donkey | Châm Pang Lanes
If you’re looking for a late-night spot, these are the go-tos. With booming music in the evenings, they’re definitely more of a nightclub vibe rather than a place for an intimate night out. They’re all part of a 3-in-1 concept, but each has its own space and aesthetic theme. Palma is engulfed in palm trees and offers indoor and outdoor seating, Ghost Donkey is a neon-clad tequila bar, and Châm Pang Lanes has an Asian flair with duck pin bowling.
Best Things to Do in Roosevelt Row
Hunt for murals
You won’t have to go far to discover a new mural in Roosevelt Row. They’re everywhere! The best example might be the 1/2 St Mural Project which you can find tucked away in an alley behind The Churchhill.
Peruse the shops and galleries
Roosevelt Row is filled with art galleries and small local boutiques. As you walk around the neighborhood, take a moment to pop in anywhere that catches your eye. My favorite shop is Phoenix General inside of Monorchid Gallery on Roosevelt Street.
Japanese Friendship Garden
This serene garden provides a welcome oasis in the city. It includes a stroll garden, teahouse, tea garden, stone garden, and courtyard garden.
With so much to see, eat, and do, Roosevelt Row is a must-visit during your trip to Phoenix! You could easily spend a weekend just exploring this arts district.
Is there anything you would add to this list of the best places in Roosevelt Row? Let everyone know in the comments below.
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