It's been open for a couple of weeks at this point. I really like the location, it has a very nice vibe inside, but parking may be an issue.

I went to Blue Adobe just last week and was overall pretty pleased. I had a great blue crab enchilada (for a restaurant in AZ that's supposed to be based on New Mexican food, I thought it was odd that they had a lot of seafood on the menu, but my order was good) and I think it's a very solid choice for a MAC dinner.

Weather and Coffee is easily better. Anna Bean's still needs a new beans supplier/roaster, but I would consider it better than Starbucks.

Not too far out of your way is perennial fave Chino Bandido - Chinese food served in Mexican food. Sounds crazy but you said you were adventurous. Actually, the most adventurous part of getting food from this place is the restaurant itself: not particularly clean. The food's good though, certainly worth a trip if you're interested.

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Chino Bandido
15414 N 19th Ave Ste K, Phoenix, AZ 85023

Kincaid's downtown has a pretty great happy hour. 1/2 off appetizers till 6. Nothing too great but still worth hitting up, just (apparently) not on game nights.

I don't know if these places have gotten mention yet but I frequent Weather and Coffee on Bell and the 51 and Anna Bean's Coffee and Gelato on Union Hills and 32nd St. in NE Phoenix. Neither place has great coffee, but at least it's not Starbucks...

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Weather & Coffee
3607 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032

I wanted to chime in on Kincaid's. I visited their happy hour (half off appetizers) during the AZ Auto Show and thought it was really good value, particularly the Classic Sampler (Teriyaki Tenderloin was amazing) and the Meatloaf Sliders were good as well. I had the wings, which I really enjoyed.

PB is quite simply an amazing culinary experience. I understand if you don't have time to wait more than once a month or so, but for incredible food like Chris dishes up, in the atmosphere of Bianco's, makes it very worthwhile. Plus, this time of year, the wait is far from onerous.
When I was there last week, Jerry Colangelo showed up for a beer and a chat with Chris.

Tried Shane's finally - I got the same sandwich. A bit dry, but good flavor. The mac & cheese was standout, though.

I just realized which Mexican place you guys have been talking about. We go to Roberto's a couple times a month - great food, never disappoints (I've never been in there, as a caveat)

Finally tried L&L's seafood combo - really good.

I went on a Tuesday night in June, missed first seating and had to wait, but hurried (a crime, I know) and was back in N. Phoenix by 7:15 if I remember correctly. Point is, you can get through PB pretty quickly, once you're seated in the magical building. (and if you've no objection to rushing an epiphany of a meal)
Too bad they're closed for another 11 days...

Do you have lots of money/time? Kai is close to an hour and a half north of Tucson, so it may not be a good choice for your friends, but it'll make you drive as well, so you shouldn't feel too guilty.

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Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa
N Iron Horse Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086

I go to this place on occasion as well. Has a drive through, which is helpful.

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Weather & Coffee
3607 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032

L&L's is actually quite good. How's Shane's Rib Shack?
I just started working in this area and we definitely need more lunch options.

Julio's Too! The Devil's Annex is gone, but there is/will be soon something else in it's place, not sure what.

Seftel noted that there are a few restaurants opening at Westgate. Among them, the excellent coffee bar Mokarabia, which also has a location out at Verrado, on Main Street. Great coffee.

Great to hear! I'd love to get down there again, when I went to Pizzeria Bianco in June the place was literally deserted. Granted, it was early on a Tuesday night in June downtown. Do you still recommend a reservation for more normal hours?

I've enjoyed Carly's Bistro, at Roosevelt and about 2nd St. http://carlysbistro.com/

The "wine and espresso place" looked pretty interesting, at least the architect's renders looked nice. Can't wait.
Personally, a friend and I went to Fez on a Tuesday evening recently, and both of us were satisfied.