From neighborhood cafés to award-winning restaurants, Latino-owned food and drink spots are shaping the flavor of Phoenix. Rooted in heritage and fueled by innovation, these chefs, bakers, and baristas blend tradition with modern vision—building community and honoring culture through every meal, pastry, and pour. Together, they’re defining Phoenix as a city where culinary creativity and cultural pride thrive side by side.
Food and Beverage
Back to Top of ListBarrio Bagel & Slice
At Barrio Bagel & Slice, James Beard Award–winning baker Don Guerra brings his passion for community, craft, and Arizona-grown grains to Gilbert. Known for championing local farmers through his celebrated Barrio Bread in Tucson, Guerra’s latest venture blends that same spirit of connection with East Coast nostalgia — handmade bagels, naturally leavened dough, and New York–style slices that honor the land and people of Arizona. Each bite is a bridge between heritage and innovation, a celebration of local ingredients and timeless technique.
Futuro
Inside the light-filled space that also houses Palabra, a modern hair studio and gallery, you’ll find Futuro — the minimalist coffee bar founded by Jorge Torres. What began as a sleek espresso counter has evolved into one of downtown Phoenix’s most creative gathering spots. On any given night, Futuro transforms into a hub for art shows, DJ sets, and intimate concerts, blurring the lines between café, gallery, and cultural venue. Every drink is intentional, every detail considered — a reflection of Torres’s vision to build community through design, creativity, and coffee.
Chilte
Born from backyard pop-ups and bold vision, Chilte brings a fresh, fearless take on modern Mexican cuisine to Midtown Phoenix. Chef Lawrence Smith reimagines regional dishes through a contemporary lens, celebrating ingredients from across Mexico — from chiltepin to cacao — with heart, heat, and creativity. The energy is electric, the flavors unapologetic, and the menu ever-evolving, just like the city itself.
Bacanora
Chef René Andrade, 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest, brings Sonora’s heart to the desert table at Bacanora. Smoky, soulful, and authentic, his cooking captures the spirit of the borderlands. Whether it’s mesquite-grilled meats or chile-forward sauces, every dish tells a story of family, heritage, and the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Huarachis Taqueria
A new concept from Chef René Andrade, Huarachis Taqueria brings the bold, honest flavors of Sonoran street food to Roosevelt Row. The menu celebrates simplicity and soul — tacos filled with mesquite-grilled meats, housemade salsas, and tortillas crafted with care. It’s casual, lively, and rooted in community — the kind of place where every bite feels like a love letter to the Sonoran Desert.
Centrico
Located at the heart of Hotel San Carlos, Centrico brings vibrant Sonoran and Mexican flavors to downtown Phoenix. The restaurant celebrates authentic ingredients and regional recipes, reimagined with a modern twist. From tacos and ceviche to mezcal-forward cocktails, every dish is a nod to heritage, crafted with care and Phoenix pride.
Fair Trade Cafe
A downtown Phoenix staple, Fair Trade Cafe lives up to its tagline — Coffee with a Conscience. Owned by Stephanie Vasquez, the café sources ethically grown coffee and serves a menu that reflects the diversity of the neighborhood it calls home. Known for its coffee and matcha flights, Fair Trade invites guests to explore flavor, texture, and craft in each pour. Beyond the drinks, it’s also a cultural hub — hosting DJ sets, community gatherings, and art events that celebrate Phoenix’s creative energy. Warm, welcoming, and purposeful, Fair Trade isn’t just a coffee shop — it’s a movement.
Malegría Cafe
Located in Phoenix’s Grand Avenue Arts District, Malegría Cafe is a patio café and restaurant serving a menu inspired by owner Ruan Serrano’s Mexican, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan roots. The all-outdoor space captures the spirit of community — bright, breezy, and full of life — where guests can enjoy espresso drinks, Latin-inspired dishes, and the easy flow of conversation beneath the desert sky. True to its name, Malegría — meaning “my joy” — radiates warmth and cultural pride, offering a vibrant outdoor gathering place that feels uniquely Phoenix.
Xolo Coffee
Named for the sacred Xoloitzcuintli, Xolo Coffee brings warmth and intention to every cup along Phoenix’s vibrant 16th Street corridor. The café is inviting and unpretentious, filled with natural light, Mexican design details, and the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Signature drinks like the horchata cold brew and Oaxacan mocha blend tradition with innovation — creating a coffee experience that feels both comforting and contemporary. It’s a neighborhood spot where community, culture, and craft come together beautifully.
Casa de Julia
Opened by Yasmine Rubio, Casa de Julia is a downtown destination that honors her grandmother’s legacy while redefining modern Mexican dining. Set in the historic Luhrs Building, the restaurant blends heritage and innovation with vibrant dishes like pork belly chicharrón and hibiscus aguachile, plus artful cocktails crafted with sotol and jamaica. Elegant, soulful, and rooted in family, it’s a love letter to Phoenix’s evolving culinary identity.
Scookie Bar
Inside The Churchill, Scookie Bar is all about simple pleasures done right — warm, freshly baked cookies topped with scoops of ice cream. Guests can mix and match flavors, creating their own decadent combinations straight from the oven. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like a kid again — casual, sweet, and irresistibly fun — adding a cozy dose of dessert joy to downtown Phoenix.
Pretty Penny
Located in the heart of Roosevelt Row, Pretty Penny serves creative, ingredient-driven dishes that perfectly match the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. Known for its rotating menu of flavorful sandwiches, crisp salads, and comfort classics with a twist, the restaurant captures the energy of downtown dining — casual, colorful, and full of personality. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger over lunch and soak in the buzz of Roosevelt Row.
Giant Coffee
Just steps from Roosevelt Row, Giant Coffee is a cornerstone of Phoenix’s modern café culture. Known for its minimalist design, perfectly brewed espresso, and locally sourced pastries, it’s a favorite among artists, students, and downtown regulars. Whether you’re grabbing a latte to go or settling in with a book, Giant offers a calm, creative refuge in the city’s energetic core.
Matt's Big Breakfast (Downtown Phoenix)
A Phoenix classic, Matt’s Big Breakfast has been serving up comfort food with local pride since 2004. Known for its thick-cut bacon, fluffy pancakes, and all-day breakfast favorites, it’s a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. With its retro diner feel and simple, from-scratch cooking, Matt’s Big Breakfast captures the heart of downtown — honest, friendly, and full of flavor.
El Zaguan Bistro
A hidden gem in downtown Phoenix, El Zaguan Bistro blends Latin American influences with a modern twist. Known for its housemade sauces, grilled entrées, and artful plating, the restaurant delivers a cozy dining experience that feels both elevated and welcoming. It’s the kind of spot that keeps locals coming back for good food, great service, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
Que Sazón South American Cuisine
Que Sazón brings the vibrant flavors of South America to downtown Phoenix. From empanadas and plantains to rich stews and grilled meats, the menu celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of Colombia, Venezuela, and beyond. Every dish is made from the heart — warm, bold, and full of flavor — making Que Sazón a delicious stop for anyone craving comfort food with soul.
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