We Asked 5 Phoenix Locals About Their Favorite Spots to Bring Out-of-Towners—Here’s What They Said

Since moving to Arizona in 2009, I've witnessed the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale go through many changes over the years with the openings of new restaurants, cafés, bars, and attractions. While my husband and I have a few spots we go to on repeat, we prefer trying new places when friends and family visit from out of town. However, the options are seemingly endless and overwhelming, so we decided to ask five locals where they would bring out-of-town guests; here's what they said:

1. Little Miss BBQ

As the CEO and Founder of DDR BBQ Supply, Brian Gutterman knows a thing or two about where to find the best BBQ spot in town. His top choice is Little Miss BBQ. "Whenever I have friends who are flying to Phoenix or Scottsdale, I normally take them to Little Miss BBQ. The brisket boasts of the type of bark that is only gained by patience and repetition. I explain this by telling people that it is the slice of brisket that shows everything about a pitmaster, since there is no concealing behind that slice. Their pecan pie is a silent denouement that strikes a proper chord, not weighing them down."

There are two Little Miss BBQ locations in Phoenix, one on 7th Street in Sunnyslope and the other on University Drive. You can view menus and location information on the Little Miss BBQ website.

2. The Stockyards Restaurant

There's something quite extraordinary about visiting one of the oldest restaurants in Phoenix. Since 1947, The Stockyards Steakhouse has been a landmark restaurant, touting itself as "Arizona's Original Steakhouse." The Stockyards were built by cattle baron Edward A. Tovrea in 1919, and featured over 40,000 heads of cattle across 200 acres of pens. In 1947, The Stockyards Restaurant opened on the site and became a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. This is one of the places that Kevin Saavedra, a Step Down ICU RN and Aya Healthcare travel nurse on his fourth assignment in Phoenix, suggests taking visitors. He says his favorite dishes at the historic Stockyards Restaurant are the "prime rib and steak soup." Visit The Stockyards Steakhouse website to view a menu and make a reservation online.

3. Three Beans Cafe

There are cafes aplenty in Scottsdale, but if you're looking for a cafe that also serves adult beverages, local Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, suggests Three Beans Cafe. "I live in Scottsdale, and one place I often take people who come to visit me is Three Beans Cafe. It’s a bar and cafe, and it is known for its coffee cocktails. If you like espresso martinis, it’s the place to go. Not only is it a unique, niche spot, but it has a cool interior, and it’s located in Old Town, so it’s a great area to walk around before or after, too." Whether your visitors love coffee or espresso martinis, make sure to take them to Three Beans Cafe.

4. Grey Hen RX and Platform 18 at the Century Grand

The Century Grand is a "cocktail entertainment" venue on Indian School Road in Phoenix. It has several themed bars, including Grey Hen RX and Platform 18, both of which Lisa Sass, the Integrated Communications Manager at Proof Publicity, would bring out-of-town guests. She states that Grey Hen RX "pays homage to 1924 NYC Chinatown with a menu inspired by Chinese American cuisine," which includes the Chop Suey and Wonton Soup cocktails. And at Platform 18, guests can enjoy an immersive 90-minute train "cocktail journey through prohibition-era tales, iconic flavors, and the rise of powerful women."

My husband and I have enjoyed a date night at Platform 18. It's a cocktail experience unlike any other we've had in town. Upon arrival, a host sat us at a table with "windows" showing moving images of the NYC skyline, which gave the effect of being inside a real Pullman train car. As we sipped our cocktails, we soaked up the Prohibition-era ambiance and vowed to come back again. Platform 18 would certainly be a memorable experience for out-of-town guests seeking something unique during their trip to Phoenix, and I think that's where we will go the next time friends come to town.

5. The Pemberton

Located along Roosevelt Row among the art galleries in the heart of downtown Phoenix, The Pemberton is a one-of-a-kind venue that will surely delight any visitor. A top place to visit in Phoenix, as suggested by Kelly Walsh, the Senior Account Manager at Evolve PR and Marketing, she states that The Pemberton is "a sensory explosion that’s truly one-of-a-kind...The Pemberton is an immersive outdoor concept combining culture, art, music, and dining. There are 11 uniquely themed bars offering several rotating signature cocktail lists and bites, a pool, art installations from over 100 local artists, and a lush landscape of 1,000 trees." While I haven't been to The Pemberton yet, it's on my list for places to visit in 2026, and I can't wait!

Visiting Phoenix

Another place I would add to this list is the Musical Instrument Museum, also referred to as "The MIM." Located in North Phoenix, this world-class museum features over 15,000 musical instruments from 200 countries, making it the largest of its kind in the world. My family loves coming here when visiting Phoenix.

If you have other favorite spots to take your out-of-town guests, we would love to know about them! Please send us a note through our nomination page. You can also try planning your own experience with your out-of-state visitors using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.