Flip Flop Shop

3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler, AZ 85225

Natalie W. writes: Only in Arizona! A store devoted entirely to flip-flops. Or, as we used to call them, thongs.

I called them "thongs" to my daughter the other day and she about died.

"MOM! Stop talking about underwear!"

Hehe.

The Flip Flop Shop actually started as an…

Twinkle Toes

Scottsdale Waterfront
7135 E Camelback Rd, # 173
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Natalie W. writes: Darling baby and children's clothing and accessory boutique in Chandler Fashion Center. They carry some national name-brands, as well as items by local designers.

This was the only place around I could find the fun and colorful pacifier clips I used…

El Nopalito

2831 N 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Warren K. writes: If you want to try one of teh best home-made mole negro dishes in town, this is the place. The food is outstanding. Only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it's a tiny hole in the wall that tends to be crowded and very noisy at peak hours. If…

Arco #5284

4249 East Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018

Kristin C. writes: Three grown women should not oooh and aahh over gas prices.  It's just wrong.  And yet, we often do.  Or, if we recently filled up, it's more of an "Aw man...."  

There are 2 Arco gas stations near each other that have the best gas prices I ever find.…

Almond Brothers

2546 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Natalie W. writes: Did you know almonds are good for you? That's right -- they can alleviate headache, are full of antioxidants, and curb your appetite, too.

So, if you needed another reason to indulge your craving for the nuts, now you have it.

Almond Brothers primarily…

Arizona Horse Lovers Park

19224 N Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85073

Natalie W. writes: Arizona Horse Lovers Park  consists of four equestrian arenas, a lighted practice paddock, water troughs, wash racks, tie stations, cattle pens, and picnic tables.

They offer workshops and clinics on topics such as horsemanship and horse care,…

PetSmart Dog Park at Washington Park

21st Avenue North of Maryland
Phoenix, AZ 85073

Allison M. writes: There's usually a good mix of dogs here, from purebreds to mutts.  The owners run the gamut too, which always makes for an overall interesting time at the park.

The main area is pretty big and has big trees along some of the perimeter.  People have…

Rose Mofford Sports Complex Dog Park

9833 N 25th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85073

Paul C. writes: This is a wonderful dog park.  There are two halves, one for small dogs and one for large, and there is ample parking.  My little Yorkie had a lovely time running around last autumn...

I've never actually seen this place too busy.

I wish more people in…

Shawnee Bark Park

1400 W Mesquite St.
Chandler, AZ 85225

Dee M. writes: Nice trees, hilly and plenty of room to run, roam, poop.  My favorite in the area, better than Cosmo (after you've seen enough dogs sh** in the water), Snedigar (too small!) and West Chandler on Kyrene (it's a doggy ghost town whenever I go).  Lots…

Mesa Dog Park

4155 E Virginia
Quail Run Park
Mesa, AZ 85209

Natalie W. writes: This 3+ acre bark park features park benches and water fountains for both people and dogs. A dispenser for doggie poop bags is at the entrance to the facility.

One interesting item: they separate two areas for timid and rowdier dogs, as opposed to…

Sky Harbor International Airport Dog Parks

Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix, AZ 85073

Natalie W. writes: At Terminal 4 near the West end baggage claim level, doggies can stretch their little legs. The "Bone Yard" is a great pet-and-their-people rest area. It includes watering areas, a gravel area for potty breaks, and "mutt mitts" for cleaning up.

In…

Honmachi Grill

3450 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226

Lindsay L. writes: Honmachi rocks!

Hubski and I live around the corner from this place, but we didn't know it existed until we were out on a walk one night and happened by. The sushi is reasonably priced, they have a happy hour we have not yet experienced, they have…

Lenny's Burger Shop

2801 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Jeffory M. writes: Stumbled on this place on Wednesday, July 3, after a visit to the Phoenix Art Museum.  We were traveling up Central looking for a place to cool off and have a cold drink, when my wife Marie noticed the sign for Lenny's on the nondescript strip mall.…

College Times

PO Box 25589
Tempe, AZ 85285

Kristin C. writes: As a gal who works in Tempe and goes to lunch alone, these have become my new best friend.  They are everywhere, they have a great picture/article ratio for lunch time perusing while you eat.  Articles are relatively short so there are no worries…

Scottsdale Police Department

8401 E Indian School Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Larry C. writes: Yelp confession.  I have a criminal record. Disturbing the peace- noise (party with a live band at my house). I was fingerpainted and have a mugshot

Lawyer offered to get me off on a CLEAR technicality and expunge it from the public record. Thanks…

Mamacita's Cantina

216 E University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

Eric P. writes: They may as well have named this joint Dos-Gringos-lite, as it appears they've spent most of the budget on furniture from Sedona Patio and about a nickle on restaurant concept and theme.  Basically, this place is cashing in HUGELY on two things: 1)…

Tarbell's

3213 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018

Diana H. writes: "So I guess it doesn't take a lot to win on Iron Chef."  Said my older brother, two bites into the pan-seared mahi mahi special entree of the evening that we both ordered for our main course at Tarbell's.  I breathed a deep sigh of relief that my…

Sidewalk Cafe

1101 W University Dr
#101
Tempe, AZ 85281

Jeanine D. writes: For sandwiches and salad-fare this place is affordable, fresh, delicious and one-of-a-kind - a must try for anyone in the 'hood or interested in trying something new.  The Veggie Kookoo is excellent and something new in my fairly large vegetarian…

Paradise Bakery

Dana Park
3426 E Baseline Rd, #113
Mesa, AZ 85209

Natalie W. writes: This is one of their nicer locations, with outdoor seating around a lovely fountain.

Paradise Bakery offers fresh, well-priced sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Oh, and bakery items.

I love the walnut-chicken salad and the pasta salads. The cookies are…

Styles for Less

1073 E Baseline Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85233

Natalie W. writes: If you can handle the mind-jarring music, Styles for Less has some great bargains to be had.

Lots of bright, trendy clothing and accessories. They had hats and shoes, plus belts, beads, & bags. Tons of fun and funky flip flops (Oh, don't-cha just…

Rio Vista Community Park

8666 W Thunderbird Rd
Peoria, AZ 85385

Kerstin M. writes: This awesome park and recreation center makes me wish we lived in Peoria. We were here today for a FRAG (reef tank geeks) picnic and the whole area is new and beautiful with lots of different amenities. We saw sand volleyball courts, a spashground…

Chandler Skate Park

4500 S Basha Road
Snedigar Sports Complex
Chandler, AZ 85225

Danny S. writes: The Chandler park was one of the earlier concrete parks in Phoenix, aside from Desert West and Hi-Roller. Ha. It usually has a good mix of skaters - young, old, novice, experienced, etc. One of the best parts is that guys are there just skating and…

Kinfolk's BBQ

7919 East Thomas Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Michael C. writes: Just plain ol' good BBQ.

The atmosphere is nothing too special (good lunch spot), but the BBQ is really tasty and a good value. Definitely try the pulled pork sandwich and the corn on the cob.

Nice family run outfit.

The Barbecue Company

4636 S 36th St
Phoenix, AZ 85073

Natalie W. writes: BBQ, plus.

You will find you're regualr ribs and pulled meats. Plus, wings, sandwiches, burgers, even wraps and salads.

My absolute favorite is the The Big Tex -- A pile of thick-sliced smoked brisket with melted pepperjack, horseradish and onions on…

Babycakes Cafe

48 San Marcos Pl
Chandler, AZ 85225

gloria e. writes: My first visit to Babycakes was a great treat!  I had the Thursday Special and was thinking it would be my favorite.

I returned with a group of girlfriends to celebrate a birthday.  I was so excited to share my new find.  The food was quite good and…

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli

15236 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032

Mr K. writes: Yesterday morning I decided, because I'm brilliant, to hike. Not one. Not two. But three of Phoenix's seven peaks. Starting at 10 in the morning.

Granted, they were three of the smaller peaks (Shaw Butte, Lookout Mountain, and Shadow Mountain), but…

Micky's Hot Dogs

108 W Broadway Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210

Mike W. writes: Nestled amongst the dreary grit of Mesa's industrial district, Mickey's touts a specialty that's slowly gathering a diverse fan base:  Mexican-style hot dogs, *WRAPPED IN BACON*.

Mickey's serves traditional Mexican fare that's pretty good too.  A…

The Grapevine

4013 N Brown Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Eric P. writes: Grapevine and I go together like Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal and Dr Pepper, but fuggit if I don't enjoy myself here in adult-spring-break-fantas yland.

Its awkward at first, how someone my age feels like the GILF-hunter recruiting for the bangbus…

Doubletree Scottsdale-Paradise Valley Resort

5401 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Ryan W. writes: This was a fantastic hotel..the rooms were very nicely updated and modern.  The Pools were most definitely the most awe inspiring and what  a large layout of property!  I'd recommend this hotel anyone, bus. traveller or family alike.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

13070 W Rancho Santa Fe Blvd
Avondale, AZ 85323

TRISH H. writes: Macaroni salad, macaroni salad, M-a-c-a-r-o-n-i  S-a-l-a-d!   I don't think I've had macaroni salad this good.    I have no idea what the heck is in it, but it is truly addictive.  I often times go there and order just that.  Ono Hawaiian was my…

Dos Gringos MexiGrill

8000 S Priest Rd
Tempe, AZ 85282

Lauren V. writes: i'm not usually one to patron dos, especially on a crazy day like cinco de mayo, but after relocating to south tempe my options are severely limited on bars i can (or want) to ride my bike to. on a huge DUI enforcement night, bikes were in order and…

Ashley Furniture Home Store

14202 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Kristin S. writes: Our new place is being sponsored by Ashley. We had never heard of it before but drove by it and decided to stop in. After a trip to Jennifer Convertibles and an unsuccessful trip to the Room Store we figured it was worth a shot.

I'm so glad we went…

Pop the Soda Shop

1649 N 74th St
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Kevin U. writes: Wow for the love of Soda Pop, I even like how the name settles the dispute between the name Soda or Pop when referring to carbonated drinks.  Don't bee fooled the do have a large array of water as well.  
I love Root Beer and they have more than I can…

Rich Dad Poor Dad

4330 N. Civic Center Plaza, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Nancy Y. writes: Robert Kiyosaki is really motivational, especially his books.  I really like the one titled, Retire Young Retire Rich.  The boardgames are pretty expensive and it doesn't consists of more than any other board game would, hot property on Ebay for a…

Sanctuary Golf Course At Westworld the

10690 E Sheena Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

David K. writes: Great desert golf course that plays tough...bring a lot of balls because if you miss the fairway you're going in the desert.  Sanctuary is a very nice course with great views that is resonably priced. However, watch out for wildlife especially…

Safeway Food & Drug

10926 W Bell Road
Sun City, AZ 85351

Rachel R. writes: Whenever I'm not in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or Manhattan, I am continually amazed at what can be done when space is not at a premium.  Shopping at this roomy Safeway, which has its own gas station, is nice.  It is appropriately air conditioned for…

Trader Joe's

9640 N Metro Pkwy W
Phoenix, AZ 85051

Mr K. writes: How is it that the MetroCenter Trader Joe's seems to be better stocked than the one at Town & Country, even though it's like half the size? Logically you'd think it'd be the other way around.

Minus a star because I think it could be bigger (esp.…

Springhill Suites

9425 N Black Canyon Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85021

Erin G. writes: you'll probably never stay at this location, because there are so many places downtown to check in to, but i have enjoyed my stay at the springhill suites and have found their staff both nice and very understanding.

i came in late and the front desk…

Mountain Biking

Phoenix, AZ 85073

Aaron A. writes: Mountain Biking is AWESOME!!  The only drawback is the occasional broken rib (-1 star) So many cool places to catch some air, just watch out for that landing!  Papago Park, Trail 100, McDowell Mountain Loops- they're all fun.