Downtown Chow Down

By Greg Cantwell, Brandon Michaud and Karen Swortzel 

When students at Arizona State University’s downtown campus have a craving, there are many options from which they can choose.

Two coffee houses students like are Cartel Coffee Lab at 1 N. First St. and One Coffee Co. at 1N. Central Ave.  

Cartel Coffee Lab has been featured in Food and Wine Magazine.  BBC Travel has named Cartel as “one of America’s Best Coffee Bars!”  Cartel also has three other locations: Tempe, Scottsdale and Tucson. 

DowntownPhoenix.com says One Coffee Co. is the “cheers” of Phoenix.  Damian Serafine opened One Coffee in April of 2011.  Domenico Nicosia reviewed One Coffee for the Downtown Devil in November 2011 saying, “One Coffee Co., …offers more than just a great cup of coffee.”

At City Scape, jazz standards float the air and mingle with the smells of vanilla emanating from Chloe’s Corner.  Serving breakfast and lunch, as well as offering catering services, Chloe’s Corner offers patrons a respite from a busy day.

For the night scene, check out Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen, located above Chloe’s Corner at City Scape.  According to its website, Copper Blues offers live music, over 60 beers on tap, cocktails and food created in a “one-of-a-kind stone hearth oven.”

If it’s pizza you’re craving, Zpizza at 111 W. Monroe St. is the place to be.  Z offers a discount to ASU students.  With gluten-free and vegan options, Zpizza uses only natural ingredients to create its culinary treats. 

The ultimate gastronomical experience takes place on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 721 N. Central Ave.  Approximately seven food trucks line the perimeter of the Phoenix Public Market.   Diners can experience fry bread, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and crème brulee, among other options.  Seating is available under the canopies and misters offer a quick cool down.  Local radio stations broadcasting live from the Market provide entertainment.

From coffee houses, mom-and-pop cafes, to Food Truck Fridays, there’s something for everyone in downtown Phoenix.

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Food Truck Friday is held weekly from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Public Market at 721 N. Central Ave.
Food trucks also serve on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at the Market.  (Photo by Karen Swortzel)

Chef Darryl King takes an order from his Taste Rite food truck.
King's specialty is gourmet BBQ. (Photo by Karen Swortzel)

Firefighters from the 1st Battalion of the Phoenix Fire Department
eat lunch at Food Truck Friday. (Photo by Karen Swortzel)