Considered the world’s preeminent museum for advancing American Indian Art, and at just 10 minutes away it’s a must-see for SOMO residents. Since 1929 the museum has presented the story of the American Indian people through exhibitions, educational programming and special festivals, like the world championship hoop dance contest held in February. Enjoy southwest inspired cuisine at the Courtyard café, and pick up some art for your new home at the museum shop.

Located in the downtown Westin, Province Urban Kitchen produces high quality American cuisine fused with influences from the Sonoran Desert.

No doubt about it, Mexican coffee can be delectable and you’ll find the best at Tres Leches Café. The small, local shop is the alternative to the big chains you find on every street corner in Phoenix and in fact was the first Mexican Gourmet Coffee Shop in Arizona. Don’t miss the delicious Mexican dessert coffees.

For more classic Mexican fare on the mountain, head to Poncho’s. It’s another family owned eatery with a menu steeped in recipes handed down generation to generation. Next year it celebrates its 50th anniversary in Phoenix.

For over 30 years Los Dos Molinos family eatery, which is named after the family’s two grinders (molinos), has delighted Valley diners with New Mexican eats. How do Mexican and New Mexican differ? It’s all about the heat baby. The flavorful dishes pack a punch and the word “mild” is not in the chef’s vocabulary.

A signature Arizona breakfast spot, Morning Glory Café serves house smoked meats by the “Q” crew, seasonal omelettes, fresh baked goods, and more.

Family-owned local spot for breakfast or lunch, The Peppersauce Café offers a small menu of breakfast burritos and sweet treats, along with soups and salads for lunch. It’s only open on weekdays.

For 50 years, Rustler’s Rooste has delighted Phoenix diners with its rustic steakhouse food and amazing location atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain. In addition to the standard steaks and seafood you’ll find rattlesnake on the menu! It doesn’t get more cowboy country than that. Enjoy the food, view and live country music every night.

Chanpen Thai Cuisine proves that good things come in small packages. This tiny eatery packs a big punch. Arguably the best Thai food in the city, the family-run restaurant serves up authentic flavor with friendly customer service that keeps the place packed.

Chef/owner Leo Madrigal brings his Mexican heritage and 30 year culinary background to Cocina Madrigal, specializing in homemade enchiladas, tacos and salads. The restaurant was named as the 5th best place in the United States for tacos by Travel & Leisure Magazine and one of the top 100 places to eat by USA Today.