Are there restaurants that you just love for the ambiance and food?
I know I enjoy going to Roy's with my husband because of the combo - love their ahi, soft lighting and it's mostly quiet, even when kids are there (they are rare, but I've even taken mine there for our anniversary when I couldn't get a sitter). Some may turn up their noses because it is a chain, though.
Another place I've enjoyed - but mostly for appetizers and wine is 98 South in Chandler. At dinner they have live music, soft lighting (food is ok, but not fabulous). We've gone as a couple, but I really like the place for catching up with girlfriends more.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
A good place for meeting up
A good place for meeting up with friends is D'Vine - I've been to the one in Chandler, but not the original in Mesa. They do have a menu, but honestly, I've only been for wine and appetizers with girlfriends or my husband.
I also like Flemings for a nice night out with my husband. Some friends have said I was crazy because they think it's too corporate, but they had great service, good wine selection and I love, love, love their filet and prime rib. Lighting was nice. Only once I felt it was too loud, and that's because there was a big party celebrating two tables down.
Oh, another I like for dinner with my hubby is McCormick & Schmick's at the Esplanade. It's been awhile since we went, but I'd like to go back.
One of our favorites is
One of our favorites is Lon's at the Hermosa in PV. The patio is SO beautiful at night!
I am with you on that - We
I am with you on that - We LOVE Lon's at the Hermosa. Even if you don't get to eat outside, you can enjoy a drink before or after dinner sitting in rocking chairs by a fire on the patio. Just beautiful!
KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.
I like Element @ Sanctuary
I like Element @ Sanctuary
Elizabeth is a discussion leader for arizonamoms she writes about everything from her needing mommy advice to crazy and silly stuff that happens. She lives in the West Valley with her husband and 3 children, Joshua 12, Brooke 2 and Mason 10 months
I have a couple that I love.
I have a couple that I love. One is Ah-So. There are I believe 3 in the valley (1 east, 1 off Bell / 59th Ave, and 1 at Arrowhead). This place has great food (sushi and Japanese) as well as if you sit at a cooking table, you get to see it a show. My kids love that more than anything.
For just the hubby and I we like a place called Jalepeno's (by DC Ranch). Great Mexican food, not too pricey, and it has some unique drinks. I always feel like this place is warm and inviting too. Also, Aubuelo's (at Arrowhead). Food is good and quantities are not small. I also like it because of the artwork and "scenic" view in there, reminds me of the Venetian in Vegas!
I like a place called Fez in the downtown area. It's like an upscale dinner almost. Really good burgers and salads but with more uniqueness than your standard Chili's or Applebee's. Plus this place has the most amazing fries (potato and sweet potato ones) that come in a bucket and are big enough to split.
We eat out like once or twice a week, but these ones, I usually save for the once every few months because standard dinners are about $45-50 without drinks for 2.
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
We love El Bravo at 7th and
We love El Bravo at 7th and Butler.Famliy owned mexican food.....love it!
It does get busy there....however the food is too good to pass up!
The House of Tricks in the
The House of Tricks in the downtown area of Tempe has a great outdoor patio with a fireplace. Their bar is also built around an old beautiful tree. Very romantic. If you don't stay to eat, just try the bar for a drink. Great selection of wine too.
KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.
I always hear how great this
I always hear how great this place is. I need to convince my hubby that Tempe isn't too far! (we live in the way north central valley!)
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
My fave place for just me
My fave place for just me and my hubby is Red Devil. Because were not so much into romantic settings so this place is fun to have a huge salad, pizza and drinks. Sometimes it gets loud, but i think we like it that way, so that i can laugh and talk without thinking im talking to loud.
Lon's and House of Tricks
Lon's and House of Tricks are both fabulous great choices; both for good food and the setting/atmosphere.
Another nice, upscale choice is Windows on the Green at the Phoenician...overlooking the golf course with entire walls of windows.
Sitting outside at Chelsea's Kitchen at 40th/Camelback (owned by La Grande Orange) is delightful as well.
Way up north - Mosaic is gorgeous (and the food amazing), downtown Pizzeria Bianco (if you are patient and show up 1 hr. before they open to get in line) is utterly quaint and charming/romantic inside (of course, being rated by Zagats as having the best pizza in the United States doesn't hurt either), and don't forget that wherever you eat - afterweards, you can take a "sandolo" boat (think the gondola boats in Venice Italy) ride at the Hyatt Gainey while being seranaded ...the utmost in romantic!
Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.