Short Leash originally started as a food truck, but the demand was so great, the owners decided to open a brick-and-mortar shop in the trendy Roosevelt Row district. Here, the hot dogs are not wrapped in a traditional bun, they are wrapped inside fluffy Naan bread. The strangeness does not end there as their toppings are equally eccentric, with items like the Hot Dog Mac n' Cheese, the Aoki Dog served with Mango Chutney or the Bear Dog with peanut butter, Gouda, bacon, BBQ and Cracker Jacks. Guests can choose their wiener which include regular, all beef, bratwurst, chicken, spicy beer hot and even vegetarian.
When in the city, visit Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles run by the grandson of the Phoenix soul food legend Mrs. Elizabeth White. This place is always packed with hungry locals craving some old-fashioned soul food, complete with all the trimmings of collard greens to mashed potatoes. It has even been visited by celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal, Amare Stoudemire and many more. The boisterous and unpretentious setting is made up of several small rooms still laid out as part of the original house, all packed with tables full of diners. The waffles are light and fluffy, and the chicken is fried to perfection! After your main plate is cleared away and if you still have room, be sure to try the red velvet cake along with some sweet tea.
Tucked away inside the Baiz international market is Al-Hana Restaurant. Before or after perusing the intriguing aisles of the market, refuel on plates heaping with hummus, falafel, shawarma, shish taook, labneh pie and more. The authentic offerings provide a satisfying taste of fresh, healthy Middle-Eastern cuisine in a laid back and unassuming atmosphere.
Big, juicy burgers and tender chicken breast sandwiches served steaming off the grill are the highlight here. While hot dogs, fish and chips, and a variety of soups, salads and chili are available, the real draw is the Big One, a meaty succulent burger with all the works. Try the classic with bacon, sauteed mushrooms and cheese. The whole family will love the condiment bar, where you can all load up your burger with the perfect combo of toppings. To work up an appetite, you could also challenge your friends to a game of pool or ping-pong.
Anyone in the know in the Phoenix area knows that if you're looking for the ultimate local fast food, you go to Nogales Hot Dog. This small stand specializing in loaded up Sonoran hot dogs served on a flaky, buttery bun are truly a local favorite. Get them "con todo," bacon wrapped and topped with all kinds of things like mayonnaise, beans, salsa, guacamole and cheese. If you're on the prowl for some filling, messy and delicious late-night food, follow the crowds to Nogales Hot Dog.
If you're looking for some hot, authentic fry bread in Metro Phoenix, just look for the truck that says Emerson Fry Bread on the side. The the delicious, puffy fried dough topped with a range of tasty Mexican dishes from carne asada to green chile chicken and cochinita pibil to sweet fry breads with honey and powdered sugar.
Located in the Glendale neighborhood of Moon Valley, Rocket Burger is known for its delectable burgers and subs as well as its 'Wall of Soda'. The signature cheeseburger made with secret sauce and shredded lettuce is exceptional and the Gyro Burger made with Tzatziki sauce is also highly recommended. Other menu items include huge subs, salads, sandwiches and of course, a mouth-watering array of sodas on display, from the rare Dublin Dr. Pepper to Faygo and Blenheim Red Hot Ginger Ale, every time you visit is a new, sugary adventure.