The mid-century modern vibe is strong in Phoenix, and this extends to its amazing dining scene. Longtime residents will undoubtedly be familiar with all or most of the local mid mod restaurants in Phoenix that we’ve rounded up here, but we wanted to point them out for the newcomers and those of you considering relocating to the area.
We’ve included some of our favorite places to eat and drink in the Phoenix metro area that either date back to the mid-century years, or that have a style that elicits the mid mod lifestyle.
So, whether you’ve been here for years and are due to revisit some of these establishments, or you’re new to the region, be sure to pay a visit to these mid mod restaurants in Phoenix soon.
And, when you’re looking for new eateries to try, you can always use the restaurant filter on our home search tool. It’s an easy way to find local businesses and services you’re looking for, as well as homes for sale in the Phoenix area (which you can sort by architect, decade, property type, and city).
Some Mid Mod Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ
- Durant’s – A Phoenix institution that’s been family owned since it opened in 1950. A meal at this classic upscale steakhouse is always a exceptional, memorable experience. Hey, even Joe DiMaggio, Clark Gable, and John Wayne ate here often.
- The Genuine – Dine in a 1960s building designed by one of Phoenix’s most famous architects, Ralph Haver. It was originally an Arizona Bank location, but now it’s an excellent restaurant and bar with a menu built around its custom Forno Bravo wood-burning oven and Arizona-sourced ingredients.
- Hanny’s – The Hanny’s building was built in 1947, a striking new look for the city at the time. Originally the home of Hanny’s Department Store (which operated until 1986), it’s a major work by important Phoenix architects Royal Lescher and Leslie Mahoney. In 2005, it became a restaurant, but the owner retained a lot of the mid-century modern design and décor from the department store. Stop in for pizza, Italian sandwiches, delicious desserts, great cocktails, and more.
- The Parlor – Head here for wood-fired pizza, pasta, and more. It’s in a beautiful mid-century modern building that housed the famed Salon de Venus for more than 50 years. When the current owner took over, he thoughtfully modernized the space and adapted it to his purposes while retaining its retro style. Which, by the way, is something we specialize in here at Mid Mod Phoenix; take a look at some of our mid mod renovation projects.
- Postino Arcadia and Postino Highland – Arcadia is the first location of this local chain, which is in a 1940s brick post office building. Highland (in Scottsdale) is in a 1960s building designed by prominent local architect Frank Henry, and it’s been painstakingly restored to incorporate many aspects of its original mid mod aesthetic. Visit either for tasty panini, bruschetta, boards, salads, and more.
- The Stockyards – This is another classic mid-century steakhouse, first opened in 1947. The ambiance is a perfect mix of Old West and mid mod charm. A steak or seafood meal here is a quintessential Phoenix experience.
- Sugar Bowl – No list of classic mid mod eateries in the Phoenix metro area would be complete without mention of Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant in Scottsdale. It’s been serving Valley residents and visitors great meals and desserts since 1958. With the original soda fountain, heart-shaped tables, and pink booths, walking in is just like walking back in time.
- The Womack Cocktail Lounge – This bar is a tribute to the legendary 1960s Phoenix cocktail lounge Chez Nous, named after the bygone establishments original owners, Andy and Maureen Womack. Drink in the classic mid-century atmosphere while you drink a few cocktails that were popular at the time. Snacks are available too, and they regularly feature live music.
