Spring might still be a few weeks away, but it’s 70 degrees, and sunny in Phoenix, and time for Cactus League Spring Training. The annual lead-in to baseball season kicks off in late February and continues until March 28 with games running all week long. You’ll have the opportunity to see 15 teams including the Dodgers, Cubs, and of course — the hometown team — the Arizona Diamondbacks.
So, head to your favorite stadium, get settled into your lawn chair, and be sure to check out some of these standout restaurants before or after the game.
The stadium: Surprise Stadium
Where to eat:
- Pieology Pizzeria. Sure, it’s a chain, but there aren’t many Pieology locations in Arizona, so if you’re lucky enough to be this close to one, make sure you stop in. Not only is it a fast, easy, and delicious option, the pizzas are customizable so there’s something for everyone.
- State48 Brewery. The Surprise location has it all — pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and of course, great beer. For the perfect pre- or post-game meal, sip a Van Buren Belgian Blonde on the patio.
The stadium: Goodyear Ballpark
Where to eat:
- Taste of Italy. This hole-in-the-wall Italian spot has all your Italian favorites — from calzones to pasta to chicken parmesan, but the real star of the menu is the pizza, especially the selection of Sicilian-style thick-crust pies.
- Ah-Hai Sushi & Grill. Sushi lovers rejoice because nearly any roll you could imagine is available at Ha-Hai Sushi & Grill. Plus, they have fantastic lunch specials, perfect for a pre-game meal.
The stadium: Camelback-Ranch Glendale
Where to eat:
- Epic Wings. Few things go with sports as well as wings, and if you want some great wings after you catch the game, this is a must-try. While the wings are tough to beat, the cheese and buffalo chicken topped Epic Fries and bread sticks are fantastic, too.
- Ric’s on 95th Sports Grill. This casual sports bar, previously known as the Nest, is a favorite neighborhood hangout known for its high-quality bar food and daily drink specials.
The stadium: Peoria Sports Complex
Where to eat:
- Serra Gaucha. If you want more than just your basic beer and hot dog, try the unforgettable experience of a Brazilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat top-quality meats and a great salad bar. While it’s a great value all day, the $31.95 lunch option is an especially good deal.
- The Moon Saloon. The Moon Saloon feels a bit more like a sports bar than a saloon, and it’s got the menu to match with favorites like cheese sticks, fried pickles, potato skins, burgers, wings, and sliders — to name a few.
The stadium: American Family Fields of Phoenix
Where to eat:
- La Pasadita Hot Dogs. Skip your basic hot dog and opt for one of these over-the-top Sonoran dogs — an Arizona delicacy. The Sinaloa is a winner comprised of a bacon-wrapped hot dog with nacho cheese, crushed Ruffles, tomato, grilled onion, ketchup, mayo, mustard, guacamole, and jalapeno sauce.
- Presto Pizza & Wings. There’s nothing like pizza and wings after a baseball game, and Presto has delicious combos at incredible prices — like a mini pizza with six wings for just $13. Finish it off with an order of “zippolis,” deep-fried dough pieces coated in powdered sugar for the perfect meal.
The stadium: Tempe Diablo Stadium
Where to eat:
- Cornish Pasty Co. This Tempe staple puts a modern twist on traditional English pasties. From the New Mexican-style carne adovada with pork and red chili stew, Mexican rice, Hatch chiles, and cheddar cheese to the Lovely Bit a Salmon with salmon, white wine, creamy dill sauce, asparagus, roasted tomato, spinach, and red potato, there are endless flavors to enjoy.
- The Chuckbox. The Chuckbox has been serving up hearty, mesquite broiled burgers for 50 years — so if you haven’t tried one yet, now is the time. We recommend keeping it classic with the Great Big One — a half-pound burger paired with onion rings. Just don’t forget to bring cash to pay!
The stadium: Scottsdale Stadium
Where to eat:
- Hula’s Modern Tiki. This whimsical tropical restaurant will transport you with dishes like spicy Thai fish cakes, shrimp tacos, and the Duke’s luau pork plate.
- The Mission. If you want a nicer post-game dining experience that’s still casual enough for your game-time attire, stop into the Mission. It has some of the best Mexican food in town — especially the roasted pork shoulder taco.
The stadium: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Where to eat:
- Grassroots Kitchen & Tap. This restaurant spearheaded by Phoenix culinary royalty Christopher Collins is a must-try in Scottsdale. Start with the Noble Bread service and it’s hard to go wrong from there; the pork chop or barbecue brisket are good options. Just be sure to pair whatever you choose with a cocktail.
- Barro’s Pizza. This award-winning, homegrown pizza restaurant is one of the best in the state for a hearty piece of pizza and makes for the perfect pre- or post-game meal. Just add a pitcher of beer and some wings, and you’re set.
The stadium: Sloan Park
Where to eat:
- Portillo’s. This Chicago transplant is perfectly placed near Sloan Park, the home of Chicago Cubs Spring Training, which happens to be a replica of Wrigley Field. Go all-in with the jumbo hot dog topped with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, tomatoes, kosher pickle. and peppers.
- Woodshed. This unpretentious sports bar is a go-to for pre-game appetizers, from cheese curds to garlic bread and loaded potato skins. Try one of its legendary shooters and you’ll be ready for the game.
The stadium: Hohokam Stadium
Where to eat:
- The Original Blue Adobe Grill. This Mexican restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite due to its consistently delicious dishes and great service. On the menu, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items like garlic shrimp pizza and chorizo-stuffed chicken.
Native Grill & Wings. If you love wings, this is the place to be. Customize your wings with more than 20 different flavors, the amount of sauce, and even the level of crispiness. Add some tater tots and you have the perfect game day meal.