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At first glance, Avondale, Arizona, seems to be a suburb with what seems to be a host of ordinary chain restaurants. Look closer and you will find a restaurant scene with hidden gems and a diverse selection. We highlight the 10 best.

A bird’s eye view of Phoenix and its suburbs

Thai Gourmet

Restaurant, Thai, Asian

Classic Po Boy sandwiches
© GW Fins/WikiCommons
The corner of a strip mall seems an unlikely place for culinary greatness, but see past the outside location and try it. Inside, Thai Gourmet has a warm, hospitable atmosphere, and amazing Southeast Asian food. The restaurant was opened in January, 2014 and is run by a husband and wife team from Laos. The restaurant has risen to popularity among locals for offering consistent quality and friendly service. Thai Gourmet’s menu offers curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. And of course, guests can ask for the heat to be turned up on any dish, for a fiery taste of Asia.

Flavors of Louisiana

Flavors of Louisiana brings the vibrant dishes of the cajun and creole cuisines from deep in the American South. The residents of Avondale get a rare slice of authentic bold flavors, far from The Bayou State. Regular menu items include crawfish, shrimp and grits, and fried okra. Try an alligator or catfish Po’ Boy for a sandwich you will never forget. If you didn’t think you could get a proper glass of sweet tea west of the Mississippi, you’re in for a refreshing treat. The owners and staff at Flavors of Louisiana are eager to share a bit of southern hospitality with everyone who visits.

Flavors of Louisiana, Shops at Palmilla, 13025 W Rancho Santa Fe Blvd, Avondale, AZ, USA, +1 623-935-2357

An frybread taco

Arizona Frybread

Frybread is a dish that is unique to America. Based on authentic meals from selected Native American tribes, Arizona Frybread has taken the concept and dialed it way, way up. They take warm, pillowy fried dough and top it with things like seasoned shredded beef, mojito chicken, and slow-cooked beans. A house favorite is the Buckeye: beans, cheese, red chile, green chile, tomatoes and lettuce. For something sweet, try a dessert frybread with cinnamon brown sugar, or honey and powdered sugar. Arizona Frybread is a tasty offering that you won’t find outside of the American Southwest. Traditional Baklava | © Kultigin/WikiCommons

Zeta Grill

Restaurant, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Lebanese

Lebanese and Mediterranean food is well-known for being healthy and super fresh. Zeta Grill takes full advantage of those characteristics and brings authentic dishes to Arizona. The restaurant is family-owned and incredibly welcoming. The menu is large and offers traditional dishes for lunch and dinner. Diners can find familiar dishes like kebabs and hummus, or go with something a little more daring, like a spicy sausage pita, or a char-grilled lamb cutlet. Whatever you choose, don’t even think about leaving without a piece of house-made baklava. You will be glad you did.

Manny's Mexican Restaurant

Restaurant, Mexican

It is no surprise that this near-to-the-border state has some fantastic south-of-the-border food. Manny’s Mexican Restaurant fits the bill for what many diners expect. It’s simple, inexpensive, no-frills food. With that being said, it isn’t completely authentic Mexican food, but a slightly Americanized version of it. Salsa is made in-house, and dipped with fresh tortillas. The servers always seem to be on top of their game, making the experience top-notch. Stop in mid-week for taco Tuesday and a margarita, and you are sure to run into a party.

TJ's Homestyle

Restaurant, American, Fast Food

Spanakopitas layers of spinach and flaky goodness
© Alpha/Flickr
Located in a building that has stood for decades, and also housed several well-loved hometown, TJ’s Homestyle is a nostalgic piece of Avondale. Today, the kitchen creates dishes that are reminiscent of Sundays at grandma’s house. American country and homestyle favorites, made the old-fashioned way, keep customers coming back time after time. The restaurant remodeled last year, updating the interior, but still has the same great food and service. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, and try favorites like biscuits and gravy, and homemade chicken noodle soup. TJ’s also makes desserts that you can enjoy with your meal, or take a cake or pie home to share the goodness with a friend.

Pita Kitchen

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Greek

Pita Kitchen serves everything that one might expect from a Greek restaurant in the states, and does it incredibly well. Hummus is made in-house and has a perfect balance of creaminess contrasting with the sharpness of the garlic. The steak shawarma is a fan favorite, with marinated tri-tip, perfectly broiled and served with rice, pita, salad and an irresistible garlic sauce. Layers of savory spinach, feta, and phyllo dough are beyond delicious in the spanakopita. Locals know how good Pita Kitchen is, so it can get busy.

Don Pancho

Restaurant, Mexican

A steaming pile of crepes, ready to be filled
© David Manniaux/WikiCommons
Another small, locally-owned restaurant brings to Avondale the cuisine of Mexico. Locals line up for this small family-run business, because Don Pancho is the real deal. Service is always warm and generous, and food comes out prompt. The dining room is small, but comfortable, with fun, bright colors. At the beginning of the meal, diners get fresh salsa and beans with warm chips while they decide what to order. From there, the menu is full of classics. Reviewers rave about the carne asada and chimichangas. The prices and portions are very generous, so it’s a great place to take a group. Don Pancho is simple Mexican food, done right.

Colados Coffee & Crepes

The first priority at Colados is to make amazing coffee. At a very close second is to make their crepes unbelievable. The combination of those two items is a match made in heaven. Specialty coffee drinks are made to order, using high-quality beans and a pour-over brewing technique. Crepes are made with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Try a sweet one with peaches, caramel, and almonds, or the tropical, with pineapple, coconut, and nuts. For a different flavor profile, try the chipotle, with cheese, ham, and spinach. Colados is open all day for a pick-me-up, with a delightful side of European-inspired crepe goodness.

Greek Gyro Express

It seems that Avondalians really like their Greek food, because Greek Gyro Express is one of a few great Greek places that locals frequent. This restaurant is a more recent addition to the local scene. But their Gyros are said to be the best around, and the salads are piled high with tangy feta and olives. The homemade tzatziki is an expertly creamy complement to a number of dishes, including the falafel and the lamb shank. Greek Gyro Express also uses an old family recipe to make Greek spaghetti: pasta with ground beef sauce and a touch of cinnamon.

Greek Gyro Express, 1467 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ, USA, +1 623-882-9100

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