Travel with Kids: Eating in Phoenix-Scottsdale, Arizona with Kids

Carolina's Mexican Food

Address 1202 East Mohave Street, Phoenix, AZ Map, Tel (602) 252-3089 Call, Cost Inexpensive - our family of four stuffed ourselves for just under $20 Website

Set in a light-industrial neighborhood near the Pueblo Grande Museum, Carolinas doesn't look impressive from the outside, but the steady stream of customers entering and leaving will convince you to park your car and walk through the iron-bar covered front door. If you love real Mexican food, you'll be delighted when you see the kitchen and menu. If you are still unsure, the wall full of local food awards (and even a glowing Sunset Magazine review) will reassure you. more

Fry Bread House

Address 4140 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013 Map, Tel (602) 351-2345 Call, Hours Open Mon-Thurs 10AM-7PM; Fri& Sat. 10AM-8PM

Native American Fry Bread (essentially fried dough) is typically served with honey and powdered sugar or butter, sugar and cinnamon, but this Native American owned restaurant has a delicious twist. The Fry Bread House fills their fresh fry bread with chili, chorizo, or other savory fillings, making huge (and delicious) fry bread tacos. The restaurant is casual and our kids devoured their bean and cheese filled fry bread. Stews (served with fresh fry bread on the side) are also worth a try. There are also several dessert selections. more

Lola Tapas

Address 800 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014 Map, Tel (602) 265-4519 Call, Website

Lola is a sleek little tapas restaurant with a decidedly grown up menu. We couldn't get enough of the garbanzo beans with Spinach, the grilled Fillet Mignon or the spice rubbed Pork Loin. more

Nogales Hot Dogs

Address 1945 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ? Map, Tel (602) 527-0208? Call,

This truck, parked in the parking lot of a Guitar and Keyboard City gets rave reviews for its Sonoran style (bacon wrapped) hot dogs. Not only does the decidedly downscale location make it an easy place to eat with kids, but the excuse to eat hot dogs makes it perfect. more

Scratch Pastries

Address 7620 E Indian School Rd # 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Map, Tel (480) 947-0057 Call, Website

This excellent pastry and sandwich shop aspires to recreate a bit of Paris in Scottsdale. While the sandwiches aren't perfect replicas (the bread is just too soft), we really enjoyed options like Foie Gras with caramelized onions and roast duck, each served with a side salad. There are a wide variety of fresh pastries ranging from flaky croissant to beautiful little cakes. High chairs are available and the kids enjoyed crepes and an excellent quiche. more

Via Delosantos

Address 9120 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020 Map, Tel (602) 997-6239 Call, Reservations Not accepted

If you want to try authentic Sonoran Mexican food, and need a sit down (although not particularly sanitized) restaurant, this is a good choice. Steak dishes are particularly good, but arrive early, the quality of food doesn't warrant the long wait on weekends and during peak hours. more