The 2021 baseball season is now in full swing and in-person attendance is back. Arizona is home to the best preseason grounds in the country, but baseball in Arizona is more than just Spring Training. Visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks on your next PHX layover should be on every baseball fan’s agenda (especially if your favorite team is in town). Getting to and from a D-backs game is easy via the Valley Metro Rail (either 3rd St/Washington or 3rd St/Jefferson station can be used), and there are plenty of great places to visit along the light rail route. Here are some of our favorite restaurants & bars near Chase Field to help you out during your next game day visit.
Places to eat near Chase Field
If you are looking for food near the stadium, check out some of our favorite places within walking distance of Chase Field.
Pizzeria Bianco
When you think about the great pizza cities of the world, Phoenix might not be at the top of many people’s list. A visit to Pizzeria Bianco, located just north of Chase Field, just might change your mind.
Here you can order some of the best wood-fired pizza in the country from one of the most famous names in American pizza: Chris Bianco. Don’t just take my word for it though — this place has been named as the best pizza joint in the country by everyone from Rachael Ray to Bon Appétit.
Come hungry, but be prepared for a wait: the cozy brick building is notorious for long lines (though that has changed considerably in recent years with the opening of additional locations).
Cornish Pasty
Cornish Pasty is my absolute favorite place to take airline friends & tourists visiting the Phoenix area. The formula here is simple: take any type of dish and wrap it up in a flaky pasty and serve it alongside local beer in an English-style pub setting.
What’s a pasty, you ask? Pasties are the English cousin of empanadas. At Cornish Pasty, you can expect a wide variety of fillings all wrapped up in a doughy, flaky pastry that pairs perfectly with any of the beers that they have on tap. I have been here countless times, but I don’t think I have ever ordered the same thing twice. When it comes to variety, Cornish Pasty has you covered.
The Duce
Looking for the most ridiculous restaurant possible? The Duce, featuring rustic vibes in a converted warehouse just south of the stadium, is an incredible place to grab a meal before the game (or party the night away afterwards).
The entire dining room & patio looks like it was decorated by someone’s garage sale-obsessed aunt. The menu looks like it was the brainchild of an actual child with dishes like gluten-free brisket sundaes and mac & cheese muffins. The live entertainment includes everything from swing dance lessons to burlesque shows.
This place is seriously weird in all the best ways. If you get a chance, The Duce is a great place to visit while in downtown Phoenix.
Willie’s Taco Joint
Willie’s is a casual Mexican shop where you can grab all sorts of classic dishes. This is an awesome place to stop before a game, and nothing beats the Arizona heat like margaritas and ice-cold beer.
The colors you find inside are fun & festive, and the drinks are reasonable considering the downtown location (just note that happy hour prices don’t apply on game day). Skip this place if you are on a quest for the very best taco in Phoenix, but the food here is still pretty damn good.
Places to drink near Chase Field
If you want to grab some beers before or after the game, here are a few bars & breweries worth visiting near downtown Phoenix.
The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub
If pubs tickle your fancy, another great game day option is The Kettle Black pub. Expect a dimly lit tavern with a wide beer selection here, plus a kitchen serving up traditional pub fare.
Located just a few blocks away from Chase Field, you can expect this local spot to fill up with fans before, during, and after the game. Grab a pint, nosh on some pretzels & sliders, and enjoy the atmosphere along with the Diamondbacks’ crowd.
The Whining Pig
The Whining Pig is your happy hour spot on game days. This beer & wine bar features a ridiculously long list of beverages to choose from, and a comically short list of food available for anyone who gets hungry.
At last check, The Whining Pig stocks over 100 beers and countless more wines available for patrons. The cozy location features a bar made out of pennies and plenty of stools, but you may find yourself drinking while standing up when it starts to get busy. Come for the great happy hour specials, but stay for the wide selection — this is one of those bars that you could spend hours at.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Looking for a great cocktail but don’t want to feel underdressed in your game day gear? Look no further than the beloved Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour located a couple blocks away on Jefferson Street.
Boasting awards like “Best Bars in America” and “Top 10 ‘World’s Best Cocktail Menu’”, you know this place is going to be good. While you can order classic cocktails off the drink menu, patrons are encouraged to approach the bar with an open mind. This is the perfect place to experiment with your drink order and (hopefully) find a new favorite.
Crown Public House
You can’t talk about game day at a Diamondbacks game without mentioning Crown Public House. Nestled right in between Chase Field & Phoenix Suns Arena, this bar sits in the perfect location for pregame drinks.
While it masquerades as a lowkey soccer bar when neither Phoenix team is in town, expect this bar to be buzzing with baseball & basketball fans on game days.
A word of caution to any Everton fans out there: Crown Public House makes no attempt to hide that it is a desert oasis for Phoenix-based Liverpool supporters.
Final Thoughts
If you are flying into PHX for an Arizona Diamondbacks, we would love to hear about what is on your “must-visit” list. Do you agree with our recommendations (or are angry that we missed your favorite spot)? Let us know in the comments below!
