We all know it’s super easy to give in to our kids’ demands for chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers, and rolling through a drive-through at mealtime is so convenient.
But yikes – the cost of fast food these days is pretty steep so it’s worth it to try some alternatives that cost about the same, but are a bit healthier, and that your family might like even more than your tried-and-true drive through.
Summer is the perfect time to branch out, visit a part of town you might not regularly go to, and try a couple of these spots for a little variety and a break from fast food and drive-through. Your family may just find your new go-to meal.
Here are ten places to check out in the Valley.
This family-owned restaurant focuses on providing quality Chihuahua style food made from recipes that have been passed down through generations. Check them out for low prices and excellent tacos and burritos.
You know that any local burger place that’s been around since the 1970s has got to be good. This spot, located right near ASU’s Tempe campus, has real mesquite broiled burgers and chicken sandwiches that will make you quickly forget about the golden arches.
3 The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food
If you’ve never been, get yourself to Carolina’s for the best tortillas in town. They are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and have a wide selection of Mexican favorites that are so fresh. They also offer catering platters for larger gatherings.
4 Scramble
A must try spot for breakfast and lunch, Scramble has three locations around the Valley, and they offer vegan and gluten-free options, in addition to “brizzas” – hand tossed breakfast pizzas that you’d never find at a fast-food joint.
This 100% nonprofit restaurant helps make our Valley a happier place, one meal at a time. Their mission is to help ease the daily struggles for people that are homebound battling cancer. Do something good and enjoy their farm-fresh, from-scratch diner menu at the same time. Open for breakfast, lunch, and catering.
You’ve got to try this “old school mom and pop pizza shop” in Phoenix that has earned a cult following from neighborhood residents and beyond for its high quality, from scratch menu items. Everything on their menu looks delicious.
7 Simon’s Hot Dogs Food Truck
This Latino, family, and women-owned hot dog business specializes in bringing Colombian twists on the classic chili cheese dog, Chicago style, and Hawaiian hot dog. They offer beef, Colombian chorizo (pork), bratwurst, vegetarian, and vegan sausage options. They’ve transitioned from brick and mortar to food truck only, so check their site to find out their daily schedule.
8 The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe
Enjoy fast food prices for some delicious specialty burgers and hand spun milkshakes that you will not find at any fast-food spots. (They also offer gluten-free buns for a small additional charge)
There are three locations in the Valley for you to try these authentic Thai dishes. Their weekday lunch special is a smoking deal, and you can choose your level of spice from 0 to 5.
d’Lite offers healthy alternatives that are not widely available in a quick-service format. They have a diverse, customizable menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, burgers, smoothies, and handcrafted coffees & teas, served in a fun environment. Six locations throughout the Valley, plus a kids’ menu and a doggie bag offering for your furry friend.
Enjoy these options to ditch the drive-through and let us know what you think!
