Black Friday Sustenance: Where to Eat at Valley Malls

Carrie Wheeler

​Shopping Black Friday is a marathon, not a sprint. Long lines, long hours, big crowds -- you'll need to sustain yourself accordingly with some convenient dining options.

The following are suggestions of some of the best places to dine depending on the Black Friday sale you're shopping.


If you go to Scottsdale Fashion Square:

If the goal is to grab some sustenance between sales, try Pita Jungle's delicious doesn't-taste-like-food-court food like the Lavosh Shwarma Wrap ($8.79).  At the other end of the shopping center, Modern Burger has a quick-order window featuring 2 sliders for $5.25 (Note: Check the seating arrangement first, it's limited).

For a more elegant dining experience, try Fred's at Barneys which has happy hour with food (and drink!) specials from 4-7 or sit down at Cafe Nordstrom, a seasoned-shopper favorite.

If you're done with the mall with a capital "D," drive a few short blocks south of the mall to Scottsdale Civic Center to Orange Table, which has a relaxing atmosphere, outdoor seating if the weather is right, and some delicious breakfast and lunch fare.

Find more dining destinations after the jump.
If you go to Biltmore Fashion Park:
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The Biltmore is just as much of an eating destination as it is a shopping destination. While Paradise Bakery is really your only quick-stop lunch option, there's a sit-down place for every taste: If healthy and organic is what you like, try True Food Kitchen. Stingray Sushi has sushi and other traditional Japanese fare. Zinburger serves a variety of beef, chicken, tuna and veggie burgers. And if mass quantities are the name of your game, The Cheesecake Factory has a monster-sized menu with portions to match.

Take the pedestrian path under Camelback Road to get to Houston's for some American lunch staples in a cozy leather booth.

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If you go to Chandler Mall:

Grab-and-go turbo shoppers can get a chicken nugget or sandwich fix and a seemingly endless condiment selection at food court stand, Chick-fil-A.

For more leisurely in-mall dining experience, casual dining spot, Chompie's deli has everything from eggs benedict to a giant meat sandwich to matzo ball soup. Wildflower Bread Company has a respectable selection of sandwiches, soups and salads and energy-inducing muffins and pastries.

For a more upscale spot, visit Kona Grill lunch for a mix of Asian-inspired and other lunchtime staples (pizza, salads, etc.)  Note: For Black Friday, Kona Grill is offering a buy one gift card, get a second for half-off deal.

For an out-of-mall dining experience, drive a short distance west on Chandler Blvd. to local favorite, Cyclo for authentic Vietnamese fare using fresh ingredients.


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If you go to Arrowhead Town Center:

Take a load off at cafeteria-style, comfort food central, Miracle Mile Deli which features traditional deli meat sandwiches and a variety of daily specials.

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If you go to Paradise Valley Mall:

​For in-mall noshing, Chompie's has an expansive breakfast menu and loads of mostly-meaty specialty sandwiches and other deli favorites (bagels!).

For a quick bite outside the mall, fast-food fave Chick-fil-A is caddy corner from the mall and In-and-Out Burger (home of the Double Double - order animal style if you like mustard and onions) is located across the street.

For a more formal non-mall option, venture across Cactus to Picazzo's for a slice and a salad and a well-needed glass of wine. For Black Friday, they are offering a free small salad with the purchase of another salad before 4 p.m.

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If you go to Tempe Marketplace:

There are loads of on-site restaurant chain options from sit-down to grab-and-go (CPK,  Chipotle, San Felipe's Cantina).

For off-mall fare: a five minute drive southwest will take you to Haji Baba for delicious-yet-affordable middle eastern food (the Gyro Plate is enough for 2 and is $6.99) and Pita Jungle, home of healthy/hip dining. A short drive to the northwest is Green, which features vegetarian and vegan specialties (like cheeseless mac & cheese) and a giant menu of Tsoynami (soy) ice cream treats.


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If you go to Best Buy, Last Chance, Michael's at Camelback Colonnade:

Best bets at the Colonnade are Miracle Mile Deli for amazing meaty sandwiches, homemade soups and comfort food entrees. Smashburger, the  new burger/chicken/salad hotspot might have long lines, but is a relatively quick and reliable destination.

For a more trendy, sit-down locale, travel a block or 2 east on Camelback to recently remodeled Parlor, which has a modern interior, a cozy patio and a variety of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and cocktails on the menu.

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If you go to Arizona Mills Mall:

​Our tip: eat first, or eat after, but there's not much of a selection at the Arizona Mills food court. If you must eat at the mall, Paradise Bakery is a decent standby or for sit-down service, try 5 & Diner for a burger, fries and shake.

Carbo-load for a day of power-shopping with waffles and hash browns at 24-hour breakfast standby, nearby Waffle House.

Venture across the street from Arizona Mills for traditional Mexican fare (and a side of fideo) at  sit-down spot Aunt Chilada's.

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If you go to Central Phoenix: Frances, Stinkweeds, Smeeks and Red Hot Robot:

For a trendy lunch/brunch, hit  Postino on Central for indoor/outdoor dining on a mimosa and breakfast or wine and bruschetta. St. Francis boasts an all-day happy hour and an array of soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads in an urban setting.

For a more casual dining experience, pick up one of Pane Bianco's artisan sandwiches and eat on the outdoor patio.