Restaurant Reviews

Maggiano's Little Italy-Italian, American

16405 N. Scottsdale Rd
(480) 333-4100
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Full bar
Between $20-$30 per entree
Parking: Complimentary valet, or open parking

For my birthday this year I was taken to Maggiano's Little Italy in Scottsdale and I must admit until the other day I didn't even know we had one of these in the valley. Located on the corner of Scottsdale Rd and Bell in the Promenade Shopping Center, Maggiano's is another chain trying to break into the Phoenix market. Since there were only two of us and it was a Thursday night we decided to forgo a reservation and just play it by ear. As it turned out they weren't needed anyway. The staff seemed genuinely happy to see us and we were seated right away.

Our server greeted us quickly and got our drink order going right away while we looked over the menu for an appetizer. When he returned he gave us a quick tour of the menu and when we told him it was our first visit he broke the menu down into some of his favorite meals. He got us started with a tomato caprese appetizer and while we waited for that we decided on our entrees. They also brought us some Italian bread to munch on which was really no better or worse than any of the other places out there that do  the same thing. Our tomato caprese appetizer arrived a short time later and I must admit it was a very nice portion size for the price. At this time we also ordered our entrees, both following our servers suggestions. My dining companion ordered the Lobster Carbonara Pasta and I ordered the 16oz NY Strip Gorgonzola. Our server also suggested a salad for us to split while waiting for our entrees, so we chose their signature chopped salad.

The tomato caprese as I mentioned was a very nice size. The tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese were thick cuts of both topped with just enough fresh basil and balsamic vinegar to give it a great taste without being overpowering. We finished that off in no time, but then waited about 15 minutes before being served our salad. The salad was okay. It had too much dressing on it for me and seemed made ahead of time(not fresh) as claimed, because it was a little soggy. When the salad plates were removed, we again waited almost 15 minutes to receive our entrees. But when they finally did arrive the portions were huge. My companions pasta looked big enough to feed 4 and my steak and side item had to be served on separate plates. To my surprise though my steak was smothered in some type of onion reduction that wasn't listed on the menu and had to be explained to me before eating. Along with our entrees we also enjoyed a nice bottle of Argentinian  Malbec that complemented both meals nicely.

As I mentioned my companions pasta dish was huge, but to her surprise and delight was also loaded with lobster instead of just a few pieces sprinkled over the top. It also had quite a nice mix of all the other ingredients, bacon, snap peas and spaghetti tossed in a tasty garlic cream sauce. My steak was cooked medium rare and melt in your mouth perfect and the Gorgonzola topped with the onion reduction gave it a great flavor. The garlic mashed potatoes I chose for my side item were okay, but nothing great. I had heard the portions were huge and neither of us finished our meals that night but we did have them boxed to go. Since we still had wine to finish we decided on a little dessert and chose the dessert sampler, which is five mini tastings of their most popular dessert items and a great way to end the night.

Overall I would rate the experience a success, but with some reservations. If you are in a hurry, this is definitely not the place to come. Our meal start to finish took almost 2 1/2 hours to complete and that was just for two of us. Our server while very good seemed to disappear at times and the time between courses was also very long(thank goodness our server recommended a salad) average 15-20 minutes between each course. Price is another reason to save Maggiano's for those special occasions, even with the quality of the food and the portion sizes the bill does add up quickly. I will return however and bring a couple friends next time(4 or more) so we can try the all-you-can-eat family style meals and really get our monies worth.

To see Maggiano's menu please click on the restaurant menu link on the right side of the page.

Kiss the Cook-American 

4915 W. Glendale Ave
(623) 939-4663
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-2.30pm, Sat 7am-3pm, Sun 7am-1pm
No Alcohol
Under $10 per entree
Parking: Located on west side of the building

I haven't been to "KTC" in quite a few years so I thought it was time to return and check it out. To be honest it has not changed at all on the inside. The decor is starting to have that worn tired look, and the items on the walls and displays could use a really good cleaning, and a fresh coat of paint would do wonders for the place. That aside it is still the same friendly service I remember from past years and probably some of the same servers too. They definitely are not the quickest in town but they sure are friendly.


KTC" signature items- The Bakers Basket. This is a basket of mini homemade muffins they bring out before your meal. Hot, fresh and at no extra charge, it is a great way to start. All the food here is made from scratch so you really can't go wrong with whatever you order. 


Our food arrived shortly after and looked and smelled great. My friend ordered the Country breakfast which seemed to come with everything. Two eggs cooked to order, biscuits and gravy, two strips of bacon and their signature fried potatoes, instead of hash browns, which are diced potatoes, fried and seasoned just right. For myself I enjoy Eggs Benedict so when I'm out to breakfast I always look for that or some variation of it. Today I found Cajun style eggs Benedict, made with kielbasa sausage instead of Canadian bacon and topped with a spicy Cajun style hollandaise sauce. Mine was also served with the signature fried potatoes. Man was this the right choice for me. Just different enough from traditional Benedict to be interesting and just spicy enough to have great flavors without being too spicy. If you like Benedict's like I do then you will enjoy this one. If you are trying to eat a little healthier you can also substitute fresh fruit, cottage cheese or fresh tomato slices for your fried potatoes. Along with a glass of their fresh squeezed orange juice you will leave here feeling full and satisfied, without your wallet being squeezed as well.


"KTC" is also one of those places where everything you see is for sale. From items on display to the plates you ate your meal on. So if you see something you like, chances are you can buy it, or better yet bring along something to trade with and you may be surprised what happens. Either way the food is worth the visit and for the price you may just find "KTC" will become your new breakfast spot.


Sorry no link for their menu is available on-line at this time.

La Piazza al Forno

5803 W. Glendale Ave
(623) 847-3301
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-3pm-5pm-8.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Wine and Beer, with a decent selection of Italian beers
Under $15 per entree
Parking: On the street


For my final review of Old Town Glendale restaurants, I wanted to feature prior to the upcoming Glendale Jazz Fest I chose La Piazza al Forno. A mom and pop place instead of a corporate giant La Piazza was another of Old Town's restaurants featured on Diners-Drive-Ins and Dives, back in October 2008.

With there only being two of us tonight our wait was only about 20 minutes, which really wasn't bad, plus it gave us a chance to look over the menu. However being that La Piazza is so small we had to wait outside until our table was ready. They only have 12-15 tables placed very close together and a small counter area that seats about six but does offer a great view of the wood burning pizza oven. Waiting for a table here is the norm sometimes as long as 1 1/2 hours, so make sure to plan accordingly. When the time came the hostess was very friendly and told us to enjoy our meal. The server came by a few minutes later and got our drink and appetizer order, then disappeared as quick as could be. La Piazza has a pretty decent selection of wine and beers, with several Italian beers to choose from so I was happy, I mean what goes better with pizza than beer right? But I was a little disappointed to see so many California wines listed and only a handful of Italian ones.

Our appetizer the mozzarella and tomato(caprese) salad arrived with-in about 5 minutes of ordering it and I was really glad to see that it looked like it was made to order and not sitting around all day. A generous portion of homemade mozzarella cheese, paired with fresh sliced San Marrano tomatoes and topped with roasted red peppers, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil(EEVO). For our meals we settled on the Italian Stallion meat pie(sausage, pepperoni, Prosciutto and Sopressatacannoli that was recommended to me and was a great way to end the night.

La Piazza offers a nice mix of pizza, including a vegan choice, pasta and salads in a little place with a real "homey feel" almost like being in your moms kitchen without having to clean up. They use only the freshest ingredients, including their homemade pizza dough and mozzarella cheese and the prices to portion size really can't be beat. The only real drawback to the entire visit was the service or lack there of. I guess because they are such a small mom and pop style place, they just want you in and out so they can get as many people in the seats as possible. But please don't let that stop you from enjoying the great food at a great price. Remember to get there early or be prepared to wait. Either way I think that you will leave feeling it was worth the trip.

To see La Piazza's menu please check out my restaurant menu links site on the right side of this page.

Haus Murphy's-German

5739 W. Glendale Ave

(623) 939-2480

Hours: Mon 4pm-8pm Tues-Sat 11am-9pm

Sunday 12pm-8pm

Wine and Beer, with a large selection of German beers

Live entertainment: Fri-Sat 6.30pm-8.30pm

Lunch under $15 per entree

Dinner under $20 per entree

Parking: On the street

Featured in an April 2009 episode of Diners-Drive-ins and Dives, Haus Murphy's in Old Town Glendale is serving up large portions of home cooked German food, and still doing it the way it was done before they became famous. When we arrived the hostess gave us our choice of seating and explained that the restaurant was split into three areas. The bar, what I would call a cafe and the outside bier garden. My friend and I chose the bier garden which is actually the unused alleyway between two buildings that they have done a nice job disguising with lots of decorations.

Hefeweizen and I ordered a Spaten Lager, both popular classic German brews. She returned shortly with two huge mugs and since we still had not made any decisions, we let her choose our appetizer for us.

It turned out what she brought us was the sausage sampler(one of her favorites) and to be honest at first I was not impressed with these two pieces of sausage, but I soon realized how wrong I was. The plate contained one German sausage(pork) and one krakauer wurst(spicy beef-pork) sliced and loaded with flavor upon a bed of homemade sauerkraut the was amazing all on its own, and which we finished in no time. My friend and I finally decided on the BauernPlatte-combo for two that had a little bit of everything so we could avoid the decision of what to choose. Our server then returned with a basket loaded with both pumpernickel and dark rye breads with herb butter, and two cups of soup(included) before our main course. The breads were fresh and chewy and the soup was loaded with lots of rich, hearty, meaty flavors and vegetables, somewhere between a stew, minestrone, or just plain vegetable I really couldn't decide.

When  our BauernPlatte arrived I knew we were in trouble. It states on the menu combo for two but with everything else we had eaten to that point it would have easily fed three of us. The platter contained three different types of sausage, German bratwurst(pork sausage) Spicy bratwurst(beef sausage) and Weiss wurst(veal sausage). It also came with pork schnitzel fried to perfection and two kassler cotelett(smoked pork chops) not to mention piles of side items, that included both homemade sauerkraut and red cabbage, crispy German fried potatoes, and homemade German potato salad which is vinegar based, not mayo based like its American cousin. This difference gives the German potato salad a tangy almost sour taste that I found really different and enjoyable. But try as we might we could not finish and had to ask for a box. Unfortunately by this time my friend and I were both so full that we had to pass on their wonderful German chocolate cake and bread pudding that I had heard so much about, which I have already filed away for my next visit.

Due to the price and the heaviness of the food, Haus Murphy's is not a place to go on a regular basis, but if you want to experience something truly different I highly encourage you to try it and I just bet it will be a place you return to again and again.

To see the menu for Haus Murphy's please go to my link site at the top right of this page and click on their website.

Pedro's Mexican Restaurant

4938 W. Glendale Ave.

(623)937-0807

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-8.30pm Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

Sunday Closed

Wine and beer

Under $10 per entree for lunch

Under $15 per entree for dinner

Parking: Available on the east side of building.

Pedro's is one of those spots we like to keep hidden for us locals. I have actually been to Pedro's quite often and have always enjoyed it. It has been around it seems forever and is family owned and operated. I like to think of it as mexican comfort food. The service has always been fast and friendly, from the time you walk in the door until you leave. It is a smaller restaurant and is always busy so keep that in mind when heading out. Once seated they immediately serve you fresh made chips, with both fresh made hot sauce and mild chunky salsa. They also offer a hot chunky salsa if you prefer. All of which are some of the best I've ever had. On my last visit we started with the regular cheese crisp which came out in no time and was too hot to eat right away, but also was not as crispy as usual. But we still managed to finish it in record time. Next for me was the Business mans special: a green or red chili burro, cheese enchilada and a shredded beef taco(no rice or beans)believe me none were needed. I chose the green chili burro which has a little more kick than the red. The enchilada also had great flavor from the sauce and the shredded beef for the taco was piled inside until the shell was ready to burst. My dining companion had a cheese enchilada and chili relleno, both ala carte and I have to say the relleno is probably one of the best I have ever tasted.

They offer a great lunch time value menu for those business people on the go, and of course their regular menu for those not in such a hurry. They also have what they call their "mini menu for mini appetites" which is a selection of some of their most popular items, but as the name suggest a mini portion. But don't let the name fool you, so unless you have time to curl up on the couch for a nap the mini menu with rice and beans is plenty to get most of us through the day. And this menu is available all the time. The only drawback here is the limited bar selection. For those of you who enjoy a margarita(or two) with your meal sorry, but they only offer beer and wine. I am confident that no matter what you choose at Pedro's from the appetizer to one of the over sized combo plates, and anything in between you will add Pedro's to your families favorite places to go as I did with mine.

To see the menu for Pedro's please go to my links site at the top right of this page and click on their website.

Zing-American Traditional-CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
5819 W. Glendale Ave.
 (623)847-8890
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 7am-9pm Fri-Sat 7am-2am
Sunday 7am-2.30pm
Full bar
Happy Hour: 3-6pm Mon-Sat.
Under $10 per entree
Parking: On the street

Upon entering Zing the first time I was not even sure the place was open, because my dining companion and I had the entire place to ourselves. We were actually greeted and seated by the chef who also took our drink order. We chose the table in front of the big screen T.V. which as it happens is also in front of the kitchen service window. What a great decision that was. Joe our server greeted us like long lost friends and when he realized this was our first visit he took his time to explain the concept and the menu to us in full. Besides their normal menu Zing also offers a couple of daily specials, with descriptions that make your mouth water. After placing our order, burgers that Joe recommended with a couple of his favorite sides, plus a cup of chili for me and a cup of green chili mac and cheese(1 of 4 types offered daily)for my friend we had a chance to sit back and take the place in. Long and narrow with booths and tables along one wall leading out back to the patio. At the front as you enter they have a full bar that seats about eight. the music was a nice mix and was not playing too loud.

After our order was placed the chef proceeded to talk to us through the service window while making our food. He also made some other suggestions from the menu based on what we ordered this time, they were that confident we would return, and they were right. Joe delivered our chili and mac and cheese and I must say both were hot and very tasty. The chili does have a little kick to it so if you are not a fan of spicy/hot food I would not recommend this. It also has a nice blend of "secret" spices that added to the flavor.  The Green chili mac and cheese was also loaded with flavor and had just enough green chili to make it stand out from regular mac and cheese. Needless to say we ate both of these right up. Soon after our burgers arrived both cooked to perfection, juicy and loaded with flavor. I had the coyote burger which has cheddar cheese and topped with an entire green chili. For my side item I chose the fresh cook chips, and they also came out hot, fresh and crispy. My companion ordered one of the special burgers that was topped with chorizo, with sweet potato fries as their side. These too were a huge surprise. Somehow the chef got them crispy on the outside while still soft and moist on the inside, which if you eat lots of sweet potato fries is not an easy thing to do. Our meal complete we were hoping to finish off the night with some dessert. Unfortunately this is the one area Zing is lacking. They only had one offering of dessert which we decided to pass on.

Besides the burgers(you can substitute a chicken breast for any burger)and their selection of mac and cheese, Zing also offers a nice selection of hand tossed salads as well as some old time favorites. They also serve breakfast from 7am-11am daily. Even though their menu is small I challenge you NOT to find something you will enjoy and walk away feeling full and satisfied. So far what Zing is doing is working. They invite you in as their guests, treat you like friends and get you to return because of the great food at reasonable prices. I know that I will definitely dine here again soon.

To see the menu or find out more about Zing please go to my links site at the top right of this page and click on their website.