Phoenix Travel Guide

"Consistency abounds" at these "can't-go-wrong" Camelback Corridor and North Scottsdale steakhouse chain links pairing "well-prepared" chops that "hang off the plate" with "seriously powerful martinis" in a "power-meal atmosphere" of mahogany and pewter; "brutally expensive" pricing comes with the territory, along with a "Saran-wrapped presentation" of raw meats (accompanied by an instructional "recitation" by the waiter) – a "shtick" that many find "tired."

Using "only the best fresh ingredients", "brilliant" Chris Bianco makes "glorious" wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, deemed the "best in the known world" by Phoenix "locals and traveling foodies alike"; get in line "before they open" at 5 PM and you may get seated within "40 minutes" – as opposed to "horrendous"-"beyond-belief" "three-to-four-hour" waits ("raise your spirits" at the "wine bar next door").

"Zowie, it's like a trip to Maui!" cheer champions of these "bits of Hawaii in the desert", "popular" links in the chain offering Roy Yamaguchi's "upscale dinners at upscale prices" (starring "imaginatively prepared seafood"); while a few are "over the novelty", most just happily succumb to the "island magic" conjured from "professional" servers and "tropical" accoutrement like "tiki torches" and "mean mai tais."

"Still the gold standard" (with "sky-high" prices to match) for "satisfying steaks" "swimming" in "sizzling butter" and "generous portions of à la carte side dishes", this chain with branches in the Camelback Corridor and in Scottsdale is a "sure thing" for "expense-account" or "special-event" dining; "gracious service" and "wood-and-leather decor" complete the "upscale" package.

"Dripping with romance", this "gorgeous-in-all-seasons" "date-night" and "special-occasion" staple (voted Most Popular in Phoenix-Scottsdale) features "elegant", "enchanting" "Southwestern-style decor" and the Royal Palms' "beautiful grounds"; the "freshest ingredients are always the star" of the "far-from-ordinary", "gourmet" Mediterranean cuisine, which is "beautifully presented" by staffers who "know what professional service means"; P.S. while dinner is "expensive" (and "worth it"), lunch and Sunday brunch are relative "steals."

Science buffs of all ages – even "advanced" – can enjoy the "hands-on exhibits" at this "excellent" Heritage Square museum that's considered "one of the best around"; other lures include "mini-lectures" and presentations on "interesting subjects" (cow eyeball dissection, anyone?) plus a five-story IMAX movie screen that wows 'em with cinematic "educational messages"; N.B. the Dorrance Planetarium is closed for renovations until April 2008.

Renamed after the 2005 season (but still affectionately called the 'BOB', an acronym for its former moniker), the "awesome" home of the Diamondbacks is a "completely modern" indoor ballpark; "ample parking" and a "variety of concessions" are pluses, but it's the "nifty retractable dome" (an "incredible engineering job"), "swimming pool in right field" and "air-conditioning in summer" that make this "fabulous" Phoenix stadium "a wonder of the world."

A "must-see" for horticulturists and all "non–desert dwellers", this "unique" "botanical treasure" situated "smack in the middle" of Phoenix "captures the beauty of AZ's natural settings" and illustrates the "diversity and complexity" of the Sonoran Desert through its "exceptional collection"; insiders advise taking the docent tour and checking out the "fabulous butterfly pavilion" (check for seasonal hours) aflutter with hundreds of winged beauties.

Although this "challenging, unusual design" has "wide fairways" on which "you could land a 747", you'll need to "think on every shot" so as to "stay out of the sand" that's "everywhere"; it offers "great facilities" and "impeccable service" in a "beautiful" setting next to Arizona's largest resort, but along with the "desert flowers and wildlife" comes a sun that's "as hot as blazes" – so "take advantage of the early AM tee times" or watch "your golf clubs melt."

"I've rarely learned so much from one museum" is a typical reaction to this "world-class" institution in Downtown Phoenix that's revered as a "preeminent" showcase for "Native American culture" (arguably "the nation's best"), with displays and programs that explore the "history, arts and present status of Arizona's tribes"; the "remarkable" collection of Southwestern art – including "wonderful" kachina dolls – is best appreciated on one of the "great guided tours", and there's an "excellent gift shop" to boot; N.B. the offshoots in Scottsdale and Surprise are smaller but draw from the same permanent collection.

There are "plenty of diversions" at this "clean, modern" 125-acre menagerie in Papago Park, where over 1,200 animals are on view in their "natural settings" and in "interactive exhibits" like the aptly named Monkey Village; the inhabitants "are not as active" when it's "really hot" out, and you might also wilt on the "hilly", "tiring trek", so "do the tram tour" in summer or come in December and January to enjoy the "amazing" holiday lights.

Whether the Suns are playing or Blue Man Group's on stage, this "gargantuan" Phoenix arena, "modern in every respect", makes an amusing "playground" for those who appreciate "good views", a "great selection of concessions" and "easy in-and-out" parking; there's also an outdoor performance venue, a stylish lounge and an indoor jungle gym for the kids.

This Central Phoenix institution has always had rhythm, thanks to national and local blues, jazz and rock acts -- but it seldom had room until an expansion, which yielded an updated sound system, a smoking-friendly patio bar and shorter lines outside; owner Bob Corritore hosts his own radio show and blows a mean harmonica himself, but he hits a high note with the older crowd by serving up bargain-priced beer and outdoor barbecue at midnight on weekends.