Posts Tagged ‘Local Breeze’

Brunch Spots Near the METRO Light Rail

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

The great weather we’re experiencing in Downtown Phoenix is perfect for sitting at a local cafe and enjoying a mimosa or bloody mary (or both!) with family or friends. Easter Sunday is almost here and many restaurants near the light rail are offering up some delicious off-menu items as well as the usual crowd pleasers for you to enjoy. See anything you just can’t resist?

The District at the Sheraton (Central station) is going all out for Easter Brunch. The restaurant will have a bloody mary bar, unlimited mimosas, breakfast bar, raw bar (sushi, tuna, oysters, shrimp cocktail), a Dr. Pepper glazed ham and bbq chicken for $29 ($12.50 for kids). Talk about grazing! The brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (restaurant website)

food_brunch_mainFez (Osborn station) is a foodie fave in CenPho! Thomas the manager says on Easter Sunday, the restaurant will feature lump crab and ricotta egg white omelets topped with cherry tomatoes ($12). Another off-menu item: pork chops Milanese with creamy smashed potatoes and grilled asparagus ($18). The restaurant also has $3 mimosas and bloody marys. Riding your bike?  The racks are located in the back parking lot. (restaurant website)

Hula’s Modern Tiki (Camelback station) is on my list of new favorite places to dine. The restaurant recently started serving a weekend brunch, just in time for Easter Sunday. The staff tells me their eggs benedict dishes are to die for. Don’t like ham? Try the dish with Spam, Portuguese sausage or seared Ahi tuna. Oh, and the mimosas are bottomless until 2:30pm.  Bike racks are in the back. (restaurant website)

Local Breeze (Central station) is the perfect place for patio dining! The owner tells me the Fire Island eggs  are a hit, however my favorite is the Banana Foster french toast. The restaurant scores bonus points for giving customers a 10 percent discount off their order when they ride their bikes to the restaurant. WIN!

Steve’s Greenhouse Grill is located in the heart of Downtown near the Washington and 3rd Street station or the 1st Avenue and Jefferson station. The restaurant features a buffet for $12.95 ($8.95 for kids) which includes a beverage. You can also order off the regular menu as well. (restaurant website)

Taking your bike to brunch this weekend? Valley METRO just kicked off a bike awareness campaign and is encouraging people to extend your clean air commute by using a bike in connection with the bus or light rail. Learn about the bike safety education efforts here and see what events are scheduled during the month of April here.

Local Breeze Patio Cafe – A Breath of Fresh Air in Downtown Phoenix

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Local Breeze

Local Breeze Patio Cafe is one of the coolest restaurants you’ll ever visit in Downtown Phoenix!

My wife and I literally stumbled into Local Breeze, 606 N. 4th Ave., Phoenix (on the corner of 4th Avenue and Fillmore Street), several days ago and felt like we found a little gold mine.

Local Breeze opened in May 2009 and is quartered in a restored, historic home that was built in 1914. Even though the home was built almost 100 years ago, it has a modern, unique feel to it.

In the patio area which is expansive, I felt like I was thrust into a little piece of the Caribbean in the desert. There was a large lattice patio cover, trees, fans, string lights, candles and comfortable outdoor furniture everywhere.

The outdoor patio is perfect for having a drink with close friends – especially at night.

The interior is compact but interesting. It felt like I walked into an art gallery – paintings and other viewables adorned the walls and the soft lighting gave the place a homey feel. The men’s bathroom was interesting – there was a beer bottle sticking out of the wall (purposely done) and some funky wallpaper. The stall almost reminds me of an old, rusted trash bin … great piece of art work!

The best part about the place was the customer service! Our host Melody was probably the most welcoming host I’ve had at any restaurant! She really took pride in her job and the restaurant itself. I enjoyed talking with her – kind of felt I like I was talking to an old friend. I also had an opportunity to talk with the owner Sid Campbell – he was very gracious! I love restaurants with that mom-and-pop feel!

As for the food and cocktails, wifey started off with a “Low Tide” Pina Colada and I had the LB Signature “Mojito” Lemonade. My bebida went down smoothly – not too strong, not watered-down. Wifey enjoyed her drink too.

I ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettucine and my wife had the Fire Island pizza. Man, they served up some healthy portions! Unless you are REALLY hungry, you’re probably going to be asking for a to-go box.

My dish was very tasty – didn’t need to put any salt or pepper on it. I was glad that it wasn’t too spicy. My wife said her meal was very good – the cheese was gooey and the dough was filling. I wouldn’t say that we were “blown away” with our entrees but we will be back.

I have to admit that my bill was higher than I expected it to be but you’ll always take a hit when you order cocktails at dinner.

I’d definitely recommend this spot for anyone who’s lookin’ for a memorable dining experience in Downtown Phoenix.

Local Breeze serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner.