Small Bites in Phoenix

It only takes a few bites of a variety of foods to make me feel full and content.  That’s why a variety of restaurants in the Valley are introducing “small bite” menus for people on a budget and more interested in the quality of food than the quantity.

One of my favorite places to enjoy Happy Hour is at Brio at the Scottsdale Quarter (map).  They have two locations in the Valley, the second is in Gilbert (map).

Their theme is based on La Dolce Vita, which is Italian for “The Sweet Life.” The restaurants design is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa with wood floors, grand archways leading into different areas and a beautiful outdoor patio.  It’s a nice change from the typical Southwest décor.

Their Tuscan Tasters menu offered from 3-6pm and 9pm to close on Monday through Friday includes several different appetizers for $2.95 each.  The Brio Burger features a robust selection of four sliders with smoked Mozzarella and homemade chips.  You can’t go wrong with the sausage and pepperoni flatbread or the sliced steak bruschetta.  And for dessert, you will love the dolchinos which are individual samplings of tiramisu, crème brulee, cheesecake and other sweet treats all in a tea cup.  Bravisimo!

My favorite hangout on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is Postino Wine Cafe (map) in Central Phoenix.  Now with their second location on Central Avenue, I have no reason not to spend every weekend enjoying the amazing variety of wines from their cellar.  Truly a neighborhood café in both design with hardwood floors, comfortable furniture and garden patio and feel where the wait staff know your name and recommend the right vintage to suit your palette.

Patio at Postino Wine Cafe

I always order the bruschetta where you can choose four varieties that range from brie and apples with fig spread to smoked salmon with pesto.  I think that you’ll find them really tasty and quite filling.  They also offer paninis, soups and salads at reasonable prices.

My last favorite is actually a large steakhouse with a few spots around town.  Every time we go to The Keg Steakhouse Bar we bypass the large dining room for the quiet, dark bar that we find more appealing and relaxing.  Here you have the option to order off the bar menu which is just as filling and satisfying as the main dining room menu.  Because I’ve become a creature of habit, I always order the scallops wrapped in bacon with cocktail sauce, baked goat cheese with tomato basil salsa and sliders with different toppings.

If you’re wanting to get out of the house, but not interested in having a large meal there are great spots around town that serve up a large variety of small bites that will suite all tastes.