Joe's Diner: A Little Piece of Mayberry in Melrose

Small town, local, and making friends with customers is common where I am from, but here in Phoenix, it seems rare. Leave it to another hard working, creative, small town transplant to show Phoenix how it can still be done.

Joe’s Diner on 7th Avenue and Indian School Road exemplifies the classic diner experience. The food is standard American comfort foods and diner fare, but this where so many “home style” diners in Phoenix, end the experience. A diner is not just a title on a business. It’s not just the classic eggs and bacon breakfasts, and burger and fries lunch menu. Diner means friendly, local and home. It means coming out to greet your customers as the neighbors they are. It means supporting neighborhood farms, suppliers and other businesses.

Joe has been the prime example of the little Mayberry like town in Southern Arizona that he was raised in. Bringing the small town attitude is no easy task in a big city, but Joe was willing to take on the task. With jams and jellies, croissants, and biscuits made in house, and nearly everything else including; the eggs, sausage, and vegetables locally collected, this diner means the business for living local. Built on love, respect, and with his own sweat and blood, the diner itself is a labor of love. From the dividing walls of each booth, to the paint on  the walls, Joe and his family had their hands in making this dream a reality.

So, where did it all start really? After nearly 25 years as a professional chef, Joe knows food. Even when camping, Joe couldn’t keep out of the kitchen. Spending time to make some of his favorite dishes during vacations with his wife and young children, Joe puts to shame those of us who are content with an unevenly charred hot dog or burger. Inviting another family along on one excursion lit the fire for a new adventure in his cooking career. So in awe of the feasts laid by Joe, his friend’s praise spread to several more families. It wasn’t long before Joe was catering for the entire campsite and reviews of his food made it clear.

Requests for Joe to open a restaurant would not be silenced. And the rest is hometown history.

Joe’s Diner

4515 N. 7th Ave.

Phoenix, 85013

(602) 535-4999

Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pirates, Trolls and Books at Lo-Fi Cafe, Mesa

This outing really did become an adventure! On Sunday mornings Brick Cave Books hosts a local authors book browse at downtown Mesa’s Lo-Fi Café. Max and I were not just there to browse however, we were part of the action! I will get to that after the thrill of the pastry!

Lo-Fi is very much the trendy coffee shop of the new millennia, with everything from hot and cool Chai Lattes to the hi-tech brewing methods for some very earthy teas, there is something for anyone. Oh and the pastries, of course! They are to die for of course, and vegans need not feel left out. Try the vegan chocolate chip scones!

So, what about the books? Lo-Fi Café caters to pirates, fairies, rogues, and trolls as well as the casual hipster and hometown coffee seeker. Stop by on a Sunday morning to be a part of the story, or any day to make your own. 

Lo-Fi Café

105 West Main Street

Mesa, Arizona

(602) 769-3689

www.loficoffee.com

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Great lunch! Great sandwiches! Strange atmosphere for local musicians.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop isn’t really a local venue but it is very tasty and they do cater to the local entertainment community. During lunch rush is really not the best time to experience the full flavor of this location but at least they are fast and friendly and the food is well made and reasonably priced.

We couldn’t hear the musician in the corner of the store because it was so loud. I really felt bad for the guy because I am sure he was doing a great job, but people are just too hustle and bustle during the week. We will try to get back to this venue on a weekend or later evening to try the entertainment ambiance again.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

534 West McDowell Road

Phoenix, Arizona

602-283-3267

www.potbelly.com

Lunch at Green in Phoenix

A word before I continue on with this entry; Max is not, I repeat, not, a vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise greenie. That said, he devoured this week’s lunch.

Green is indeed all vegan, but carnivores should not avoid a taste. Max was quite content with the “Moo” shroom po-boy, and while he wasn’t thrilled by the pasta salad side, I took care of it without question along with my order. The jerk tofu salad left me full and content and not regretting a bite.

If you are not super hungry, still stop in, the décor is very unique and the vimto drink is amazing!

Green

2022 North 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 258-1870

http://greenvegetarian.com/

Ladybug Sandwich Shop

As I am now among the staff of the Alzheimer’s Association Desert South West Chapter, visiting fun lunch places downtown is even more of a thrill. Ah yes, the life and times of a cube worker. I am very much enjoying my Public Allies position in the Alzheimer’s Association though!

On to the business at hand though. Max and I had lunch at a great little “spot”. The Ladybug Sandwich Shop! This place is adorable! The cute little patio and cozy dining area are truly crawling with ladybugs of all sizes. More importantly, the sandwiches are tasty! The prices are a bit high but totally worth every penny. A warning about the amazing homemade pickles; they will make you pucker. 

If you are looking for a super cute place to dine on your lunch break, I completely recommend Ladybug. They are also open Saturdays now, so maybe a nice weekend stop.

Ladybug Sandwich Shop

1611 N. 11th Street

Phoenix, 85006

(602) 254-6269

www.ladybughouseofsandwiches.com

MacAlpine's Egg Creams of Awesome!

Strawberry Daiquiri Egg Creams! Oh dear gods my mouth is watering as I type this! I need another!

Okay, so Max took us out to MacAlpine’s in downtown Phoenix to work on some gaps in the Max’s Despair story, and, to have lunch, of course. The food is great and I can personally recommend the Toasted Cheese sandwich if you like classic grilled cheese and tomato, the potato salad was a filling side dish to this. Max enjoyed the Malibu Chicken sandwich. Max was rather boring in his order of a bag of chips as a side and a classic Dr. Pepper for a drink. That leads us back to the complete epicness that is the Egg Cream!

MacAlpine’s boasts 99 flavors for sodas, floats, and the Amazing egg cream. Did I mention how stunning this drink is? It is sweet and lightly creamy and bubbly and cool and even looks interesting. I swear I am going on a soda binge this summer and ordering every flavor, but so far the strawberry daiquiri is my dream drink.

So, what does MacAlpine’s to do with the Tovrea Castle I am constantly yammering on about? Well, food is not the only reason to drop into this soda shop. Flanking the 1920’s-esque seating area are two vintage shops. It was from these shops that some of the temporary display pieces for the kitchen were loaned; specifically the icebox and the stove. These pieces are no longer in the castle, but if you are seeking more history of the castle’s era this is the place to start.

I also found a stunning 60’s era phone booth that I and my Netbook fit super nice in and I think would make a perfect writing office. Just close the door to make it clear that writing is in progress. Only $300 for the office of Czep’s dreams! Anyone want to throw in?

Seriously. Anyone? Five bucks? Maybe ten? I have PayPal!

Until our next adventure!

Mac Alpine's Soda Fountain

2303 North 7th Street

Phoenix, Arizona

(602) 262-5545

www.macalpines1928.com