DTPHX Light Rail Series: 3rd St/Washington
by Elizabeth Montgomery
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Welcome to Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s light rail series. This is your handy guide of restaurants and retailers that are within walking distance from each Valley Metro light rail station Downtown.
The Valley Metro light rail system has several stops in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, and we’re back to break down another one.
Whether you’re Downtown for mega events like the 2024 Men’s Final Four®, the March Madness® Music Festival, or you want to explore the walkable neighborhood, the light rail will get you there stress-free.
Hop off the 3rd St/Washington station for nightlife, retail, and unique food and drinks.
A spread for the table at Blanco in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo: Michael Adan)
When you need chips, salsa, and a margarita, Blanco Cocina + Cantina has got you covered. Stop by for a savory burrito or bowl layered with elevated fillings like the spicy machaca short rib or red chili chicken. They have a variety of tequila flights and agua frescas, and their guacamole is fresh and made in-house.
Details: 123 E. Washington St.
This local coffee shop is seriously dapper. Located on the ground floor of the 201 E. Washington building, Dapper & Stout offers ready-made sandwiches, pastries, smoothies, and coffee on-the-go.
Details: 201 E. Washington St.
Live más in Downtown Phoenix with all your favorite Taco Bell items, ranging from crunch wrap supremes to beefy five-layer burritos. In addition to all the classics, guests can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages and twisted Freezes to pair with their meal
Details: 201 E. Washington St.
Two different concepts from the same restaurateurs. The Kettle Black is a cozy gastropub serving up plates and pints in a traditional tavern setting. Stop by for their steamed mussels, lamb gyro, fish & chips, and brioche bread pudding. The Desmond is a contemporary Italian bistro that offers Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, all made with Italian-imported ingredients and locally- sourced produce.
Details: 1 N. 1st St.
Founded in 2013, this local eatery has an all-day menu including coffee, full breakfast, pastries from LGO Bakeshop, and lunch and dinner favorites. Enjoy Ingo’s domestic-raised, grass-finished burgers, the popular Fried Chicken Sammy, fresh salads, and shattered potato chips available to dine in or grab and go.
Details: 101 E. Washington St.
When you hear “cupbopper,” you know you’re family. From Shark Tank to Downtown Phoenix, Cupbop offers a delicious take on Korean cuisine. Choose the base, protein, and spice level of your Cupbop bowl. It’s flavorful, healthy, affordable, and fast.
Details: 101 E. Washington St.
This restaurant has an open-air bar and dog-friendly patio that is prime for people-watching Downtown. Enjoy a mimosa flight with your green chile pork skillet or Bacon Me Crazy Bloody Mary and a stack of pancakes. Morning Squeeze is open daily for breakfast and brunch.
Details: 1 N. 1st St.
Pa’La is a wood-fired inspired, upscale restaurant that boasts a menu of local and specialty imported ingredients, grains, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Their menu changes daily to reciprocate the seasonality of each ingredient. Past menus have included Niman Ranch bone marrow, wood-fired octopus, and Black Nerone rice lobster risotto.
Details: 132 E. Washington St.
With a dozen TVs along the walls and bar, and friendly servers, Majerle’s is the place to catch a game or celebrate afterward. Try the Washington St. burger, Big Al’s Reuben, or the slam dunk shrimp. The restaurant is named after Phoenix Suns legend Dan Majerle.
Details: 24 N. 2nd St.
Barrel & Bushel at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix serves up a menu of American comfort-style food and a variety of local craft beer. The contemporary indoor-outdoor space has a large outdoor patio that hosts local musicians and events. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Details: 122 N. 2nd St.
Celebrating 10 years in Arizona, Huss Brewing Co. is a local and independent craft brewery. The flagship Huss Downtown PHX Brewpub + TOGO is Huss’s newest venture, located at the Phoenix Convention Center. Showcasing an eclectic menu of Huss beers on draft and a menu complete with bratwurst, “The Bear” Italian beef sandwich, and board for sharing.
Details: 225 E. Monroe St.
Need to ship or print something Downtown? Both FedEx and the UPS Store offer quality color and b/w copies, oversize printing, fax, receiving, notary, and shipping services.
Details: FedEx, 201 E. Washington St.; UPS Store: 111 N. 3rd St.
Retail Therapy owners Erica Jerido (left) and Jacqueline Thomas (right). (Photo: Phoenix Convention Center)
This grocery store offers a Chompie’s counter, Starbucks, a fresh sushi station, a wine and beer bar, a pharmacy and a plethora of groceries. Parking is free with validation in the second-floor garage. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Details: 100 E. Jefferson St.
Owned by Mompreneurs Erica Jerido and Jacqueline Thomas, Retail Therapy AZ is your one-stop shop for locally- made gifts. The local market features souvenirs, jewelry, candles, clothing, and more handcrafted by Phoenix artisans. Retail Therapy AZ also co-produces the Family First Friday event at the Arizona Center every first Friday night of the month.
Details: 125 N. 2nd St.
Specializing in craft beers and great wine, The Whining Pig is a laid-back neighborhood bar with a constantly rotating stock of drinks. Try their food and snack options while playing a rousing game of Rock’Em Sock’Em Robots.
Details: 201 E. Washington St.
Monarch Theatre in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo: Monarch Theatre)
Known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and DJ performances on the main stage, Monarch Theatre is where local, underground, and mainstream artists perform to connect with the community. Stop by for a live show on concert nights or enjoy Latin and electronic dance music with local DJs. The venue is exclusively for ages 21 and up.
Details: 122 E. Washington St.
Heavy bass, deep house. Bar Smith hosts nightly themed events with daily specials. Stop by for some of Phoenix’s favorite DJs and to dance the night away from the ground floor to the rooftop.
Details: 130 E. Washington St.