5 Amazing Breakfast and Brunch Options in Downtown Phoenix
Whether you’re a morning person or a I-need-my-coffee-to-function person, Downtown Phoenix has got you covered for breakfast and brunch. From a hidden gem in a hotel, an upscale Mexican restaurant with a DJ, to beautiful healthy-food options, there’s a little something for everyone.
Chico Malo
You may have visited this upscale Mexican restaurant for dinner, but brunch is simply a party over at Chico Malo. Founded in 2017 by husband and wife duo, Teddy and Katie Myers, the restaurant’s vibrant, colorful atmosphere is designed cultivated to be different from other mainstream Mexican spots.
“At the time, there weren’t a lot of restaurants focusing on the beautiful side of Mexican dining culture; it was a lot of canned sauce, yellow cheese, beans and rice,” said Teddy Myers about the restaurant’s origin story. “We were determined to change that.”
Chico Malo is always evolving and pushing the boundaries – the culinary team makes everything from scratch. Expect blue corn tortillas made in-house, homemade sauces, and high-end ingredients. Come for the bottomless mimosas and stay for the music, the fun murals, and the award-winning chilaquiles.
Details: 50 W. Jefferson St. chicomalo.com/phoenix
Ingo’s Tasty Food
Located a few steps from the Footprint Center, walk into Ingo’s and immediately notice crates of oranges for freshly-squeezed orange juice, a case of just-baked pastries from the LGO bakeshop, and the hum of an espresso machine preparing espresso shots for a Salted Butterscotch Latte. There is no secret to Ingo’s success because the use of quality ingredients is on display for everyone to see.
“We instill beauty and simplicity in all of our menu items, and we put special care and attention into the details,” said Gabrielle Ryan, general manager at Ingo’s Tasty Food. “There’s love put into every dish — because everything we do is for the guests.”
Serving all-day breakfast, grab the most popular menu item, Ingo’s Chorizo Burrito, which is a hearty medley of grass-fed beef chorizo, avocado, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and lacto-fermented hot sauce.
Details: 101 E. Washington St. ingostastyfood.com
Kähvi Coffee + Cafe
The wait for an oasis in the desert is over — because the highly-anticipated coffee bar and cafe, Kähvi Coffee + Café, is now open. Located in the monOrchid building on Roosevelt Row, “Kähvi” means “coffee” in Scandinavian, and the café channels European-meets-Tulum vibes, from its airy, bright atmosphere to its wicker light fixtures.
The menu is as chic as the café itself, and even the coffee drinks exude sophistication. Order the Nitro Old Fashioned, which includes organic Uganda nitro coffee and orange bitters, and don’t forget the wine.
“Our wine is eclectic. We do not have the basic, random cabernets, pinot noirs, or chardonnays,” said Samia Kohler, operating partner and event sales manager. “We choose these wines because they’re funky, they’re flavorful, and they have a unique identity.”
Regarding the food, Kähvi carries baked goods and pastries, but look on the horizon for “sexy salads, sexy sandwiches and sexy food,” according to Kohler.
Details: 214 E. Roosevelt St. drinkkahvi.com
MATCH Market & Bar
Ignite your appetite at MATCH Market & Bar. Located in the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, the restaurant pivoted from a fine dining, sit-down experience to a casual neighborhood eatery and retail space during the pandemic.
“A fire begins with the strike of a match, and with that, a whole world of possibilities and flavors emerge,” said Michelle Rykalsky, director of marketing for the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. “Just as we encourage you to find yourself at FOUND:RE Phoenix, MATCH Market & Bar fuels your flavor.”
If you have a sweet tooth, your hardest decision will be between the lemon ricotta waffles with blueberry jam, or the pancakes, complete with Nutella, bananas, crème fraîche, and shaved coconut. When in doubt, just get both.
“Match also means to pair with something,” Rykalsky said. “Each dish is designed for sharing, and the entire MATCH restaurant encourages the sharing of space, ideas, conversation and community.”
Details: 1100 N. Central Ave. matchphx.com
Morning Squeeze
Fun, funky and groovy — these words can only describe the unique breakfast spot, Morning Squeeze.
“We are inspired by the funky and groovy times of the ’70’s, ’80s and ’90s — whether it be the bright and friendly colors throughout each restaurant, retro photos on the walls, or the music pumping through the speakers,” said Shea Neill, director of marketing and business development.
Morning Squeeze’s menu is as colorful as its décor, from the mimosa flights to the pink stuffed French toast, bursting with fresh strawberries.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the Instagrammable wall with the lit-up neon sign “Lovin Touchin Squeezin,” an ideal photo opportunity for you and your girlfriends. Start the day at Morning Squeeze and keep the good times rolling.
Details: 1 N. First St., Ste. 100 morningsqueeze.com.