Roosevelt Row: Local artists and fabulous food
Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix has seen a wonderful transformation in the last several years. Nicknamed "RoRo", galleries, locally owned restaurants, and street murals represent an area overflowing with creative energy. A simple stroll can bring you the sense you are in a true artists' community.
Whether a first-timer or a #1 fan, First Fridays are a great way to explore. A walkable or bikeable trek through this fantastic art district happens the first Friday of every month from 6pm-10pm, making it a perfect spot for date night or a girls' night out. They also have a free shuttle, but most of the places you'll want to visit are close to each other. This event is organized by Artlink, a non-profit run by volunteers and artists in our community. If you're interested, they have monthly training sessions for new volunteers! You can find maps and listings of participating businesses here, but of course we have a few suggestions.
Begin your night with dinner at one of the many restaurants on the row. We recommend Angel's Trumpet, a local brewpub. They have a little something for everyone on their menu, but they are most known for their giant hot pretzel. Served with beer cheese and mustard, it's a perfect pairing to their beer flight, giving you the sustenance needed before you stroll through the galleries. Bliss Rebar is also an excellent choice. Their menu has vegetarian and gluten-free items, as well as some delicious signature cocktails.
Heading off in any direction, you'll find merchants and stores with everything from books and handmade crafts to unique clothing and chochkes. For example, Made Boutique has all of these things. Don't be fooled by its size, this quaint shop is one you could get lost in. Now or Never is another great boutique. This shop features great brands like Kartel and Rachel Comey, but also up and coming brands like Brain Dead and Mount Sunny.
If you want to be sure to hit the popular galleries, you might start with The Found:re. This is technically a hotel, however, they have one of the most popular galleries on the row. Here, you'll find a diverse viewing experience with exhibitions from established local artists as well as ones to watch. Photography,
painting, sculpting, this venue offers artists of all disciplines space to show
their work. For something with a true local flare, visit Xico, a non-profit foundation that hosts exhibits by Latinx and Indigenous artists. They also hold workshops both online and in-person, often by the artists showing in their gallery. If you're looking to donate to an organization that brings art to under-served youth, Xico is an excellent choice.
When you're ready to get off your feet, but not ready to end the night, swing by Genuwine. This self-service wine bar allows patrons to get a taste, half glass, or full
glass, allowing you to discover new favorites. Pair with a build-your-own cheese board for a shared late night snack. You can also take home a bottle from their shop. Match Market & Bar overlooks historic Portland Park and offers food, signature cocktails, coffee, gelato, and much more. This popular neighborhood spot is also a general store and boutique.
What you'll find when visiting Roosevelt Row is that you cannot possibly see everything in one night. There are special events, hidden gems, and places you'll want to visit over and over again.
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