by Emily Olsen
EAT
For places to go and things to do, Phoenix’s CityScape development in Central Phoenix has plenty for the convention-goer. Within minutes of the Phoenix Convention Center, CityScape’s many attractions include the Arrogant Butcher (2 E. Jefferson #150). Just a 5-minute walk will take you to a bar and restaurant for lunch or dinner and happy hour from 2 to 5pm. Enjoy Buffalo Chicken Wings, Crispy Shrimp or Butcher’s Meatballs appetizers, a Prime Rib French Dip or Smoke Pork Cubano sandwich. For dinner, there’s seafood from both coasts with Atlantic Salmon or Pacific Sea Bass, or hearty beef entrees like Slow Roasted Prime Rib or Filet Mignon. Make a reservation or order online.
CityScape also offers Mexican cuisine for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at Chico Malo (50 W Jefferson St Suite 100), another 5-minute walk from the convention center. Start with traditional chips and guacamole, or maybe try the Chicharrón de Ribeye (you read that right, an 8-ounce ribeye chicharrón). For dinner, there’s the 10-ounce Birria Smoked Prime Rib with chorizo mashed potatoes, fried Brussels sprout leaves, birria consommé and habanero horseradish. Or you can try their award-winning Pork Verde—a niman ranch pork shank with tomatillo, potato blistered chile and yellow corn tortilla. Happy hour is 3pm to 6pm every day (3pm-4pm on event days).
SLEEP
For close proximity to the convention center, the Hyatt Regency Phoenix (122 N 2nd St, Phoenix) can’t be beat at only 350 feet away. It has just under 700 rooms with two restaurants, the revolving Compass Lounge and Restaurant and the all day grab and go breakfast, lunch and snacks B&B Market. Rooftop pool and hot tub, a fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, and the hotel’s own 50,000 ft event space means you may not need to leave to attend an event.
CityScape comes through again this time for hotel accommodations. The 242 room Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix (2 E Jefferson Street) is 5 minutes from the convention center. Essential oils diffusers, public bikes and 28 suites with deep soak tubs only begins to describe the boutique experience with this hotel.
PLAY
CityScape offers plenty of entertainment with the Stand Up Live comedy club (50 W Jefferson Street), and the Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen (also 50 W Jefferson Street), where local rock bands perform behind the beer taps. Beyond CityScape, If you have time for theater, there’s the historic Orpheum Theatre Phoenix (over 1300 seats).
North of the convention center on Roosevelt St between 7th Avenue and 16th Street is the Roosevelt Row arts district, with art galleries, restaurants and boutique shops. Make sure to catch those monthly First Friday art events if your visit’s timing is right.
