An excellent appetizer is the proper way to start a delicious meal. Sometimes, appetizers are so good, they can be a meal all their own. From cafes in Tucson to bars in Tempe, you’ll find some of the most mouthwatering appetizers at establishments across Arizona. Here are 8 of the best spots to grab a good starter in the state!
What’s not to like about the Henry? This trendy restaurant is a go-to spot for local foodies. The large open dining space and friendly atmosphere make it a coveted spot for a meal all day long. Though there is no denying the greatness of their entire menu, you won’t want to miss the Henry’s famous appetizers. They have a mix of tasty options sure to please even the harshest of food critics. Their options include grilled and chilled shrimp, wood fired artichoke toast, white truffle Parmesan fries, Korean short rib tacos, and short rib pot stickers. You won’t want to miss the house made guacamole either. It’s made with roasted poblano, clementine, cilantro and pistachio and rivals even the best Mexican cuisine.
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The Vig is another success story in the long list of Fox Restaurant Concepts. This small neighborhood tavern has grown to encompass five Valley locations. Their stellar appetizers have to get some credit for their success. They put their own twist on some of the greatest hits around the globe. You can get their ever-changing flatbread, crispy calamari, tangy hot wings, steamy edamame, and of course, guac and chips. The real highlight is the Vig nachos. This monster platter includes cheddar cheese, refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapenos, green onions, and your choice of shredded chicken or carnitas.
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You know a restaurant is good when it makes it on the Vegas strip. That’s the case with Culinary Dropout, another quality Fox Restaurant Concept. They now have four Arizona locations in addition their Vegas and Austin locales. Their happy hour menu includes decadent choices like pork belly nachos, smoked salmon bruschetta, and antipasti and cheese plates. Really, though, this hotspot is all about one item: the pretzels and fondue. Try it out and thank me later.
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You don’t have to fear the term “healthy eating” at Grassroots Kitchen + Tap. The made-from-scratch menu includes many culinary delights that you might not expect from a place focused on salads and sandwiches. You can grab an order of tuna poke, homemade smoked salmon, and prosciutto wrapped asparagus for starters. They also have $8 “farmer’s plates” that showcase southern style sides like shoestring potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and jalapeno-cheddar grits.
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Get ready for tiki time. Hula’s Modern Tiki puts a modern spin on classic tiki restaurants and bars. This Polynesian fusion restaurant has tropical cocktails and vibes that are sure to compliment their delicious array of appetizers. Order up some wonton bites, samurai beef sticks, or fish and shrimp tacos and wash them down with one of their famous scorpion bowls. Word to the wise: Hula’s has some of the best sweet potato fries in the Valley.
Seasons 52 is known around the country as being a fine-dining establishment. It makes sense that their appetizers are oft overlooked. Their wine list is extensive, the ambiance is classy, and the entrees are impressive. However, they have so many mouth-watering appetizer options that you just might have to substitute in for a meal: crab cakes, flat breads, deviled eggs, cheese fondue. The real highlight is the ahi tuna tartare made with tropical salsa and wasabi-avocado mousse.
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There are many reasons to like Union Public House: great happy hour specials, fresh local ingredients, and an extensive cocktail list. Their appetizer list includes a number of sports bar favorites like sliders, chicken fingers, wings, and pub chips. They also have stellar seafood selections like oysters, mussels, and the poke stack made with tuna, cucumber, avocado and wonton crisps. The true glutton will enjoy the poutine fries, a Canadian favorite made with gravy, cheese curds, and topped with a fried egg.
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No great sports bar is without greasy good appetizers. But Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers takes it to another level. Their appetizer list includes many deep-fried starters: Buffalo chicken eggrolls, mozzarella sticks, spicy drumettes. No one, however, will want to miss the Buffalo chicken tot chos. These tater tot nachos are made with shredded buffalo chicken, bleu cheese crumbles, green onions, and doused in ranch dressing.