Locally-Owned Eateries Endure Along Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile, a stretch of McDowell Road that runs between 7th Street and the Piestewa Freeway (SR 51), is an area that packs a mighty local punch—both historically and in the present day—along a quick, busy strip of Phoenix.
What is now a haven for ethnic eateries was at one time the shopping hub of Phoenix and one of the most “glamorous” streets in the city—and, it is still home to the highest concentration of historic commercial buildings in Phoenix. In essence, McDowell Road’s Miracle Mile has had many lives.
In the 1950s, the area was adored for its walkable commercial and retail establishments, but the arrival of Park Central, the state’s first shopping mall, stole Miracle Mile’s fanfare as the definitive shopping destination. Still, during its heyday, the area saw the rise of 24-hour coffee shops and drive-in restaurants, fostering a community that still remains rich with locally-owned businesses.
Today, the Miracle Mile neighborhood has been designated as a food desert, which means there is limited access to affordable quality, fresh food due to the absence of nearby grocery stores. But, its abundance of diverse, local dining destinations continues to make it a spot worth exploring—at any hour of the day.
Top of the Morning
Miracle Mile knows how to do breakfast! With its proximity to Banner-University Medical Center, and its historical connection to what once was Good Samaritan Hospital, this busy Phoenix strip has a responsibility to offer options that help get the day going.
Rainbow Donuts, a mainstay that has transitioned through owners, offers up artisanal donuts and coffee in an old-school, bare bones setting, allowing patrons to grab and go. Meanwhile, over at Ollie Vaughn’s, visitors are encouraged to stay a little longer, enjoying a rotating menu of breakfast classics that can be enjoyed indoors or outside in an inviting, backyard-style setting.
Up the street, Froth Coffee Roasters visually captures a throwback feel inside its vintage-inspired shop. Along with sweet treats, the shop roasts its own beans and offers interesting finishing touches, such as espresso with lavender and raspberry, and espresso with cherry and dark chocolate.
A Day’s Worth of Flavors
The diversity of cultures and flavors that line Miracle Mile in Phoenix is remarkable, considering its abbreviated length, in comparison to other downtown neighborhoods. Within a five-minute drive, depending on traffic, it’s possible to get a taste of Ethiopian, Salvadorian, Mexican, and Mediterranean food, along with a good, old fashioned American-style sandwich.
Ladybug House of Sandwiches, for example, has been serving American diner classics, such as BLTs, chicken salad, and club sandwiches, for 35 years. And from there, it just gets more diverse.
Up the street, discover traditional Salvadoran food at Guanaquito Restaurant, where visitors rave over the authentic pupusas. Not far from there, Tacos Mich has earned fans for the fresh ingredients it uses in its fast-casual Mexican dishes.
Those who have time to look around and explore a little bit may appreciate Desert Drinks and Exotics, a store offering unique, international flavors from snack and soda brands Americans know all too well. It’s here that adventurous snackers will find Oreo Wafer Rolls from Thailand, Gummy Skittles from China, Sweet and Spicy Cheetos from Korea, and Green Tea Kit Kats from Switzerland—among other goodies.
Deeper into the Miracle Mile food tour stretch, you will find Dima’s Tacos, a small diner tucked inside a convenience store near the freeway. The seemingly grab-all menu, cooked fresh to order, includes gyros, hummus, and falafel, as well as wings, philly cheesesteaks, and tacos.
The Phoenix: Lets Eat Local! campaign is a partnership between City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs and Local First Arizona that celebrates the connection between Phoenix residents and the makers, growers, and advocates building stronger food systems in our local food communities. It is an invitation for residents to learn about our local food communities, celebrate our diverse food pathways, and help our local food businesses become more resilient and robust for ourselves and for future generations. To learn more about the campaign, visit http://phxeatlocal.com/.