Craig Outhier

2 weeks ago | phoenixmag.com | Craig Outhier

High in the handsomely oxidized foothills near Donia Jessop’s hometown is a public park set on a wide, lush plateau, its neatly clipped grass offering electrifying contrast to the rugged red mountains looming overhead. A short hike from the park leads to an unusually flat rock just big enough to seat one or two people, with commanding views of the vast high-desert plains below. Jessop has a deep fondness for the spot. “I call it my Thinking Rock,” she says.

2 weeks ago | phoenixmag.com | Craig Outhier

We tried a few new taquerias and cocinas in the Valley this spring. Drive-ThruCheco’s Taco ShopFrom the same family that brought you Super Burrito, Los Gallos and other ’90s-era après-bender classics comes this handsomely branded drive-thru taqueria just south of Old Town. The quesabirria tacos will do the trick, but don’t sleep on the creative burros, including a Texas-style number with shredded chicken, french fries and cheese. 2601 N.

2 weeks ago | phoenixmag.com | Craig Outhier

Have Beer, Will Tackle! Every can of Huss Brewing Co. Devil’s Halo will put money in the pockets of ASU athletes. Better athletics through beer? Since we’re talking about Arizona State University, which routinely topped Best Party School lists in the 1990s before embarking on its current phase of respectability under campus president Michael Crow, it makes perfect sense.

2 weeks ago | phoenixmag.com | Craig Outhier

Often, when you’re conceiving, designing and producing a content-rich whatever – like, say, a 200-page magazine – discrete but unmistakable patterns and themes emerge that you’re not even aware of until it’s almost finished. So, as I grab a quick moment here at the 11th hour of the PHOENIX mag production cycle, with this May/June issue about 97 percent finished, I’m ready to identify two “secret themes” that are standing out to me like cowlicks on my kid’s head. Actually, make that three.

1 month ago | phoenixmag.com | Craig Outhier |Matthew Johnson |Madison Rutherford

Beer of the Month: Catalyst Crafted Ales Mr. Brightside A Guide to Valley Breweries in 2025 Beer of the Month: Goldwater Brewing Co. Machine Gun Teddy Revisiting Catalyst Crafted Ales One Year After Opening The Best Local Beers We Tried Last Month Photos from the 2024 Arizona Craft Beer Awards Ceremony Award-Winning Beers! Here are the Winners From the 2024 Arizona Craft Beer Awards The Best Local Beers We Tried Last Month Beer of the Month: Double This is Growing Up from Roses by the Stairs...