Nestled next to a small park and a tattoo shop (that I highly recommend. I get all my ink done there) is a little bistro called Carly’s. It is a restaurant that I have been frequenting for quite a good number of years now and I can honestly say that not once has it disappointed me.

The first thing you may notice about Carly’s Bistro is that it appears to be very “artsy” so to speak. Colorful modern paintings decorate the wall, sketches are etched into wooden table tops, and a large mural of a lounging woman with a bottle of wine in hand hangs above the bar. Luckily, the staff never comes off as pretentious and have always provided me with friendly service.

Image courtesy of carlysbistro.com

But I don’t go to museums to eat, so I do not go to restaurants to admire the scenery. I go for the food and fortunately, Carly’s delivers on that base. Serving mostly salads and sandwiches, the bistro does not have the largest menu, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with sheer quality. Fresh ingredients, great presentation and a delectable taste make for one damn good meal that is sure to satisfy. Most sandwich places are happy with tossing a few meatballs in between two pieces of bread, but when I order a meatball marinara at Carly’s it is served in a way that makes it seem like the chefs actually care about your dining experience. They also have a fully stocked bar with a good selection of wines and craft beers so they will always have the right drink the compliment your meal, and their signature cocktails are served in mason jars that add to the unique dining experience.

In conclusion, just go. It was one of the very first places I ate at since moving to the Phoenix area. I have eaten just about everything on the menu and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that Carly’s Bistro on Roosevelt Rd between Central and 3rd street serves good food. Like REALLY good food.

It has also just now occurred to me that the woman in the mural above the bar might be Carly. I have never actually bothered to ask…

Daniel Rubin

Daniel Rubin has lived in the Phoenix, Metropolitan area for over decade. Graduating from Arizona State University, he quickly realized he had a passion for writing. A strong lover of the city he grew up in, Daniel focused the subject of his writing on the Downtown Phoenix area. He can often be found walking up and down the streets of Roosevelt Row, enjoying the scenery that has influenced his writing style, or in one of the various bars downtown to partake in a rum and coke. He seeks to further promote his writing talent as well as give back to the city that has had such a profound impact on his life.