Harry’s Place (Tempe, Arizona)

I passed through the open inner courtyard, its palm trees illuminated from below and a fountain pleasantly trickling, and into the spacious lobby of Tempe Mission Palms, my accommodations for four nights. Off to one side, I entered Harry’s Place, the hotel’s wonderful restaurant. I sat facing the large bar, next to one of the stone pillars, looking out through the open french doors to the courtyard and the fireside seating.

This was my last night of a three-week vacation in Arizona, and, still with some serious packing to do for my early-morning flight the next day, I wanted dinner at the most convenient place. Fortunately, Harry’s Place combines that convenience with a terrific menu, featuring local farms and purveyors.

Try This: Order the refreshing prickly pear spritzer, with prickly pear syrup, fresh lime juice, and club soda. Then dive into some delicious comfort food. Start with the surprisingly tasty pretzel bits, served with harissa whole-grain mustard and queso fundido. For your main course, go for the guajillo chili–rubbed New York strip steak, accompanied by corn, asparagus, and macaroni and cheese.