As a college student, mac and cheese has come to be my friend. I believe there is a definitive timeline of the relationship people have with mac and cheese that goes like this:
1-10: "I love mac and cheese!"
11-17: "I am too old for mac and cheese"
18+: "Damn, I love mac and cheese!"
As I have grown up, I have learned to appreciate a good mac and cheese. I make mac and cheese on nights I do not want to cook. I make the cheesy pasta on nights I want a warm, crispy, homemade mac. I make mac and cheese honestly once a week just because I love it. Yes, I make a mean mac and cheese. But yes, I love to order it when I go out to eat. Where is the best place in Phoenix to get this cheesy goodness you ask? Let me tell you.
The Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen is a short 15-minute drive away from Grand Canyon University. Located off Bethany Home Rd and 7th St. the restaurant has plenty of different options for everyone eating! They have healthy options like salads and soups, they have different types of burgers and pizzas and they have my personal favorite, the cast iron mac and cheese.
The mac and cheese is brought out to you in a cast iron skillet and comes hot and steamy. While the mac is gooey and covered in a pretzel bite mustard crust, the best part is inside. It is mac and cheese with a kick! They have hatch green chilis in the mac mix which sets their noodles apart from everywhere else. The smoked cheddar and mozzarella blend gives a thick mix to the pasta where the red ale adds flavor that combines with the chilis perfectly. The crumbs on top give a crispy, tart finish making this the best mac and cheese I have had since coming to Phoenix. $10.00 is a fair price for such a large serving and a recipe that speaks to one's soul. You can even add bacon for an extra charge and who does not love bacon?
The ambience in the restaurant is great and the food is even better. This is the perfect place for a date night, or just a casual hang out with some buddies. It is one of my favorite places I have been since moving to Phoenix.
I have not tried any of their drinks since I am newly 21-years-old while writing this but I am more than positive that they are delicious as well. As an ale house, they have plenty of different beers on tap - many of which are local. If you are looking for some mac and cheese and a nice cold beer, this is the place to go.
When you and your friends are looking for a new place to eat, hit up The Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen for food for everyone and phenomenal mac and cheese. Get a drink, relax, and listen to the music.
