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Arcadia is one of the Valley’s most illustrious addresses, and a must-know for anyone interested in Phoenix luxury real estate. Complete with tree-lined streets, extraordinary citrus groves, and some of the finest restaurants and shops in Arizona, Arcadia features large properties ranging from 0.5 acres to a whopping 5 acres and significant luxury resorts. Though Arcadia is not technically a historic district – it’s not even entirely in Phoenix, as the eastern edge abuts the City of Scottsdale – it has earned the reputation as a crown jewel of the Valley’s real estate market. Studded with custom-built homes from the 20s- 50s, the community has been beautifully maintained and renovated throughout the years, resulting in one of the most desirable – and priciest – addresses in Phoenix. Read on to learn more about Arcadia, one of Phoenix’s most coveted neighborhoods.

History of the Arcadia Neighborhood in Phoenix

With the implementation of the Salt River Valley Reclamation Project after the turn of the century, development of irrigable lands in the suburbs of Phoenix as large, rural homesites became a viable alternative land use. Single, independent construction efforts by some wealthy landowners were not uncommon. An Alternative and more ambitious concept was the development of large tracts of land, specifically for the purpose of creating upper class, rural estates suburbs. The concept involved assembling sizeable real estate holdings from several owners, then surveying, platting, and marketing the subdivision. Because assembling the necessary real estate in the Valley’s relatively mature agricultural environment was difficult, only one such subdivision emerged in the central Salt River Valley: the Arcadia Subdivision.

The part of Phoenix commonly referred to as Arcadia encompasses the area north of the Arizona Canal and south of Camelback Road between 44th Street and Scottsdale Road. However, the first tract of land platted within this land area was not the original arcadia development, but rather a development called Citrus Homes. First recorded in June 1915 by L.E. Froman, Citrus Homes was bounded by Camelback Road and Lafayette Blvd. to the north, 56th Street to the east, and the Arizona Canal to the south. The Citrus Homes development contained 25 lots which ran from north to south with the southern boundary of each lot bordering on the Arizona Canal.

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Located directly north and northeast of the Citrus Homes development was the original Arcadia development first recorded in December 1919. Developed by the Jordan, Grace and Phelps Land Company and the Charles Keafer firm, Arcadia was bounded by Lafayette Blvd. to the south, Scottsdale Road to the east, approximately Rockridge Road to the north, and 44th Street to the west. The physical layout of the plat was divided into two distinct sections. First, the area east of 56th Street was divided into 23 blocks with each block further divided into 4 lots of approximately ten acres. Second, the area west of 56th Street was divided into 18 blocks with the majority of the blocks further divided into 8 lots of approximately five acres. One distinct feature of this plat was the designation of Block L, located north of Camelback Road and west of 56th Street, as the Arcadia Townsite.

What to Do in Phoenix’s Arcadia

Perhaps the most prominent natural landmark in the Phoenix Metro area, Camelback Mountain, named so for its uncanny resemblance to a kneeling camel, has been called the soul of Phoenix. The Arcadia neighborhood offers unbeatable views of the mountain, and easy access to some of the best hiking in the city at Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, situated between the Arcadia neighborhood and the town of Paradise Valley.

Party

Arcadia is known for its selection of sophisticated wine cafes and lounges. Cool and relaxed, Postino Wine Cafe is one of the most popular gathering spots in the neighborhood. Enjoy a large selection of boutique international wines. Nibble on the delicious panini, salads, bruschetta, and imported artisan meat and cheese plates.

Stay

Some of the oldest luxury resorts in the city are located in the Arcadia neighborhood. The oldest is the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, situated on 39 acres of manicured gardens and tiled pools. The resort offers a spa, shops, seven tennis courts, three pools and a 92-foot water slide, and private misted cabanas. Stunning views of nearby Camelback Mountain make the Biltmore a classic desert escape.

Shop

The open-air Biltmore Fashion Park, a shopping and dining destination at the edges of the Arcadia neighborhood, offers high-end shopping in a lush garden setting. The shopping center is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue with high-end boutiques such as Escada,Calypso, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Weitzman, and Cole Haan offering some of the best shopping in the city. The Capital Grille, a popular steakhouse, feeds hungry shoppers.

Arcadia’s Best Restaurants, Bars and Culinary Hot Spots

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The Henry

The Henry likes to bill itself as one of the best neighborhood restaurants in Phoenix, and fortunately for us, it’s not just empty boasting. The Henry really is as charming and stylish as it looks from the outside. The sleek Fox Concepts restaurant and bar has become a premier brunch and happy hour destination in the leafy Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. The menu is modern New American fare, with an emphasis on bright chopped salads, hearty burgers, and upscale bistro items like steaks and fish. There is also a gourmet coffee and fresh-pressed juice bar, along with a great cocktail bar. Come here for a relaxing and casually upscale neighborhood vibe that’s full of color, quality ingredients and seamless execution. The Henry is a stylish neighborhood restaurant and bar that’s cozy enough for hanging out with friends, and fancy enough for date night. Happy hour happens Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features $5 craft cocktails.

Postino Arcadia

Adapted from what used to be a neighborhood post office, this trendy wine bar is awash in candlelight, earthy colors, and dark wood furniture. It’s also distinguished by a glass garage door that blurs interior and exterior space when the weather cooperates. The stylish mid-century style is replete with artisanal touches, plenty of open, communal spaces, and even a hand-carved wood wine wall. The menu is rustic and flavorful, defined by bruschettas, paninis, antipasti, and salads. Knowledgeable servers are happy to help with wine selections, which hail from across the world and are available by glass and bottle. Great for couples or groups. Postino is Phoenix’s original “wine cafe,” a mega-popular local chain that has expanded its reach into neighboring states. The house specialty at Postino is the bruschetta. You can try three varieties for $15.

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The Vig

The Vig Uptown is a popular local restaurant and tavern known for its hip crowd, sleek decor and laid-back patio. Unique yet unpretentious, the menu dishes up deluxe American comfort food. From the burger menu try the Vigazz Burger made with grilled beef with bacon, smoked gouda, tomato, arugula, grilled red onion, spicy mayo and mustard on a toasted bun. Adventurous foodies take note: The Vig’s special dishes menu includes unique plates such as the Carne Asada on a Potato Pancake, sliced carne asada on a potato pancake served with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cotija cheese and tomato-garlic sauce. An extensive wine and beer menu have earned The Vig a reputation for one of the city’s best happy hours. Two locations. The Vig is a reliable favorite when you’re looking for a casual neighborhood watering hole with elevated pub grub. The Vig plays host to a popular weekend brunch featuring made-from-scratch mimosas and bloody mary’s.

O.H.S.O Eatery & Nano-brewery

O.H.S.O. Brewery is a mega-popular microbrewery, restaurant and general hang-out zone with a lively, dog-friendly patio. The extensive kitchen menu features a huge variety of eats. For starters, try the garlic pesto hummus. You also can’t go wrong with the house pretzel board, featuring buttery-hot pretzels with a selection of peppered salami, corn nuts, pickles, IPA mustard, and a zesty, creamy green chile cheese dip. The entree menu is small but eclectic (and delicious). Try the kalua pork, served with roasted potatoes, asparagus, and a perfectly sweet pineapple glaze. There is a separate gourmet taco menu, as well as a selection of late night eats featuring gourmet burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and crispy fries. O.H.S.O. Eatery & Nanobrewery delivers excellent light Italian and Mexican fare, as well as plenty of craft brews on this side of town. Looking for late-night eats around Arcadia? The kitchen at O.H.S.O. stays open until midnight.

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Chelsea’s Kitchen

Occupying a canal-side brick building, this decidedly popular, neighborhood-casual restaurant is part of a local dynasty. The enterprise appeals to upscale families and maintains a solid menu that capitalizes on premium ingredients. Organic chicken is a specialty, and mouthwatering Dixie pan-fried chicken and roasted chicken with spaetzle showcase it beautifully. Other attractions include tuna tartare with guacamole, Chelsea’s short ribs, and the Howie burger, with gruyere and caramelized onions. Ask for a table on the patio for the best vantage point. The hip atmosphere makes this a great destination to impress a date or enjoy a night out with friends. Chelsea’s Kitchen is a long-time favorite neighborhood restaurant in Arcadia with an eclectic, group-friendly menu. Burger fanatics: don’t miss the southwestern-inspired green chile burger, featuring freshly roasted green chiles and plenty of melted cheddar.

Crujiente Tacos

Chef Richard Hinojosa’s swank taqueria in Arcadia features haute renditions of tacos. Some of the highlights here include a duck taco draped in a bittersweet mole sauce, a blue crab taco topped with an avocado mouse and a popular short-rib taco that is cooked for around 36 hours until it is extraordinarily tender. There is a very good lengua taco, too. The sometimes rubbery tongue offal is braised to until it takes on a melting quality. Don’t miss the small selection of “crujiente,” or crunchy tacos, especially the saucy beef crunchy taco. A fine bar serves up tequila, mezcal and plenty of strong cocktails. Crujiente Tacos offers haute renditions of everybody’s favorite street snack: tacos. For a great deal on margaritas and appetizers, swing by on Wednesdays, when Crujiente offers an all-day happy hour.

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La Grande Orange Pizzeria

La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria is one of Phoenix’s most popular grocery, cafe, breakfast bar and pizzeria. The pizzas here are sumptuous and unique, hand-crafted with the freshest ingredients available. Try “The Fallen Angel,” made with Schreiner’s sausage, shaved fennel, roasted peppers, premium cheese and red sauce. Craving a spicy pie? Try “The Rocket Man,” featuring spicy red fresno chiles, broccolini, roasted peppers, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You can even create your own specialty pizza from the wide selection of fresh veggies, meats and cheeses. “LGO,” as it is known to locals, is quite popular, so be prepared for a short wait. La Grande Orange has become an Arcadia institution, a gourmet pizza restaurant and market that draws foodies from all corners of the city. If you’re looking for a pizza spot with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, La Grande offers plenty to choose from.

Ingo’s Tasty Food

Ingo’s Tasty Food is an Arcadia original. The foodie hot spot features a menu that is as delicious as it is unpretentious. The restaurant, which describes itself as “a gourmet food stand,” features an eating counter and picnic garden seating – perfect for an outdoor dining feast, or for gourmet takeaway that won’t break the bank. The menu features some of the best grass-fed beef burgers in Phoenix, as well as specialty salads, sandwiches, and even a juicy steak-and-salad combo. The drink menu features a small but excellent selection of wine, blush sangria, and three craft draft beers. Everything on the menu is available to go. Ingo’s Tasty Food is a uniquely Arcadian foodie spot, featuring a hip outdoor patio and arguably some of the best burgers in the neighborhood. In a hurry? Ingo’s offers a handy curbside pickup service on all orders.

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Nook

Nook evokes images of a cozy place to sit back and relax with a hearty plate of comfort food. Fortunately, that’s exactly what you’ll find at this Arcadia eatery, tucked away in the Gas Light shopping center. The menu has everything from light cafe fare to hearty Mediterranean dinners. For starters, try the excellent poutine house fries, served with beef gravy and mozzarella curd. The restaurant also serves a variety of unique bruschettas, including a short rib variety featuring a mushroom duxelle and port demi reduction. Dinner entrees include a savory filet, savory halibut tacos, and a creamy pasta crepe. Gourmet pizzas, excellent desserts, and a winning wine menu make this the perfect destination for a special occasion dinner or date night. Nook offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a cozy trattoria setting that is perfect for date night. Nook has a good happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. offering $3 off small plates and $6 wine by the glass.

Bar Pesce

Formerly known as Crudo, Bar Pesce is the re-branded and re-engineered new restaurant from chef Cullen Campbell. Like it’s predecessor, Bar Pesce offers a refined menu where sushi sensibility meets traditional Italian flavors, this time around with a greater emphasis on seafood. Highlights from the menu include raw fish crudos like the swordfish belly zapped with Leche de Tigre, shallot and white olive oil. Looking for a truly compelling dish? If you place your order 72 hours ahead of time, the kitchen prepares a bahn mi style roasted pig head for $100 that begs to be shared with a group of friends. Bar Pesce is one of the city’s most unique and highly regarded restaurants, presenting an unconventional yet delicious pairing of Italian- and Asian-inspired cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the justifiably popular squid ink risotto.

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Arcadia - Everything You Need to Know about Phoenix's Coveted Neigh...