St. Francis – Central Phoenix’s Newest Hot Spot

A couple of weeks ago when we were on our way to dinner, we were driving down Camelback Road and I caught a flash of what looked like a cool restaurant and maybe something new. After some checking, I figured out that it was a new restaurant called St. Francis (www.stfrancisaz.com) that just opened in September. It is located at 111 E. Camelback Road in the heart of the Central Corridor.

My friend Christen just turned 40 and I was planning a girl’s night so we could celebrate this important event. I thought we should check out St. Francis, especially considering it seems to be Central Phoenix’s latest hot spot.

Christen and I met up with our friends Sunshine and Erin on Friday night. They had secured a spot at the bar outside while we waited for our table. This place was hopping! They have a great indoor/outdoor bar area which I always love where you can sit outside at the bar and face the inside of the restaurant. A fun people watching spot and a way to ease into the evening. We enjoyed some wine and an appetizer (goat cheese and toast) which helped tide us over until dinner since there was a long wait for a table (Friday night at a new hot spot).

As we headed inside once our table was ready, you could really start to see the work that they did on this space to create a modern looking restaurant with small touches to create a unique atmosphere. There was a small bar type table in front of the kitchen as you come in where you can sit and watch them prepare the food. There were small vases on the tables with just a touch of fresh flowers and candles which I always love. There was also an upstairs area for seating.

We were hungry and ready so we were ready to sit down and see what this new hot spot had to offer on the menu. We asked our waitress for some recommendations since none of us had been there before. I was somewhat disappointed that she was very non-committal with providing any recommendations. She just kept saying everything is great. We forged ahead and made our orders. I had the Pan-Seared Halibut, and I must say, it was delicious! Christen and Sunshine both had the Seafood Soup and they very much enjoyed this – especially the bread that was in the soup. Erin also was a fan of the Ahi Tuna Sandwich. Everything we ordered was very good and we were all pleased with our meals. The portions were reasonable and we all left very happy.

St. Francis is a great new hot spot. I plan to take Bruce here soon and we also have some other friends that want to try it out. When you are in the Central and Camelback area, you must check it out!

I also have to add that we had a great night celebrating Christen’s 40th! Lots of fun with friends and a couple of after dinner drinks at a local dive bar called Pomeroy’s at 7th St. and Missouri (see picture). There is nothing fancy about this place, but a divey place to hang out with friends and play some songs on the jukebox!