Phoenix, Arizona is a foodie’s paradise—loads of hole-in-the-wall, innovative kitchens, differing cuisines and spaces exuding ambiance—and as a writer, it’s important to take some time away from your computer (or bring it with you!) and fuel your brain. Listed below are Midnight Publishing’s recommendations for some of the best places to eat to fuel your writing, ranging from secret hideaways perfect for getting a cool 1,000 words written during lunch to outdoor patios that might just take your breath (but hopefully not your words) away:

1. Arcadia Farms Café

Tucked in a side street of Old Town Scottsdale, this quaint café is the perfect place to sip on anapricot iced tea, enjoy a strawberry and crème scone and claim a seat outside on the front patio for some sun and writing time. Favorite choices from the writers of Midnight Publishing include the baked goat cheese dip and pesto grilled shrimp salad. Arcadia Farms is the perfect choice for a quick lunch and some #wordsprints (join a group on Twitter!), because they’re only open until 3 p.m.

Read about Midnight Publishing’s favorite Phoenix places for writing here!

2. Hana Japanese Eatery

In the up-and-coming central Phoenix neighborhood, this smaller sushi restaurant is led by a brother-and-sister duo, Lori, and Chef Koji Hashimoto, and has been impressing Phoenix sushi eaters since 2007. Sidle up to the bar if you need a little break from writing and want to chat with the chef, or pick a corner booth for some privacy. Locals’ favorites are typically Chef Hashimoto’s daily roll specials, and be sure to try the signature Hana Roll.

3. Copper Blues

This is one of the Midnight Publishing staff’s top places for live music and a great view of the city. A New American-style menu boasts pretzel bites with warm cheddar dip, and if you like a little libations with your creative writing, Copper Blues has an extensive list of craft beers on tap. Ask to sit at one of the high-top tables on the outside patio and admire some of Phoenix’s tallest downtown buildings.

4. Cibo

Another downtown Phoenix favorite is Cibo, a restored bungalow that has been serving Phoenicians some of the best—and most authentic—Neopolitan-style pizza in the city since 2005. Stop in for Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and enjoy half-priced appetizers like the Gnocchetti Sorrentina and $4 glasses of house wine. With a gigantic wrap-around patio dotted with trees adorned in twinkling lights, Cibo will put you right in the mood for some romance writing.

Looking for inspiration as you work on your novel? Arizona has many climates and sights to see. Here are some of Midnight Publishing’s recommendations to get those creative juices flowing!

5. Beckett’s Table

Touting its use of local produce and dairy, Beckett’s Table and Chef Justin Beckett have an array of awards to vouch for the quality of the food and atmosphere found at the midtown Phoenix eatery. The menu changes with the seasons, but Midnight Publishing swears by some staples: the original grilled cheese with roasted red pepper tomato soup, and a side of hearty bacon cheddar biscuits with apple butter. Designed in rustic woods and accents, Beckett’s Table is a favorite with Phoenicians and gets busy fast. Ask for a quieter seat in the back corner of the restaurant or for a small table on the back patio to avoid disturbance as you write.

Midnight Publishing is a Phoenix-based company offering all types of editing, ghostwriting and content creation help as you pursue your publishing career. We love to work with Arizona professionals, but offer our services worldwide! Contact us today for that free sample and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for info, promos, and valuable publishing insight!