Arizona Center. Phoenix, AZ. Nov, 2025. As tourists in downtown Phoenix , we continued wandering around after having visited Roosevelt Row and ended up near the Arizona Center. This is a retail shopping center and office complex that is between the Arizona State University downtown campus and the University of Arizona College of Medicine. There's also an AMC Theater, AC Hotel Downtown, restaurants, and scenic walkways. As we had been walking a lot, we greatly appreciated that there were benches to sit and just people watch for a few minutes. Foot traffic was light on a weekday afternoon. We and others also had fun taking photos in Santa's sleigh that had been set up in front of a giant Christmas tree at the entrance to the Center. read more

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On my way to an event, I stumbled upon the Arizona Center. Located downtown, and part of or at least next to ASU's downtown campus, I really have no idea why this entertainment district has such a low Yelp rating. It's a lovely place to explore. Here are the highlights: seating abounds where you can hang out and enjoy the weather and the sights. Making it a nice place to congregate. There's a small internal park. One of the highlights are 18 or so placards that tell a children's story. Walk from one to another and you'll get a part of the story, along with an illustration. It's a twist on a classic fairy tale. There are also quite a few shops and restaurants that are part of the Center. Admittedly, not the best selection, but there are some diamonds in the ruff. One of my favorites is Dough Boy. It's a small pizza spot where you place your order on self-service kiosks. Making it a great spot for a quick meal to go without breaking the bank. Some good value there. Service isn't really part of the experience but they will call your name when your order is ready. Beyond that, there are boba places, ColdStone, a Japanese restaurant with a solid happy hour, and more. It's a cool spot to walk around for a few minutes or to grab some food while you're downtown. read more

This place has so much potential unfortunately much of the shops have closed or our vacant. I did get to try multiple restaurants in this mall. I wish they would have a convenience store or a pharmacy that would be great for people coming in for conference. The area is very safe to walk around. They do have events at night with loud music until nine. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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When I was taking a Saturday morning walk downtown recently, I walked past the Arizona Center and saw a sign for an indigenous market-how cool! There were several artisans setup with their goods and a small stage ready for performances. At the same time, there were kids' activities nearby for the monthly play date that I also saw advertised. There were a handful of stores and eateries that were open as well. It was a cool place to wander around during a warm weekend morning and I was enjoying the beautiful landscape and architecture. It seems that the Arizona Center is a dynamic gathering space that is used for a variety of purposes. I'd love to return and see what else they do here. read more

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I have enjoyed visits to the Arizona Center over the years while meeting up with friends over meals or taking advantage of Arizona State University resources when ASU had a presence in the Arizona Center. I remember bringing a large group of students for a nice dinner at one restaurant as well as going with a group of friends for a casual dinner. I remember walking from the ASU Downtown Campus over to the Arizona Center while also having good (and challenging) situations with the parking there. While I keep hearing of a rebirth of the Arizona Center, when I stopped by there the other day when stopping by the One Arizona Center Building, I saw most of the shops and restaurants closed though I wonder in hindsight if looks could be deceiving. It just looks run down and not an exciting place to be any more but I couldn't say with certainty what the Arizona Center has to offer nowadays with their website (https://arizonacenter.com) down. It shows as if it is a WordPress error. The Arizona Center is a shopping center and office complex located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, which has been around since 1989. It features two office buildings, retail, and a 24-screen AMC theatre. Retail offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques and tourist shops. The large central plaza includes richly landscaped courtyards and fountains. Nearby, a large Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel opened back in 2008. There are other condo projects under construction. At this time, there are a few fast food restaurants, a Bosa Donuts shop, and entertainment like Drunk Shakespeare (which is exactly what it sounds like), and there is even an Entrepreneur Speaker Series for 2025 going on this week. Other restaurants include Jersey Mike's, Cold Stone Creamery, and Omoide Sushi & Noodle Bar. Other stores include SUITS at Keystone among others. There is also parking available nearby. While I appreciate the spaces and what they have to offer, there is a lot of growth yet to do before the spaces become what we can see it becoming. I'll keep my eyes on the space and try to make it back in the near future to see if the space improves. read more

Nice little shopping center with fun events and cool shops! My fave vintage market (pickers playground), has their shop here! Went early but parking wasn't an issue. It was free for the Halloween event we attended. My son loved all the little frog statues. They have some fun restaurants and stuff here too. We had fun at the cultural center too doing crafts! Will have to stay up to date on if any other events are coming up! read more

Stay tuned for the rebirth of the AZ Center. Just like the legendary Phoenix it is returning from the burnt out ashes in a new glory. We used to go here all the time once upon a time. Coolest place in town with great eateries and bars, I am so happy they are finally renovating and reclassifying this outdoor mall space. AZ Center was the, " it" place to go in the 1990s with some of the best restaurants, shops, and bars in town before the real estate crash kind of closed up shop. It has been pretty dormant in recent decades with only the garage and the AMC movies but now things are moving along. Right now they have more things open and much more to come. The area is attractive. It is so inviting with pretty gardens and fountains. It is just really an attractive setting with lovely murals and beautifully painted tables and benches for sitting furniture. It is a calm lovely spot in a great location in downtown. I have always enjoyed it and am so glad to know I can and will continue to do so. I walk through the mall on my way to work and it always seems to have a calming effect on my demeanor. A few of the things that have moved in as of recent years include: A hotel, office spaces for rent for Pop up events, a pizza place, a sub place, a small speakeasy type of theater space, a chocolate shop, an ice cream shop, a roller skating venue, a donut shop, a nonprofit art center, a museum art display center, and a mens clothing shop. More places will be moving into the center in the future. I hear the steak house is a gem. I can't wait for that to open. It is a really great art space too and a great starting or hanging out spot for First Fridays. I walk through this center very late at night and often and have never had any issues with safety in the garage or the mall. The behind the scenes staff is top notch. The only issue I have ever had was once the peddle cart guys were driving through here on a busy Suns game night and were not very careful at all. (not the Center's fault of course). That is not legally allowed to drive through there since it is a mall not a public road. The drivers were taking a shortcut. Security took care of that situation fast. I have never seen that happen ever again in three or more years of working nearby and parking there or nearby. By the way, all ticketed events at the Herberger can purchase a 6 dollar pass to park here for the event they are going to. Best deal in town since it is usually 20 dollars to park there. You purchase at Herberger box office with your ticket. read more

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This outdoor mall is across from the Sheraton and convenient for ASU students. There's not much there with a lot of empty buildings, but I was in Phoenix for a multi-day conference and appreciated my bank/ATM being there, Jersey Mikes, a sushi place, an AMC movie theatre, and there's even a nail shop. read more

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This is a nice place to take a short walk. I was able to find some street parking and pay a few dollars. read more

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Cool place to walk around and catch a vibe. I caught a movie here and enjoyed the scenery. Friendly fooks all around and felt safe as a solo traveler. read more

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I've only been here one other time to watch a movie at the AMC Arizona Center 24. For my most recent trip, I parked here to pick up my race packet for the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon expo at the nearby convention center. Parking at the convention center was $15 vs here at $4 for 1 hour. I entered via Fillmore St. I parked at one of the EV stalls. Everything about this shopping center looked nice and well-maintained, but I did notice that there were very few restaurants, businesses, or tenants here. There was a lot of vacancy. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The purpose of this review is to inform those who might not know that there is absolutely nothing here! Almost all stores are closed, just a few food spots and a fountain you can sit by. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is a Phoenix parking garage adjacent to the Herberger Theater. It's recommended on the theater's recorded voicemail as a parking venue. I was able to immediately locate a space near the elevator. It has open side walls so you have a view of the streets and buildings. It was clean. It was midday and sunny, there were no visibility issues. Definitely, recommend use in Phoenix downtown visits as well. read more

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I've had issues with 2 security guards following me at this shopping center. It is creepy. Like I don't know you. A few years back I met a man who shared with me he was shot in the arm by a security guard. The security guard stopped his car in the middle of a busy street to block the man in his own car behind him, then got out and shot the man. Anger management much? Then that security guard fled the U.S. back to his own country. The man who was shot was a kind business man who was in therapy for almost 2 years because of the damage caused to his body. He was lucky he was not killed. Just because someone is a security guard does not mean they are a safe person. In fact it can make them more dangerous because they have a gun and they feel like they have authority over people. They treat people poorly because they are insecure. Back to my second bad experience at this shopping center. The second security guard was following me recently and then when I started walking towards him he tried to hide, but there was nowhere for him to go, so then he came out and for some reason chose to be menacing and threatening. He treated me like I was a criminal. Was just walking around enjoying my 1st night of leisure in a long time. Work has been hectic and kept me tied up for a while. The security guard was tactless. There was something not right about him. When you feel something is off with someone, trust your instincts. I did my best to deescalate the situation and the man's awful attitude. read more

A newly renovated and beautiful space! But what a waste. There is absolutely nothing here that's very useful to people that live or go downtown a lot. I go for Cold Stone and that's about all. This space, no matter how newly renovated is still the same old boring space with no useful shopping at all. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Well i love the water fountains nice design and structures but all the tourist shops are gone and the retailers not to mention, when it comes to shopping and food this place is the worst read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've been working in the Arizona Center for about 4.5 years now, and I've finally decided to review it. I like the design of this place well enough, as there's plenty of shade, its well landscaped, and theres some form of security to keep the hobos and crackheads out 90% of the time. The restaurants here are mediocre and somewhat boring. In regards to lunch, you have Subway, which I am sick of, dirty water pizza at Cafe Roma, hooters (greasy tasting), Starbucks (great service), Unos, (dark interior, mediocre pizza), 1130, Sams Cafe, Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Coldstone, NY & Co, AMC theatre, and a barrage of touristy places as well. Upstairs is an engineering firm and FSN Arizona as well. I think at one point back in the day, there used to be food places and a bar or 2 up there, but now its different. The gardens here are pretty, relaxing and enjoyable. I think based off food and shopping alone, this place sux, overall. For anything reasonable and quick to eat, your stuck with Subway and Cafe Roma. Everything else is sit down with waiter service. I don't have any one recomendation to make this place better, except maybe different/better choices in resturants and eating choices. read more

I like Arizona Center, but the parking situation leaves much to be desired. I found it confusing, over priced, and inconvenient when I wanted to see a movie. It was raining, I didn't know where to go, or to take my parking ticket to get validated. It ended up okay because my ticket was unreadable so I did not have to end up paying to park after all, but I would have been pretty irritated for $1 every 20 min after a 2+ hr long movie! I also think they could advertise more or something. It's always seemed like a secret. I was taken here by a friend some 7 years ago, but I didn't know my way around down town yet, and I never heard of it again to be reminded of where it was until recently. It has potential, but definitely underutilized. I agree that while its nice to walk around, there isn't enough substance to keep patrons there for a long time. I was also excited about seeing Corner Bakery there, but again, that's not too long of a visit. read more

There is nothing there!!!! A waste of my time. All the stores are closed. It's move like a walk way .... Not even a decent food place!!!

This place is surprisingly underutilized and minimally successful, judging from the sometimes sparse crowds and difficulty in keeping businesses afloat. Since it is a part of my downtown Phoenix work environment, I love a chance to visit whether it's for a mid-afternoon coffee or an after-work Happy Hour. This is a quaint oasis in the middle of the "concrete island" of downtown. Best things I've have ever seen here by sheer chance include: 1) the Hooters girls practicing their hula hoop skills on a perfectly beautiful sunny day (see uploaded photos), and 2) the Halloween Zombie walk that routed some 300 revelers dressed and zombified through the Center. In addition to the recurrent cliché zombies (zombie businessman, zombie bride & groom, zombie cheerleader, etc.), the best costume had to be "sad clown zombie", complete with frownie clownface makeup and a pathetic, anemic little "aroooga" bulb horn. This is a place where I like to people-watch, soak up the sun, enjoy the green landscaping, and grab a coffee or lunch. A break here has the healing power of 100 stolen moments. read more

Arizona Center - Arizona Center Hooters girls and their hula hoops - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Yes there are merchant and business centers with better designs out there. But this place is here and will be here for a while. I have enjoyed the conveninece of having the AMC across the street and most of the restaurants within the center offer pretty nice happy hour deals or incentives if you have you movie ticket. I do feel the AZ Center is under appreciated and under utilized. The restaurants may not be stellar but most of them are good. My favorite part is the more lush park area with the water and the falls adjacent to Sam's Cafe and My Big Fat Greek. I have seen weddings and parties hosted in this area. There have been nights where I am restless and can't sleep and I walk over here and sit and listen to the water and zone out while staring at the lights wrapped around the trees through the interior of the park area. It also makes patio dining at either of these two restaurants quite enjoyable (along with the heaters they provide in the winter and the misters in the summer). read more

Dear Arizona Center, How have you been? You're not looking so well. Last time a came to visit we just shot some family pictures and went on our merry way. Would have been nice to hang out and catch up with the family there on the grounds but there is about 5 things to do and not a one sounded appealing. I rarely go to AMC theater so that might worth doing at some point. Plus my dear friends just moved in very very closely to this structure. Perhaps I just remember you back in your hayday and that is why I am wary. It still is a beautiful grounds and the fountains are still enchanting. Suppose I'll see you again soon old friend. Till then take care. With love, Reese read more

Absolutely wasted potential. I blame the ridiculous PAYMENT REQUIRED parking structure. It's currently $3 an hour up to $12, and validation will only give you a two hour credit (except AMC, which gives four hours). With Phoenix being a sprawling "driving city" there is no reason for charging like this, especially when much nicer shopping and restaurant destinations are absolutely free. This is definitely not a destination shopping/restaurant center. I would say don't bother unless there's a specific restaurant here you really want to try. read more

This place is just hanging on. I remember back in the day when they the piano bar, 80's club, sports bars, and a ton of other places to check out. There a a few restaurants still open, but barely. Never seen any of them even close to half full. I pretty much just go to the theaters here nowadays. At least there are no crowds to deal with. read more

So much wasted potential... Though I am not a local I am sure that Arizona Center has seen better days. I stopped by with my cousins last week to check out the Canyon Cafe. What was once a promising outdoor shopping center in the heart of downtown phoenix is now virtually out of business. Most of the stores have been shuttered and the ones that are open (Flag Store) are small mom n pops which I doubt get much business. The Starbucks off in the corner is probably the only recognizable tenant in the whole place. A couple restaurants across the from the waterfall and the AMC are probably the only reasons anyone even bothers to stop by anymore. Props though for the maintenance and landscaping. Despite being pretty much abandoned, they have done a great job maintaining the facilities and keeping the grounds beautiful. Heres hoping that Arizona Center returns to its former glory. read more

A year or two ago, Arizona Center was a destination for shoppers in need of Kokopeli socks or shot glasses blazoned with cacti. No more, no more! The kitschy tourist shops are gone, except for the flag store and the sports logo store. Most of the retail store fronts are simply empty. Restaurants are still around and range from pizza-by-the-slice through mediocre Mexican to kitschy family dining to high-end sit-down dining. If you're a conventioneer at a downtown hotel and want a walk and some palm-tree-infused atmosphere, you've got lots of dinner choices. The major reason to come here, at this point, is that you live/work in or near downtown and want either (a) to see a movie or (b) to sit by a fountain and eat. Both of those functions are quite adequate and mean you took light rail or walked. DO NOT use the parking ramp. The few times I've tried it, I've ended up in a line of exiting cars with unreadable tickets. The parking system doesn't work, and it dumps you into some odd bit of "turn this way only" lanes at the edge of downtown. If it's tourist kitsch you need for pals back home, you're now stuck trekking to Old Town Scottsdale. read more

After finding out there was a shopping center less that a block from my hotel I was ecstatic! BUT after going there at 11.15am when they opened at 11am I was soooo disappointed to find that there is only one real store here. The rest are typical chain restaurants. LAME! The outer decor is nice though. read more

This is just sad. Half the stores are closed, and the other half are under rennovations. I walked away, as I was at the convention center, willing to spend a few shekles... and left annoyed at the state this center is in. read more

This place would just be OK if they didn't insult you by charging you to park just to try to give them some business. It's pretty dead, with lots of empty shops. You'd think they'd want to encourage more visitors. There are a couple of decent restaurants in the place, but nothing fantastic. Otherwise it's mostly overpriced trinket shops. read more

Needed a quick bite across the street after I landed at the Sheraton. In short, some interesting stores and restaurants all just thrown together. I think it could be so much more. A Subway, Pizzeria Uno, Hooters, and AMC then a NY & Co. My fiancee would like the latter, but I'm thinking "well what the..." For quick food come here; and don't get me wrong, next time I might try the Uno, as I love the one in Chi-town. But I get this feeling it's not really a mall or a center and just a few places crammed together to make the tourists feel at home, but I didn't feel at home. This place was sooo empty!!! read more

I miss the old Arizona Center. It was once a great place to shop, party and do everything you could do. That was 18 years ago....Today, not so much. The parking is kinda silly, the shops are gone with only a couple of them there. The theater is about the only good thing here in the center. Back in the day they had some really nice shops . They also had a great bar upstairs that had dueling pianos, sports dance bar and a hip hop bar all in one. I don't think it's there anymore. Now, there are just a bunch of junky restaurants...Brick being the most over priced pizza in the whole area. Hooters, well, it's Hooters. Ah well, at least the garden is beautiful and a great place to chill. I just wish they wouldn't call this place "Arizona Center". This joint is not a good representation of Arizona, at all. read more

This place doesn't lend itself to anything stellar or amazing in terms of products or food, but the atmosphere is enjoyable as I like to grab a Sbux on occassion and sit my the little waterfalls of some sort and relax. Outside of the 3 or so touristy shops (which don't appeal to me, I'm not a tourist), it has a large corporate feel. Nothing local persay. The AMC has good deals for students and others at random times. They have live music on Sat nights (5-8) and it's a nice place to go for the nearest Sbux/Subway/theatre. But other than that, I find no appealing reason to go. I try to do the local gig, so this isn't a first stop on must do's during my free time. I wish I could have been there when the locals jumped on the Subway and stopped at AZ Center without their pants on. That would have been classic. read more

While there are some decent restaurants here, and the Arizona Center itself is very nice to walk around, there aren't enough stores here to entice people to stay here for more than the time it takes to eat a meal here, or watch a movie at the AMC. read more

The Arizona Center could seriously use an upgrade. I think it would thrive better if there were more clothing shops in here. A couple of the restaurants are decent, including Sam's Cafe and Big Fat, and I like their addition of Corner Bakery. They also have some hidden treasures like Cafe Roma. Besides that, it's kind of a dump. The bathrooms are absolultey disgusting. The place definitely has potential. It has a pretty little garden area that was a nice touch. It is in a decent location, really close to ASU and a bunch of businesses. It just needs some more work. read more

For all the foot traffic and locals that frequent AZ center from neighboring work places and schools one would hope this place would offer more in terms of food options. The water fountains and grounds are the best part about the AZ center. They are well kept. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This isn't a fabulous downtown development BY ANY MEANS, but I did enjoy walking to the movie theater when I lived down the street at Camden Copper Square. AMC's theater is normally uncrowded, has friendly staff, big screens and comfortable stadium seating. I will also, be honest, I think the "garden" aspect of the development facing Van Buren ST is pretty lovely - especially at night. It is a lush oasis that feels cool, moist and calming amidst the urban heat island h.e.double hockey sticks of surrounding blocks. This isn't the best that the downtown Phoenix offers, but it's also not the worst. read more

I definitely miss the mall so much back home. Stuck in Flagstaff for a few months for a city girl like me is tough. It just makes me home sick. The center remind me so much of the malls back home. I mean, it's a really nice place. The view, the stores, the food, it's so nice. The lighting at night was beautiful. It's small but hanging out there for a day with my friends was fun. It's quiet and nice. read more

I work at the AZ Center building so I may be a little bias in my review but I'm a big fan of the area. Its pleasant to be able to work in a location with so much surrounding it. Not to mention the benches, trees and various fountains really makes it a nice little oasis in the heart of downtown Phoenix. read more

Arizona Center - Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Nothing special about the place really. I feel like it was built for the lunch hour crowd. Always loved Sam's Cafe but not sure since it changed names if it's any good. read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I like that it's right downtown by my house. I dislike that it's mostly vacant. read more