When my family came to visit from NYC for the weekend, I was on a mission. I wanted to show them…read morethat Phoenix has more to offer than cacti, 115-degree weather, and Instagram worthy rooftops. I was looking for a spot with fresh, flavorful food, a relaxed vibe, and maybe a little something extra to keep my teenage nieces and nephew entertained.
MATCH Market & Bar checked just about every box.
Before we even ordered, the kids were already wandering through the little market area, which turned out to be half the fun. They found a locally designed jigsaw puzzle, grabbed a few unique snacks for later, and suddenly I had bought myself a few uninterrupted minutes to look over the menu. Parents, aunts, uncles... you know those moments are priceless.
Now let's talk about the food.
We went all in. Salmon, steak, fresh salads, wings, tacos, appetizers, a sandwich (don't ask me which one because everybody was reaching across the table stealing bites), fries, and every plate was a winner. Everything tasted fresh and had just enough creativity without trying too hard to be "chef-y." It felt like the kind of menu where almost anyone can find something they'll enjoy.
My one... and only..,. complaint? The ordering system.
Call me old-fashioned, but I'm still a fan of sitting down, having someone take my order, and easing into the dining experience. Ordering at the register, grabbing a table number, and waiting for food delivery always feels a little like upscale cafeteria dining to me. It certainly didn't ruin the experience, but if MATCH ever switched to full table service, I'd probably become a regular.
The atmosphere was easygoing and welcoming. We visited early in the afternoon, so it wasn't buzzing just yet. We enjoyed our meal, caught up on family gossip, laughed way too loudly a few times, and then headed out. I noticed they host live music and other events in the evenings, though, and I have a feeling the whole place takes on a completely different personality after dark.
If you're looking for a casual lunch with fresh food, good ingredients, and a downtown location that somehow manages to avoid feeling chaotic, MATCH is absolutely worth checking out. The pricing was fair and appropriate for this area, so that was a plus. It's the kind of place that's equally good for a quick bite, meeting friends, or bringing out-of-town guests who want something a little different.
Will I be back?
I think so. But next time I'm coming in the evening. I want to see this place with a cocktail in hand, music playing, and a little more of the energy that I suspect makes MATCH shine.