Toms Tavern, Phoenix

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that if you haven't been to Tom's Tavern, you haven't been to the real Phoenix. A downtown icon since it opened in 1929, you'd be hard pressed to find a local politician that hasn't hunkered down in the burger and gin joint to talk business over a bourbon, a bowl of brisket chili, or a game of pool. Back in those days, the darkened place was ripe with the smell of cigarette smoke and burger grease, but that never stopped it from being the lifeblood of the town.

These days, Tom's—like the rest of the downtown that surrounds it—has been reborn, though you'll still find plenty of great drinks and great company, not to mention that same great chili recipe. Of course, now you'll also get exceptional farm-to-table cuisine like buttermilk-fried oysters with bacon jam, steak frittes, and eight ounce filets served with caramelized onion sauce, all of which can be enjoyed in the dining room or outside on the spacious patio.