The Parlor Experience

He Said

It’s an old hair salon. Phoenix is such a new city with a policy of tearing down to build bigger and better. So it thrills me to find local restaurateurs who can take a building and turn it into their dream while saving the history. In fact in the hallway to the bathroom you will find pictures of what it looked like when it still functioned as a hair salon.

Walking you first realize the nice outside patio with ample shade for the summer and a fireplace and heaters for the winter. I’m a huge outdoor eater so patios are important to me. I almost always sit outside when visiting the parlor.

The pizzas are more than enough for one person or if you are not that hungry you can easily share one pizza. I have to recommend the Yukon Gold pizza. I think the idea of potatoes on a pizza at first sounded crazy, but after one bite I was glad I made the choice. But as subsequent visits proved, you can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas. Thin crusts and quality toppings you won’t be disappointed.

If you feel like something else the salads are also enjoyable. For me, I enjoy Mozzarella en Corrozza the most, as it combines two of my favorite things…mozzarella and Prosciutto. The service is usually on top of things even during the busy times. In fact I even enjoy sitting in the bar area with a group of friends and commandeering one of the wooden tables. You get full service and it is a very lively atmosphere. Plus if you sit by the window you can look at the fresh herbs they grow outside.

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She Said

Located off of Camelback near 24^th Street you could easily miss it if it wasn’t for the glowing red sign that simply says “The Parlor.” A converted 1960’s hair salon is now a great dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming gives the vibe of a casual neighborhood hangout.  A nice variety of wine and beer is sure to quench any thirst and the bartenders are happy to help with any libation decision.

Just off the entrance you will notice an adorable garden. The Parlor grows fruits, veggies and herbs onsite exclusively for their dishes (which explains why everything tastes so darn fresh).

The spicy buffalo chicken pizza is delicious but I warn you, it IS spicy!Roasted organic chicken with house made BBQ sauce and provolone cheese topped with serrano chiles gives this pie that extra kick…don’t say I didn’t warn you! The beet salad is one of my favorites and I find myself ordering it time and time again. The fresh beets are complimented by walnut encrusted goat cheese and fennel as the tangy white balsamic dressing livens up this salad! The Grinder sandwich is HUGE. Generously piled high is a variety of Italian meats and provolone cheese on a house made hoagie. This sandwich WILL fill you up but be sure to save room for fries. Crispy thin and addictive it is hard to stop once you’ve had a taste of these mouthwatering fries!

While you are there take a peek at the vintage pictures hanging on the wall. It gives you a glimpse of what the building looked like when it was Salon De Venus. The pictures are a fun look into the past but this foodie gal is glad this spot transformed from hair/beauty parlor to The Parlor!