Eater’s Triangle: The Great Blight Way

Part of the thrill of exploring the colony of terrific eateries on Broadway Road near 28th Street is a matter of likelihood, or lack thereof – truly, this dusty stretch of South Phoenix is as bombed-out-looking as it gets. But like that other Broadway, the hits speak for themselves.    

Chanpen Thai

Best of the Valley devotees need no introduction to owner-chef Chanpen Ramonaitis’ tidy micro-eatery on Broadway – we scientifically demonstrated the superiority of its pad Thai noodles in a 2021 BOV taste-test. You won’t disappointed by the sweet soy savoriness of the pad see ew, either. 2727 E. Broadway Rd., 602-276-3778, chanpenthaiphoenix.com

Asadero El Fogon

A hit with the nearby University of Phoenix lunch crowd since its opening last fall, this ramshackle taqueria is a lot more dialed-in than it looks. Enjoy cilantro-flecked, street-style carnitas tacos, heaving barbacoa and the Valley’s most lavish, cheese-and-avocado-slathered plate of nachos (it will feed three, easy) on the barrio-style shaded side patio. 2803 E. Broadway Rd., 602-975-6168, asaderoelfogonaz.com

Xami Sushi

This one might take the greatest leap of faith, as even the heartiest sushi fans in Phoenix tend to lose their nerve south of the Salt River. But as this two-year-old sushi restaurant’s perfect, five-star Yelp rating – and bright, spotless interior – testify, the leap will be rewarded. You’ll coo over the impeccable nigiri and lively but restrained maki rolls, like the shrimp-tempura Sad Boy, topped with sesame and burnt lemon. 2707 E. Broadway Rd., 480-590-1757