Restaurants Explorer
HomeDining DiscoveriesBest Restaurants Near Me
Arizona

Restaurants ExplorerBest Restaurants Near MeArizonaMaricopa CountyPhoenixCentral CityBest Restaurants in North 3rd StreetCarcara
Carcara ico

Carcara
- 320 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Restaurant, Hotel ★4.0

320 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

4.0
What a perfect spot for a midweek work lunch! The ambiance was beautiful, spacious, welcoming, and matched by excellent service and food. Our server, Allen, was so kind and attentive, offering appetizer and entrée recommendations that were both delicious and beautifully presented (we devoured them too quickly for photos!). The guacamole and buffalo cauliflower were standouts, and the power bowl was not only hearty and filling but also packed with wholesome, flavorful ingredients. Managers Joe and Arthur even stopped by our table to make sure we were enjoying everything, which made the experience feel extra special. The drink menu looked fantastic as well. We skipped cocktails this time, but it gives us the perfect excuse to come back soon - Melissa Assaf
Carcara Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews

Carcara Introduce

For Arizona residents and visitors seeking a premier dining experience in the heart of downtown Phoenix, **Carcara** provides a unique and elevated culinary destination. Situated at 320 N 3rd St, this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a space curated to offer a resonating experience, celebrating the local heritage and ingredients of the region. The menu, deeply inspired by **Native American and Sonoran-inspired cuisine**, features seasonal dishes that utilize indigenous ingredients, creating flavors that are both familiar to the Southwestern palate and refreshingly new.

Carcara operates not only as a high-quality **Restaurant** but is also seamlessly integrated into a major **Hotel**, granting it a refined ambiance, top-tier amenities, and an established reputation for service. It caters to a wide audience—from local Phoenix residents enjoying a romantic dinner, to professionals conducting a working lunch, and tourists attending a downtown conference. The atmosphere is designed to be simultaneously **Casual**, **Cozy**, **Romantic**, **Trendy**, and **Upscale**, making it suitable for almost any occasion.

The menu spans all major dining periods, including a robust **Breakfast**, an appealing **Brunch**, and comprehensive **Lunch** and **Dinner** services. Patrons can explore everything from lighter fare like the **Avocado Toast** or **Greens & Grains** to substantial entrees such as the **Fork Tender Short Rib** and **Prime Ribeye Steak**. The culinary team’s commitment to quality is evident in the inclusion of local specialties, and the bar program ensures a perfect pairing for every dish with great selections of **Beer**, **Cocktails**, and **Wine**.

Customer feedback highlights the beautiful and welcoming ambiance, attentive staff, and the delicious, well-presented food. Standout appetizers like the **Loaded Guacamole** and **Buffalo Cauliflower** are frequently mentioned. However, as is sometimes the case with hotel-integrated dining, one review noted that service speed during busy conference periods, particularly for large groups at brunch, may result in extended waiting times. It is a venue where taking time to savor the experience and ambiance is highly recommended, and making reservations is a smart planning step.

***

## Location and Accessibility

Carcara is centrally located at **320 N 3rd St** in the highly accessible and energetic **85004** zip code of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Its strategic location is within walking distance of major landmarks like the Phoenix Convention Center and the Herberger Theater Center, making it a convenient hub for both local commuters and out-of-town guests.

Accessibility is a key priority for this location, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons:

  • **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** Provides easy entry for guests using mobility devices.
  • **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom:** Dedicated facilities designed for comfortable use.
  • **Wheelchair Accessible Seating:** Dining areas are configured to accommodate all guests.
  • **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Convenient access to the restaurant from designated parking spaces.

For those driving, various parking options are available in the busy downtown area, though they involve a fee:

  • **Paid parking garage**
  • **Paid parking lot**
  • **Paid street parking**

Its hotel setting also provides excellent amenities, including **Restrooms** and **Wi-Fi**. Moreover, the restaurant offers **Outdoor seating** on an expansive patio that features a cozy **Fireplace**, providing a perfect setting to enjoy the Arizona weather, and is one of the few places in the area where **Dogs are allowed** on the patio.

***

## Services Offered

Carcara offers a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services, reflecting its dual role as an upscale local restaurant and a premier hotel dining amenity.

The extensive service options include:

  • **Full-Spectrum Dining:** Services are offered across all major meal periods—**Breakfast**, **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**.
  • **Flexible Seating:** Patrons can choose between indoor **Seating** with a distinctive, curated atmosphere, or **Outdoor seating** on the patio with a fireplace.
  • **Reservation System:** The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, with **Brunch reservations recommended** and **Dinner reservations recommended** to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak downtown activity.
  • **Takeout:** Convenient service is available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
  • **Full Bar Service:** A **Bar onsite** serves a selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**, in addition to an excellent **Wine list**.
  • **Private Dining:** The restaurant features a dedicated **Private dining room**, perfect for corporate events, family celebrations, or any group requiring an exclusive space.
  • **Table Service:** All meals are delivered with professional **Table service**, enhancing the relaxed and upscale dining experience.
  • **Family-Friendly Amenities:** The restaurant is considered **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** for younger guests.
  • **Payment Versatility:** For seamless transactions, the restaurant accepts all major forms of payment, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and modern **NFC mobile payments**.

***

## Features / Highlights

Carcara distinguishes itself in the Phoenix culinary scene with several notable features and a menu that focuses on sophisticated Southwestern flavors.

Key highlights of the Carcara experience include:

  • **Native American and Sonoran-Inspired Cuisine:** The menu is a tribute to local and indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions, offering genuinely regional flavors in dishes like the **Sonoran Burrito**, **Schreiner’s Smoked Southwest Turkey Sausage Benedict**, and the **Ancho Chile Shrimp Tacos**.
  • **Extensive Beverage Program:** The restaurant is highlighted for its **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and **Great wine list**, making it a destination for sophisticated drinkers. They also offer a focused **Happy hour drinks** menu.
  • **All-Day Dining Variety:** The menu is extensive, offering options ranging from quick and customizable breakfast items like the **Seasonal Berry Parfait** and **Steel-Cut Oatmeal**, to hearty dinner entrees such as the ***Prime Ribeye Steak** and the rich **Fork Tender Short Rib**.
  • **Appealing Ambiance and Amenities:** The atmosphere is curated as **Casual**, **Cozy**, and **Upscale**, and includes a unique **Fireplace** for warmth and ambiance, especially appreciated on cool Arizona evenings. It is popular with a mix of **Locals**, **Tourists**, and large **Groups**.
  • **Diverse Dietary Offerings:** The menu ensures there is something for everyone, listing options for **Healthy options**, **Vegetarian options**, **Small plates**, and comforting **Comfort food**, along with a focus on fresh **Coffee**.
  • **Noteworthy Desserts:** Carcara is specifically highlighted for serving **Great dessert**. The menu features tempting choices like the **Smore’s Brulee**, **Carcara Cheesecake**, and the rich **Chocolate Dream**.

***

## Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about a private dining event, or get directions to this downtown Phoenix gem, please use the following contact details:

**Address:** 320 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

**Phone Number:** (602) 817-5400

**Mobile Phone:** +1 602-817-5400

Given the upscale and trendy nature of Carcara, especially during weekend brunch and dinner hours, making a reservation by phone or online is highly recommended to secure your preferred dining time. The restaurant's integration with the hotel ensures that phone support is typically available throughout the day for inquiries.

***

## What is Worth Choosing

For individuals in the Arizona region, choosing **Carcara** in downtown Phoenix is choosing a distinctly regional and upscale dining experience that is highly versatile. It is worth choosing for the following compelling reasons:

Firstly, the **Sonoran and Native American-inspired cuisine** offers a genuine culinary connection to Arizona. Unlike generic steakhouses or casual diners, Carcara showcases local, indigenous, and seasonal ingredients, providing a unique taste of the Southwest in dishes that are both creative and refined. This makes it an ideal spot for locals who appreciate regional gastronomy and for tourists who want an authentic, high-end Arizona meal.

Secondly, Carcara excels at providing a complete, sophisticated atmosphere. The combination of a **Cozy** yet **Upscale** and **Trendy** environment, complete with a **Fireplace** and beautiful **Outdoor seating**, is perfect for romantic dates, celebrating milestones, or hosting important business meetings. Furthermore, the bar’s reputation for a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and an exceptional **Wine list** ensures that the beverage program perfectly complements the quality of the food.

Finally, the sheer breadth of dining options is a significant benefit. Whether you need an early-morning full **Continental Buffet**, a power-packed **Lunch** with healthy options like the **Buddah Bowl**, or a full **Dinner** service featuring prime cuts and fresh seafood, Carcara can accommodate. The availability of multiple **Wheelchair accessible** features and on-site paid parking options further cement its status as a convenient, high-quality, and inclusive downtown Phoenix dining choice.

Carcara Menu

  • Breakfast - Á La Carte

  • Seasonal Berry Parfait

    Local Honey Yogurt & House Made Granola

  • Avocado Toast

    Toasted Prairie Bread, Tajin Pepitas, Candied Fresno Peppers, Pickled Shallots, Radish Sprouts

  • Steel-Cut Oatmeal

    Orange Blossom Honey, Berries, Almond Brittle

  • Two Cage Free Eggs Your Way
  • Schreiner's Thick Cut Bacon
  • Wildflower Bread Company Toast
  • Pork Sausage
  • Crispy Potatoes
  • Breakfast - Continental Buffet

  • Fruit

    Watermelon, Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Apples, Oranges, Bananas

  • Bread

    Sourdough, 9 Grain, Grass Fed Butter, Margarine

  • Cereal

    Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Special K, Fruit Loops, Whole Milk, Skim, Almond

  • Yogurt Parfait

    Low-Fat Greek & Mixed Berries, House Made Granola | Berry Yogurt & Mixed Berries, House Made Granola

  • Steel-Cut Oatmeal

    Golden Raisins, Brown Sugar, Almonds

  • Pastries

    Danish, Croissant, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls

  • Breakfast - Full Buffet

  • Carcara Daily Feature

    Ask your server about our featured breakfast item of the day

  • Cage Free Scrambled Eggs
  • Pork Sausage
  • Applewood Smoked Bacon
  • Crispy Potatoes

    Bell Peppers, Onions

  • Brunch - Brunch Mains

  • Seasonal Berry Parfait

    Local honey yogurt & house made granola

  • Avocado Toast

    Toasted prairie bread, tajin pepitas, candied fresno peppers, pickled shallots, radish sprouts.

  • Pop Tart

    Schreiner’s bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, pepper jelly

  • Sonoran Burrito

    Schreiner’s tasso ham, scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo

  • Schreiner’s Smoked Southwest Turkey Sausage Benedict*

    Farm fresh poached eggs, herb polenta cake, grilled asparagus, mole spiced hollandaise

  • Fall Frittata

    Just Eggs, roasted butternut squash, maitake mushrooms, green onions, spinach, toy box tomatoes

  • Buddah Bowl

    Wild rice, brussels sprouts, avocado, rainbow chard, almonds, heirloom carrots, toy box tomatoes, lemon pomegranate vinaigrette

  • spresso Bacon Jam Short Rib Wagyu Burger

    Wisconsin cheddar, butter lettuce, crispy onion, garlic paprika aioli, over easy egg, brioche bun

  • Crispy Chickwich

    Orange bourbon BBQ sauce, cilantro slaw, tomatillo pickle, roll

  • Brunch - Brunch Boards

  • Batter Up

    Schreiner’s southwest turkey sausage, buttermilk pancakes, blood orange syrup, 1 Acre poppy seed-citrus marmalade whipped butter, caramelized bananas & pecans, berries, whipped cream

  • Surf

    Pastrami cured salmon, salmon lox, mini bagels, cucumbers, lemon caper cream cheese, pickled red onion & fennel

  • Butcher

    Schreiner’s bacon, smoked southwest turkey sausage, rosemary ham, IPA mustard, gherkins, pickled vegetables

  • Brunch - Sweets

  • Sweet Corn Scone
  • Brittany’s Chocolate Cinnamon Roll
  • Salted Caramel & Candied Pecan Bread
  • Brunch - Brunch Sides

  • Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit & Sausage Gravy
  • Two Eggs Your Way*
  • Schreiner's Thick Cut Bacon
  • Impossible Breakfast Sausage
  • Smoked Turkey
  • Pork Sausage
  • Crispy Bits Potatoes
  • Rosemary Ham
  • Lunch - Beginnings

  • Citrus Hummus

    Baby carrots, cucumbers, crispy lavash, sunflower seed

  • Buffalo Cauliflower

    Rogue blue cheese crema, scallions

  • Loaded Guacamole & Charred Tomato Salsa

    Cotija cheese, roasted pepitas, pickled onions, jicama, radish, tortilla chips

  • Sonoran Caesar

    Romaine leaves, queso fresco, mole croutons, cured tomatoes, roman caesar dressing

  • Greens & Grains

    Wild rocket arugula, wheat berries, roasted butternut, maitake mushrooms, pomegranate seeds, date balsamic vinaigrette

  • Spice Roasted Squash Soup

    3 sister's relish, queen creek olive oil

  • Lunch - Features

  • Ancho Chile Shrimp Tacos

    Orange pico de gallo, micro cilantro, lime crème, cabbage, corn tortilla

  • Turkey Wrap

    Herb roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese, basil pesto mayo, lettuce, red peppers, tomato tortilla, pasta sala

  • Carcara Angus Burger

    Brioche, pepper jack cheese, tomato, pickled red onions, arugula, garlic paprika aioli, house fries

  • Crispy Chicken Sandwich

    Orange whiskey bbq sauce, cilantro slaw, tomatillo pickles, soft hoagie roll, house fries

  • Chipotle Black Bean Burger

    Bell peppers, dried tart cherries, roasted corn, parsley, shitake mushrooms, spring mix, tomato lime mayo, house fries

  • Buddah Bowl
  • Moody Blue Crusted Aspen Ridge Filet

    Garlic herb roasted fingerling potatoes, guajillo glazed heirloom carrots

  • Lunch - Desserts

  • Chocolate Dream $12.00

    Chocolate sponge layers, milk & white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache

  • Brown Butter Cake $12.00

    Spiced butter cake, speculoos gelato, candied hazelnuts

  • Sorbet $10.00

    Jalapeno lime, blood orange, pomegranate

  • Dinner - Appetizers

  • Baja Shrimp Ceviche

    Cucumber, orange, serrano, tomato, cilantro

  • Citrus Hummus

    Cucumbers, baby carrots, crispy lavash, sunflower seeds

  • Buffalo Cauliflower

    Rogue blue cheese crema, scallions

  • Duck Confit & Goat Cheese Empanadas

    Candied pecans, habanero fig jam

  • Mediterra Bread Plate

    Carcara butter, himalanyan pink salt

  • Loaded Guacamole

    Cotija cheese, roasted pepitas, pickled onion, jicama, radish.

  • Dinner - Soups and Salads

  • Spice Roasted Squash Soup

    3 sister’s relish, queen creek olive oil

  • Greens & Grains

    Wild rocket arugula, wheat berries, roasted butternut, maitake mushrooms, pomegranate seeds, date balsamic vinaigrette

  • Carcara House

    Baby kale, spinach, charred red onion, clementine, peppercorn feta, candied walnuts warm bacon vinaigrette

  • Sonoran Caesar

    Romaine leaves, queso fresco, mole croutons, cured tomatoes, roman caesar dressing

  • Dinner - Entrees

  • Fork Tender Short Rib

    Coffee ancho chile jus, parsnip puree, candied brussels sprouts

  • *Prime Ribeye Steak

    Sweet potato mash, roasted asparagus, blood orange beurre rouge

  • *Carcara Angus Burger

    Brioche, pepper jack cheese, tomato, pickled red onions, arugula, garlic paprika aioli, ancho chile dusted sidewinder fries

  • Pan Seared Mountain Trout Veracruz

    Cilantro citrus rice, wilted greens, olive relish

  • Shrimp & Grits

    White corn grits, tomatillo corn salsa, smoked paprika mezcal sauce

  • Pasta Verde

    Red lentil pasta, roasted poblano cashew cream, shitake mushrooms, haricot verts, asparagus, crispy chickpeas, watercress

  • Dinner - Dessert

  • Smore’s Brulee

    Dark chocolate custard, prickly pear marshmallow, graham crumble

  • Brown Butter Cake

    Spiced butter cake, speculoos gelato, candied hazelnuts

  • Carcara Cheesecake

    Mandarin cheesecake, key lime mousse, meyer lemon curd

  • Chocolate Dream

    Chocolate sponge layers, milk & white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache

  • Sorbet

    Jalapeno lime, blood orange, pomegranate

  • Bar Snacks

  • Loaded Guacamole

    Cojita cheese, roasted pepitas, pickled onion, jicama, radish.

  • Buffalo Cauliflower

    Rogue blue cheese crema, scallions

  • Ancho Chili Braised Beef Taco

    Smoked beef short rib, orange pico de gallo, micro cilantro, lime crème

  • Baja Shrimp Ceviche

    cucumber, orange, serrano, tomato, cilantro

  • Citrus Hummus

    Cucumbers, baby carrots, crispy lavash, sunflower seeds

  • *Carcara Angus Burger

    Brioche, pepper jack cheese, tomato, pickled red onions, arugula, garlic paprika aioli, ancho chile dusted sidewinder fries

  • Greens & Grains

    Wild rocket arugula, wheat berries, roasted butternut, maitake mushrooms, pomegranate seeds, date balsamic vinaigrette

Carcara Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Highlights

  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Serves local specialty
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Private dining room
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed

Carcara Photos

Carcara Picture 1Carcara Picture 2Carcara Picture 3Carcara Picture 4Carcara Picture 5Carcara Picture 6Carcara Picture 7Carcara Picture 8Carcara Picture 9Carcara Picture 10

Carcara Location

Carcara

320 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Carcara Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 471 user reviews.

brunchpatioshort ribguacamolehappy hourbartendercotton candybuffalo cauliflowerupscalejalapeño biscuits

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

More Best Restaurants Near Me

  • The Mix by Chic ChefThe Mix by Chic Chef5.0 (6 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St Suite 1015, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • The Collective by Chic ChefThe Collective by Chic Chef5.0 (2 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St Suite 1015, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Dough Boy PizzaDough Boy Pizza4.0 (89 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St Suite #1210, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Chocolate BashChocolate Bash4.0 (155 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St Ste 1200, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Jersey Mike's SubsJersey Mike's Subs3.0 (124 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St #1080, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Omoide Sushi & NoodleOmoide Sushi & Noodle4.0 (577 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St #1120, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Kokoro Phoenix SushiKokoro Phoenix Sushi5.0 (6 reviews)

    455 N 3rd St #1120, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Chick-fil-AChick-fil-A3.0 (613 reviews)

    120 E Taylor St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Downtown 77Downtown 773.0 (11 reviews)

    77 E Polk St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • The Market At Taylor PlaceThe Market At Taylor Place5.0 (5 reviews)

    E Taylor St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • The CompassThe Compass4.0 (1464 reviews)

    122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Barrel & BushelBarrel & Bushel4.0 (284 reviews)

    122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

  • Categories

    Top Visited Sites

    Trending Dining Discoveries Posts