Our Phoenix Discovered series (PhD for short) shares essential insight into downtown by introducing people and places that define our unique culture.

As Phoenicians, we all know how hot it can get here, so it’s nice to beat the heat whenever and wherever we can: extra ice in your drink, that shady parking spot, or a quick drive-thru to shave time off the daily commute. With that in mind, here are a few (non-fast food) restaurants in central Phoenix with drive-thrus or curbside pick-up. We love this because it means you can get great food and drinks without having to get out of the car, making life more convenient and less sweaty!

Copper Star Coffee. Photo by Jesse Perry.

Copper Star Coffee. Photo by Jesse Perry.

Copper Star Coffee

This business is more than a coffee shop; it’s a staple in the community, delivering an artsy atmosphere, a personable staff, tasty menu selections and a contemporary collection of stand-out coffee beverages. With the line out the door on some days, it’s nice to know you can pull into their makeshift drive-thru, leftover from the building’s former days as a main drag gas station. Copper Star is open seven days a week and is located in the Melrose District at 4220 N. 7th Avenue.

Federal Pizza

Phoenix is no stranger to great pizza, so it was no surprise when the city was named by TripAdvisor as one of the top ten places in the nation to grab a slice. As a distinct trend setter among the city’s pizza purveyors, Federal Pizza delivers a “midcentury meets modern” style of rustic cuisine that is sure to be on your list of favorites. One aspect of this former bank building that makes accessing those uniquely delicious menu items a little easier is their drive-thru. It’s as simple as calling it in, driving up and heading home. Take a look here for more info.

Public Market Cafe_feat

Courtesy of Phoenix Public Market Cafe.

Phoenix Public Market Café

Though they don’t technically have a drive-thru, it fits the profile since the café has officially added two new take away spots out front for your convenience. Well-known to the downtown community, the Market offers up great local selections seven days a week. But depending on your schedule, it isn’t always easy to make it in and out quickly. Now you can just call in your order, park out front and have it brought out to you, all while your A/C is blasting. Check out what they offer here.

Are there any other central Phoenix drive-thrus we missed? Let us know (because it’s hot out there and we’re hungry!)