Glendale sits in the West Valley of metro Phoenix. Its historic downtown — Catlin Court — is known for antique shops and, more usefully for eating, a long-standing chocolate and confectionery tradition centred on the Cerreta family’s factory, which has operated here since the 1960s.
The city’s everyday food is Sonoran Mexican, and the taquerias along Glendale and 59th avenues are the best value in the area. There is also a substantial Middle Eastern and North African community on the west side, with bakeries and grocers to match.
Stadium events bring crowds to the Westgate district, which is where most of the chain dining sits. The independent restaurants are downtown and in the neighbourhoods.