Compiled by Albert Lewis January 12, 2026
RETURN TO LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM PAGE
Using the Light Rail System:
The light rail is
- inexpensive ($2 per day for seniors);
- frequent (a train every 12 minutes);
- and close to Beatitudes campus (19th & Glendale).
If you’re going to Tempe or Mesa you have to transfer at the Downtown HUB. There is walking involved (from just across the street up to 4 blocks for most of the attractions and restaurants listed below).
For a complete listing of restaurants, go to <phxrailfood.com>.
Listings include a description/history of the place, how far it is from the closest light rail station, and pictures of some of the dishes on the menu. Please note: If walking is an issue, be sure to check out the distance from the station by using the above link.
*Labels given the light rail stations by Valley Metro
Light Rail Stations
Glendale & 19th Ave.–BEATITUDES CAMPUS
Restaurants: Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oxaca; Thai Lotus; Raffaeles Pizza;Off da Hook Soul Food & BBQ; Panda Express; Liberian Cuisine
Montebello & 19th Ave.–”Christown” * Walgreens,Target, and west side of Spectrum Mall (Dollar Tree, Pet Smart, Hobby Lobby, Big 5 Sports).
Restaurants: Ono Hawaiian BBQ; Bamboo Asian Kitchen; & Olive Garden.
Camelback & 19th Ave.–Restaurants: Pho Thanh; Milk Run & Zuki’s Pita.
Camelback & 7th Ave.–”Melrose District”* Restaurants: Cartel Roasting Co.; Camelback (PT) Pho; & Pop Stand (inside Rise Uptown Hotel).
Camelback & Central “Uptown Phoenix*–Attractions: Changing Hands Bookstore. Restaurants: Krazy Cajun Seafood & Hibachi; Scooptopia (Filipino); Fame; George & Dragon.
Campbell & Central–Restaurants: Pane Bianca; Lux Central.
Indian School & Central–Veterans Hospital & Medical Center. Attractions: Steele Indian School Park. Restaurants: Across the Pond; Yoshi’s.
Osborn & Central–”Park Central”* Restaurants: West Hut; Ocotillo; China Chili; Alexi’s Grill..
Thomas & Central–St. Josephs Medical Center; Barrows Neurological Institute. Restaurants: Vayal’s Kitchen; CC’s on Central; King Salmon; Mika’s Greek + others.
Encanto & Central–”Heard Museum”* Restaurants: Courtyard Cafe (Heard); Durant’s Steakhouse; Bang Bang Coffee; & Lenny’s Burgers.
McDowell & Central– “Cultural District” * Attractions: Arizona Opera; Phoenix Main Library; Phoenix Art Museum & Margaret T. Hance Park.
Restaurants: The Old Spaghetti Factory; Forno 301; Phoenix Blue Fin; & Giant Coffee.
Roosevelt & Central–”Arts District” *Attractions: Japanese Friendship Garden (in Margaret T. Hance Park).
Restaurants; Dolca Italia; Aroma India; Daydreamer Coffee; Vegan Social; Saint Pasta; Rough Rider.
Van Buren & Central “ASU Downtown Campus:*– Attractions: Herberger Theatre & Performing Arts Center; Mortgage Matchup Center (Suns & Mercury).
Restaurants; Cornish Pasty Company; Ramen Kagawa; Press Coffee; & The Vig Filmore.
HUB between Washington & Jefferson and 1st Ave, & Central—must change trains here for east Phoenix, Tempe & Mesa. Attractions: Orpheum Theater & Phoenix City Hall.
Restaurants: Zen Thai Cafe; Blue Hound; Nick the Greek; Coabama + 31 others.
3rd St. & Jefferson/Washington–Attractions: Chase Field (Diamondbacks); Convention Center, Arizona Science Center, Symphony Hall, and Heritage Square.
Restaurants: Rice Mill; The Kettle Black; The Desmond; Carcara; & Huss Brewing.
12th St. &Washington– Restaurants: Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe & The Basil Signature.
24th St. & Washington–Restaurants: Mesquite Fresh Street Mex.
38th St & Washington–Restaurants: Menuderia Guanuato
44th St. & Washington– for Sky Harbor Airport change to the Sky Train that will take you to Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Attractions: Pueblo Grande Museum. Restaurants: Panera Bread; BoSa Donuts.
50th St. &Washington—Restaurants: The Stockyards.
