When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Highland Food Hub
Why Highland Food Hub is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Highland Food Hub in Phoenix, Arizona, is a pioneering restaurant co-op that brings together a diverse selection of local restaurants under one roof, creating a vibrant and convenient food destination. Designed to modernize the traditional food hall experience, this unique hub features online and touchscreen kiosk ordering, making it seamless for visitors to explore multiple cuisines and place orders easily. The Food Hub operates primarily as a ghost kitchen, facilitating a variety of food businesses that serve customers through popular delivery apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats, while also providing an engaging walk-in experience with digital ordering technology. Located at 720 W Highland Ave, it offers a truly community-focused atmosphere with an emphasis on locally sourced, artisanal, and authentic flavors ranging from Mexican tacos to vegan Banh Mi and Uruguayan specialties. The Food Hub's blend of accessibility, culinary diversity, and tech-forward ordering makes it an ideal place to meet up with friends, enjoy a casual meal, and sample an array of delicious cuisine styles in one convenient location. Its high rating among customers reflects its reputation for tasty food options, great communication, and an enjoyable overall experience.
Here's what people think of Highland Food Hub
As of recent, Highland Food Hub holds a 4.7-star rating based on 371 reviews.
Customer reviews for Highland Food Hub overwhelmingly praise its innovative concept and excellent food quality. Positive feedback highlights the great variety offered, with many customers appreciating the ability to order from multiple restaurants in one place. Reviewers frequently mention that the food is delicious and fresh, with particular praise for standout dishes like vegan Banh Mi and authentic tacos. The convenience of easy ordering through kiosks or online platforms, along with smooth pickup experiences such as locker access, adds to the high satisfaction. Many note the friendly and efficient service and the welcoming environment that makes it a favorite local spot. On the other hand, some reviews indicate occasional confusion about the setup, especially from first-time visitors who expected a traditional dine-in restaurant rather than a ghost kitchen or food delivery hub. A few customers have mentioned minor issues with order timing or availability of specific dishes, though these are relatively rare. Overall, the positive reviews significantly outweigh the negatives, with many users recommending Highland Food Hub for anyone looking to sample diverse, high-quality food conveniently. The consensus is that Highland Food Hub offers a modern, community-oriented dining experience that continues to impress its patrons with variety and quality.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
David Ransom
I'm back with a follow-up review - and dropping to a 3 star rating ------------------------------------------ I'm very confused on how this works I guess - the hours of operation, I mean. Ordered from here twice now, and the hours that the different - stores - have, are ALL over the map??? The Indian place in particular I'm at a loss with. This past weekend, I had a craving for Indian, so I went to order. It said they didn't open until 2:45 that afternoon??? That's kind of late for lunch, and too early for dinner, right??? Looking today, it just says 'Store Closed' as does several other stores in here. Hours of operation for other stores are ALL over the place. The point to my commentary is: You can't really RELY on this place for a meal. It seems to be more about what's convenient for the store owner, not the customer. If I can't *know* that I can get lunch at one of these places - reliably - I'm going elsewhere. It isn't of any interest to me, to go to this website, and then look to see what's *open* and make my food decision based on that. The Hawaiian place really seems to be the only store with some decent, reliable, hours of operation. ------------------------------------------ An interesting concept of getting food from places that don't . have their own brick and mortar location
Victor Mann
I love this concept, I saw a Tik Tok for Hecho A Mano Authentic Mexican food. On Tuesdays, they have 99 cent tacos, and they looked really good. The food hub is a collection of restaurants with different cuisines with a communal kitchen. Designed mainly for takeout, you can place an order online or inside from an order station. They do have a picnic area outside if you choose to eat there. The tacos from Hecho A Mano were delicious. I ordered 2 birria, 2 carne asada, and 2 chicken tacos at a cost of $7.34, including tax. What a deal! Can't wait to try some of the other restaurants. I think I found my new go-to takeout spot.
M A
Despite management being well informed of the discarded drug paraphernalia, human excrement, and trash on their property, the management refuses to prioritize customer safety by picking up hazardous items on its property. The female manager says she'll pickup the trash and remove fallen trees on *public* electrical lines but when it comes to taking action she doesn't complete what she says she'll do. Because of her idleness, homeless encampments are beginning to setup *on* their property. It's now unsafe for customers to pickup their food. The pictures attached show the neglected property. If the management is so bold to *publicly* promote their filthy outdoor grounds imagine how much more filthy their *private* kitchens must be inside.
Travlin Needtno (邊渡友次子)
Awesome place. Tina is friendly, amazing, and professional. All the food delivery people seem to really like her. I really appreciate her hospitality. She is such a gem to the company. The food vendor that we tried out was awesome. Dylan? Was his name. My family really enjoyed the Filipino food prepared by him. There's a kiosk for you to place an order. The other tablets are for food delivery people I think. Very unique concept.
Chris Holland
We ordered from Rite Yah Suh Jamaican Vibez and the food is absolutely amazing! There was a bit of a wait because they were really BUT it was worth it. They gave me one of their Fruit Punch Koolers for the wait. After taking one sip, I added two more to my order. The subtle hunt of ginger was a welcomed surprise. We ordered the Jerk Shrimp Rasta Pasta, Curry Shrimp and Sweet Chili Shrimp with Rice & Peas and Cabbage. All of the food was piping hot and delicious! I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. We don't eat meat, but from the other reviews, I am sure you are in for a treat. Order ahead, call to confirm the expected time for pickup, and enjoy some of the best Caribbean food they have to offer in the valley!
How to reach Highland Food Hub
None
Website: None
Why Highland Food Hub may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Highland Food Hub with your friends? Because this vibrant food collective offers an unmatched combination of variety, convenience, and ambiance, making it the perfect spot for group meetups. Whether you and your friends crave diverse global flavors or want a casual hangout with great food options, Highland Food Hub has you covered. With a stellar rating of 4.7 based on over 370 reviews, it clearly resonates with food lovers and social groups alike. Its unique concept — hosting over 15 different kitchens under one roof — allows everyone in your party to indulge in what they love without compromise. Friends can bond over shared tables while sampling everything from vegan banh mi sandwiches to authentic Mexican tacos, Jamaican vibes, Hawaiian island grill fare, and more. The fast, digital ordering system streamlines the experience, so waiting times are minimal and the focus stays on enjoying great conversation and delicious bites. The atmosphere balances casual comfort and lively energy, making it an inviting venue to connect with friends or family. For anyone wanting a dynamic, flavorful outing with a varied menu to satisfy all palates, Highland Food Hub is a lively and memorable destination.
What kinds of food and dining experiences are available at Highland Food Hub?
Highland Food Hub offers a wide-ranging lineup of over 15 different restaurants, featuring cuisines from around the world all under one roof. This makes it a unique "food hall" experience where each kitchen operates independently, specializing in dishes that represent their culture authentically. Options include Chim’s acclaimed vegan banh mi sandwich, renowned for its fresh, bold flavors and expertly crafted ingredients. Mexican food lovers can rejoice in Hecho A Mano’s authentic tacos, including enticing deals like 99-cent tacos on Tuesdays. Jamaican eateries offer vibrant, spicy dishes echoing traditional island flavors, while Hawaiian Bros Island Grill brings the taste of the islands with their signature plates. The Uruguayan Kitchen is known for a diverse selection that is crafted with fine ingredients, providing a culinary journey with every bite. This array ensures that every guest, regardless of dietary preference or craving, can find something delicious. The food quality is consistently praised as high and authentic, making each meal a satisfying experience. With so many choices, groups with mixed tastes can all dine happily together, sharing plates or sticking to their favorites without limiting anyone.
How does Highland Food Hub cater to group meetups and social gatherings?
The design of Highland Food Hub prioritizes social dining with communal seating and a welcoming environment that encourages mingling and shared experiences. The hub’s layout means groups of friends or families can comfortably order from different kitchens and gather around spacious tables to enjoy their meals together. Digital ordering via tablets reduces wait times and confusion, so groups can focus on their time together rather than logistics. Staff is friendly and attentive, further enhancing the overall atmosphere. The vibrant mix of cuisines and lively ambiance sparks conversation and exploration, as diners discuss their choices or recommend dishes to each other. Importantly, the hub’s relaxed, informal vibe suits casual hangouts, birthday meetups, or simple catch-ups. Unlike traditional restaurants with fixed menus that might limit group variety, Highland Food Hub’s multiple kitchens provide an excellent way for groups to enjoy distinct but complementary dining experiences without leaving the same shared space. This flexibility combined with comfort turns it into an ideal venue for social occasions.
What activities can groups enjoy beyond just eating at Highland Food Hub?
While Highland Food Hub is primarily famous for its diverse and delicious food options, the venue also offers an experience that goes beyond just dining. The atmosphere encourages social interaction and lively conversations, making it a vibrant place for friends and family to reconnect and share stories. Groups can turn a meal into a tasting adventure by sampling different cuisines, discussing dishes, and discovering new favorites together. Since the hub sometimes hosts promotions like "99 cent taco Tuesdays," groups can enjoy special deals that add extra fun and value to their visit. The convenience of multiple food options plus casual seating encourages longer stays where people can relax, enjoy drinks, and even people-watch in this buzzing environment. Being located in downtown Phoenix adds a layer of urban energy, with the possibility to combine your food outing with nearby parks, galleries, or events for a full-day social adventure. By combining variety, convenience, and an inviting atmosphere, Highland Food Hub is much more than a place to eat — it’s a destination where groups can bond over shared culinary experiences.
Why is Highland Food Hub a great choice compared to traditional restaurants for group meetups?
Highland Food Hub excels where traditional restaurants may fall short for group meetups because of its diversity, speed, and casual environment. In a typical restaurant, one menu might not satisfy everyone’s tastes or dietary needs. Here, the collection of over a dozen independent kitchens means everyone can find something they love — from vegan options to spicy Caribbean dishes to indulgent sandwiches. The digital ordering system simplifies logistics for larger groups, eliminating the pressure on one person to order or wait at the counter multiple times. This self-serve, tech-driven process also reduces serving delays, allowing your gathering to stay focused on socializing rather than waiting for meals. Additionally, the setting is informal and lively but not noisy or cramped, striking a balance that supports comfortable conversation and group dynamics. For families, friends, or colleagues, the flexibility to mix and match food choices combined with an energetic, yet welcoming vibe makes Highland Food Hub a superior venue for memorable group experiences compared to conventional dining spots.
How accessible is Highland Food Hub for diverse groups and dietary preferences?
Accessibility to different dietary preferences is one of Highland Food Hub’s strongest points. With vendors offering vegan, vegetarian, meat-based, and gluten-free options, the hub caters effectively to diverse culinary needs. Diners who avoid animal products can indulge in Chim’s vegan banh mi, among other plant-based delicacies. Meat lovers have plenty of authentic options from the Caribbean, Mexican, and other savory kitchens using fresh, quality ingredients. Those restricted by dietary allergies or preferences will find many kitchens highlighting their menus with clear ingredient information. The food hub structure allows people with vastly different diets to dine together without compromise or sacrifice. This inclusivity makes the hub especially appealing for groups with varied culinary tastes and needs. Moreover, the location in downtown Phoenix is easy to reach by car or public transport, with accessible parking nearby, making it convenient for all kinds of groups to plan meetups without logistical hassle.
What do customers say about Highland Food Hub’s food quality and service?
Feedback from patrons repeatedly praises the high quality, flavor, and authenticity of the food served at Highland Food Hub. Reviewers commend how each kitchen stays true to its cultural roots, providing meals that delight the palate. The freshness and care in preparation are recurring themes, with many highlighting standout dishes like the vegan banh mi and authentic tacos as particularly memorable. Customers also appreciate the efficient service provided through the digital ordering system and the friendly, helpful staff who maintain a pleasant atmosphere. The rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 reflects consistently positive experiences, both for taste and the overall dining environment. Many guests emphasize that despite being a food hall, the experience rivals and sometimes surpasses that of standalone restaurants due to the variety and quality on offer. This acclaim underscores Highland Food Hub’s reputation as a reliable and exciting destination for group dining and casual gatherings.
How can you make the most of a visit to Highland Food Hub with your group?
To maximize your experience, plan your visit during times when the majority of kitchens are open and operating reliably; checking online or calling ahead can help avoid unexpected closures. Arriving with a moderate-sized group allows you to take full advantage of the variety without overwhelming the shared space. Encourage everyone to order different dishes to share around the table, creating a communal tasting experience that enhances conversation and fun. Take note of daily or weekly specials such as discounted tacos to enjoy great food at reduced prices. Engage with the friendly staff if you’re unsure about menu options or need recommendations—they are knowledgeable and eager to help. Allow time to relax after eating in the welcoming atmosphere instead of rushing out, making the visit a true social occasion. Combining these tips with the hub’s unique food hall concept ensures a fantastic, memorable meetup for friends or family seeking a flavorful adventure.
With its diverse cuisines, digital convenience, friendly atmosphere, and top-notch food quality, Highland Food Hub is an exceptional choice for hosting meetups with friends and family. Whether you want to savor global flavors, enjoy casual dining, or share a lively meal in an inviting setting, this vibrant food marketplace in Phoenix delivers everything needed for a successful social gathering. Its strong customer ratings and enthusiastic reviews confirm it as a favorite spot for groups looking to combine great food with great company.