Growing up in Arizona I remember the days when this place had a lot going for it. Recently, I ventured back on a visit back home and was less then impressed. It would seem that whoever is managing this place now cares more about what the place looks like then whether or not there is actually anything worthy of shopping or eating at. The slide has been so bad here that I fear it will become a ghost town if the economy gets any worse. Before long it won't be worth the rent for the few retailers that are left occupying it. Shame... read more

Arizona Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

When is there going fo be retail stores here!?!?!? I live downtown and need a place to shop near by. Wasted renovated space that is going to waste. read more

Sad...sad...sad....what happened, this place was once cool, I give it a few more months and it will be offices or ghostown, I think one the reasons people do not go there, paying for parking is just not cool anymore..it cost me $12 bucks..and when talked to the attendant just for an explanation...he acted like he just did not give a shit!! That will be my last time there, and as far as recommendations to friends and family...forget it!! Too quote a famous movie "Iceberg ahead!!" read more

Beautiful building and grounds. Lacking the big stores you depend on a mall to have, especially one referred to as "Arizona Center". Maybe the black hole of shopping malls. Might I suggest that Arizona Center start wooing some of the retailers your visitors come to expect in all major American malls? The Gap, Gymboree, Nordstrom etc. I needed a pair of black pumps. I guess I must depend on Amazon. read more

This is a nice spot to go if you're in downtown, but I can't call it a destination. It offers several restaurant options, which I haven't tried (but some are on my to-do list) and some shopping. The majority of the shops are tourist-oriented, which makes sense considering the Sheraton, Hyatt and Convention Center are within a couple blocks. The theater is clean, and it's nice that it's less crowded than those in the suburban strip malls. It has nice landscaping and it's great to have green space downtown, considering Phoenix could use some open public space (plazas, parks, etc.) in this area. However, the park is a bit secluded within the Arizona Center, which makes it a bit less inviting, but there are waterfalls and shade that keep the outdoor temperatures cooler in that area. That being said, there isn't too much for local appeal and overall it's good as a stop if you're spending a lot of time downtown. If you want to save on parking and don't mind the walking distance, there is a free lot on Central/McKinley northwest of the Arizona Center (and just northeast of the Westward Ho Building) ...that is, for now. It isn't a tremendous walking distance, however. read more

I give Arizona Center three stars because I used to work at a restaurant in it (cough, cough, Hooters) but if it wasn't for the memories, I would probably whack off a star, or maybe even two. It's disappointing because Arizona Center has so much potential. If some new, good stores would move in, we would have another nice, outdoor shopping center that would attract more than bums and hookers. But alas, we don't, so we're stuck with the bums that grab french fries off your plate if you eat outside at Hooters and ladies of the night that swipe tips left on tables. Okay, maybe it's not always thaaat bad...Arizona Center does draw out of towners looking to purchase cactus magnets or kokopelli sweatshirts before heading to the airport since there is a plethora of souvenir shops there. And they also have an Uno's Pizzeria I believe and a movie theater. But it also gets pretty busy before Suns games (not anymore, sigh) or other sporting events going on in the area. One bright spot is the rental of their grotto for a special outdoor event. The landscaping is beautiful, with trees, streams and flowers everywhere. And it's pretty reasonable considering the outrageous fees for renting nice venues in AZ. read more

The lady at the Phoenix Visitors Center highly suggested we check this place out. They have a few of the basic stores you are likely to find in any mall, indoor our outside, within the US. They have a bunch of places that sell apparently artist-made gifts and clothing, but it is for the most part pretty kitschy (not in a good way though). They have a few restaurants including a Hooters. Overall, it seems it is nothing to write home about and certainly isn't a tourist destination. read more

So I guess my expectation was a more full service shopping center. It was more or less a handful of restaurants with minimal retail.

The Arizona Center has definitely seen better days. Back when Symington was the Governor, two decades ago, this was THE place to go before and after a Diamondback's, Suns, or Cardinals game but those days are long gone. The Greek restaurant and Hooters are its only redeeming values but even they are slowly deteriorating because all of the retail shops that used to occupy the commercial spaces have gone out of business. What makes matters worse is that parking is a nightmare. It's truly sad. read more

This place has a ton of potential, but with the down economy it seems as though the traffic is not to the point where it can sustain many establishments at the moment. The AMC theater here is nice and it never has a crowd, but beyond that there isn't much else to do besides the few restaurants that are OK at best. read more

Hard to park, prepare for all sorts of crowds from homeless to teen grunge skaters. Variety of mostly restaurants available. The second floor is only office space. There is an adorable garden area with some beautiful waterfalls and statues. read more

The landscaping and maintenance are well done. I walk down here at lunch to detox and revitalize myself for the afternoon. I don't see a whole lot of stores that would draw me in on a regular basis though. I am hopeful this place will see a Renaissance and draw in more interesting shops ala The Union at the Biltmore. read more

I love coming here I think it's one of the hidden gems of the city. There are great restaurants. But mostly I love the scenery . They have done a wonderful job of creating a tranquil environment. I consider this a great place to change it up and visit you can be alone and read , snap I grew photos for fun, and even a good place to prolong a date. As you walk into this amazing courtyard there is a fountain, a lot of lit trees, flowers, benches, and soft modern contemporary music playing in the background. Bring a date here and all the work of ambiance is done for you. read more

I love the az center. My wife and I have been coming here for years. When we have an evening from the kids, this where we will catch a movie at the amc. There is a romantic give after the sun sets. read more

I actually really like Arizona Center! We went down to the new Sushi Kokoro last night and had a great meal, saw a movie at AMC, and then had had an after movie coffee at Starbucks while looking over the beautiful garden area -- very nice! It may not be the same place it was 18 years ago, but come on, I don't think the night club, sports bar, dueling piano crowd is really what they are looking to attract. It seems like a great place to hang out or take your family. I can see where is there is room for some updates - but overall I like Arizona Center. And another nice surprise - parking is actually now free for 2 hours! Yay! read more

The Garden area is the best attraction to the Arizona Center. The parking situation is ridiculous. If you are visiting for the fist time, be sure to read the preliminaries about parking or you will be stuck using your debit/credit card when you leave. Some of the food places are good, My Big Fat Greek Restaurnt, Sams Cafe and now the new little bakery cafe they have in there, other than that, there really isn't much there unless you want to shop at Lerners, the other stores are dismal and the dining at the other restaurants is crudy. The AMC theatre is really the only thing I go there for now if the movie I am wanting to see is closer to another time than another AMC that I am interested in. Otherwise, it has really gone down hilll, there are not many places in there that are worth going to or, like someone else has said, its gonna be a ghosttown pretty soon if they don't reconsider a few more things. However, like I said, the Garden area is a nice attraction. Thats about it. read more

damn this place is dead... but cute i suppose!.. part of it at least. if i didn't go by myself, i'd have much more fun grabbing a beer at every place that had beer! well, what is it like 3 places? anyway, why does anyone come here unless they're me who is stranded downtown for the week on business? read more

I was visiting AZ & was on my way back to Cali. I had not had bfast & it was closer to brunch than lunch so I stopped here. There are many stores, one which was truly unfriendly the Flag Store. The other places were nice. There was one called Oak Tree which had some nice things. Not too pricey, but not ghetto either. I ate at a Greek restaurant which had wonderful food. It was beyond good. The waiter was kindness & the atmosphere was just calm. If you want to get more than one thing done. I say try here. I was pleased. read more

The parking situatiin is really, really bad. Unless you go to watch a movie and ger your parking validated? You end up paying a whole bunch of money and hating yourself for it. The only reason I would ever go back? To see a movie only if my parking would be validated. read more