Palette At Phoenix Art Museum

On vacation in Arizona, my wife and I visited the Phoenix Art Museum. After touring the impressive museum, we stopped for lunch at the museum's Cafe, called Palette. Palette is a wonderful little eating place that we would go to even if it was not attached to the Museum. It has an inside dining room, but with the perfect weather on that Wedneaday afternoon, we sat outside on their patio. I started with a glass of Mango Iced Tea, which was frankly a little watered. My wife had a signature cocktail called a Watermelon Sangria, my wife loved it, and the mixologist who creates the drink came out and explained the drink to usit started with Watermelon puree, and ended with sparkling wine. For lunch my wife had the Mushroom Tart. It was devine. Wild mushrooms, goat cheee, egg, sautéed kale, on the most wonderfully flakey crust. I had the Pecan Chicken Salad. It was delicious. Pecans, grapes, raisins, and nice sized pieces of Chicken, all on a nice grain bread. The service was very nice, and we were never left wanting for anything. One of the nicest lunches we've had in a while.

Had lunch outside on the patio of Palette, the restaurant at the Phoenix Art Museum. The food and beverages were wonderful. I had the quesidilla with a side of their beautiful fries and my friend had the grilled cheese. The adult beverages were refreshingly cool and perfectly made; tasty too. We were both very happy with our choices. After we ordered, the food came promptly. Plus each of the different servers we chatted with were super friendly and helpful. We'll be back definitely and will bring more friends. Also they had smaller black birds outside (I have no idea what kind). But they didn't bother diners and added to the charm as they hopped on the grass next to the patio. They were super cute. I highly recommend Palette. Sit outside under the umbrellas or in the shade under the building overhang. And best of all, the parking is free.

Took a break from touring the Phoenix Art Museum for lunch at Palette which is conveniently located right inside. We had reservations, which I recommend, if you intend to hit the museum at around lunch time. The seating area is large, but when you think about how many people can be at the museum on any given day, the chances that Palette will be filled at lunchtime are high. The staff was extremely impressive. The service truly felt like that you would expect to receive at an exclusive big city or resort setting restaurant. Prices are reasonable. My salmon entree was priced at $18 and was LARGE. Interestingly, the bed of bitter micro greens that my salmon was plated over was treated by the chef as part of the entree, not a garnish. The greens were seasoned nicely, were served in abundance, and added a nice taste and texture contrast to the salmon and potatoes and asparagus. The asparagus was roasted, perfectly seasoned, and the stalks were large and meaty. The fingerling potatoes were perfectly roasted, creamy in texture. Others in the group had a vegan portobello sammy, PLUMP chicken fajitas (see my pic - rare to find - too many fajitas are served crushed flat as a pancake), and a kale power salad. While we did not order any alcohol, there is a very good selection of brews, wines, cocktails and spirits. There's been a trend with placing high-end restaurants inside of venues, and it works. If you visit the Phoenix Art Museum, treat yourself to a bite at Palette.

One of the best grilled cheeses that I have ever eaten. It’s called “Phoenix’s Best” on the menu and you need to believe 👏 the 👏 hype 👏! The fries were also great, very nicely seasoned. The restaurant is cute and chic, great service from the staff as well. It is not just a “bottle water and a cold sandwich” type of place, take your time to enjoy this after the first floor gallery, then walk off the calories!

Had lunch on a recent visit to the museum. Staff was friendly and attentive. We loved our food. We had their version of the BLT and the fig & chicken salad. I even trusted them to dress the salad with the vinaigrette and I wasn’t disappointed - it’s was lightly dressed - exactly like I prefer it. Great place to have a break between all the great galleries.