The Main Ingredient resides on 7th Street south of Thomas Rd. A favorite for locals, this eatery offers some delightful noshes without hurt to your wallet… a nice combo for a hip downtown café. Pair this with an array of beers and wines that start local and span the nation and you have yourself an evening in the making.
Through unique definition of happy “hour”, the Main Ingredient actually permits that hour to take place through most of their day. From their 11 am opening to 6 pm daily, visitors can enjoy this extended happy hour which runs through until closing on Sunday and Monday.
If stopping by for after work drinks, go classy with the Pro-Pasto sampler that features an array of cured meats, cheeses, veggies, olives and the restaurant’s own “crostini.” Taking the traditionally offered artichoke dip and adding a variety of cheese and a healthy heaping of green chilis for a southwestern flair, I am willing to forgo the meal if I can keep the Artichoke Heaven appetizer all to myself.
The salads featured on the menu appeal to our inner foodie with adventurous combinations such as their Red Goat Salad which matches field greens and goat cheese with fresh strawberries and pistachios.
Uniquely crafted sandwiches make up the majority of the meal portions on the menu. I have a deeply felt love from the Main Ingredient’s Griddled Cheese sandwich made from muenster, havarti, and cheddar cheeses melted to perfection on sourdough with locally grown tomatoes.
Dishes offer interesting takes on classics like their Cash Money twist on a PBJ. The Cash Money features house-made cashew butter, Red Pepper-Cabernet Jelly and banana on sourdough… take that Elvis.
The Coronado Coney adds an Arizona twist to the New York standard by adding Oak Creek Amber Ale Mustard.
Many of the dishes at the Main Ingredient pay homage to its desert locale. Aside from the selection of locally brewed beers and green-chili infused eats, the establishment also offers novel desserts. The Arizona Cheesecake Company provides red chile-dark chocolate chip slices that left me wishes I'd put down the Griddled Cheese a few bites earlier. Crave Artisan Frozen Delights like Salted Carmel and Almond ice cream and Strawberry Lemon Basil sorbet guaranteed returning visits.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or planning on meeting up with some friends after work, head out to the Main Ingredient Ale House and Café. Sure to please the discerning palate and non-discreet diner alike.
