Phoenix Magazine has a spotlight on Shea Heights and 32nd Street.
FLOWER CHILD: The Shea Heights neighborhood was built in the 1960s in the flora-cloaked foothills of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. BYPASSED: The intersection of 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard used to be one of the busiest intersections in Phoenix because 32nd Street was the only route to north Phoenix. The congestion was alleviated in the early 1990s with the unveiling of State Route 51.NAME THAT ‘HOOD: Rebecca Golden, owner of cafe 32 Shea, coined the nickname “Up-Uptown” for the neighborhood, to reflect its up-and-coming-back vibe, driven by new local businesses and hikers who head to the area for the beautiful views and extensive trails.
The Rhinestone Shop
Give your inner “rhinestone cowboy” a chance to shine by perusing this family-owned jeweler’s large online selection of bargain-priced baubles. Though there’s no commercial storefront, customers can call ahead to visit the location. Not sure what do to with those gold nailhead stars and skull-shaped blue Swarovski stones you bought on a whim? The Rhinestone Shop also has a DIY blog with ideas and instructions for blinging out your clothes, nails, cell phone, wedding favors and more. And the shipping is lightning-fast. 2512 E. Shangri-La Rd., 602-795-7855, rhinestoneshop.com
A Second Look
A Second Look has been around for 30 years, building a reputation as the consignment store in the Valley for unusual treasures at great prices. With more than 15,000 items arriving every week, shoppers have no shortage of choices for clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares and more in this department store-size shop. And just in case you need a pick-me-up from all that exhausting shopping, A Second Look has a coffee shop and bakery hidden away in the back of the store. 10620 N. 32nd St.,
602-992-1916, asecondlook.com
32 Shea
Not many drive-thrus offer prosciutto, mascarpone cheese, figs and honey on a fresh ciabatta roll, but Rebecca Golden (pictured), owner of 32 Shea, is determined to do it all. Since 2011, this trendy hangout spot has served locals with its splendid split-personality service. Before 4 p.m., coffee lovers come for the espresso bar featuring house-made syrups and signature Nutella mocha. After 4 p.m., 32 Shea transforms into a chic urban restaurant. Nighttime diners can choose from eight different kinds of bruschetta for starters and pair it with mouthwatering crab cakes. 10626 N. 32nd St., 602-867-7432, 32shea.com
Sala Thai
Sala Thai’s giant menu has a little something for everyone. Adventurous eaters with a yearning to try authentic Thai food can order the Nam-Sod – a fermented pork dish seasoned with lime juice, ginger, onions and Thai peppers ($9.50), or the duck curry with hints of coconut and basil ($11.50). Diners looking for some American grub with an Asian twist can get their fill with Sala Thai’s Thai barbecue spare ribs drenched in sweet chili sauce ($9.95). The restaurant also serves refreshing Thai iced tea with boba ($3). 10880 N. 32nd St., 602-971-1293, salathaiaz.com
Article by Kristen Hwang photos by Blake Bonillas