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Phoenix Skyline At Night
 

It's not too late to plan your trip to Phoenix for the Final Four.

In fact, we're helping you out by suggesting some of the best food, beer and lodging in the Valley of the Sun. The weather in Phoenix right now is perfect, so take your chance before it gets too hot.

We selected two establishments in each category, with one being closer to the stadium where the Final Four will be played in Glendale and the other covering the greater Phoenix area. We specifically avoided national chains that you can check out in any town. Soak up unique local ambiance instead:

Restaurant In General Phoenix Area: Postino

Upward Projects Postino

Now with six locations in greater Phoenix, Postino is the Valley's original wine café. Its wine selection is large, yet not intimidating and its wines are approachable.

Brunch is a hit at Postino, but the most popular deal on the menu is the bruschetta boards, in which you can pick four topping combinations out of ten delicious options, like sweet and spicy pepper jam with goat cheese or almond hummus with chopped tomato. On Mondays and Tuesdays after 8 p.m., you can get a bruschetta board and a bottle of wine for $20. If you can't make it Monday or Tuesday, all wines by the glass are $5 until 5 p.m. every day of the week.

Restaurant Near University of Phoenix Stadium: La Santisima

La Santisima La Santisima

If you're coming to Arizona, you need to make a point to have Mexican food. La Santisima is the place to get some of the best tacos you've ever had.

Once featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," La Santisima boasts a full salsa bar and some of the best margaritas in town.

There are two locations: One is 10 minutes from the stadium in Glendale. The other is closer to downtown Phoenix.

Local Brewery Near University of Phoenix Stadium: Dubina Brewing Co.

Dubina Brewing Co. Dubina Brewing Co.

The family-owned Dubina Brewing Co. has a fresh European/American themed menu with a wide selection of burgers and bratwursts, all the things that go perfectly with beer.

Owner Jared Dubina recommends the Spicy Gorgonzola Burger with the hoppy and bitter Bell Road IPA.

"I also recommend our Kraut Bratwurst," Dubina said. "We soak the brats in a beer bath for a few hours before throwing them on the grill, then we top it with warm and fresh sauerkraut. Finally, we top it with brown mustard."

Pair that with the Grandpa's Pils, a traditional and easy-to-drink Czech pilsner.

Local Brewery In General Phoenix Area: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Four Peaks Brewing Company Four Peaks Brewing Company

Four Peaks is one of the most popular breweries in Arizona, most famously known for its Kilt Lifter Scottish-style ale. For the warm weather, however, try the Sunbru Kolsch beer, the most refreshing selection.

Also check out the Taproom Tenderloin steak sandwich, made with thin and tender meat, blue cheese crumbles, garlic jalapeno aioli and crispy onion straws. It's worth scheduling a tour while you're at it.

There are four pub locations: two in Tempe, one in Scottsdale and one in Phoenix.

Boutique Hotel Near University of Phoenix Stadium: Gaslight Inn

Gaslight Inn Gaslight Inn

It's hard to find something boutique in the city of Glendale, amid all the hotel chains within convenient distance to the stadium. But the Gaslight Inn is only about five miles from the stadium and in the heart of Glendale's town center.

Inside the hotel is the Olde Towne Glendale Wine and Beer Bar, which is self-proclaimed as the king of the West Side craft beer vendors. If craft beer and college basketball are too much macho for one weekend, the Gaslight Inn also hosts an afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and a staff dressed in 1920's outfits. Last we checked there was still availability at Gaslight Inn, but you better move soon.

Boutique Hotel In General Phoenix Area: Graduate Tempe

Graduate Tempe Graduate Tempe Hotel

Right in the heart of Tempe, by the popular Mill Avenue strip of restaurants and shops, Graduate Tempe brings you back to college, but with a much classier experience than what your actual days on campus entailed.

"Our vision is to create authentic local experiences for each guest so that when you step inside a Graduate hotel you are reminded of where you are," said Trent Collicott, Graduate Tempe's general manager. "Each hotel pays tribute to the town and college they're located in the most creative and subtle ways."

You can get your Mexican food fix at the rooftop Tapacubo restaurant and try the Mexican Mule cocktail, made with Dos Manos Tequila, candied ginger syrup, lime and ginger beer.

The next morning, you'll want to visit The Normal Diner, a walk-up juice and coffee bar that happens to serve Chicken N Waffles made with red velvet waffles and crispy free range chicken, served with warm syrup and butter.