As we count down the days until the opening of our fav new movie house in Downtown Phoenix, we’ve put together an ode to the Roosevelt Arts District. Edgy, urban and surprisingly walkable, here’s your First Friday itinerary.

Downtown may not have the best track record with keeping restaurants open, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t great places to dine, view and drink (or drink, dine, view and drink) as a way to mix-up your typically drab dinner and a movie routine. It just so happens some of our favorites are all a stone’s throw away from each other inside the Roosevelt Art District. DLT has mapped out a perfect Friday night to make sure “Everyday is Exactly the Same” doesn’t become that song that defines your existence.For dinner try  Sens Asian Tapas, (pictured at right) a concept restaurant specializing in small plates with Asian flavors and over 60 different kinds of Sake. Opened by Chef Johnny Chu, former owner of Fate in Downtown Phoenix, this place has miraculously stayed open for almost three years. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, head around the corner for fresh and authentic Jamaican food at The Breadfruit where reggae fills the air, local art hangs on the walls and rum is the alcohol of choice, 108 different kinds to be exact. Both places offer amazing food and an intimate yet lively atmosphere that’ll make you feel like a local.

Then head on over to Phoenix FilmBar, opening February 3* and a welcome alternative to crappy, big budget studio flicks that star Reese Witherspoon and/or Jennifer Aniston.

After the movie’s over, you are going to realize that you are having way too much fun to leave. We like to think of downtown at the grown-up version of “If You Give A Mouse of Cookie” and this is the point in the story where you realize you want another drink … and maybe some spiced nuts. Head for a nightcap at The Roosevelt, local tavern opened by the man and the legend, Matt Pool, to soak up some old west atmostphere over a nice plate of beans and an ice cold beer, brewed in-house.

If you pass out on the street on the way back to the light rail, you can wake up and experience Matt’s Big Breakfast (we said he was a legend) like every Phoenician should or bypass the hour long wait and try out brunch at Centurion with delicious waffles and an eggs benedict with prosciutto that has life changing qualities of delicousness.

Sens image via AZ Daily Star; Centurion Image via Yelp Phoenix

*Update: FilmBar will be opening February 10, but all good things are worth the wait.

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