Downtown Phoenix's new Province restaurant features bold Latin flavors such as shrimp and grits with Manchego cheese

Are you counting down the days until opening day at Chase Field? Do the D’backs have a chance to rebound from back-to-back awful seasons? If we knew the answer to that last one, we’d be in Vegas right now. But one thing we do know, there are some great new pre- and post-game drinking and drinking options in Downtown Phoenix. After all, just because you’re going to a baseball game doesn’t mean you have to settle for greasy nachos and (crappy) $12 beers. Hit up one of these sleek new hotspots featuring some serious culinary chops.

Tucked into the first-floor of the soaring new Westin Phoenix Downtown, Province restaurant is a stylish new spin-off of the Chicago original. Featuring a bold (and surprisingly affordable) menu of Modern Latin dishes, Province is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner up until 10 pm. Click here to see the full menu, including the killer-sounding shrimp and grits with Manchego cheese and a ‘BBQ’d Ten Hour Braised’ lamb with roasted eggplant, chorizo and cornbread.

Housed inside former 1940s boutique, Hanny’s is the latest showstopper by the owners of AZ 88 in downtown Scottsdale. And, just like its elder sibling, Hanny’s combines a razor-sharp décor with classy eats and classic cocktails. The extensive bill of fare is highlighted by crisp “Roman Style” pizzas and gourmet sandwiches – can’t go wrong with a Quattro or BLT Supremo. However, we prefer to sidle up to the bar for light snacks such as the Bar Plate (prosciutto, cheese, melon, nuts and bread) paired with the super-stiff cocktails such as the dangerously drinkable, Pomegranate Julep. (40 N. 1st St, 602-252-2285)

Located in the lobby of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, the Valley’s largest and tallest hotel, the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar is a real winner. Featuring swooping, sleek decor and walls lined with paintings by local artists, the space is surprisingly sexy for a “hotel restaurant.” However, we’re all about the District’s rib-sticking menu of upscale comfort classics. We’re talking meatloaf and po’boy sliders, as well as an ooey gooey mac ‘n cheese sprinkled with pulled chicken and chunks of beer hots sausage from Phoenix’s legendary Schreiner’s Fine Sausage. (Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 320 N. Third St., 602-817-5400)

Day games only) For something a little more exotic, check out Thai Elephant. Housed inside a former Cuban restaurant (dig the fading Havana mural lining the exterior wall) is a tiny shotgun space that sure packs ’em in. Don’t miss the Seafood Red Curry (a medley of shrimp, fish and calamari swimming in a creamy, basil-flecked sauce) thoughtfully paired with the sweetly-tart Thai iced tea. (20 W. Adams St., 602-252-3873)

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