Black Friday dining guide

It’s Black Friday and the food court is so tempting.

The place is a zoo and nothing sounds particularly good, but you’re on the run, arms full of bags, you’ve been elbowed three times already and you just want to mindlessly fuel up and press on so you can get the shopping done as quickly as possible.

Stop. Take a moment. This doesn’t have to be an ordeal. And pausing for a good meal is a great way to ensure it doesn’t become one.

In less time than it takes to walk from one end of the mall to the other, you could step away from the crowds, drop the bags in the trunk, hop in the car and scoot over to a nearby restaurant to rest and refuel.

If you’re wandering the Valley’s major malls or shopping areas during the holidays, consider taking your lunch or dinner break at one of these restaurants. You won’t have to travel far for some great food.

Near Scottsdale Fashion Square NEW WAVE MARKET

Country and Sergio Velador have long been spinning some of the Valley’s best sweets at Super Chunk, but now they have New Wave Market, a savory cafe for salads and sandwiches to match. Look for dishes like a creamy buttermilk chicken salad with apple and Cabernet Cheddar on schmaltz toast; and a lacy crisp fried egg with fiery house hot sauce on a salt-crusted bagel made on the premises.

Details: 7120 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale. 602-736-2383, superchunk.me.

ALO CAFE

Steve Martinez’s hidden little nook in Old Town is a great spot to prep for the day with waffles or killer corned beef hash, or to stop in for a good sandwich and a little downtime in a quiet courtyard. Find Alo Cafe just behind Cornish Pasty Co.

Details: 6960 E. First St., Scottsdale. 480-878-4172, alocafeaz.com.