Hip To Be Square

This former motel now houses some of the Valley’s hippest shops and trendiest nibbles

Meet Xavier Square, a u-shaped strip mall where you can sip boutique coffee, browse vintage Dior dresses, blush at adult party favors—and then top if all off with patio-side Mai Tais while watching the Light Rail roll by. Starting on the south end, Lola Coffee is a handsome space created by the bean-heads behind LUX coffee bar. Next door is the latest location for Haus, a super-cool furnishings shop that seems to move with the seasons. Tucked inside Haus, Little Artika is a mini storefront featuring ‘cool stuff for little humans.’

Wrapping around the back side, Unique on Central is well, unique, and a throwback to when Xavier Square was a staging point for local gay pride parades. Now skip past the travel agency and the tanning salon (or not), and dive into the racks at Central Ave Consignment. However, whatever you do, don’t let your eyes wander next door to Vintage Fashion Inc (480-280-6838). Run by famed local fashionista, David Sheflin, this by-appointment-only boutique specializes in hard-to-find, harder-to-afford classic couture such as Bill Tice and Halston.

Whew, sounds it’s time to take a load off at Hula’s Modern Tiki. Formerly a diner and a then a floral shop, this mod space has been completely remodeled into a hip Polynesian restaurant and lounge. Just look for the glowing blue patio and the Star Wars-like glass windows overlooking Central Ave. (4700 N. Central Ave.)