- Attraction: Place to Be Bistro
- Location: 333 Lake Havasu Ave S, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://www.placetobelhc.com/
After chef son Vinny completed culinary school in Pennsylvania and spent 10 years cooking in Philadelphia, he partnered with his father Gino in 2009 to create something special in the Arizona desert.
Place to Be represents their vision of bringing city-style bistro dining to Lake Havasu City, where an ever-changing menu keeps food enthusiasts coming back to discover what creative culinary surprises await each visit.
Rotating Menu & Signature Specialties
Ever-Changing Daily Menu: The excitement at Place to Be comes from never knowing exactly what Chef Vinny will feature each day, with constantly rotating specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Legendary Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: This signature dish remains a permanent fixture due to overwhelming customer demand. The smoked bacon-wrapped grilled meatloaf comes with mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and caramelized apple whiskey sauce that locals describe as “to die for.”
Fresh Seared Ahi: The kitchen’s expertise shines in this perfectly prepared fish dish that demonstrates the chef’s range beyond comfort food, offering lighter options for health-conscious diners.
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Keep Exploring →Exceptional Pulled Pork: The sandwich version receives consistent praise for tender, flavorful meat that showcases traditional barbecue techniques adapted for the bistro environment.
Creative Appetizers: Options like steamed clams with tomatoes and roasted peppers in butter roasted garlic hefeweizen sauce, plus chicken wings with either spicy buffalo or root beer vodka-spiked BBQ sauce.
Gourmet Burgers & Reubens: Classic American favorites get elevated treatment with premium ingredients and expert preparation that transforms familiar dishes into memorable experiences.
Professional Culinary Excellence
Culinary School Training: Chef Vinny’s formal education and decade of professional experience in Philadelphia’s competitive restaurant scene bring sophisticated techniques to casual Lake Havasu dining.
Father-Son Partnership: The combination of Gino’s business acumen and Vinny’s culinary creativity creates a family operation that prioritizes both quality food and genuine hospitality.
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Discover MoreFresh, Homemade Philosophy: Everything gets prepared fresh daily using quality ingredients, with signature soups, house-made desserts, and careful attention to flavor development in every dish.
Surprising Flavor Combinations: The menu features unexpected pairings that work brilliantly, showcasing the chef’s creativity and willingness to push beyond standard bistro offerings.
Consistent Quality Control: Despite the rotating menu, quality standards remain consistently high, earning the restaurant a reputation for reliable excellence among locals and visitors.
Award-Winning Beverages & Atmosphere
Best Sangria Recognition: Customers consistently rave about the sangria as among the best they’ve ever tasted, showcasing attention to beverage quality alongside food excellence.
Full Bar Experience: Micro-brewed beers on tap and a competitively priced wine list complement the food menu, while creative cocktails enhance the dining experience.
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Keep Exploring →Contemporary Casual Setting: The relaxed, contemporary atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for both casual meals and special occasions without pretentious formality.
Accommodating Service: The staff works to accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well-cared for.
Foodie Destination: Regular customers include serious food enthusiasts who appreciate the kitchen’s commitment to culinary creativity and execution.
Local Institution & Hidden Gem
Havasu’s Hidden Winner: Local food lovers describe it as a place that deserves much more recognition, with quality that rivals restaurants in much larger cities.
Repeat Customer Loyalty: Visitors from other states make Place to Be a regular stop whenever they’re in Lake Havasu, demonstrating the lasting impression the restaurant creates.
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Discover MoreWord-of-Mouth Recognition: The restaurant thrives on recommendations from satisfied customers rather than heavy marketing, building a devoted following through quality alone.
Strategic Location: Situated on Lake Havasu Avenue South, the restaurant provides convenient access while maintaining the intimate feel of a neighborhood bistro.
Other Considerations
Monday-Friday Operations: The restaurant operates Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM, closed weekends, which allows the kitchen team to maintain high standards and creativity.
Reservation Recommended: Given the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, calling ahead at (928) 453-8339 helps ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Affordable Pricing: Entrées typically range from $14 to $26, while appetizers generally fall between $8 and $14. The pricing reflects the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the chef’s creative approach, while remaining accessible for both locals and visitors.
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Keep Exploring →Vegetarian Options: The menu accommodates various dietary preferences, ensuring vegetarian diners find satisfying options alongside the meat-focused specialties.
Place to Be
📍 333 Lake Havasu Ave S, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
