So, in my humble opinion as a native Phoenician, there are two kinds of native Phoenicians: Sugar Bowl people and Mary Coyle's people. While downtown Scottsdale's Sugar Bowl is certainly charming, Mary Coyle's will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I got a call from my brother yesterday who told me that he'd heard Mary Coyle's will be closing in May due to the economic downturn after 60 years of business. Mary Coyle's had been a big part of my childhood so I knew I probably needed to go over and have a proper goodbye.
I got myself over there tonight with a good friend and had what will likely be my last sundae (unless they get a new buyer...fingers crossed!!) I had a caramel banana bowl. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this joint was pretty packed this evening.
Do note that they are no longer serving meals - it's ice cream only. (My personal favorite as a kid was the Turkey BLT with macaroni salad that had paprika sprinkled on top....) I'll admit to tearing up a bit tonight, but I digress.
I tried to buy a t-shirt for memory's sake on the way out but they told me they were out. Sigh. Please do try to get down there before they close to pay your respects to this great Phoenix institution.