Sardella's Pizza & Wings

We pride ourselves on offering authentic Italian dishes using only the finest, freshest, highest quality ingredients, and serving them up with excellent customer service. When you walk into any of our four Phoenix area locations, you can expect a superior dining experience. [read more]

Oasis Canteen

Artisan pizza, burgers and dogs, breakfast burritos and coffee bar, draft beer and variety of wine. Mocktails made with wine based spirits. Great atmosphere and TVs to watch sports! [read more]

Sala Thai restaurant

Sala Thai Restaurant brings Thailand to you. With our infusion of the sweet and savory, you're sure to find a dish that you'll love. We start with only the freshest ingredients to stir fry delicious melodies of tastes and colors that are sure to delight the senses. The art of flavor and food design from are brought straight from Thailand and brings the traditional ancestors, and combined it with tradition and new techniques to create our own style of Thai cuisine. We have a unique taste that must be experienced, you'll return again and again and find something new with every visit. [read more]

Bullock's Cocktail Lounge

FUN. Live music, karaoke, pizza, wings, all night kitcen, NFL ticket. [read more]

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Convivial chain dishing up hearty portions of New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads & more. [read more]

Mercer's Restaurant

With humble beginnings, we opened up the doors to Mercer's Restaurant in 1987. With a baby in tow, who is now managing the restaurant, we were excited to make home-cooked meals for our neighboring friends. We were welcomed with open arms by the community and have been able to continue serving you because of all the people that help make Mercer's Restaurant the enjoyable and friendly restaurant it is today. From the cooks to the dishwashers to the waitress who greets you at the door, we are here to help you have an enjoyable and relaxing meal. When you step into our father-son restaurant, we want you to feel like you are pulling up a chair at your best friend's table, with a comforting environment and even more comforting, delicious food. If you have visited Mercer's a couple of times, don't be surprised if the waitress remembers your name. Before you know it, you will feel like you are part of the Mercer's family as well! We are so grateful to have customers who have visited us across many, many years and have created a family-like environment in the restaurant. We are always trying out new daily specials, so if there is something you don't see on the menu, just ask! We welcome new dish ideas and may even be able to make it in the back. We know you have numerous options when choosing a restaurant to spend your time and money at and we appreciate you visiting Mercer's website. Come on in and give us a try - we have a hot cup of coffee and warm smile waiting for you. [read more]

Lito's Fine Mexican Food

Burritos, enchiladas & other traditional specialties offered in a straightforward eatery. [read more]

Hungry Howie's Pizza

At Hungry Howies, we use only the freshest ingredients, like 100% mozzarella cheese and dough made fresh daily. With nearly 50 years of experience, look no further than our famous crust to see why we are the home of the Original Flavored Crust Pizza. [read more]

Village Inn

In 1958 the first Village Inn Pancake House opened its doors in Denver, Colorado and began offering what has since made us famous— made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes, fresh eggs cooked any style, sizzling bacon and a pot of steaming hot coffee. More than once, vacationers in Denver stopped at Village Inn for a bite to eat and enjoyed it so much that they inquired about franchise opportunities before leaving. Such requests inspired co-founders Merton “Andy” Anderson and Jim Mola to place an ad in The Wall Street Journal for prospective franchisees. Soon after, the first Village Inn franchise started operating in 1961, leading the way for successful franchise development. Our reputation for serving quality all-day breakfast endures and carries over to our lunch, dinner and our award-winning pies. Village Inn serves The Best Pie In America® – like French Silk, Lemon Supreme, Country Apple and Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme. We are proud of our tradition—and happy to be part of our guests’ daily lives. With six decades of success, we have corporate and franchise restaurants totaling more than 200, located primarily in the Rocky Mountain region, the Midwest, Arizona and Florida. Our guests visit Village Inn because they know they will enjoy great-tasting food and extra-friendly service in a clean and comfortable family environment. Many of our guests who visited our restaurants in their youth now take their children and grandchildren to Village Inn— when they’re hungry for life’s simple pleasures. [read more]

#1Brothers Pizza

#1Brothers Pizza Inc Is a modest casual pizzeria. We offer various authentic Italian cuisine options such as Pasta, Calzones, and hand-tossed pizza. Dine-in or carryout from one of our two valley locations. Our establishment is family-owned and operated. Based on simple and delicious food principles, we pride ourselves on being fresh and offering a casual dining atmosphere for anyone looking to enjoy authentic food. [read more]

Paulie's Little Bite of Italy

Enjoy home-cooked Italian food in a colorful, yet cozy atmosphere. Paulie's Little Bite of Italy is most famous for its thin crust pizza and lasagna. While you dine at Paulie's, you can also enjoy a drink from our full bar while looking at the over 140 celebrity photos that are scattered throughout the restaurant. Each celebrity featured shares one common trait: They are Italian!! Same goes for the colorful jerseys located above the bar. Again, all Italian!! Come in and experience a good time!! [read more]

Phoenix Phresh Cafe; Acai Bowl & Pitaya Bowl, Smoothie, Juice

New juice bar! Our goal is to help you go back to basics and thrive off the earth as Mother Nature intended. Our creations combine exotic tropical fruits, antioxidants and natural ingredients that will excite your taste buds and nurture your body. Choose a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste with any of our meals today! [read more]

Bro Bro's BBQ

Kelli James Lee & Jeff Tellman loved to cook and smoke but were hit hard by the pandemic by both the passing of their beloved brothers; Ken O'Connor & Chucky Porter and Kelli losing his kitchen manager job at Little Miss BBQ due to the pandemic. From there, through tragedy and hard times, BroBro's BBQ was founded in 2020. It started off as cooking and delivering for friends and family and then exploded to what they have now, a brick and mortar BBQ place located in the 44 Sports Bar & Nightlife where you can find their love of cooking and smoking expressed through bold southwest BBQ flavor. [read more]

JT Gyros

Welcome to JT Gyros. Stop in and try some of the best Greek & Mediterranean food in the Valley. [read more]

PICK N' ROLL

The amazing health benefits of purple rice have made it a very popular grain to include in meals and use as a health supplement. Purple rice (also known as black rice) was revered by the ancient Chinese for its healing power and nutritional qualities. In fact, because purple rice was kept for the Emperor and his family, it was referred to as ‘forbidden rice’. When compared to other types of ‘traditional’ rice like white and brown rice, purple rice has much more health-boosting properties. This type of rice is a rich source of dietary fiber and contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why many people include purple rice in their diet to help improve their digestive health, maintain a healthy heart, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost cognitive function. [read more]

Wildflower

We believe success comes down to three things — outstanding food, great service and clean restaurants. It is easy to say, but it takes a strong commitment to consistently execute. Attention to detail, putting our guests’ needs first and a deep desire to be a great company help make the Wildflower a place where foodies want to be. [read more]

Hana Sushi

Hana Sushi is a small, family-run restaurant serving delicious sushi as well as a variety of other authentic Japanese favorites. Located on the northeast corner of Union Hills Drive & 7th Ave. It has been in business since the summer of 2004. Please note that our only internet presence is this Facebook page; we do not have a website. Also, this Hana Sushi is an ONLY location; we are not related to any other of the same or similar name. Thank you [read more]

Graziano's Pizzeria

From September of 1989 until June 1999, my wife and I owned and operated "Town Line Deli and Pizzeria" on Cape Cod Massachusetts. Back in January 1999, we vacationed in Arizona at my brother's house in Arrowhead. Anthony and Tina told us the area was starving for a "family" owned Pizzeria where families can enjoy the casual atmosphere and great back east style Italian food at a good price. On the airplane ride back to frigid, snowy, icy, Cape Cod, Judy and I decided to put our pizzeria up for sale and move ourselves and our son Robert to the Valley of the Sun. Our hopes are to establish a casual family atmosphere at an affordable price. We look forward to providing you with the finest, freshest ingredients available and we will do our best to ensure your visit is one to remember. Your continuing patronage and suggestions will be much appreciated and also a major factor in our success. Also, don't forget to tell your friends about us! [read more]

The Sicilian Baker Peoria

Build Your Own Cannoli Bar & Sicilian Market The executive chef, hospitality visionary and entrepreneur behind family-owned The Maggiore Group. With the help and inspiration of his father, culinary legend Chef Tomaso Maggiore, Chef Joey has conceptualized successful restaurants from Italian fine dining, to a creative brunchery and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Joey brings a fresh perspective to The Maggiore Group, with his latest creations, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, and The Mexicano. [read more]

Barro's Pizza

At Barro’s Pizza, our pizza can only be described as a combination of thick and fluffy crust, paired with a perfected tangy and sweet, spiced sauce—the Barro family secret. Add generous amounts of the highest quality mozzarella for the flawless trifecta of pizza ingredients. The Barro’s Pizza family recipe goes back to when Grandma Angelina Barro was making pizza and pasta in her own home back in Italy. Her recipes were passed down through the generations and are now used in the family business today. [read more]

GRACE Indian Cuisine

'GRACE’ Indian Cuisine, we specialize in delicious Indian cuisine, an inviting ambience, and great service! We believe that homemade food is the best so we strive every day to make it as close to homemade as possible. Our chefs use a unique blend of spices and classic recipes that will have you coming back again and again. At Grace, guests rave about our Biryani, Dosas, and of course our Chicken Marsala! Can't decide what you're craving? Enjoy our buffet on the weekends (Fri,Sat and Sunday for lunch from 11:30 to 3:00) And when you want those great GRACE Indian Restaurant flavors at your wedding or special event, turn to us for catering that's sure to please a crowd. [read more]

Hot Bagels & Deli

Hot bagels moved from New Jersey to the state of Arizona in 2001. If you like fresh bagels, then you'll love Hot Bagels. The shop makes its bagels by hand, not by machine. The bagels are crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside, the way real bagels were meant to be and all of them are hand rolled, boiled, and baked bagels daily. We serve breakfast and lunch selling 3000 everyday. It's quite a show to watch the large mound of dough being hand rolled and boiled. It smells great, too! The shop also has a full deli selling all your favorite appetizing meats, cheeses, and a large assortment of spreads. Scumptious deserts are available. [read more]

Native Grill & Wings

Native Grill & Wings is a beloved wings franchise in the Southwest, especially in the Phoenix area where it started in the late 1970s. Native was the first to bring Buffalo-style wings to the Southwest and have won over generations of customers with great food and a family-friendly sports bar ambiance. [read more]

Sunset Bistro

Greek standards served in modest quarters with patio seating & a full bar with draft beer. [read more]

Red Embers Bar & Grill

Uptown Alley is a special place, where friends and families alike, can mingle, play games, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and be entertained in a welcoming environment. Uptown Alley has 60,000 square feet of fun including 40 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling; an upscale, causal full-service restaurant, Red Embers Bar & Grill, serving delicious chef-created Americana classics; two high-energy bars; a sports theater; billiards; laser tag; over 80 video and prize games; live entertainment; private party rooms and much more. For our adult guests, The Approach is the ultimate ultra lounge experience boasting 10 private lanes, billiards, an exclusive bar, party rooms, DJ space, a dance floor, lounge seating, the top music videos, tasty drinks, eats, and table service! Join us to experience Uptown Alley. [read more]

Golden Dragon Restaurant

In 1982 the Long family opened Golden Dragon on the border of Conshohocken and Plymouth Meeting, with the intention of creating a comforting environment to share their culinary tradition. While many shops in the area have come and gone, we remain a fixture in the community. To this day we continue the family tradition, providing delicious food and friendly service to anyone who steps through our doors. [read more]

Moon Valley Cafe LLC

Moon Valley Cafe offers a dynamic breakfast and lunch menu including homemade breads, desserts, and every cup of coffee is freshly brewed. This cafe is family owned and operated with over 30 years of restaurant experience. Come and enjoy our famous omeletes, pancake rolls, french toast, and our well-known lunch sandwiches. [read more]

Chicago Gyros

Specialties Welcome to a world of All Original Recipes, Marinades, Sauces Hummus Dips, freshly baked Pita Bread and Fresh Salads. We serve The Best of Mediterranean and Chicago's Favorites. At Chicago Gyros, We will take you in a journey to "The Mediterranean" and "Taste of Chicago" in Phoenix, Arizona. History Established in 2005. It all started in Chicago as the authentic taste of Gyros inspired us to deliver the same traditional taste of Gyros of Chicago. Gyros was first introduced in Chicago in 1968. hence our name "Chicago Gyros" Our Secret? Premium Quality Meats with our own original marinades, Fresh Ingredients, Our Own made from scratch Sauces, Imported Spices, and Fresh Baked Pita Bread. And a taste that keeps our customers coming back for more. Our pita is Fresh-Baked when you order. Our gyros is hand carved, not pre-sliced. Our special recipes is what makes Chicago Gyros the most authentic tasting Gyros (Yee-Ros) Pita available. And it's a tradition of quality we'll never outgrow. [read more]

King Gyros

There's perhaps no meat on a stick more famous than a gyro. A Chicago favorite, you can find the meat roasting on a spit at nearly every Greek and Mediterranean restaurant in town, but nothing comes close to what you find at King Gyros. King Gyros is a family owned restaurant that has been around for over 20 years. Coming straight from Chicago to the Phoenix area, this Greek Restaurant is ready to serve you some of the best dishes you have ever had! [read more]

Thighstop

We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavour business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavour since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first franchised Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It's flavour that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavour in everything they do, there's only Wingstop - because it's more than a meal, it's a flavour experience. [read more]

Lupita's Mexican Restaurant

All you can eat buffet Saturday & Sunday. Everything home made [read more]

Leo's Island BBQ

Unfussy counter-service place dishing up Hawaiian-style BBQ, fried seafood & noodle soups. [read more]

Samurai Sam's

Samurai Sam's Glendale AZ Teriyaki Grill Menu offers fresh, flavorful and deliciously healthy Japanese cuisine. From grilled egg rolls and wok-stirred veggies, to our famous teriyaki sauce. [read more]

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddys Guests love our cooked-to-order burgers and freshly-churned frozen custard, always served with the hospitality & taste that brings them back! Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is more than your traditional American hamburger restaurant. After your delicious steakburger meal, make sure and try the freshly churned creamy desserts. The frozen custard desserts are richer, denser and creamier than ice cream and frozen yogurt. [read more]

Chef Peter's Bistro

Chef Peter's Bistro mission is to enrich the lives of our guests, our employees, the community and owners. We do this through superior quality food and beverages, legendary customer service, sales growth, cost controls and treating our employees like family. We believe that our employees are one of our most important resources and our success depends upon creating and retaining a staff capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every customer, every time [read more]

The Last Stop Bar & Grill

A large Sports Bar & Grill with an amazing 1/3 lb Burger, Big Ass Pretzels to Chicken & Waffles. Daily Food Specials and lowest Beer Prices around! [read more]

Other Room

We are a neighborhood sports bar that offers great, cheap drinks with daily specials, pool and dart leagues, Bowling or Golden Tee, TouchTunes Jukebox, Scratcher Tickets, and snacks for when you get hungry. We are open 7 days a week, from 6am - 2am [read more]

Otto's Empire Diner

In 1952, a brand spanking new silver bullet diner was delivered to a small community in Upstate New York. This Mountainview Diner, built in Singac, New Jersey, Model No. 330, was slated to be “the most modern kitchen in all of upstate”. The residents of Herkimer watched in amazement as the diner was delivered on a flatbed truck and installed right along Main Street. For 65 years the Empire Diner has been the hub of the community and has held a special place in the hearts of many. It tells a story of a gathering of family and friends enjoying great food and lots of laughs. Otto’s Empire Diner has kept the tradition alive and well, winning numerous awards with their food. Among the most notable are the Best Cheeseburger and Best Bacon Cheeseburger awarded by the New York Beef Council and the most recent acclaim of Best Diner in Upstate New York as voted by hundreds of thousands of New York residents. Otto’s Empire Diner is home to the work’s largest Omelet as recognized by Ripley’s! Believe it or Not. This amazing omelet consisted of 41,040 eggs and an unbelievable 2,128.75 square feet. We are proud to be affiliated with such a wonderful establishment. It is our goal to offer outstanding meals and service with the same distinction as the original New York diner. We pass on excellence and quality without compromise. On July 29, 2005, The now Otto’s Empire Diner opened their first location in Phoenix Arizona at 3502 W. Greenway Road Ste. # 20. The response from the community has been great and not only are the people of the community our customers some have become our friends. We look forward to continuing our reputation of a spot where people enjoy gathering for good food and a friendly atmosphere. [read more]

Julioberto's Mexican Food

Our family-operated business has been serving fresh Mexican food for our neighbors since 2009. Looking for something tasty but, trying to be conscious of your nutrition? We've got you covered have a look, there's something for everyone! [read more]

TALA

Tala bakery specializes in making international cookies and traditional Persian cookies and bread. Our professional bakers have used fresh ingredients to create handmade and high-quality products for our beloved Phoenix citizens. [read more]

Zipps Sports Grill

Zipps Sports Grill is family owned and operated since 1995, and we have opened 14 Zipps Sports Grill locations throughout the valley since then, there is bound to be one in your neighborhood! Zipps appeals to everyone with affordable, fresh, home-made food and award-winning specials. [read more]

OBriens Sports Bar

The pub that everyone knows your name! We have great customers, great food, great bartenders, a smoking patio and a huge selection of beer and liquor. [read more]

Don's NY Pizza

Pizza, Pasta, Wings and Subs [read more]

Rolando's Mexican Food

Mexican classics from huevos rancheros to fish tacos offered in a basic counter-serve setup. [read more]

Papa Paul's Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta

My family is not Italian but we are Brooklyn bred. This is my take on what Italian should be and I know my dad, Paul, would be proud. Located in historic downtown Litchfield Park, the town dad migrated us to many years ago. Welcome to the Mahoney family. [read more]

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers 7th Street is casual and friendly, featuring comfortable leather booths, butcher block tables, over 30 HD flat screen TVs, and a great sound system to catch your favorite sporting events. There's a patio where you can enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather. We ensure that great service, amazing food, a high-energy atmosphere, and a neighborhood sports bar feel is what you'll find. Plus, our menu features only fresh ingredients with all items made in-house daily. [read more]

Nagoya Sushi

Authentic Japanese food and drink at an affordable price! Happy hour is all day so come and enjoy! [read more]

Angry Crab Shack

Whether you are celebrating a big birthday, a milestone anniversary, or another special occasion, Angry Crab Shack is the place for a one-of-a-kind experience. Delicious food, a fun environment, and a team of amazing staff make a visit to Angry Crab Shack memorable for everyone. Bibs are provided to keep shirts clean, but you can get as messy as you want as the tables are covered with paper. Those who do not love seafood, they can choose from flavorful Po’boys, delicious cheeseburgers, and juicy chicken sandwiches. Angry Crab Shack even offers vegetable and tofu options for vegetarians. [read more]

Sushi Style

Casual shopping-mall Japanese eatery & bar offering many sushi options, plus hot entrees & noodles. Treat your taste buds to the tantalizingly delicious sushi and authentic Japanese food being served at Sushi Style in Phoenix, AZ. We’re a local favorite place to grab some rolls made with perfectly prepared ingredients. For the stickiest rice, the most savory seaweed, and the best prices in town, bring your friends and family to eat with us! [read more]

Filibertos

Arizona's Favorite Mexican Food Every Filiberto’s cooks everything from scratch daily. All of the tacos, burritos, carne asada fries are all made with fresh meat and ingredients. [read more]

Barrio Queen

Best Authentic Mexican Restaurant in AZ with very unique food flavors from Mexico city. Top 5 largest tequilerias with 300+ tequilas [read more]

Dillon's KC BBQ Arrowhead

Homey chain branch serving classic American country favorites accompanied by live music on weekends. Products: Kansas City BBQ, American Cuisine, BBQ Dinner Specials, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches. Services: Sports Bar, Build Your Own BBQ Platter, Catering Services, Private Parties Available, 40+ TVs. Location Facts: 59th Avenue North of the 101 History Established in 2004. Dillon's KC BBQ Arrowhead, in Glendale, AZ, is the area's premier restaurant serving Glendale and surrounding areas. We offer appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, BBQ dinner specials and much more! For your next meal, visit Dillon's KC BBQ Arrowhead in Glendale. [read more]

Wingstop

What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights. Today there are more than 1,500 restaurants open across the globe. Wingstop quickly became a fan favorite when we first opened our doors in 1994. Our proprietary recipes, outstanding food, and superior customer service created a demand that could only be satisfied by more locations. And in 1997 we began offering franchises. Today we are one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country, attracting top entrepreneurs and operators with the drive and passion to own their own businesses. [read more]

Arrowhead Grill

From the moment you first set eyes on an Arrowhead Grill steak, you know you’re in for a special meal. The searing steak, still cooking in an iron skillet as it’s brought to your table, is a work of perfection, and a savory one at that. It’s this searing, savory first impression that sets the tone for all of Arrowhead Grill’s hand-selected menu items. From the Coconut Battered Shrimp to the AG Butter Cake, each mouth-watering menu item has the personal touch of Chef Charles Wade Schwerd, a Valley culinary hot ticket for almost two decades. Schwerd’s vision for Arrowhead Grill is one of mouthwatering perfection, where each dish delivers its promise of delicious flavor while teasing you with a hint of the tastes still to come. The corn and alfalfa fed beef is selected for only the premium cuts of meat and the fresh seafood is delivered to your table mercury free. The quality and character of each dish is undeniable. The gold and white colors of the Sautéed Hominy with Bacon welcome your taste buds as it prepares you for the 10-ounce Delmonico Steak, served over a bed of crisp Asparagus and blanketed with Schwerd’s special béarnaise sauce. Complimenting Arrowhead Grill’s signature steak is a host of side dishes, including Chipotle Macaroni & Cheese and Lobster Twice-Baked Potato. [read more]

Japan Express

Japan Express has been serving the city of Glendale and its surrounding community with healthy Japanese cuisine for over two decades. We have created and mastered one simple rule, “Prepare each and every dish to order with only fresh ingredients”. Come join us for lunch, dinner or weekend family dining. You will find out why Japan Express is still the favorite Japanese Fast Food Restaurant in Glendale. [read more]

Culver's

Whether we’re cooking the perfect ButterBurger® to order or scooping up our freshest batch of the Flavor of the Day, we work hard to ensure you will always leave happy. It all goes back to our small-town Wisconsin roots. We know you have a lot to do and many options to choose from, so we appreciate when you take the time to visit Culver’s. If we can do our part to make your day better – with a wholesome, delicious meal or a heartfelt smile – we’ve done our job. [read more]

Cafe Chenar

Cafe Chenar in Phoenix is the first Bukharian/ Uzbek restaurant, famous for traditional kosher dishes. [read more]

Throne Brewing Company

Brewing beer locally in Glendale, Arizona. Throne Brewing was established in March of 2018, when owner-operator Carlos Toma purchased already existing Dubina Brewing in Glendale, Arizona. With over 10 years’ experience running a craft beer shop in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, opening a brewery was the obvious next step and also a lifelong goal. Since opening its doors, Throne Brewing has become an outlet for creativity, innovation, and comradery. Our main focus is producing a wide variety of craft beers for every different beer enthusiast to enjoy while also providing a welcoming atmosphere for all. On April 1st, 2020, Throne Brewing opened its second location in Peoria, Arizona. This location is a production facility and taproom, with a brand-new canning line that will focus on serving our beers to the entire state of Arizona and beyond. [read more]

JJ's Louisiana BBQ

Louisiana style BBQ like no other. Blend of seasoning that will knock yourself socks off! [read more]

Nineteen 86 Steakhouse

Nineteen 86 specializes in elegant dining in a casino atmosphere. Our menu ranges from the finest meats to the freshest seafood. The atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable. A private dining area is available for meetings or dinner functions. [read more]