With the holiday season around the corner, if you're anything like we are, you need a place to refuel and relax in between those marathon shopping sessions. So the next time you're at one of these malls, keep these places in mind when you need a margarita, a martini or maybe even a shot to get you through the day.

We spent a recent Friday afternoon at Chandler Fashion Center (Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard, ), where we found some shoppers kicking back with cold libations at some of the mall's happening break spots.

Kona Grill is where it's at in Chandler Fashion Center. The restaurant, which features Pacific Rim cuisine and a sushi bar, is the mall's trendiest find and was packed on our recent late-afternoon visit.

Mary Lewaski, 35, of Tempe, says she plans to hit Kona Grill in between her Christmas shopping in the coming weeks. “Everyone needs a break,’’ she says. “Between the long lines in the stores and working your way past all the crowds and crowds of people, holiday shopping becomes exhausting, so I'll stop by Kona or somewhere like this to eat and have a drink to get away from the madness.’’

Although he hates shopping, Jay Random, 30, of Chandler, agrees.
“I'm a huge Kona Grill fan, but it's this time of the year that I come in more than usual because I spend a lot of time in the mall Christmas shopping,’’ he says. “I'm not big on shopping, but I have to make the best of it so I do that by making lots of rest stops and having a couple beers here and there.’’

BJ's Restaurant & Brewery is another hot Chandler Fashion Center break destination during this time of year.

We found people in their 20s to 40s taking a breather from shopping and relaxing inside the restaurant and bar with friends and/or family.

When we mentioned the word "shopping" to ASU students Lacey Roberts and Jenna Wyle, the young girls clinked their Bud Light bottles together to show their appreciation for the word.

“Girls in general just love to shop, but we especially enjoy it,’’ proclaims Roberts, 21, of Tempe. “We didn't really want to take a break but our stomachs were rumbling so we figured we better stop and eat.’’

“And we can drink here, too,’’ Wyle says, pointing to her beer. “It's nice when you don't have to leave the mall to get a beer.’’

Keep these mall spots in mind when you need a break from holiday shopping:

Chandler Fashion Center
Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard

BJ's Restaurant & Brewery


The restaurant and bar offers pizzas, salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and a bevy of home brews.

Cheesecake Factory


Although famous for its scrumptious desserts, the restaurant also features sandwiches, pasta, burgers and a large cocktail menu.

Kona Grill


You'll find plenty of sushi offerings along with a big drink menu at this mall hot spot.

Garduños

The Mexican restaurant offers everything from tacos to enchiladas to delicious margaritas.

Marvos

The restaurant serves American cuisine with an international twist.

Arizona Mills
I-10 and Baseline Road, Tempe

The Arena Bar inside GameWorks
The bar offers a rather large drink menu with everything from martinis to margaritas. The menu also features items such as pizza, sandwiches and burgers.

Rainforest Cafe

The tropical cafe serves everything from sandwiches to fruity libations.

Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Road

Kona Grill

Like the Chandler location, you'll find a mix of sushi and various libations on the menu.

Bar Louie

The restaurant and bar — which specializes in martinis — offers a variety of food such as salmon, pork chops and quesadillas along with an extensive drink menu.

Z Tejas Grill

You'll find potent margaritas along with a variety of Southwestern-influenced cuisine on the menu at this mall hot spot.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

The restaurant features Chinese cuisine and a decent-size drink menu.