Posts Tagged ‘Coach & Willie’s’

Have a Ball at the Crawl

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Pub crawlers, prepare. The 4th Annual Fall Pub Crawl is this Saturday, October 23rd, which means you’ve only got a short window to get in shape for Downtown’s very own Saloon Olympics. (Note: Save $3 by buying your tickets in advance.) Main events include bench-pressing beer mugs and fishing those slippery olives out of martinis (high marks for laughing without getting vodka up your nose).

PubCrawlerInsiderSPOTLIGHTMay’s Spring Fling crawl brought together more than 750 people who had a whopping good time (and hopefully, remembered it the next day). Next Saturday’s event will be even bigger, with a record number of pubs participating. Each location will offer drink/food specials exclusive to Pub Crawlers. See below for a full list, but first, here’s a quick look-see at a few of the locations:

Bar Smith – This bar/dance club/restaurant is like the hottest girl at the party: it’s always in demand. Bar Smith has won all kinds of awards for its nightlife and ambience, even making Sunset Magazines list for the Top 10 Rooftop Bars nationwide.

Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge – The first spot from CityScape to join the Crawl. With its sleek, neon-lit interiors and 19 locations around the country, Lucky Strike made bowling cool again. CityScape’s location includes 12 lanes, billiards, two bars and a full menu.

Seamus McCaffrey’s – Fun, cozy pub with patio seating and a Publican who knows his liquor. I love the warm vibe you get here.

Hanny’s – Think “Sex in the City.” Hanny’s is all about big city sophistication, with custom leather booths that recline, a horseshoe-shaped bar and a DJ spinning tunes from a crow’s nest above. Wonderful, personal service, too.

Turf Accountant Irish Pub – Sister pub to Seamus McCaffrey’s, The Turf has a big menu and 12 taps with imported draught beer and ale, plus a great selection of – what else – Irish whiskeys.

If you’ve never been to a Downtown Pub Crawl, here’s the how-to. Once the bars close, you’re invited back to Steve’s Greenhouse Grill for an after-hours breakfast/dance party from 1:30 am till 3 am. (Watch video from May’s post-crawl breakfast here.) A DJ will be spinning tunes and there’s a fabulous breakfast buffet special for only $6.95, including scrambled eggs, bacon, tortillas, fresh fruit, grilled potatoes and coffee.

Bonus round: the Hotel San Carlos is offering discounted room rates of $89 plus tax for Pub Crawlers.  This deal includes free valet parking and Sunday morning breakfast at Bistro 202.

Participating locations: Bar Smith, Bentley’s Nightclub, Carly’s Bistro, Coach & Willie’s, District American Kitchen & Wine Bar, Friday Front Row, Ghost Lounge, Hanny’s, Hooters, Kincaid’s Fish, Chops and Steak House, Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge, Majerle’s Sports Grill, Networks Bar & Grill, Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub, Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, Turf Accountant Irish Pub and The Rose and Crown.

Change Is In the Air

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Here it is, the moment we’ve all waited for: the first double-digit temps. Feel free to abandon the a/c and head outside to enjoy Downtown’s balmy fall nights.

Start with drinks at the newly opened ReBar on Roosevelt, which has a big outdoor patio and a nice vibe for relaxing with friends.

Rose&CrownWEBOther options include The Rose and Crown, where you can sip a Guinness on the always-popular porch or lawn; Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, where the misters keep you extra-comfortable; and Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, which has patio seating and a Publican who really knows his liquor. Ask him to recommend something from the pub’s big selection of draught beer and Irish whisky.

Where can you go from there? Head to Coach & Willie’s for wood-fired pizza on the inviting patio, complete with waterfall, or relax outside at Majerle’s and munch on classic American fare.

Of course, as you probably know, one of Downtown’s most eye-catching outdoor settings is the Arizona Center. Both Sam’s Café and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant face the Center’s gorgeous gardens, water features and cozy benches for canoodling.

Want more that’s outdoor? Sip a White Mocha coffee on the patio at Fair Trade Café, then walk a few steps to Civic Space Park and its green lawns. Relax under the stars while you feel sorry – just briefly –  for the rest of the country, which will soon be dealing with rain and snow.

It’s good to be a Phoenician.

Football, Hypo Twins and The Music Man

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

The summer is almost finished, but the fun Downtown is just starting.  The Phoenix Symphony kicks off the season with their famous Pops series this weekend, NFL-VIKINGS-SAINTSbased on the hit musical The Music Man.  Let the Symphony regale you with  “76 Trombones” and music that will have you dancing in your seat. 

The Hard Rock Café and Psyko Steve bring you The Hypo Twins this Friday night.  This local trio best describes their sound as disco party scum rock, and while that may sound like it’s out on the fringe, it sounded fun and funky to me when I heard it, so I may be their newest fan.

NFL officially starts its season Thursday and while we may not have the stadium, we do have the party.  Thursday Coach & Willie’s is hosting a kickoff party for the Vikings/Saints game and on Sunday they open early with a phenomenal hangover menu to recoat your tummy and keep the party going.  The Rose and Crown Pub is hosting a Pigskin Pig-Out complete with corn bag, horseshoes, and the piece de résistance – a roast pig!

This is just a sampling of What’s Happening in Downtown Phoenix. Get the whole kit and kaboodle here.

Fourth of July Weekend Part I

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A pool party, baseball games, art walks and drink specials: the Founding Fathers would be proud. At the very least, Ben Franklin, who had a thing for beer and the ladies, would have approved.

So, without further delay, here are some ways to make your Fourth of July weekend take off without a hitch in Downtown Phoenix:

HarenHot dogs and baseball

The D-Backs are battling the Dodgers Friday-Sunday, July 2-4, at Chase Field. Be there Saturday night to catch the fireworks display; it’s a major wow. If you have family or friends in the service, Sunday afternoon is Military Appreciation Day.

First Friday events

By now, our readers are more than familiar with the signature event, Artlink First Fridays, which takes place July 2 from 6-10 p.m. in and around Downtown. [Editor's note: It was recently published that the street closure that has become synonymous with First Friday will go on hiatus for the months of July and August.]

While you’re there, check out First Fridays Latino Style at the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. The event will showcase more than 40 Latino artists in Arizona plus the music of Latin jazz artist Ruth Lara Vichules. The Phoenix Fridas, the Valley’s most popular Latina art collective, invites fans to come by and celebrate the world’s most renowned Latina painter, Frida Kahlo.

Since that’s bound to build up a thirst, head for First Fridays Party on the Patio at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Knock back $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 Stellas while you refuel at the complimentary appetizer bar, open from 6-7 p.m. (Steve’s is open till 1 a.m.)

Get this party started

On Saturday, July 3, Solstice Saturdays, now in its 2nd year, heats up at Bar Smith. Dance till you drop to hip hop or head upstairs for house music until 3 a.m.  No cover before 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, you can cool down at the Hotel San Carlos Adult Swim Party, a rooftop pool party featuring local deejays. Open to anyone 18 and older, the party is from 2-10 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Best place to watch the fireworks

When it comes to views, I’m pretty sure the Compass Arizona Grill is the unchallenged winner. This revolving restaurant, located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency, is the perfect place to see an astonishing, 360-degree view of all the Valley’s fireworks shows.  Special 4th of July seating is from 7-10 p.m., so call 602-440-3166 to make reservations now.

(Editor’s Note: Look for Part II of this post next week!)

Your Guide to Downtown Fun

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Although the wind was rough, the weekend was gorgeous. I hoped everyone enjoyed it. There is a great deal to enjoy this week, so let’s get started.

The Cinco De Mayo Festival came and went but there’s no reason not to continue celeberating the culture that’s so important to our Southwest identity. The Matador Mexican Restaurant and Mi Amigos have festivities sure to engage you in the revelry.

RattlersThe Suns continue their march to the Finals by hosting the arch-rival Spurs in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets for tonight’s Game 1? No problem! Head over to Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s and watch the game with your closest Orange friends.  

By the end of the week the Diamondbacks will have fans cheering at Chase Field, playing the Brewers. The Brewers have a pair of super sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder so expect some high-scoring affairs.

Need more sports? Head over to US Airways Center Friday night and watch the Rattlers take on the Spokane Shock.

The theater crowd will be happy this week with three shows at the Herberger Theater, one of which is by the famous comedy troupe Second City. With alums like Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, I was more than curious to see what they came up with, and I was laughing all the way to the end. They took cracks at all the little quirks that make Arizona unique, and it was refreshing to see what we look like from an outside point of view. Absolutely hilarious!

One last thing to take a look at. The Phoenix Public Market has been given a great opportunity to win some funds and they need your help. Follow this link to cast your vote and help the Market, as well as to benefit a great and worthwhile community cause. Please do your part and cast your vote for the Phoenix Public Market. Thank you!

Want more of What’s Happening? Download the weekly PDF here or grab a copy at the Ambassador Information Center (Adams / 1st Avenue).

Have a great week!

Saturday Night Live

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Live, from Downtown Phoenix, it’s…comedy, music and martinis. Here’s a quick rundown of events this Saturday night [Editor's Note: There are no day events listed because you'll be attending Urban Wine Walk 2010 right??], which includes some welcome freebies for anyone who’s feeling a bit cash-strapped (and honestly, who isn’t?).

The Turf Restaurant and Pub

Saturday’s musical guest: Whitney Steele. This talented songbird is a local favorite who’s performed with the Gin Blossoms. Her recent CD, Any Thoughts on That?, was produced by the drummer for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, one of my favorite homegrown bands.

Whitney and Aaron Ricker will perform an acoustic set at 9 p.m. at The Turf Restaurant and Pub. If you haven’t been to the Turf, a newcomer to Downtown, check out their complete menu and drink list.

Solstice Saturdays

Now in its second year, this dance party at BarSmith features DJ Element and Benjamin Cutswell spinning hip-hop on the first floor, and DJ Senbad and Pete Salaz playing house music until 3 a.m. No cover charge before 10 p.m.

cheech_and_chongCheech & Chong, Live at the Dodge

Boy, does this make me feel ancient. I remember Cheech & Chong from their heyday in the 70’s.  If you’d like a refresher course, or you want to see this stoner comedy duo for the first time, get tickets for their concert at the Dodge Theatre, this Saturday at 8 pm.

Live Music at the Grand Staircase

Here’s a terrific, absolutely free way to enjoy the last of our spring weather. Head for the Arizona Center, take a seat under the trees, and listen to live music from  local artists. 5 pm to 8 pm, this Saturday.

Prime Rib Special at Coach & Willie’s

Finally, here are those martinis I promised you. For just $15, a killer price, you can dine on a 10 oz. prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies.  Wine and martini specials are available to top off the feast this Saturday at Coach & Willie’s.

 

Got a little black dress but no place to go? Text ”nightlife” to 25866

A Spring Smorgasbord of Fun Downtown

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Next time some hater blathers on about how, “Nothing ever happens Downtown on the weekends,” give them a forceful-yet-well-intended slap to the cheek* and refer them to this here blog.

Seriously, if you can’t find more than your fair share of hijinks in Downtown Phoenix this weekend you’re simply not paying attention. 

Emerging alt-country artist Samantha Crain will play a free show at the Heard Museum tonight at 7 p.m.

Downtown theaters will be swarming with culture vultures as Secret Order, Indivisible and The Hobbit all have multiple shows playing Thursday-Sunday.

joe-bonamassaOn Friday, award-winning blues rocker Joe Bonamassa plays Orpheum Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30, which is a pretty nice price point considering the historic venue and street cred of the musician. Check out one of Joe’s videos here

The Suns can make up some ground in their chase for the No. 4 seed (and home court advantage in Round 1) in the NBA playoffs when they host the 4th-seeded Jazz Friday at U.S. Airways Center. Last time these two teams met, Utah stormed back from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to win going away at home. You should really go if for no other reason than to heckle Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko, who looks like a pencil-thin Dolph Lundgren.

With spring temperatures in full effect, you’d be silly not to visit the Phoenix Public Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you’ll find the best of Arizona produce, meats, wines and crafts, plus live music by Teneia.

After you’ve scooped up some fat heirloom green tomatoes, bump on over to the Downtown Phoenix Festival of the Arts happening 4-11 p.m. at Heritage Square Park. Cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Oh, and there will be a bar.

Get your picture taken with a real modern-day dragons as Arizona Science Center  hosts a free dragon-training party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Then, on Saturday, ASC will test the resolve of eight brave guests who will wear a beard of live honeybees! The action takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 pm. so don’t BEE late. (Clever, right? RIGHT?!)

One of the greatest composers to ever tickle the ivory will be celebrated at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Symphony Hall as the Phoenix Orchestra perform’s Mozart’s Requiem. And no, Mozart wasn’t deaf. That was Beethoven.

Don your dopest threads and cut a proper rug at Stoudemire’s Downtown, which presents Latino Live with DJ Skandlis and Joey Boy from Power 98 on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

hip hopSpeaking of dancing, the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad is holding open auditions Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at U.S. Airways Center.

Second Saturday Community Cinema presents a free sneak preview of Dirt: The Movie from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Civic Space Park.

After the movie you can sit down to an amazing prime rib dinner for just $15 (!!) at Coach & Willie’s.

Now, granted, this is only a small sampling of what’s going on Downtown this weekend. You can download our complete guide here or simply “ASK” any one of our knowledgeable Ambassadors to share their personal recommendations. They never miss.

Most importantly, have a most enjoyable and safe weekend. And if you’re heading Downtown, bring a friend!

* yes, of course violence is bad!

Happier Hours

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

In Downtown Phoenix, Happy Hours have multiplied faster than bunnies on Viagra. For anyone on a tight budget – and that’s most of us – Happy Hour equals drinks, dinner and meet-ups, all rolled into one affordable package.

So, without further delay, here’s a listing of some of Downtown’s Happy Hours. You’ll find one – or even two – for nearly every day of the week, with all kinds of drink and appetizer specials included.

happy hourMartini Mondays

Feel like a member of the original Rat Pack at Majerle’s Sports Grill, which hosts this toast to retro drinks. Martinis are only $5 each.

Tough Guy Tuesday

Every Tuesday, from 4 pm to 8 pm, Bud Light drafts are only $1 at 1130 The Restaurant, located inside the Arizona Center. Appetizers are $5 off until 7 pm.

Wild Wing Wednesday

If you like wings, you’ve just hit the jackpot. On Wednesdays, from 5 pm to 11 pm, Network’s Bar & Grill offers a hefty bucket of wings for $10; a huge bucket for $25; and an enormous, bring-all-your-friends-and-family bucket for $50. Plus $1 off signature wine and well drinks.

Pint Night Thursdays

Knock back half-priced draft beer every Thursday at Coach and Willie’s from 4 pm until closing.

Absolut-ly Fridays

I don’t know about you, but I love Absolut Vodka, and you’ll find all Absolut Flavors for only $5 each during Martini Madness at Coach and Willie’s. This special goes on all day and night each Friday.

Monday-Friday Happy Hour at Sam’s Cafe

I’ve always loved the food at Sam’s Café, much to the dismay of my scale. From 3 pm to 7 pm, Sam’s offers Happy Hour Specials in their bar, including $3 house wine, Coyote and Grand Canyon margaritas – huge and exceptionally fine – and all manner of munchies, including $3.50 for grilled nachos, carnitas cheese crisp, Southwest bruschetta and more. For $4.50, you can munch on Tumbleweed chicken and onion rings, jalapeno poppers and fire grilled cheeseburgers.

If you want more happy hours – and who doesn’t – check out the Monday-Friday specials at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, the Matador, Hooters, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Kincaid’s and Steve’s Greenhouse Grill.

Urban Scavenger Hunt Tests Brainpower and Daring

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Urban scavenger hunts have taken off nearly as fast as Wile E. Coyote after Roadrunner.

startThis weekend, one of the Big Daddy’s of them all is coming to Downtown Phoenix. On Saturday, February 27th, CitySolve Urban Race will take you and a team partner on a crazy quilt adventure across the Valley.

Think Trivial Pursuit meets Amazing Race, and you’ve got the essence of this one-day, high-octane adventure. To participate, partner up with a buddy or loved one, then register at this site. The cost is $50 per person through 5 p.m. on Friday, and $60 per person on race day.

Check-in begins at 11 a. m. at Coach & Willie’s and the race begins at noon. Your team will navigate Valley neighborhoods on foot or by public transportation, trying to solve clues built around pop culture, American history, anagrams and more. It’s not all brainwork, since you’ll also take part in all kinds of offbeat experiences like building a house of cards.

So, what will you get for all this? Judging by the photos, a genuinely fun, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will test your brainpower and daring. And yes, you’ll get your own T-shirt and race number, which entitles you to say, “I took part in CitySolve Urban Race and all I got was”…well, you know the rest.

The top 25 teams will qualify for the national championship, so you’ve got a shot at going for the big prize, which is $5,000. For the Phoenix race, there are prizes for first, second and third place, plus $50 gift certificates for “Best Uniforms” and “Best Tweet,” among others.

Super Sunday (and Saturday) Downtown

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

You don’t have to be a fan of the Colts or the Saints to get geeked for Super Bowl Weekend. Whether you’re the hardest of hardcore football fan who watches all 43 hours of pregame coverage, or simply someone who favors party dips and expensive commercials featuring primates, the Super Bowl is a global event that blurs the lines between football and holiday.

sbxlivWhile it won’t be quite as busy as Miami’s South Beach, site of Super Bowl XLIV (or, 44 for the layperson), Downtown Phoenix is offering its own super mix of activities this weekend.

SATURDAY

Saturday Market at Phoenix Public Market

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy cool temps and beautiful Arizona sunshine while experiencing the best in local produce, cheese, jewelry, fish, breads, sweets, salsas and sauces. Grab a coffee from Royal at the Market, enjoy the music of Ron Bowen, and get your hands on some special Valentine’s Day offerings from the vast array of Arizona vendors.

yoga2Community Yoga Project at Civic Space Park

This is the perfect gathering for first-timers or those who want to practice yoga outdoors in front of a truly urban backdrop. It starts at 10 a.m. and is totally free.

Heritage & Science Park

At 10 a.m., you can see some of the Valley’s most beautifully restored antique and classic autos at Motoring Thru Time. The event is free, and after you’re done coveting the shiny cars, you can head over to Rosson House at noon for Hertage Craft Saturdays, a free historical crafts program for the whole family.

Herberger Theater

If you prefer the stage over turf, the Herberger Theater is putting on multiple performance of Valley Youth Theatre’s “13″ The Musical and Actors Theatre’s Shipwrecked! all weekend long. For more on ”13,” watch VYT’s Web series

Sonoma Casual Dining

Want to combine dinner and a show? Head over to Sonoma Casual Dining for its crowd-pleasing Mystery Mansion Dinner Theater, with two shows (including a three-course meal) every Friday and Saturday.

iglesiasDodge Theatre

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings his Fluffy Shop Tour to the Dodge for a 8 p.m. performance. If you haven’t seen Iglesias on ”Last Comic Standing” or on one of his many specials on Comedy Central, you’re missing out on one of the most gifted young storytellers on the comedy circuit.

SUNDAY

Need a place to watch the Big Game? Downtown Phoenix has you covered.

Coach & Willie’s

cwlogo_blkThe 9th Annual Super Bowl Bash features a complimentary buffet during the game and unbeatable drink specials, not to mention a football crazy crowd.

Hooters

Nothing goes better with football than chicken wings and beer and Hooters is offering Big Daddy Budweisers for $4 and Big Daddy Sam Adams for $5. Plus, at halftime, Hooters will give away a 40-inch HDTV!

Majerle’s

Majerle’s will be giving away hats, T-shirts and gift cards throughout the game, plus offering 1/2-off well drinks, drafts, wine and margaritas on the rocks. Get your grub on with $5 boneless wings and $7 gorilla wings and celebrate touchdowns with special Super Bowl Bombers for both the Saints and Colts.

Friday’s Front Row

Friday’s will be offering $3 and $4 drink specials and $4 appetizers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pizzeria Uno

Drink and food specials starting at $2.99, plus 1/2 domestics and house wine.