Posts Tagged ‘Ghost Lounge’

Countdown to the Crawl

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
P – is for Pubs. We have 17 this fall, a Downtown Pub Crawl record.
U – is for Updates. Download the Crawl route, list of participating bars, drink specials and information about the after-hours breakfast at Steve’s Greenhouse here.
B – is for Beer and Booze, sure, but it’s also for Buy, as in buy your Pub Crawl tickets online and get $3 off the regular price.
C – is for Complementary. Post a message to our Facebook wall about how much you love the Downtown Pub Crawl and get your friends to comment on your post. Whoever collects the most comments by noon on Friday wins 4 FREE tickets to Saturday’s Crawl.
R – is for Ride. Ollie the Trolley will be transporting Crawlers from location to location so the ladies can eliminate “comfort” as a factor when picking out their shoes.
A – is for Angela, that charming pharmaceutical saleswoman you met on last fall’s Crawl. Things didn’t work out for you two long-term but that doesn’t make the memory any less sweet.
W – is for Waiting, which you’ll be doing less of during pre-Crawl registration. We’ll be staffing a Will Call check-in at the Ambassadors Information Center (101 N. 1st Ave., Suite 190) starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday and we’ve added two more check-in tables to get Crawlers onto their trolleys and having fun quicker.
L – is for Legendary, which is how you’ll describe the evening to friends over Bloody Marys and ibuprofen at a TBA time on Sunday.

Here are up-to-the-minute details on Saturday’s Fourth Annual Downtown Pub Crawl:

P – is for Pubs. We have 17 this fall, a Downtown Pub Crawl record.

U – is for Updates. Download a Pub Crawl route map, list of participating bars and drink deals, and info on the after-hours breakfast at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill.

10 Pub Crawl_darkB – is for Beer and Booze (HIGH FIVE!), but it’s also for Buy, as in buy your Pub Crawl tickets online and get $3 off the regular price. Want to wear your Pub Crawl wristband all day long? Well now can by picking them up at the Downtown Pub Crawl Will Call Office (also known as the Ambassadors Information Center, 101 N. First Ave, Suite 190), beginning Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

C – is for Complementary. Post a message to our Facebook wall about how much you love the Downtown Pub Crawl and get your friends to comment on your post. Whoever collects the most comments by noon on Friday wins 4 FREE tickets to Saturday’s Crawl.

R – is for Ride. Ollie the Trolley will be transporting Crawlers from location to location so ladies can eliminate “comfort” as a factor when picking out their shoes.

PubCrawlerInsiderSPOTLIGHTA – is for Angela, that charming pharmaceutical saleswoman you met on last fall’s Crawl. Things didn’t work out for you two long-term but that doesn’t make the memory any less sweet.

W – is for Waiting, which you’ll be doing less of during pre-Crawl registration. We’ve increased the number of check-in tables to four to get Crawlers onto their trolleys and having fun quicker.

L – is for Legendary, which is how you’ll describe the evening to friends over Bloody Marys and copious amounts of ibuprofen at a TBD time and location on Sunday.

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.

Urban Wine Walk Returns Saturday

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Downtown’s popular wine, dine, and ride event is back.

Experience our urban core’s burgeoning wine scene by hopping on the METRO light rail for the second Urban Wine Walk, happening this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

8-16The Urban Wine Walk is a FREE event that encourages adventurous participants to try new or familiar restaurants located along the METRO light rail in Downtown Phoenix, the Camelback Corridor and Tempe. Each restaurant will offer three wine samples and a snack all at can’t-beat-it pricing reserved exclusively for Urban Wine Walkers.

Market_TastingWEBTo take part in the Urban Wine Walk, simply print out the official map and wine list and jump on the light rail (NOTE: participating restaurants are located between the Mill Avenue and Central/Camelback stations) between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday. And when you visit great restaurants like Kincaid’s, 1130 The Restaurant, ICON Lounge, Steve’s Greenhouse Grill and Phoenix Public Market, not to mention new addition Brick Pizzeria and Wine Bar, just let your server know you’re on the Urban Wine Walk to take full advantage of exclusive wine and food deals. 

Other participating restaurants include Caffe Boa, Ghost Lounge, Hula’s Modern Tiki, Maizie’s Cafe and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant.

The weather is supposed to be optimal for Wine Walking (sunny skies, 100 percent chance of fun) so bring some friends Downtown. See you on Saturday!

This event kicks off our 20 Years of Progress celebration going on Sept. 25 thru Nov. 16. Please visit our 20 Years of Progress site for full details.

** Participants will need to purchase a METRO day pass

*** Must be 21

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Deals, Meals and Steals

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

What’s better than a bargain? Lots of bargains.

And this week, Downtown Phoenix has all kinds of ways to keep you and your wallet happy. Have a look-see:

wine_barWine Tasting at the Urban Wine Bar – There are lots of reasons to love the Phoenix Public Market. Here’s another: it’s the only Valley market that offers nothing but locally grown and produced wines. This coming Wednesday, September 29th, the Wine Bar at the Market will set out a free selection of Arizona wines, with a spotlight on the Callaghan Vineyard. Located an hour south of Tucson, Callaghan grows Mediterranean varietals for their red blends as well as Riesling grapes for their estate white wine.

Speaking of wine, Urban Wine Bar is just one of the Downtown grape purveyors participating in Saturday’s Urban Wine Walk. Jump on the light rail and tour fabulous restaurants in Downtown Phoenix, Camelback Corridor and Tempe–eateries like 1130 The Restaurant, Kincaid’s, ICON Lounge, Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, and the brand-new Brick Pizzeria and Wine Bar at Arizona Center. Sample a diverse selection of wines and snacks on the cheap from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NFL Sunday Package – This is a trifecta for guys: football, Hooters girls and specially-priced food and drink. It’s all happening at Hooters at the Arizona Center, every Sunday during NFL season. Guys, you’ll owe the woman in your life something after this, so prepare yourself to see Eat Pray Love. Just saying.

Movie in the Park – It doesn’t get much freer than this. This Friday, September 24th, at 8 p.m., you can catch a free movie with free popcorn at Civic Space Park. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket for stretching out on the grass.

Acoustic Wednesdays – If you haven’t been to the Ghost Lounge at the Hotel San Carlos yet, here’s the perfect excuse. On Wednesday, September 29th, Melanie and Van, an acoustic twosome – try saying that twice – will play everything from rock to blues. And yup, admission is free. The show starts at 5 p.m.

Weekend Movie Pass Special – Haven’t seen Inception yet? Or are you eager to see The Town, the new Ben Affleck flick with Jon Hamm, everyone’s favorite cad from Mad Men? Then head to the Arizona Center’s AMC 24 Theaters this weekend. Save your ticket stubs and you’ll get a free spinach dip or calamari appetizer with the purchase of any two beverages at 1130 The Restaurant.

Second Annual 5K Walk for Homeless Families – No, this isn’t free. But I know lots of generous, caring folks read this blog – I’m not sucking up, honestly – and here’s a chance to use a few of those dollars you saved for admission to this event, which benefits UMOM’s New Day Centers (UMOM helps more than 3,000 homeless Arizonans each year). The walk starts at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Registration, which costs $30 per person, begins at 6:30 a.m.

Fourth of July Weekend Part II

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Fireworks_ChaseSure, it’s fun to watch stuff blow up. But this July 4th weekend, there’s also an explosion of things to do: live music and nightclubbing, comedy slams and ways to amuse your kids.

Here’s the rundown on Downtown:

Barely Dressed or Well Dressed

Don’t worry about trying to undress someone with your eyes.  The Beach Party at the Sky Lounge has taken care of that for you. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, you can eye models – and fellow partiers – in teeny, tiny swimwear. If you do wear beach attire, there’s no line and no cover charge.

GhostLoungeIf you’d prefer to be fully dressed while drinking, check out the What, are you Def? Comedy Slam at the Ghost Lounge, located in the Hotel San Carlos. This new lounge (pictured, left) has a casual but upscale vibe with terrific appetizers provided by the Hotel’s new eatery, Bistro 202. Be careful, or comedian Ashley could have you doing a spit-take while sipping your margarita.

From Jazz to Motown Funk

On Friday, July 2nd, the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar will feature a live jazz trio in the bar starting at 5 p.m., followed by DJ Senbed at 9 p.m. Saturday, if you like vintage Motown and R&B, head for the District between 8 pm and midnight to catch Roscoe Taylor and Tim Forks, two Valley perennials who perform 70s classics from the likes of Al Green, Stevie Wonder and the Four Tops.

Do-it-Yourself Ice Cream

Oh, what I’d give right now for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a spoon. To cool your palate with this all-American dessert, head for Heritage Craft Saturdays, where you can make your own ice cream (and yes, eat it). Heritage & Science Park, noon to 2 p.m.; admission is $2 per person.

First Friday Times Four

July 4th is a great weekend to be out and about, since it coincides with First Friday. Artlink has put the signature street closure on Roosevelt on hiatus, but there’s no stopping First Fridays at the Dodge Theater, which is hosting a variety of entertainment in the lobby from 6-9 p.m., followed by the live band 357, which will perform until midnight. Admission is only $5 after 10 p.m.

For kids or grown-ups who hate to grow up, there’s Target Free First Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, open from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. If you haven’t seen the Museum’s new climber, check out some video here.

An event for all ages is the First Friday: Taste of the Rosson House Tour, which takes you on a guided tour of this historic house, located in Heritage & Science Park, from 5-9 p.m.

And don’t forget First Friday Latino Style over at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center on Adams and 2nd Street. You can read all about this ”caliente” event in Part I of this post here.

Patrons Haunt New Ghost Lounge at Hotel San Carlos

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

GhostLoungeWith all the (welcomed) hullabaloo surrounding the impending opening of CityScape’s retail phase, news of other restaurants opening Downtown seem to be lost in the shuffle. Looking to build on the landmark’s paranormal past, the owners of the nearby Sonoma Casual Dining recently opened their latest venture – Ghost Lounge in the ground floor of the Hotel San Carlos.  Ghost Lounge bills itself as a dining and dancing venue for the emerging Downtown nightlife scene. For more information on how Ghost Lounge is bringing a modern nightclub to a historic “haunted” hotel, please visit:  Ghost Lounge opens at Hotel San Carlos.

Last week, the Phoenix Business Journal reported that longtime Downtown entrepreneurs Denise and Gary Bismore are set to open their newest eatery on the ground floor of the 101 North building.  The former proprietors of the Silver Spoon and Daily Grind, the Bismores look to open Spoons in August, occupying the vacant retail space located next to the Downtown Phoenix Ambassador Visitor Center near the intersection of Central and Adams. Read the Phoenix Business Journal story here.

Dining options have never been more diverse with more than 100 restaurants in and around Downtown Phoenix. Now is the time to brave the heat and check out what some of our great eateries have to offer.