Posts Tagged ‘phoenix bars’
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).
May’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 Magazine’s 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.
Tags: bar smith, Bentley's Nightclub, carly's bistro, CityScape, Coach & Willie's, district american kitchen, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, downtown phoenix restaurants, Friday Front Row, Ghost Lounge, Hanny's, hooter's, kincaid's, Lucky Strike Lanes, majerles, Networks Bar and Grill, phoenix bars, rose and crown pub, seamus mccaffrey's, Steve's Greenhouse Grill, Turf Accountant Irish Pub
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
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.
Other 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.
Tags: Arizona Center, civic space park, Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, Fair Trade Cafe, majerles, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, phoenix bars, ReBar, Rose and Crown, Sam's Cafe, seamus mccaffrey's, Steve's Greenhouse Grill
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
If you’re heading Downtown for First Friday, you’ll find some juicy new attractions this week. And by juicy, I mean melt-in-your-mouth burger sliders and pot roast with gravy, just to name a few of the dishes at Bliss, a brand-new eatery.
But first, for any newbies who don’t know about First Friday, I’ll keep it short and sweet: First Friday is the country’s largest, self-guided art walk. This event takes place every month in Downtown Phoenix from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the pleasures range from live music, food and performance artists to more than 100 art galleries.
Roosevelt Row restaurants are always open for business, so be sure to check out Bliss and its companion bar ReBar, which just opened at Roosevelt and Fourth Streets.
Clarification: Roosevelt Row, the district, WILL be participating in First Friday. Roosevelt Row CDC, the nonprofit, will not be hosting an area for artist vending. Galleries, restaurants, venues will continue to have art exhibitions, live music, performance, dinner specials etc. We regret the confusion. –Ed.
American Comfort Food, Updated
Bliss is co-owned by Mark Howard, who also owns Fez, one of the most popular restaurants in central Phoenix (oh, Fez, if only you delivered those sweet potato fries). The menu for Bliss features a new angle on American comfort foods, from pot roast and pork chops to mac and cheese with chicken and bacon. After 10 p.m., Bliss offers $5 nibbles including mini beef tacos and burger sliders.
Target Free First Fridays
Thanks to Target, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open and free of charge during First Friday. A tribute to imagination, this interactive museum has one kid-friendly exhibit after another, from the Noodle Forest to the Texture Café, where kids use fabrics to create entire meals. The astonishing 3-story Climber, made from odd and found materials, provides kids with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Adult’s Night Out
This adults-only event returns this Friday to the Arizona Science Center with a free lecture from an actual CSI-type scientist. Kim Kobojek, forensic scientist, will give you the skinny on Hollywood vs. reality when it comes to crime labs. The lecture starts at 7 p.m., but for the regular admission fee, you can stick around and see an IMAX film or a Dorrance Planetarium presentation at 8:15 p.m. (the topic is “Black Holes”).
Tags: Adult's Night Out, Arizona Science Center, Bliss, Children's Museum of Phoenix, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, downtown phoenix restaurants, First Friday, phoenix bars, ReBar
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events | 2 Comments »
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
When I was a kid, I used to love pulling presents from a grab bag. Or getting those mystery lollipops wrapped in question marks. If you’re like me, and have a soft spot for the unexpected, this is your week in Downtown Phoenix.
Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center
I know plenty of people who are fascinated by eight-legged critters and will rush over to see the spider exhibit from the ASU Spider Lab. I’ll be avoiding it like the terrified, overgrown child I really am. But, the rest of this event should make for spine-tingling fun, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Pyrophobia (fear of fire) to Coulrophobia (fear of clowns; no joke), this event will help you face your fears or at least laugh them off for a while. If you’d like to overcome a fear of needles – or just do some good – The American Red Cross will be sponsoring a blood drive on site. Contact Brittany Conklin at conklinb@azscience.org to pre-register.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Churchill’s Fine Cigars – Open to the public this Thursday from 4-8 p.m., this charity event will benefit the 100 Club, which supports the families of police officers and firefighters. That’s a fine thing, but so are the Perdomo cigars you can taste for free. Nick Perdomo, the owner of Tabacalera Perdomo in Florida, makes some of the best Nicaraguan cigars in the country.
Third Fridays Latino Style – The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) currently has an exhibition that focuses on urban Phoenix through the eyes of Hispanic artists. The exhibit, called “La Phoeniquera,” should be soul food for lovers of Phoenix history and culture. This Friday, from 6 pm to 10 pm, you can also catch live painting demonstrations and hear Latin music.
Fashion 4 A Cause – This live fashion show at the Wyndham Phoenix highlights a nonprofit group called Athletes 4 Awareness, which works to enlighten the community about health and fitness. Local clothing designers, hair stylists and barbers will display their cutting-edge skills. Tickets are $15 per person.
Live Fridays at Seamus McCaffreys – In case you’re wondering what’s surprising about this event, it’s the pairing of an Irish pub and a pop/funk/jazz trio, Nick Heward and The Elements of Style. The show starts at 9 p.m., and you can knock back a Guinness or two beforehand.
Tags: Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, Arizona Science Center, Churchill's Fine Cigars, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, downtown phoenix restaurants, phoenix art, phoenix bars, seamus mccaffrey's
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events | No Comments »
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
When it comes to music, one person’s Kobe beef is another person’s Spam. And since we all seem to have an appetite for different sounds, you’ll be glad to know that Downtown has a varied buffet this week.
Robert Plant & The Band of Joy
At 61, you’d think Robert Plant would have retired to a nice little villa in the South of France. But the former Zeppelin front man keeps re-inventing himself with his solo career. Next Tuesday, July 20th, he brings his new group, Band of Joy, to the Dodge Theatre. The set list will include songs by Los Lobos and Townes Van Zandt as well as material from their new CD on Rounder Records.
The Mana Quartet and Francisco Bibriesca
And now, for something completely different, as Monty Python would put it. This Friday, July 16th, Francisco Bibriesca and The Mana Quartet will be performing live at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. The Mana Quartet, an award-winning saxophone ensemble, takes chamber music and turns it sideways, performing modern compositions by Philip Glass and others. Bibriesca, a renowned young classical guitarist from Mexico, has wowed audiences around the world.
For the steal of the week, you can see Bibriesca perform for free at 5:30 p.m. The Mana Quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $10 per person at the door.
Hussy & Astrofunk at Fuse Fridays
Along with the usual suspects upstairs – house music from DJ’s Mara and Sol Martinez – Bar Smith will feature two live bands on the main floor this Friday. Astrofunk, a local contender, will perform along with Hussy, considered the top cover band in the UK. Hussy performs songs by The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, REM and Kings of Leon, to name a few. (Yow, that’s a lot of material to learn, but these guys are accomplished session musicians). No cover charge before 10 p.m.
Free Concert in Civic Space Park
I wish I could tell you the line-up, but you’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Friday, take the light rail to Central Avenue and Van Buren, walk one block north, and enjoy a free concert under the stars, next to “Her Secret is Patience,” that magical floating sculpture. Bring along a munchie or two from the Fair Trade Cafe, located in the Park.
Tags: bar smith, civic space park, Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Fair Trade Cafe, live music, METRO light rail, phoenix bars, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Featured, Music & Events | 1 Comment »
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Sure, 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.
If 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.
Tags: district american kitchen, Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, First Friday, Ghost Lounge, Heritage and Science Park, Hotel San Carlos, phoenix bars, Rosson House, Sky Lounge, things to do
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Monday, June 28th, 2010
The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) will kick off its “Strictly Business Happy Hour” series July 2 at Bentley’s Nightclub, 308 N. 2nd Ave., in Downtown Phoenix.
The “Strictly Business Happy Hour” is scheduled for the first friday of every month. If you own or you are affiliated with a start-up, small, medium and/or large business in Arizona, don’t miss this event! The GPBCC welcomes members of ALL races.
The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of benefits for entrepreneurs and business leaders including networking opportunities, referrals, mentorships, advice on research and increased visibility in the community.
Currently, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce is reorganizing its leadership. A new President and CEO and board members will be named soon (possibly at the Happy Hour?). Although the leadership changes make some people a little nervous, I think it’s a great opportunity for a member to make an impact on the GPBCC while the organization is retooling! Moreover, I hear that the candidates for the President/CEO and board positions are impressive.
If you miss the “Strictly Business Happy Hour,” the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a number of events throughout the year to help members network, socialize and learn from each other.
For more information, visit phoenixblackchamber.com.
Tags: bentley's, business, chamber of commerce, downtown, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, networking, phoenix bars, phoenix events, things to do
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Spotlight | No Comments »
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:
Hot 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!)
Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Latino Arts and Culture, bar smith, Chase Field, Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, First Friday, Hotel San Carlos, phoenix bars, Steve's Greenhouse Grill, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the urge to hide in the house with the A/C on full blast. I hope you resist the urge, because there are all kinds of ways to keep your cool Downtown.
2010 World Cup Watching
This year’s World Cup takes place in South Africa, which is the first time Africa has hosted these global games. That’s big stuff, and so is the first-ever World Cup match-up between USA and England. The games start this Friday, June 11th and Downtown has several official locations for watching the action (yes, there’s actually a World Cup Soccer Bars Directory for Phoenix. Who knew?)
To see guys use everything but their hands to score, head for Alice Cooper’stown or Majerle’s 9-Lounge. Another prime viewing spot has to be The Rose & Crown Pub, since no one loves soccer quite like the Brits. Knock back some Guinness or any of the pub’s many imported or domestic beers to keep from losing your cool.
Third Friday Art Reception
Next Friday, June 18th, local artist Mhelanie Banzon Silao will be featured at a Third Friday art reception. Using lengthy exposures, Silao’s amazing photography captures multiple light sources in one shot. See “Captured Light: Light Paintings” from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Artlink Heritage Square Gallery.
Movies, Movies, Movies
While I admit that I do the whole Netflix thing, I still prefer sitting in a dark, crowded theater with a box of popcorn and a sense of anticipation. Three blockbusters are currently playing at the AMC Arizona Center 24 theaters, including IronMan2, Robin Hood and the Prince of Persia, plus Get Him to the Greek, starring the hilarious Russell Brand.
Cocktails at Hanny’s
This sleek, upscale restaurant/bar specializes in all kinds of spirits. Their Midnight Martini gives you the chance to sample one of their signature drinks in a small size for only $2.50 (after midnight, of course). Hanny’s serves food till 1 am 7 days a week, and last call at the bar is at 1:30 am.
Tags: Alice Cooper'stown, AMC Arizona Center 24, Arizona Center, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, downtown phoenix restaurants, Hanny's, majerles, phoenix art, phoenix bars, The Rose & Crown Pub, Third Friday
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Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Ready to show your true colors? Then this is your weekend. Along with some all-American tunes, Downtown Phoenix offers you some pretty surprising ways to see things in red, white and blue.
The Red
Nothing says “three-day weekend” like a Sunday brunch with a ripe, red Bloody Mary (or two). The Sunday Brunch Buffet at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill offers made-to-order omelets and a Belgian waffle station from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The White
Few places are more romantic than the Arizona Center at night. The reason? The spectacular use of light, especially the small white lights strung across the palm trees in the courtyard. Bring your honey here for a chance to get up-close and personal under the stars.
The Blue
The musicians I grew up with cut their teeth on the blues: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck. I still love the blues, and if you share that passion, drop by Fat Cats. This small, Downtown club features live blues bands and affordable drinks. Plus, there’s no cover charge. Fat Cats is located at 915 W. Grand Avenue.
And the Whole Shebang
For the true red, white and blue experience, get tickets to see the Phoenix Symphony’s Patriotic Pops performance. You’ll hear the usual suspects, like rousing marches by John Phillips Sousa, plus some unexpected selections, like the score for Victory at Sea. Performances are this Friday and Saturday at Symphony Hall.
Tags: Arizona Center, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, Fat Cats, phoenix bars, Phoenix Symphony, Steve's Greenhouse Grill
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