Posts Tagged ‘Sam’s Cafe’

Downtown Dine Around Saturday Dec. 3

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Bring your appetite and sense of adventure to Downtown Phoenix this Saturday, Dec. 3, for the Second Annual Downtown Dine Around, a celebration of food and drink in our urban core.

baconwrappeddatesThirty-three dishes in all–from bacon-wrapped dates (pictured, left) and shepherd’s pie to goat cheese fondue and corn crusted calamari–will be served at 11 restaurants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all starting at $2. That’s some seriously affordable grub!

The Dine Around lineup features 1130 The Restaurant, District American Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ghost Lounge, Phoenix Public Market, Province, Sam’s Cafe, Seamus McCaffrey’s, Sing High, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, newly reopened Tom’s Tavern & 1929 Grill, and Z Pizza.

In addition to the deliciously diverse food items, each participating restaurant is featuring thoughtful drink specials, including margaritas, mojitos, micro brews, and Arizona -made wines.

The Downtown Dine Around is FREE to attend but we do ask, in the spirit of the season, that you make a donation to the St. Mary’s Food Bank. There will be donation bins available at all 11 restaurants.

You can RSVP** and get additional event details, including a map and complete list of food and drink items being offered, at the Dine Around home page.

See you Saturday!

**We ask that you please RSVP so the restaurants can make informed staffing decisions.

Paws On the Patio Sunday

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Downtowners love their dogs and this Sunday, Nov. 20, Sam’s Cafe at Arizona Center will host a charity event specifically for pooches and their doting owners.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paws On the Patio will feature:

dogs_on_the_patio_medium* Gourmet 3-course doggy meal ($10)

* Reduced-Rate Microchipping ($20)

* Photos with Santa

* Silent Auction

* 25-30 Pet-Related Vendors

This event benefits Almost Home Boxer Rescue and is a wonderful reason to bring  your best friend Downtown. All breeds are welcome!

For more information contact Shasta at 602-252-3545.

Urban Wine Walk Saturday

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Join the throng of wine enthusiasts and  urban adventurists who will be rating grapes during Saturday’s Urban Wine Walk.

Wine_Walk2This free event encourages Wine Walkers to ride METRO light rail (just $3.50 for a day pass) between three hubs–Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Uptown–to get a taste of the emerging wine and dining scene in our Central City.

You’ll make the jump from novice to wine expert as you sample 2 oz pours on a diverse list of over 50 wines. From deep red Cabernets and Pinot Noirs to sweeter Chardonnays and Rieslings, the Urban Wine Walk has something for all tastes. Pours are priced between $2-$4 and restaurant hosts will provide Wine Walkers with tasty palate-cleansing snacks along the way.

Urban Wine Walk is scheduled to run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but don’t be surprised if a thirsty mob arrives at Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar early to claim the free gift bags being doled out while supplies last.

logoIn all, 17 bars and restaurants will participate in this event, which is sponsored by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and Mix 96.9 FM. Downtown restaurants include 1130, The Arrogant Butcher, Brick Pizzeria, ICON, District American Kitchen & Wine Bar, Kincaid’s, Networks, Nobuo at Teeter House, Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar, Province, Rose & Crown, Sam’s Café, and Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Everything a Wine Walker needs, including a full list of participants, maps, plus wine and snack deets, is available at downtownphoenix.com/winewalk.

And while you’re bumping around the Interwebs check out other great events coming this fall to Downtown Phoenix at downtownphoenix.com/liveitup

See you Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happy Hour Deals Downtown

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Whether you’re looking to recharge your battery during the workweek grind, planning an off-site business confab, or meeting a blind date, happy hours are the perfect combination of fun and value. And you won’t find a tastier mix of happy hour deals than right here in Downtown Phoenix. Bookmark this list to help plan your next happy hour gathering:

happy-hour1130 the Restaurant at Arizona Center

$3.95 house wine, $4.95 signature mojitos, ½-priced domestic drafts, $3 off specialty drinks, and 7 appetizers under $6, and all available Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m., plus Wine Down Wednesdays (1/2-priced bottles of wine) and Ladies Night Thursday ($5 flavored martinis and specialty drinks).

The Arrogant Butcher at CityScape

Head over to “The Butch” for well drinks, wine specials, and select cocktails for $4, draft beers starting at $2, plus appetizers priced from $4-$8, available Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

Brick Pizzeria & Wine Bar at Arizona Center

Home to some of the best pizzas and appetizers (try the bruschetta or hummus) in all of Downtown, every day at Brick before 6:30 p.m. you can take advantage of $3 drafts and $5 wines.

Café Roma at Arizona Center

Pitchers not named Kennedy or Hudson are hard to find in Downtown Phoenix but Café Roma pours $4 baby pitchers and $2 pints, plus bakes up $7.50 two-topping pizzas Monday-Saturday 3-6 p.m.

Coach & Willie’s

Not only can you head to C&W for $3 drafts, wine, and well drinks, plus $4 select appetizers Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., but also take advantage of awesome daily specials like Burger Mondays ($6 burger and fries) and Friday Fish Fry ($10 Fish N’ Chips all day).

Copper Blues at CityScape

Sixty-four beers. On tap. Get $1 beer shots, $3 local brews and $4 crafts Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m.

District American Kitchen & Wine Bar

The uber-classy bar and restaurant inside the Sheraton Downtown serves up $5 sangria and $3 select drafts Monday-Saturday 3-7 p.m.

Friday’s Front Row at Chase Field

Pregame or non-game dates, get $3 select drafts, $4 drinks specials, plus ½-priced select appetizers Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m.

Ghost Lounge

The Hotel San Carlos is the place to sip $2 domestic drafts, $3 import drafts and wells, $5 mixers, and munch on ½-priced appetizers Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

Hanny’s

$5 martinis all day, every day. ‘Nuff said.

Hooters at Arizona Center

Catch all the games, races and fights and enjoy $2 domestic drafts, $3 wells and house wines Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m., plus stop in Wednesdays for $10.99 all-you-can-eat wings.

wine_walkKincaid’s at Collier Center

Big eats and drinks can be had on the cheap at Kincaid’s, which offers $4 specialty drinks, house chardonnay, cabernet or any draft beer, plus ½-off all appetizers every day 4-8 p.m.

Lucky Strike Lanes at CityScape

Get your bowl on while partaking in $domestic drafts, $3 well drinks, $4 house wines, and ½-off select menu items daily 4-7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.

Matador Mexican Restaurant

Matador wins over a crowd with its complimentary appetizers and $3.50 margaritas Monday-Friday 4- 7 p.m.

Majerle’s

Thunder Dan offers ½-off wells, drafts, wines, and rocks margaritas, plus ½-off select appetizers.

Mi Amigos at Arizona Center

Superior burritos are made even better by $2.50 fresh lime margaritas and 20 oz. domestic drafts, $2.95 Mexican drafts, and $2.50 select appetizers.

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant at Arizona Center

Opa! $3 drinks and $4 menu specials Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. and all day Sunday. If you don’t order some flaming cheese you’re only cheating yourself.

Networks Bar & Grill

The Hyatt’s swanky sports bar serves up $3.50 drafts, $4 well drinks, $5 canvas wines, and ½-price appetizers Monday-Friday 3:30-6 p.m.

Oakville Grocery at CityScape

Did you know Oakville boasts a window-walled wine bar? Well they do, serving 29 wines and 3 draft beers on the cheap daily 3-7 p.m.

Province at Westin Downtown

The new kids on the dining block don’t disappoint with their happy hours selections, which include $5 margaritas, $3 drafts, $4 house reds and 1/2-priced flatbreads every day 3-6 p.m.

Sam’s Café at Arizona Center

In the bar or on the patio overlooking the grotto, enjoy $3 house wines, select cocktails and drafts, and Coyote and Grand Canyon margaritas, plus appetizers priced from $3.50-$4.50.

Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

A Downtown institution, Seamus serves house wines, drafts and appetizers starting at $3 Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Where a cold beer never looked so good, get $3 well drinks, $5 Red Bull & Vodka, $3 domestic 14 oz. drafts, $5 Jack Daniels, and $5 select appetizers Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

Urban Wine Bar at Phoenix Public Market

Buy local! Take $1 off  glasses of Arizona-made wine Tuesday-Friday 5-7 p.m.

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.

Arizona Center Turns 20

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Join the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and Arizona Center Tuesday, Nov. 16 as we celebrate Arizona Center’s 20th Anniversary.  The party will begin on the AZ Center Logogrotto at 5 p.m. and will feature live music, audience entertainment with magicians and caracaturists, plus yummy appetizers from many of Arizona Center’s great restaurants like 1130 The Restaurant and Sam’s Cafe

Arizona Center has been an important part of the Downtown culture for two decades–from the state-of-the-art AMC 24 and retail shops to the beautiful grounds that have been a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors alike–so we hope you’ll come toast this special anniversary.

Want to be a true Downtowner? 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to become a Downtown Insider and receive our e-mail newsletter and mobile alerts.

American Vegetarian

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

I don’t have to tell our vegan and vegetarian readers that Americans love meat. In a close race to see who could clog more arteries, Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Pennsylvania lost out to Mallie’s Sports Grill in Michigan, which makes a killer – in every sense of the word – 185-pound burger.

But don’t despair. I like to think that we Arizonans eat a little healthier than our pals in the heartland.  Even with the abundance of burgers, chicken and seafood on the menus, there are still plenty of vegetarian options at American restaurants Downtown. Here’s a taste:

District American Kitchen and Wine Bar –The menu at this sleek eatery in the Downtown Sheraton emphasizes locally grown produce. For lunch, the Small Plates section includes a creamy Baked Tomato Soup with Fontina cheese, a simple but satisfying Arugula Salad made with heirloom tomatoes, and a wonderful Black-Eyed Pea Hummus with garden vegetables and jalapeno cream. The Smoked Tofu Casserole, cooked with local veggies and quinoa pasta shells, is the one option that should work for both vegetarians and vegans.

veggietalesNetworks – This might be one of the happiest finds of all for vegetarians.  All nine of Network’s grilled burgers can be made with a veggie patty. In an odd what’s-wrong-with-this-picture-moment, two of the burger styles do come with bacon, so be sure to either avoid them or ask your server to leave the bacon off.

Sam’s Café –I’m crazy about the Spinach & Portabella Mushroom Quesadilla, served with a tomatillo-avocado salsa and spicy Margarita Slaw. Both vegans and vegetarians can order the Grilled Vegetable Pasta, tossed with spinach, black beans and a garlic soy sauce.

Tom’s Restaurant and Tavern – Tom’s is a true-blue, all-American diner, but the menu is so big, vegetarians will find some attractive, homey options. That includes the Very Veggie Melt on grilled rye, the Radiatore Pasta with seasonal veggies, the Stuffed Baked Potato and the Fresh Fruit Platter.

Breadfruit – You’re probably wondering why I’ve included this Jamaican eatery in a list of American restaurants. Here was my thinking: America was once a part of Britain and so was Jamaica. Not buying that? OK, you got me. I just think Breadfruit is a small treasure, with options for both vegans and vegetarians, like the Plantain Avocado Spring Rolls and the House Tropical Salad, a light, luscious blend of fresh vegetables and pineapple in a homemade ginger poppy seed vinaigrette. For your entrée, sample the yummy Coconut Curried Tofu, served with an ample helping of rice, peas, coconut steamed veggies and plantains. As a bonus, you can listen to Bob Marley while you dine.

Head back to the Downtown Blog for Part I and Part II of this series on vegetarian dining.

 

There’s more where that came from…
or text “FOOD” to 25866 and become a Downtown Insider!

Downtown Food Diaries Returns

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

This week we posed the following questions to our online community:

1) Where do you take a date out to dinner in Downtown Phoenix

2) Who dishes up Downtown’s best pizza?

3) If you only have 15 minutes for lunch, where do you go?

74866776And here are some of the answers we received…

“I love 1130 The Restaurant or Sam’s Cafe at Arizona Center. The patio at Sam’s Cafe is so wonderful, especially when it’s lit up at night.”Kim W. [via Facebook]

Hanny’s is a great place for drinks–strong, classy and smooth. Roosevelt Tavern is also a great neighborhood bar.”az_cdog [via Twitter]

 

“1) Hard Rock Cafe; 2) BKLYN’S NYC Pizza; 3) Fabulous food at the Arizona Science Center.”Courtney S. [via Facebook]

“Cibo for a date, Hanny’s or Cibo for pizza, and Two Hippies Tacos for a 15-minute lunch.”Penny B. [via Facebook]

Sing High. Why? Pork Fried Rice!”c_licious [via Twitter]

“1) Main Ingredient; 2) I work next to Z Pizza so that’s my default; 3) Hero Factory!”Valerie P. [via Facebook]

“1) The District; 2) Cibo; 3) Majerle’s.”Lynn S. [via Facebook]

“1) Thai Elephant; 2) Cafe Roma; 3) 7-11.”Demitrius R. [via Facebook]

“Cheuvront’s  has an urban atmosphere and great wine list.”wklywinejournal [via Twitter]

“Cibo! Love that place… best pizza and very romantic!”Padmaja K. [via Facebook]

“Local Breeze for brunch dates!”Amanda H. [via Facebook]

“1) Coronado Cafe; 2) Pizzeria Bianco; 3) Pane Bianco.”Rafael N. [via Facebook]

Thanks for all of your great responses and stay tuned for more posts chronicling Downtown Food Diaries  

Want to devour more Downtown dining news? Text “FOOD” to 25866

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.