The venerable Yucca Tap Room has entertained Tempe locals and people from around the entire state for decades. The property’s ambiance is quite similar to what it was in the 70's and the decor has not changed much since then. If these wood-paneled walls could talk, they would say the Tap Room has hosted many local bands as well as a few famous ones. The venue has a separate intimate music space and even a modern space to play pinball and a secret tiki bar. Overall, one of the best places in Tempe to catch a show and drink a few spectacular craft beers.
Bikini Lounge is a local dive bar and lounge, so its safe to say the crowd here is kinda quirky. Enjoy the cool range of pocket-friendly beverages including cocktails and beer. Along with the drinks, it offers a cool space for dancing while the DJs play out some of the zaniest tunes. Regulars come by often and the ambiance is casual, making it a real good place to hang out in with friends.
With excellent seafood, gallons of craft brew on tap, and an occasional ghost story, this long-time Tempe establishment has entertained diners and drinkers for many years in an old house rumored to be haunted. Most come for their awesome happy-hour and oysters, though the menu is better-than-average. The bar is usually filled with locals and ASU students who congregate around the old house sipping on beer pints. It's located in the historic Mitchell Park neighborhood and oftentimes people say that they can still see a ghostly figure dancing on the attic floor.
The Salt Cellar Restaurant may be a bit hard to find, but the seafood here is hard to beat. Look for the skylight protruding from the grass at the corner of Hayden and McKellips and go on in for some of the finest coastal preparations in town. Be sure to make it for their award-winning happy hour. A handwritten menu of the day's fresh catch including king crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, crab cakes and oysters will give you a whiff on what to order. Owners Richard and Cindy Huie maintain the highest quality without compromising on service.
Inspired by the cuisine of its namesake region, the North Italia is all about natural, home-grown ingredients and offers delicious favorites for their diners. With its rustic ranch decor, community tables and indoor-outdoor bar, the restaurant has a comforting, nostalgic charm. It is not a surprise that simple food reigns here. While the pizza and pasta are made from scratch, the other dishes are prepared daily using only the freshest ingredients. Pair it up with your choice of beverage that complements your fare. North Italia is a wonderful place to spend time with your family and friends over a memorable lunch or dinner.
Named in honor of Lewis Nash, a legendary jazz drummer, The Nash is an educational center, concert space and jazz club all rolled into one. Located in the center of downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row, it was established by Jazz in Arizona in 2012. From workshops, classes to jazz camps, performances by budding musicians, pros and touring artists, and jazz after hours, The Nash explores the classic and new of this genre of music.
Taste of Tops is the adjunct pub to the popular liquor store with the same name. With more than 30 beers on tap and over 600 bottled beers to choose from, it's no wonder why beer lovers flock to this spot. Wine lovers shouldn't worry however, because Tops has more than 20 by-the-glass varietals on any given night. Since the mega liquor store is through the bar doors, if you can't find it in the pub, you can easily check inside the shop. Additionally, TOT allows its patrons to bring in food from other places to eat while you drink (try Thai Basil right next door). One other note, the bar also sells growlers and refills them as well.
Located in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert, Barnone is another establishment created by the owner of the popular Joe's Farm Grill and Joe's BBQ, Joe Johnston. At Barnone, Johnston uses a reconverted barn to house several craft retailers and restaurants. Inside the barn, you can order a pizza at Fire & Brimstone, sip a beer from nearby 12 West Brewing, then saunter down the hall to buy some unique stationery at Prickly Pear Paper. Outside, visit Garage-East for some superb local wine and then when your finished, the Coffee Shop next door (also by Johnston) will provide the caffeine.
Inspired by the cuisine of its namesake region, the North Italia is all about natural, home-grown ingredients and offers delicious favorites for their diners. With its rustic ranch decor, community tables and indoor-outdoor bar, the restaurant has a comforting, nostalgic charm. It is not a surprise that simple food reigns here. While the pizza and pasta are made from scratch, the other dishes are prepared daily using only the freshest ingredients. Pair it up with your choice of beverage that complements your fare. North Italia is a wonderful place to spend time with your family and friends over a memorable lunch or dinner.
Named in honor of Lewis Nash, a legendary jazz drummer, The Nash is an educational center, concert space and jazz club all rolled into one. Located in the center of downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row, it was established by Jazz in Arizona in 2012. From workshops, classes to jazz camps, performances by budding musicians, pros and touring artists, and jazz after hours, The Nash explores the classic and new of this genre of music.
This hidden restaurant on the corner of Hardy and University sells the best Cornish pasties in the entire metro Phoenix area. Affectionately known as 'Oggies', these stuffed delights have Protected Geographical Status in their native Cornwall and it is considered the regional dish par excellence. The owner Dean Thomas hails from Cornwall and thankfully he brought his grandma's recipes with him to Tempe. The pasties come in three different styles: signature, premium and vegetarian. Some of the most popular pasties include Lamb & Mint, Shepard's Pie, Cajun Chicken, Tikka Masala, Carne Adovada and the Balsamic Portabello. Guests can also order a soup, side and a salad to accompany their pasty; try the curry chips and you'll immediately feel as if you are in Cornwall itself.
With several locations in the Valley as well as one in Colorado, Postino Winecafe brings simple food and wine to the masses. In this case the crowds are usually filled with Arizona State University students since the Annex is located right across the street from campus. On the menu diners will find the popular Bruschetta selections which include examples such as Brie & Apples with a Fig Spread, Burrata, Bacon & Arugula, Ricotta with Dates & Pistachios as well as many more. Panini, charcuterie, salads and soup round out the rest of the menu and don't forget, every day from opening to 5pm Postino's has an amazing happy hour with mini pitchers of craft beer and wine by the glass at superb prices.