Backboard Jungle

Suns fans and pavement eaters coexist uneasily in Mesa

By Chris Bowman

published: April 10, 2008

Wanna score tickets to see the recently supersized Phoenix Suns? It may not happen, baby, and it definitely won’t come cheap. So what can low-cash-flow fans do to get their Suns intake? Head to the local watering hole, of course — preferably one that’s equipped with giant plasma screens and a healthy supply of booze.

One overlooked spot (for good reason) that unites all different strains of folks is Spirits Bar and Grill. This rough-around-the-edges establishment in the far East Valley attracts young dudes, old dudes, and biker dudes, as well as hip-hoppers and shitkickers. It’s definitely a rowdy place around closing time, but fortunately for those who like their grills intact, Suns games end way before patrons begin eating pavement.

Fri., March 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 9; Tue., March 11; Thu., March 13; Sat., March 15; Sat., March 22; Mon., March 31; Fri., April 4; Sun., April 6; Mon., April 14; Wed., April 16, 2008