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910 N. McClintock Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
480-966-0707
http://www.910liveaz.com/site/ Way "back in the day" (specifically, from 1991 until 2002) this eclectic Tempe club functioned as a home base for the Valley's music scene. Back then it was called Boston's. Fast-forward to today and you'll discover that the place is still rocking, although the ramshackle décor has been ditched in favor of tasteful nudes and choreographed lighting. It's once again an epicenter of live music, however. Much like in its heyday, the joint still offers separate bars and stages indoors and outside on the large patio. National touring bands and locals perform four nights a week. Talented turntablists hang out here on Wednesdays and the occasional Sundays, transforming 910 Live into a dope danceteria. More >>
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5004 S. Price Road Tempe, AZ 85282
480-838-3935
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941 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-517-9544
http://www.baersden.com While it might be tough trying to find some elbow room at this tiny Tempe tavern -- which is usually packed to the rafters with hard-drinking scenesters -- one thing you won't have any trouble locating is the sports memorabilia that takes up practically every available inch of wall space. The place is a favorite hangout for fans of Boston sports teams, various umpires who visit the Valley during spring training, and local college kids cashing in on dirt-cheap drink specials. Just try to keep from knocking their drinks over as you navigate your way to the restroom. More >>
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201 E. Baseline Road Tempe, AZ 85283
480-730-9800
http://www.baselinesportsbar.com Classy stained-wood bars and dark, cool lighting make for an inviting stay for those who venture into the Baseline Sports Bar to both drink and dine. Its name might be a bit basic, but the vibe inside is anything but. A classy, mellow place where one can sip a microbrews, shoot some stick at its pair of billiards tables, or view a flock of flat-screens displaying the latest action from the world of golf, football, baseball, and other sports. The shuffleboard is also one of the best in town, the bar is well stocked, and kitchen seems to serve up vittles fairly quickly. More >>
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501 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-557-5595
http://www.thebigbangbarstore.com Located below The Library, the Big Bang touts itself as "an underground dueling piano bar." Patrons provide as much entertainment as the pianists, getting onstage to dance and sing along. A high level of audience participation, combined with the pianists' campy humor, creates the aura of a cheesy lounge high on nitrous oxide, seven nights a week. More >>
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1954 E. University Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
480-449-3474
http://www.myspace.com/azbigfish The largish stage located off to the side of this landmark bar and music venue has been graced by plenty of big bands over the years, including Grey Daze (the forerunner of Linkin Park), Eagles of Death Metal, and Hoobastank, just to name a few. And just as its stage has featured an endless amount of rock and hip-hop acts over the past two decades, the Big Fish Pub itself has hosted countless music fans, drinkers, and ASU kids. This landmark Tempe bar has gone through a number of changes over the past couple years, going from a raucous rock club to a more of a jazz/blues joint and back again. These days, however, it features a rather versatile and varied lineup of music events during the week, including everything from heavy metal and hip-hop showcases More >>
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21 E. 6th St. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-9104
http://www.bisonwitches.com The ASU vs. UofA rivalry continues at Bison Witches, located just blocks away from Sun Devil Stadium on Mill Avenue. The bar and restaurant also owns a rather successful Tucson location, which is exactly why patrons come to watch those epic "house divided" games unfold. They also have a seriously respectable beer list. Four Peaks' Kiltlifter, Anchor Steam and Shiner Hefe all make a home on tap, while even more exotic selections can be found in bottles. It's all pretty elaborate for this no-frills escape from the hectic Mill Avenue scene. More >>
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501 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
480-907-5271
It's unlikely you'll ever have to wait for a drink or miss a second of game action at Mill Avenue's newest sports bar. That's because the interior of this college-centric drinkery is loaded with dozens of flat-screens and three separate bars that stretch nearly as far as the walls. Occupying the spot formerly known as The Library, Blondie's eschews its predecessor's bookish atmosphere in favor of a sleeker steel-and-glass décor scheme and waitresses dressed in cheerleader gear rather than schoolgirl outfits. While the patronage is a bit more mature (read: businesspeople and middle-aged sports fans) under the spot's new identity, the drink deals are just as cheap. Daily cocktail specials, $2 Natural Lights, and $3 domestic beers are all available from open to close. It means you'll have plenty left over to tip your server, who won't necessarily be a blonde but will almost undoubtedly be a pretty young thing. More >>
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6463 S. Rural Road Tempe, AZ 85281
480-897-2127
http://www.bogeysgrillaz.com The name Bogey's says it all - and not because there are any Casablanca-themed decorations at this Tempe sports grill and hangout. The golf theme is explored all over the walls at this place, where kickballers and dodgeballers also congregate in herds. On NFL Sundays, the bar is a home away from home for displaced Vikings, Bears, and Bills fans, as well as a sizable contingent of Arizona Cardinals followers. The signature drink is Three Olives vodka, which runs only $3.50 all day long. Weekly events include Texas Hold'em on Thursday evenings and live music on Friday nights. You can also shoot a game of pool, hone your aim on Big Buck Hunter or play a round of cornhole. More >>
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1730 E. Elliot Road Tempe, AZ 85283
480-831-0822
http://www.bostonsbargrille.com As its name portends, this Tempe joint is all about Beantown. Not only can you catch the latest Pats game with all sorts of Massachusetts expats, the bar also provides the chance to wolf down a Green Monster chili dog while sipping a few pints of Sam Adams, and perusing the latest edition of the Boston Herald. And if you've forgotten about the enormity of the Red Sox's World Series win back in 2004, get a gander at all the memorabilia dedicated to both the team and its historic win that's displayed on the walls alongside pennants for other Bostonian sports squads. Off-track betting is also available, as well as an array of draft and bottled beers. Karaoke sessions, open mic nights, and poker tournaments nights are also offered throughout the week. More >>
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400 W. University Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
480-517-1500
http://www.bostonsgourmet.com This Tempe favorite, located just a few blocks west of Mill Avenue on the north side of University Drive, perfectly combines the spirit of a sports bar with the comfort of a sit-down restaurant. College kids and ASU fans typically gather in the bar area to witness all the big games on the numerous HDTVs, while families and couples enjoy quieter conversations in the dining room area (which, it's worth noting, offers ample vantage points for game watching as well). Boston's is also able to maintain chain restaurant consistency without sacrificing the quirky independence that makes it a neighborhood favorite. More >>
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530 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282
480-921-9431
http://www.bouldersonbroadway.com With its ski lodge vibe and walls covered with outdoor equipment (including antique bicycles and climbing gear), this two-story Tempe establishment is the kind of place you can relax after scaling Camelback or taking your 12-speed for a spin. Naturally, it's a big place for the neighborhood cycling crowd (with plenty of places both inside and outside to lock up your two-wheeler) as well as ASU students. There are more than 25 brews on tap -- as well as 75 more available in bottled form -- and an ample menu of scrumptious Chicago-style pizzas, calzones, and other comfort food selections in case you'd like to carb load before your next hike. Daily food and drink specials are also available. More >>
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1017 N. Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85201
480-833-2226
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2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-1111
http://www.cadillacranchtempe.com Everyone knows riding a bull in a bar isn't just for dudes trying to prove how macho they are. Actually, there's often much more excitement from onlookers when a lady mounts up -- especially when the lass in question is wearing a short skirt while trying to tame the mechanical beast. Enter Cadillac Ranch. This little bit country, little bit rock 'n' roll bar is a prime spot for oglers and oglees, combining the energy of a rock club with the down-home vibe of a honky tonk. It's also located on the second floor of Tempe Marketplace, making it a great place to escape all the junior high school kids roaming around the busy outdoor mall. After dinner hours, the restaurant becomes a haven for an adult crowd, including ASU students looking for some entertainment close to campus. Besides the bull riding entertainment and a big dance floor in the middle of the bar, people flock to Cadillac Ranch for its myriad drink specials. If it's raining, head over for $3 wine, rum and gin specials, as well as $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts. Tuesdays mean $2 Mexican beers from 4 p.m. until midnight, Thursdays are $3 you-call-its from 9 to 11 p.m., and Saturdays feature $2.50 Coors Light bottles until midnight. Sip your drink inside, or lounge around out on the patio, which provides a view of a live music stage. More >>
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640 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-773-7135
http://www.canteentequilabar.com Restaurateur Julian Wright, who also owns nearby La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar, has created a vibrant, stylish Mill Avenue hangout that showcases chef Luis Millan's scrumptious contemporary Mexican fare (don't miss the carne asada tacos on homemade tortillas, and the heady rum raisin rice pudding for dessert), as well as more than 100 kinds of premium tequila and mescal. More >>
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850 S. Ash Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-968-9935
http://www.caseymoores.com Where everyone knows your name, and the grub's never lame. Seafood's a safe bet here, with the fish and chips and oysters Rockefeller being our faves. Dine upstairs in quaint tranquility and coziness, downstairs in a more pubbish setting, or outside on Casey Moore's vast, wrap-around patio. ASU students, their parents, and longtime Tempeans all meet up here to bend their elbows, quaff pints and fill their bellies. A fun spot, and a veritable Tempe institution. More >>
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1250 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281-5870
480-968-6101
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1675 W. Baseline Road Tempe, AZ 85283-1047
480-456-1015
http://www.christiescabaret.com/jm/
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15 E. 6th St. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-557-8226
http://www.eatchronictacos.com Hey, Chronic Cantina is more than just a taco stand, and the renaming of their bar, formerly Chronic Tacos, proves just that. With a full bar (including some seriously top-shelf tequilas,) Chronic is a casual Mill Avenue hang out and a relaxing reprieve from the packed bars that line the street. Yet, it's still lively on weekends. Friendly and attentive bartenders mix up margaritas and snap open Mexican beers. Spare the cost of an ASU football game and grab a few drinks while you're at it. Chronic Cantina celebrates every game day in style. It's tough not to when you can hear cheers from the stadium that's just a few blocks away. More >>
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2155 E. University Drive Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-4733
http://www.clubredrocks.com Club Red hosts a wide variety of shows, from multi-band tribute nights to DJs spinning all genres to some of the hottest hip-hop gigs in town. The musical lineups are often too much for one venue, and on those nights, Club Red and its sister bar, The Red Owl, split up bands between the two halls, each equipped with a fully stocked bar. The weekend vibe can find anyone from hair-metal rockers to hip-hop heads chilling out at the bar or taking a break from the live sounds to visit the patio, and the variety of musical acts is likely to spur plenty of interesting conversation. More >>
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1420 N. Scottsdale Road Tempe, AZ 85281
480-797-6233
Oceans Seven is the latest identity of a Scottsdale spot that has been hosting hip-hop hootenannies and Latin nights for more than a decade. In the late '90s, it was known as CBNC, a major hot spot that earned a serious reputation as a place to spy such celebs as Busta Rhymes, Beyoncé, 50 Cent, and Britney Spears. And though the name has changed, its game remains the same. Its still a prime place for high-volume partying, offering three distinct rooms with separate bars and dance floors, as well as a variety of VIP areas. Oceans Seven boasts a thunderous sound system that pounds out plenty of beats, including mixes of glammy R&B, high-energy street rap, old school jams, and hot reggae riddims. The typical crowd here skews toward urban club types and stylishly refined folks opening their wallets for premium bottles and champagne. In addition to the bubbly, tequila shots and mixed drinks with generous amounts of vodka are some of the preferred fuels for those engaging in nighttime fun. More >>
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560 S. College Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
602-505-2067
http://www.facebook.com/collegedropouts As the old saying goes, location is everything, which is especially true when it comes to College Dropouts. Situated a short stumbling distance from all of ASU’s sports facilities and a light rail station, its an ideal spot to quaff a few brews before and after watching the Sun Devils in action. (Heck, it’s so close, you could probably even run over for a quick halftime cocktail.) Even if it’s not game day, College Dropouts still has plenty of adult fun to offer, including pool tables, foosball, live music on select nights, the weekly “Drinkin’ with Lincoln” penny-beer night on Tuesdays. There’s also a vintage Nintendo Entertainment System at the bar with such classic titles as Super Mario Bros., Castlevania, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out in case you’d like to kick it old school. More >>
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960 W. University Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-6261
http://www.cornishpastyco.com Hip, railroad-car-size establishment specializing in Cornwall's answer to the potpie, the pasty (pronounced pass-tee). Traditionally, these jumbo turnovers are filled with steak, onion, rutabaga and potato, and are referred to as oggies. The place also has porkies, which are (you guessed it) stuffed with pork, sage, onion, potato and apple; and lamb and mint varieties. But owner Dean Thomas has pulled a Ben & Jerry's on the concept, adding everything from a pesto chicken to chicken tikka masala and a Philly cheese-steak version. Try 'em all, and you're sure to end up an oggie addict. More >>
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505 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-784-6700
http://www.craveonmill.com Crave specializes in a mellow atmosphere, a needed respite on Tempe's bustling Mill Ave. The bar's swanky leather booths, high-top tables, and couches are bathed in a mysterious red glow, while the incandescent lights illuminate bottles of top-shelf booze from behind the bar. Most nights of the week feature live DJ sets from Valley spinners who serve up platters of hip-hop, electro, and Top 40. The bar also features a food and hookah menu, as well as VIP service at your table. Drink specials, including "The Best Bloody Mary You Ever Had," "Sparky's Special Shooter," and the "Crave Mango Creation" (a secret recipe featuring Absolut Mango and other ingredients), are sure to keep things lively. Crave also offers a Breathalyzer machine near the restrooms, just in case you'd like to check your BAC. If you've somehow enjoyed one too many specials, however, feel free to hit up any of the cabs lined up outside of the bar for an alternate ride home. More >>
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955 E. University Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
480-921-2585
http://www.devilstempe.com/Welcome.html Since its transformation from the old Maloney's last year,
Devil's Advocate has become a favorite drinking destination of the ASU set and refugees from the Scottsdale club scene. It's a bit more posh looking than its predecessor, with a dark wood design, plasma TVs, and plenty of leather seating. Tuesdays offer an acoustic open mic night, live music performances take place on Fridays, and different drink specials are available daily. Beats hanging out in your podunk dorm room, that's for sure (but only if you live in Manzanita). More >>
