In a city that’s perhaps best-known for its abundance of sunshine, it’s not surprising that many restaurants throw a margarita on the cocktail list and keep it there year-round. But the best bartenders making this summertime cocktail put a memorable twist on the classic concoction and keep the ingredient list…
The Spot: TapHouse Kitchen 6137 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale www.taphousekitchen.com The Hours: TapHouse Kitchen offers happy hour seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect for: A pint (or five) after a long day in a casual atmosphere. The Interior: TapHouse is an impressive space at Hilton Village…
The Beer: Nut Brown Ale, 5.5% ABV; 30 IBU The Brewery: Oak Creek Brewing Company, Sedona, AZ You don’t need an excuse to make a day trip or weekend getaway to Sedona, but if there’s inspiration needed to make the two hour drive north, Oak Creek Brewing Company just might…
Last week some of Arizona’s top wine growers gathered at The Farm at South Mountain for the launch of the Arizona Vignerons Alliance. The nonprofit organization hopes to promote Arizona wine through quality control. Founding members include some of the biggest names in Arizona wine, such as Kent and Lisa…
Since it appeared on the menu at Pizzeria Bianco Town and Country earlier this spring, bartender Blaise Faber’s Jack Knife cocktail has already become a hit with restaurant patrons. The star of the drink is a tropically-tart, house made persimmon liqueur, which Faber was inspired to make in an unexpected way. “When Peter…
The Spot: Dvine Bistro & Wine Bar 2837 North Power Road, Mesa www.dvinebistromesa.com The Hours: Happy hour at Dvine runs 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Perfect for: A spring day after hiking when you’re craving comfort food and your…
The Beer: Taildragger’s 6-4-3 Session IPA (4.8% ABV, 55 IBU) The Brewery: Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, Goodyear Let’s start with a baseball lesson: 6-4-3 is baseball terminology for a double play that originates with the shortstop, who then gets the ball to the second baseman, who follows up by getting…
The latest in move-ups and shake-downs in the metro Phoenix cocktail scene sees Okra bartender Riley Jones leaving his post to take up a new position at The Parlor pizzeria in central Phoenix. The young bartender comes to the Parlor just after the departure of previous bar manager Michael Allmandinger…
The Spot: The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub 1 North First Street, Phoenix www.thekettleblackpub.com The Hours: Happy hour runs everyday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. until the restaurant closes The Interior: We were pretty surprised at how bright The Kettle Black is inside considering the downtown…
The Spot: Barrio Queen, Scottsdale and Gilbert 7114 East Stetson Drive Suite 105, Scottsdale 388 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert www.barrioqueen.com The Hours: The restaurant’s new happy hour is every day from 2 to 6 p.m., with a reverse happy hour from 9 p.m. to close Perfect For: A strong margarita and a…
The Beer: Rogue Sriracha Hot Stout The Brewery: Rogue Brewing Company, Newport, Oregon The Stats: 5.7 percent ABV, 55 IBU The Scoop: After one look at the giant bomber bottle dressed up like a bottle of hot sauce, “gimmick” is the first word that comes to mind. But don’t be fooled:…
The Spot: Chart House 7255 East McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale www.chart-house.com The Hours: Happy hour runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday Perfect For: Strong cocktails and fried, seafood appetizers in a swanky environment. The Interior: The Chart House definitely caters to an older crowd; we were into…
The Beer: Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale The Stats: 8.5% ABV | 38 IBU The Brewery: Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, Missouri Boulevard Brewing Company was founded in 1989 and has long been known for making quality beers. The problem for Arizona residents was that these delicious beers were not distributed…
Located on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard, Goldwater Brewing Company could be easily missed the blink of an eye. But despite the brewery’s small stature, the beers created here leave a big impression. Since opening less than two years ago, this family business has managed to make a…
The Spot: RedThai Southeast Asian Kitchen 7822 North 12th Street www.facebook.com/RedThaiPhx The Hours: Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Perfect For: Watching Pokemon and other anime shows while eating Thai appetizers. The Interior: RedThai in Sunnyslope is beautifully decorated with high ceilings, a long bar, a Buddha mural,…
Wits Who & What: Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe The Beer: Pedal Haus Wit (5.1 percent ABV) Pedal Haus, Downtown Tempe’s new crown jewel (at least, beer-wise), opened in September 2015, first showcasing a lineup of fine craft-centric guest beers. Now that Head Brewer Derek “Doc” Osbourne has had time…
In 1994, Winnie and Evan Hanseth left their corporate jobs to create a Flagstaff local landmark, Beaver Street Brewery. The hot spot gained popularity, as did the beers. Fast-forward 16 years and the Hanseths opened a second location named Lumberyard Brewery, renovating a building from the area’s lumber era. This…
Huss Brewing Company announced this week that brewery favorites Koffee Kolsch and The Husstler Milk Stout will become available in cans. Distribution state-wide will begin next week, and the brewery plans to debut the new canned varieties at the Strong Beer Festival later this month. The Husstler Milk Stout, winner…
The Spot: Roka Akor 7299 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale (480) 306-8800 rokaakor.com The Hours: Happy hour is daily from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Perfect For: Japanese fare with a twist, including sushi and sliders; plus discount cocktails, house sake, and Japanese beer. The Interior: Smack dab in in the middle…
The Beer: Choklat The Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Company The Skinny: 10 percent ABV; part of the Blackwater Series of beers Southern Tier of Lakewood, New York, is known for its wide array of beers, but it’s the brewery’s Blackwater Series that steals the limelight. Southern Tier is neither timid…
Looking for the next gem to add to your fine wine collection? Then you might want to snag a ticket for J. Levine Auction & Appraisal’s Fostering Hope: A Fine Wine Auction on Saturday, February 13, in Scottsdale. During the event, rare, prized bottles of wine will be auctioned off to…
For the first time in more than five years, Michael Allmandinger will not be tending bar at The Parlor. Allmandinger, who has been running the show at the well-respected cocktail spot since late 2013, has taken a sales job as a Spirit Specialist for Pacific Edge, a wine and craft…
