Brew Review: Reaper Ale’s Deathly Pale Ale

“Deathly pale” is not a phrase that appears in everyday conversation very often. In fact the only example I can think of occurred the last time I visited a beach. It was uttered from some nearby ladies as my physique built on my Irish heritage approached the surf. It stung…

Happy Hour Deals: Wrigley Mansion

It’s tough to miss the buzz: A trip to The Wrigley Mansion can be soft on your wallet. But the oft-reported negotiable lunch (‘pay what you think is fair’) isn’t the only deal on the menu. During lunch, selected bottles of wine are half-price. And Tuesday through Saturday, the lunch…

Brew Review: Rogue’s Mocha Porter

There is no shortage of rogues at Phoenix New Times. No, I don’t mean scoundrels (mostly), I mean fans of Rogue Brewing; that Portland-produced product that has regularly scored high marks in the Brew Review. My group of journalistic comrades and I have tried the Juniper Ale and Dead Guy Ale…

Happy Hour Deals: Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch offers a host of amenities, in its efforts to give you a “true taste of Texas.” You can ride the mechanical bull, find privacy in a high-walled booth, or enjoy the restaurant’s well-stocked bar. We find that’s all best done at happy hour. From 4 to 7 every…

Saturday Afternoon’s a Fine Time for Wine

Here’s something fun to put on your calendar: a monthly “Last Saturday Afternoon” wine tasting at Fine’s Cellar in Old Town. That means the event’s coming ’round this weekend again. And for 25 bucks, it sounds like a good deal. Chef Cullen Campbell will roll out a fine lunch spread,…

Happy Hour Deals: Phoenix City Grille

For weekday drinking, the price is right at Phoenix City Grille. Happy hour specials run 3 to 6, Monday through Friday. Specials include $2 domestic bottles, $3 draft and well drinks, $4 for house wine and premium beers, and $2 off martinis. Better still: Cheap cocktails at Sunday brunch. If…

Happy Hour Deals: Autostrada

What restaurant concept will they think of next? Autostrada is an Italian restaurant in north Scottsdale that, according to its Web site, is “inspired by the Italian car culture.” All we know is that if Aaron May is involved, the food’s gonna be good. Get in the old jalopy and…

Brew Review: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

I won’t lie, Arizona. We’ve had some great times drinking beer. Who could forget our first trip to Four Peaks? Or the Mesa Strong Beer Festival just a few months ago? We’ve had fun and that’s what makes this so hard to say: my beer gut belongs to another state…

Happy Hour Deals: Aunt Chilada’s

Happy hour is odd at Aunt Chilada’s, but this isn’t a mark against the establishment. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, they offer a complimentary buffet that includes chips and salsa, a fruit and vegetable platter, as well as an appetizer of the chef’s choice. Unfortunately, no drink…

Late Night Deals: Kabuki

A general drinking guideline: Any drink with a name suffixed by the term ‘bomb’ is sure to get you bombed. Here’s a deal you can take advantage of long after Happy Hour’s come and gone. From 8 to close, Sunday through Thursday at Kabuki, you can knock yourself out with…

Happy Hour Deals at Blue Agave in Phoenix

Blue Agave is an atypical Mexican restaurant that offers authentic south of the border cuisine as well as experimental dishes. Order the traditional tamale or the crab-stuffed shrimp off the dinner menu, but also come early for the relaxing atmosphere and, from 4 to 7 every day, enjoy $3 Coronas,…

Brew Review: Four Peaks’ Lost Dutchman Lager

Last night I removed the chains shackling me to my New Times desk long enough to venture out to Four Peaks with a few friends (one of whom is as interested in home brewing as I am in downing draughts). Hold on! Yes, I’m reviewing a Four Peaks beer, but…

Happy Hour Deals at Mucho Gusto in Tempe

The well-appointed Mucho Gusto – which takes a sometimes non-traditional twist on Mexican cuisine – can be mucho pricey, if you hit the place up for dinner. But happy hour is both pleasant and affordable. From 3 to 6, Monday through Friday, Mucho Gusto provides $3 house margaritas, house wine,…

Brew Review: New Belgium’s Mighty Arrow Pale Ale

I’ve never met a dog I didn’t take to instantly. As a matter of fact, I spent the weekend taking care of a pup for a friend on vacation. I don’t know what breed she is but it doesn’t matter because she was immediately friendly and loyal after about thirty…

Happy Hour Deals at San Tan Brewing Company in Chandler

Like many microbreweries, San Tan Brewing Company exclusively offers ales, as opposed to lagers (and yes, categorically, hefeweizens and stouts are members of the ale family). While this might turn some people off, it should be noted that ales typically offer a higher content of alcohol and they often complement…

Happy Hour Deals at BisonWitches in Tempe

Buy Sandwiches. …At least that’s what they say at BisonWitches, a quaint sandwich restaurant just off 6th and Mill, hidden behind the Bank of America building. Yes, ‘Buy Sandwiches,’ is a clever colloquial contrivance, but at $7 a sandwich, it strikes one as more of a creed. At BisonWitches, the…

Happy Hour Deals at Sneakers Sports Grill in Tempe

If cheap drinks and a lot of them is what you’re looking for, head to Sneakers Sports Grill. But don’t expect anything fancy. From 3 to 7 p.m. every day, a Coors Light draft will run you 75 cents. Alas, it’s served in a plastic cup. Appetizers are similarly pedestrian,…

Happy Hour Deals at Caffe Boa in Tempe

For Mill Avenue, pretentious can be a good thing…. Enter Caffé Boa, a Mill spot that says “wine bar” where other area businesses say “smelly dive”. Caffé Boa’s Italian-inspired dinner menu might not be in your price range, but the happy hour deals are impressive. From 4 to 7 p.m…

Brew Review: Rising Moon Spring Ale

Spring has sprung a new brew from the tanks of our friends at Blue Moon Brewing Co. Rising Moon Spring Ale, an amber wheat ale that “blends three varieties of specialty malts with kaffir lime leaves and lime peel for a smooth, balanced taste” or so says the bottle. We…