Audio By Carbonatix
The Spot: Caffe Boa, 398 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, 480-968-9112,
http://www.cafeboa.com
The Hours: 4 to 7 pm, daily. Caffe Boa gets a little extra credit for hosting Happy Hour through the weekend.
The Details: Available only in the bar, Happy Hour prices include half price wine by the glass priced $10 or less, $2 off premium draft beer, and $2 off signature cocktails. A Happy Hour menu is available that has selections ranging from $2-$15.
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Get the full breakdown after the jump.
The Interior: Caffe Boa makes good use of their small bar space. The long narrow area houses two communal high top tables with stools, making it easy to squeeze a pair or a group of people. The bar itself is large enough to accommodate several more. I have never had to wait for seating during happy hour. The high ceilings make it airy and the polished wood table and bar give it a classic look.
The Cost: Despite the upscale appearance and food, you can enjoy Happy Hour here for less
than $10. Some of the half priced wines start at $6 regular price, which makes it $3 between the hours of 4-7pm. The made-to-order fresh ricotta (yes, they make the cheese when you order it) appetizer is served on a slice of grilled rustic bread with the ripest, reddest tomatoes you have ever seen and a drizzle of balsamic reduction is only $5.
A single oyster on the half shell (flown in daily) with mignonette sauce (a light vinegar and onion sauce) is $2. The oyster paired nicely with the signature cocktail called the Bowery District ($7), made with ginger liqueur, mint, citrus, bitters, and cayenne.
For $15, you can get a half dozen fresh oysters and a glass of bubbly. The charcuterie plate is available for $8 and comes with four selections of house cured meats, cornichons, and stone ground mustard. Of course they make their own mustard.
The Conclusion: With great service, comfortable ambiance, and fresh, creative food, Caffe Boa is the perfect place to go have a drink, a bite, and a conversation. You don’t have to yell to be heard there and the menu is bursting with ripe, fresh, house-made everything, an impressive alternative to the usual fried affair you could get anywhere else on Mill Ave.
With a variety of food on the HH menu ranging from the AZ Black Angus Burger ($10) to a few pasta dishes ($7-$9), including a gluten-free penne, Caffe Boa has something for every price range and taste. After enjoying fresh oysters, house-made charcuterie, a perfect cocktail, and wonderful service, I left the place feeling like I had robbed it.
Overall Grade: A
