Tirion Boan
Audio By Carbonatix
If you want to enjoy the riches served at Bar Capri in Tempe, it’s crucial to make a reservation. The small restaurant and bar, along with the surrounding parking lot, fill up fast. It’s easy to see why.
Bar Capri opened in March, starting with drinks and snacks, and slowly rolling out its full menu. The concept comes from the owners of Freely Taproom & Kitchen, a casual pub right next door. The two concepts are totally different, but both draw a crowd.
As you settle into a curved wooden chair, bar stool or cute, two-seater booth at Bar Capri, the little details come into focus. The cutlery isn’t standard and plain, but decorated and delicate with a vintage flair. The filigree-style metal matches gold candelabras and frames hung around the restaurant, which pop against forest green walls.
Warm lighting reflects off the textured cream ceiling tiles. A low brick archway curves above the front window, all of which help make the space exceptionally cozy and feel like it belongs far beyond a Tempe strip mall.
Despite its place-specific name, Bar Capri’s menu draws inspiration from around Italy and beyond. We suggest starting with a cocktail. Take a tropical turn with a classic Mai Tai, or opt for the Lost In Tokyo, made with Japanese gin, plum sake and yuzu.
The Oaxacan Negroni with chocolate truffle bitters and the Nutcase, a frothy sip made with coconut rum, elderflower, pineapple, lime and egg whites, were standout sips. These tipples are perfect for savoring as you peruse the menu and pick an appetizer.
The burrata is a great option for a group, as the creamy cheese comes with plenty of toasted bread. The arrancini are also destined to be shared. Five fried rice balls are arranged on a cake plate, surrounding a well of rich tomato sauce. At first glance, the crispy crust looks dark. But one bite into the arrancini, the reason becomes clear. The rice is cooked with tomato, which dyes the whole mixture a light red. Along with a stronger color, this also imparts richness and extra flavor to the satisfying starter.
Tirion Boan
If you’re not in the mood for spirits or looking to order a second drink to enjoy with your main course, turn to the exceptionally well-curated wine list.
Here, the bar’s connection to the carefully considered taproom next door becomes obvious. The list isn’t huge, but it’s packed with unusual and intriguing options. Order a glass of rosé, and you’ll have five different bottles to choose from. The reds span cabernets and zinfandels from Sonoma and Napa, along with bottles from Tuscany and Veneto, including Borrigiano and Valpolicella. Whites come from Austria and Australia, with two options for white blends to try.
Lighter wines pair with Bar Capri’s salads, seafood and Mediterranean dishes. The beet salad with pistachios, goat cheese sauce, pickled onion and orange segments, is well balanced with sweet, roasted beets, herbaceous arugula and tart citrus.
Tirion Boan
The menu offers a selection of skewers that can be enjoyed as a shareable appetizer or as a complete meal. Each order comes with three loaded skewers, with proteins including chicken, shrimp and steak. The Colorado lamb skewers offer a Middle Eastern twist, with ground lamb spiced, pressed and shaped like kofta. The tender meat is delicious dipped in a cool yogurt and mint sauce.
On a recent visit, we sat at the bar, which overlooks the kitchen pass. As hearty portions of pasta flew out of the kitchen, we watched to see which caught our eye. When a brick of lasagna went by, we were sold.
Nonna’s Lasagna is made with a beef and sausage bolognese sandwiched with cream sauce, parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Hearty and oh so satisfying, we’ll be back as soon as the weather cools off for this comforting dish. While the heat lingers, we’ll try the flatbreads and also save room for some chocolate torte or ricotta cake for dessert.
Tirion Boan
As we finished off our plates and sipped on our wine, we found ourselves contemplating two things. Which family members would we bring here first? And how we wish we lived closer.
The neighborhood spot was buzzing with conversation. Groups of friends met up for dinner. Couples double-dated at tables of four. Families celebrated birthdays and milestones. Singles dropped in for a delicious dinner at the bar.
Many restaurants are designed to be places people visit on ordinary days and for celebrations. Bar Capri exemplifies that. It’s the perfect place to make any night of the week feel special: warm and welcoming, unpretentious but celebratory. Even if you don’t live nearby, it’s worth the drive.
Bar Capri
1730 E. Warner Road, #10, Tempe
Cocktails $13-$16; starters $8-$16; salads and skewers $12-$16; mains $16-$24.
