Category: bar and grill

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

The World’s Greatest Dive Bar holds fundraiser for Bar Manager

The Cleator Bar & Yacht Club (off I-17 on the way up to Crown King) is helping to raise money for their Bar Manager, Bartender and un-offical “First Lady of Cleator”, Tina Barnhardt who has had numerous health issues including a heart attack recently. “Tina’s 9 Lives Run” will take place on Saturday, April 26th in and around the ghost town. A 9 a.m. off-road ride is scheduled followed by food & drinks at the bar and live music at 3 p.m. from The Bradshaw Brothers. Guests are encouraged to bring pot luck style snacks, dishes and desserts and those who can’t join the fun can donate to help Tina pay off her mounting medical bills at a GoFundMe account. For more information and directions see their website and or Facebook page.

Tuesday is Neighborhood Night at Hush Public House

The secret’s out now as the Scottsdale restaurant now offers a 3-course dinner menu for $55++ per person with two and three options per course that include Pan Roasted Halibut, Italian Beef, Crispy Cauliflower and more. Don’t worry the full menu is still available all night.

Queen Creek Olive Mill brings home Silver Awards

The locally grown and made olives and olive oils competed in the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition and brought home 4 Silver Awards for its olive oil, the most they’ve ever won in a single year. The winning extra virgin olive oils are the Delicate, Arizona, Delicate and Estate.

Barrio Bagel & Slice is now open.

James Beard winning Baker Don Guerra opened his newest concept last week with partner Oren Molonvinsky. Read about what to expect at the drive-thru bake shop at February’s post.

 

 

Cowboy BBQ for Wild Wild West celebration at Lakeside Bar & Grill

With its 17th anniversary fast approaching Peoria’s Lakeside Bar & Grill is getting ready for an all-day celebration on Saturday, April 26th from 11 a.m. – midnight. A special Cowboy BBQ themed menu will be available along with Western inspired cocktails and live entertainment. The family and pet friendly celebration will let kids’ eat for free until 2 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree, with one free kids meal per adult.

The special Cowboy BBQ menu will include ribs, an appetizer combo and a crispy 1/2 chicken. Signature drinks will be served in themed glassware including a a cowboy mug cocktail made with pineapple jalapeño tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, Monin habanero syrup and Dos Equis lager. A boot-shaped shooter called the Six Shooter Bullseye features a mix of Dulce Vida Blanco tequila, Disaronno, Kahlua, Baileys, Goldschläger and butterscotch schnapps, layered with grenadine. Happy Hour food & drink specials will be available from 3 p.m. until closing just for the day’s party. Custom koozies will keep your drinks chilled and will be available while supplies last.

DJ Pollo starts entertaining party goers from 12- 4 p.m. and a kids’ lasso contest will be held during the day and an adult contest will be held in the evening. The Patrick James Band will give a high energy performance of Country Western favorites from 7:30 p.m. til midnight to end the celebration. For more information visit Lakeside’s website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Get the Golden Pancake, win pancakes for life at Eggstasy new Queen Creek location

Pancake lovers need to head to the new Queen Creek location tomorrow Saturday, April 5th as 3 guests will find a Golden Ticket with their order. Order any specialty pancakes or pancakes as your side dish for a chance to win. Its owner Peter Yarros way of saying “thank you” to the QC community who’s embraced the new location since opening in January.

Boo-Rrito raffle at Burrito Express in April

As ASU running back Cam Skattebo has announced he’s entering the upcoming NFL Draft guests ordering the signature Boo-Rrito any of the 7 restaurants around the valley will have the chance to enter the month-long raffle. Prizes include cleats, gloves and a signed football from the NFL hopeful. BE hopes to sell 3,000 Boo-Rrito’s (a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice) in April.

Papago Orange Blossom is Beer of the Month at Famous 48

As spring begins to bloom so is the Mandarin Wheat beer from the locally owned brewer at the Scottsdale restaurant. A 16 oz. pint is $5 and a 22 oz. is $7 for the light fruity and smooth draft beer.

Greek wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Have you ever had a Greek wine? Did you even know they made wine in Greece? Whether you did or didn’t know, the Roosevelt Row wine bar is pouring 3 Greek wines next Thursday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. Member or not you’ll get 20% off any bottles you purchase from the tasting.

Two from Arizona nominated for James Beard Award

The were over a dozen potential James Beard Award winners from Arizona when the semifinalists were announced earlier this year. The Foundation announced this week the nominees that will have the chance to win the prestigious restaurant industry award at the June 16th ceremony. Crystal Kass from Phoenix’s Valentine has the chance to win Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Lom Wong’s Yotaka Martin is up for Best Chef: Southwest.

Harold’s Corral introduces new owners and new dishes

Cave Creek’s original “Wild West Saloon and Restaurant”, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is in the news as they introduce new owners and several new dishes to their menu. Co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquaido welcome new co-owners Mike “Z” and Kris Ziebart of Carefree as long-time co-owners Bill and Marie Vale have turned over the reins to the saloon that’s been around for over 90 years.

“After more than 21 incredible years, our dear friends and longtime partners, Bill and Marie Vale, have decided to pass the torch,” said Danny Piacquadio, Harold’s longtime co-owner and general manager. “Their leadership, dedication, and passion have helped shape Harold’s into the iconic gathering place it is today, fostering a strong community spirit, supporting local charities and schools, and making Harold’s a true Cave Creek institution.”

New co-owners Jim “Z” and Kris Ziebart with longtime co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio. Photo courtesy of Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.

Bill is known around town as “Harold’s Mayor” and says there is something that brings people together at Harold’s for fun times and networking. The new co-owners are Wisconsin natives where they spend the summer and have no problem with their new restaurant being “Heinz Field West”, a gathering spot for Pittsburgh Steelers fans during the football season. “I may have my own bar stool with a Packers sticker hidden underneath it,” Ziebart joked. “And Kris says she looks better in black and gold, so we have acquired some Steelers swag.”

New on the menu at Harold’s Corral

The popular Cave Creek saloon and restaurant welcomes locals and tourists who will see new dishes to the menu next time they visit.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also has a reputation for attracting local and national musicians and bands who perform year-round. The owners are committed to growing the line-up of musicians and bands, including national acts, to perform at their outdoor venue behind the restaurant.

New dishes to the menu include….

Fried Pickles: Crispy battered dill pickle chips served with ranch dressing for $11.

JJ’s Loaded Totchos: Crispy tater tots with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions served with a side of sour cream and chipotle ranch for $12.

Italian Stallion: A hearty sandwich featuring salami, Coppa, pepperoni and provolone cheese baked on an Italian roll and topped with jalapenos, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and Italian dressing for $15.

Italian Calzone: A scrumptious calzone made with salami, Coppa, pepperoni, jalapeños, onions, and provolone cheese for $16.

Thunderbird Chicken: Delicious sauteed chicken with mushrooms in a wine cream sauce served over pasta for $19.

Grandma P’s Pizza. A Piacquadio family favorite featuring a 6 square pan focaccia style pizza with red sauce for $16.50 (toppings are extra).

For more information and to see the full menu visit their website.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Fish Fry Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

Uptown Phoenix is new location for The Bar’s 2nd location

The popular Arcadia bar and restaurant The Bar, opened its second location in late February along 7th Ave. in Uptown Phoenix. Known for its laid-back vibe and throwback nostalgia to the 1990s- early 2000s the original location opened in 2019 by restaurateur Frank Vairo, owner of Nook Kitchen and other restaurants and bars in the area.

“Due to the success and popularity of The Bar Arcadia, we wanted to bring something similar yet uniquely its own to our diners in Uptown Phoenix,” said Vairo. “We are excited to present the neighborhood with a place to eat, drink, play, interact and just have a really great time in a welcoming and inviting space.”

The Bar Uptown offers a similar menu to Arcadia that includes award-winning wings, salads, Wisconsin cheese curds, potato skins and more. A selection of sandwiches and burgers are on the menu with the Smashburger expected to steal the show. Signature house cocktails were created by The Bar’s mixologist Elia Perez and include popular drinks from Arcadia.

Weekly specials and daily features from the kitchen and the bar are offered along with happy hour specials that include $2 off drafts, $2 off full-size appetizers, $7 Tito’s, $7 glasses of wine, $5 well drinks, $6 Four Roses, $7 “Jamos” and $7 house mules. Dollar Wing Night, a hit at Arcadia will also be offered at the Uptown location.

You won’t go board at The Bar Uptown as it features darts, a pool table, karaoke, bingo & trivia nights and tournaments will be held. A game room offers video games and more and on weekends a DJ pumps up the volume. The Bar Uptown is open daily from 12:00 p.m. until 2 a.m. and is at 5504 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. For more information visit their website.

Lakeside Bar & Grill unveils a new look and new menu

With the Northwest Valley seeing a boom in new locally owned restaurants, Lakeside Bar & Grill has been serving guests since 2008. The owners figured 2024 would be a good time to do some renovations and make the popular hangout more inviting. The new modern look comes just as the restaurant rolls out a new menu of appetizers, sandwiches, cocktails and more.

The newly redesigned Lakeside Bar & Grill has removed and lowered walls for a more open feel, exposed the brick walls, installed new modern light fixtures and new floors. New state-of-the-art TVs have been installed around the restaurant and more seating options are available. New windows will allow for more natural light to show off the new features.

What’s new on the menu at Lakeside Bar & Grill

Don’t worry customer favorite wings, burgers and the all-you-can-eat-Friday-Fish-Fry are still available, but guests will notice new dishes throughout the menu. “We’re excited to share these new creations with our guests,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods, the restaurant group that owns and operates Lakeside Bar & Grill. “We aim to deliver fresh, flavorful dishes that our community will love, and we believe these new specials are a perfect reflection of that.”

New to the appetizer section is two new flavors of wings, Zesty Lemon Pepper and a fiery tropical heat rub. Buffalo Shrimp is spicy and the Lakeside Ribs offer a half rack in a sweet heat sauce. For seafood lovers there’s the new Shoreline Calamari, hand breaded and served with lemon and house-made remoulade sauce.

Burger lovers will want to wrap their hands around the new double meat patty Smash Burger. New sandwiches include The Cuban, Shrimp Po’ Boy with beer battered shrimp & garlic caper remoulade and the Chipolte Chicken Sandwich.

Those looking for entrees will see the new Sweet Heat Shrimp Bowl, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Crispy Roasted Chicken and Shrimp Skewers on the menu. The cocktail menu has also gotten a fresh look with new margaritas and more. Sizzlin’ Strawberry Pineapple and the Blueberry Coconut Blast margaritas join Mama’s Root Beer Martini and XO Espresso Martini as a few of the new cocktails.

The family friendly sports bar has also added Whiskey Wednesday as a daily special. All day you get $5 off Bulleit, Jameson and Bulleit Rye cocktails and $2 off all burgers.

“We are proud to have served the amazing Northwest Valley neighborhood for more than 16 years as one of the original businesses at The Four Corners district,” says Toole. “It’s our pleasure to have connected with so many families over the years, and it’s exciting to be part of the rapid growth in the West Valley.”

Lakeside Bar & Grill is at 9980 West Happy Valley Pkwy. Peoria 85383. For more information and to view the entire menu visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

National Coffee Day is this Sunday, September 29th

Need your daily fix of caffeine then head to……

Noble Ground Coffee for any hot or cold drink for just a $1. This includes new Fall flavors such as Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pancake.

Randy’s Donuts if you’re a loyalty member for a free cup of Randy’s Roast or iced coffee. No purchase is necessary, and the free drink will appear in the member’s account. Randy’s Donuts has two locations in Phoenix at 5709 N. 7th Street and 17405 S. 40th Street. Both locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Press Coffee is offering 25% off a yearlong coffee subscription all weekend long.

Chula Seafood Uptown celebrates Oktoberfest with schnitzel

For all 31 days in October the Uptown Plaza location celebrates the German festival with a seafood twist. The Swordfish Jägerschnitzel is served with a scrumptious mushroom leek gravy with brown apple butter spaetzle and German braised red cabbage. It’s available for both lunch and dinner for $28++.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Burgundy wine dinner October 4th

The downtown Phoenix restaurant will welcome guests next Friday to enjoy a six-course dinner featuring the wines of Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut that dates to the 19th century. The dinner is $265 per person and for an additional $100 a glass of their coveted Domaine Sigaut’s 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. is available. Prefer champagne, a glass of Dom Perignon is available for $75. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with limited seating and seat can be purchased at OpenTable.

Grand opening celebration for 3rd Stemistry location

Saturday, October 5th marks the newest coffee lab & flower shop from Dylan Capshaw at the Roadrunner Apartments at 6601 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257. From 9-11 a.m. guests can get a $1 drip coffee, a free stem with purchase, light bites and entertainment. Additionally monthly flower subscriptions will be 20% with a 3-month minimum.

New dishes on the menu at Ling & Louie’s

The Asian bar & grill on Shea Blvd. just east of 92nd St. in Scottsdale has just released new dishes on the menu. New dishes include Almond-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Louie’s Bao Buns, Louie’s Donut Holes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Free bowl of menudo on New Year’s Day

All 35 Food City locations in Arizona celebrate National Menudo Month and National Hangover Day January 1st 2023 with a free bowl of menudo. The popular hangover remedy is available from 9-11 a.m. in the deli for dine-in only.

Famous 48 now serving lunch & weekend brunch

The standalone restaurant in the Shops at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale is now serving lunch 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Saturday & Sunday brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. until 3:00p.m.

Sunday Funday taco specials at Urban Margarita

Every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. til closing the Glendale restaurant has street tacos for only $2 each. Choose from grilled steak, chicken or carnitas and don’t forget the margarita to wash them down.

Batch Cookie Shop coming to Queen Creek in 2023

The family owned cookie shop in Gilbert announced its second location will be coming to Queen Creek this summer. It will be in front of the new Costco at Rittenhouse and Ellsworth Rds. More details will be available as they get closer to opening day.

OpenTable names local restaurants Top 100 Restaurants in America in 2022

Steak 44, Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse in Phoenix and Scottsdale have been named to the prestigious list. All 3 restaurants are owned by father and sons Dennis, Michael & Jeff Mastro and partner Scott Trolio. The list is curated from over 13 million customer reviews on the website from October 31st 2021- September 30th 2022. Also making the list from Arizona is Mariposa in Sedona and The Henry in Phoenix.

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