Category: Happy Hour

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Summer specials at The Mexicano

The popular Paradise Valley & Chandler restaurant from The Maggiore Group offers new summer food & drinks specials.

All-Day Happy Hour specials include: (available in the bar area)

  • $4 Clásico Margaritas, Modelo drafts & well drinks
  • $8 Bar Nachos
  • $10 Jalapeño Poppers
  • $12 Shrimp Ceviche
  • $12 Pastor Chicken Wings
  • $9 Mini Chimis, Tinga Burrito & more

All-You-Can-Eat-Taco-Tuesdays in the bar for only $8.88 on Thursdays, choose from potato, al pastor, shrimp & crunchy beef.

Weekly specials include…..

  • Margarita Mondays – 50% off all margaritas
  • *Best F#%ing Taco Tuesday – $2 tacos (dine-in only)
  • $3 tacos available all day, every day

New Happy Hour specials at Source

The restaurant at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert just rolled out new Happy Hour specials available Wednesday – Friday from  3- 6 p.m.

  • Snack: Chickpea Hummus with pickled veggies and za’atar flatbread, $11
  • Pizza: Mozzarella with tomato, oregano and Decimi extra virgin olive oil, $10
  • Natural wines: $7 per glass or $25 per bottle
  • Beer: $5 each

Third Tuesday Tasting Dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The Downtown Gilbert cafe will be serving up another of its popular 3-course wine dinners next Tuesday, June 17th. Dinner starts with a Watermelon Wedge Salad followed by Chicken Breast stuffed with hearts of palms and prosciutto and ends with Black Forest Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. The dinner is $48++ per person, and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry relocating

The Old Town Scottsdale shop specializing in locally made artisan foods and more is making an unexpected relocation this summer due to a change in their lease. No address has been announced yet but as you can imagine relocating during the slow summer season is especially difficult.

Co-owners & mother and daughter Sharyn & Rebecca Seitz are looking to remind everyone of the continued support for them and other local businesses during the summer months. Ways to help are to visit the store Monday- Saturday 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m., placing an order online, sharing stories about the shop or donating.

Summer Passes at GenuWine Arizona

The wine bar/shop in Downtown Phoenix is offering two Summer Passes for wine and beer lovers. The Wine Lover Summer Pass is $40, and the Beer Lover Summer Pass is $20. Enjoy discounted glasses of wine or beer all summer long with each pass offering 5 tastes and one can be redeemed per visit through August.

In the Melrose District, Royale Kitchen launches daily specials

The recently opened Royale Kitchen + Cocktails has become a neighborhood gathering spot within Phoenix’s Melrose District for its creative cocktails and delicious dishes. This week they’re rolling out six new daily food & drink specials for locals and visitors to enjoy.

  • Monday – Pitchers & Platters: Four mix-and-match sliders (burger, grilled chicken, or crispy chicken) plus a pitcher of Modelo, Mich Ultra, or a signature cocktail for $38.
  • Tuesday – Tapas Night: Two tacos for $8 (veggie, grilled chicken, or pork), $8 Nachos Jr. (add chicken for $3), $10 Chips, Salsa & Queso, $5 tequila shots, and $6 house margaritas.
  • Wednesday – Humpday Happy Hour: Select apps from $3.50, $4 Modelo & Mich Ultra drafts, $5 wells, $6 Deep Eddy, house wine, and champagne, and $7 YUMtinis.
  • Thursday – RKC Martini Social: $7 YUMtinis all night long.
  • Friday – Flashback Fridays: $7 flashy cocktail of the week with throwback music videos.
  • Saturday & Sunday – Funday:
    • Brunch (10 AM–3 PM): $6 mimosas, $8 Bloody Marys, $13 bottles of champagne, $11 espresso martinis, and more.
    • Sat & Sun Funday (2–6 PM): $3 drafts, $5 wells, $6 Tito’s, plus DJ Sundays on the patio.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

Chandler welcomes the second location of The Mexicano

Chandler Fashion Center is the second location of The Maggiore Group’s popular concept The Mexicano and guests can start dining there today. The opening comes a couple months after the re-opening of the flagship location in Paradise Valley that was closed due to a kitchen fire last October. Guests will find that the new location will have the same elevated menu from Chef Joey Maggiore along with an interactive dining experience that includes the build-your-own-margarita bar.

“Our Chandler location will be the same fun, energetic, delicious Mexicano our guests know and love,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We are thrilled to be bringing our second location, and the party, to the Easy Valley next month.”

On the menu guests will find Instagram worthy dishes such as the guacamole and salsa Ferris wheel, birria bao buns, margaritas and other traditional Mexican dishes with Chef Joey’s modern fusion of ingredients. The new restaurant will also feature a daily happy hour, Taco Tuesdays with $2 cochinita pibil and chicken tinga tacos, and Margarita Mondays featuring half off all margaritas.

Celebrating the Chandler grand opening

The interior was designed by Christina Maggiore that will showcase the bright colors of its Mexican City roots & culture and authentic imported wood furniture. A DJ will be there seven days a week spinning Latin music and you may catch a live performance from a Mariachi band. The celebration starts today at 4:00 p.m. and the first 200 people at The Mexicano in Chandler will receive special SWAG and one lucky winner will win a $500 gift card. During today’s fiesta like atmosphere there will be traditional dancers, a Mariachi band and more entertainment throughout the evening.

The Mexicano Chandler is at 3905 W. Chandler Blvd. 85226. and opens daily at 11 a.m. For more information visit their website.

 

 

 

 

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.

Red, White & Brew launches new menu, cocktails and more.

Guests heading into Red, White & Brew in Mesa and Prescott this Saturday, March 1st will notice new dishes and drinks on the menu. The new menu will have new starters, entrees, creative cocktails and zero proof elixirs. “We’re excited to introduce these new flavors to our guests while staying true to the scratch-made quality they’ve come to love,” said Jimmy Herrera, operations manager. “Our goal is to create a dining experience that feels both fresh and familiar, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

New starters include Asiago Garlic Mushroom Tapas (pictured) and an Avocado Caprese Salad along with new sandwiches including a Crispy Chicken Sandwich and a Halibut Filet Sandwich. New entrees include Pecorino Crusted Sea Bass and Chicken Florentine over angel hair pasta. Each location will have an exclusive entree with the Romano Crusted Chicken over linguini and Tuscan Scallops will be on the menu in Prescott and in Mesa guests can order Lemon Basil Chicken Linguini and a Garden Stromboli.

New cocktails & Happy Hour at Red, White & Brew

New cocktails and zero proof elixirs include an Apple Cider Pomegranate Martini, an Arizona Sunset, a Prickly Pear margarita and a Pomelo. Zero proof drinkers can enjoy the new Coconut Lime Elixir made with zero proof gin and The Pineapple Agave Refresher made with Jalisco 55 zero proof spirits.

“We wanted to create a cocktail menu that brings out the best in every ingredient while giving our guests something exciting to sip on,” said Herrera. “It’s all about bold flavors, great balance and drinks that are as fun to drink as they are delicious.”

March brings a new monthly happy hour special at both Red, White & Brew locations for $12. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy Irish Loaded Potato Cakes—crispy panko-crusted potato cakes mixed with corned beef, green onions, and a three-cheese blend, served with tangy 1000 Island dressing.

 

YUMBAR now Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

As the one-year anniversary of The Royale, the outdoor complex in Phoenix’s Melrose District, approaches Owners Mark Howard and Rocco Menaguale have rebranded their casual restaurant YUMBAR to Royale Kitchen + Cocktails for 2025. The new restaurant is serving serving an elevated dining experience for dinner, brunch and an extended happy hour.

“The new name better reflects our focus as a neighborhood restaurant serving a large variety of metropolitan cuisine from our culinary team led by Chef Jeff Blake,” says Howard. “New selections and re-imagined favorites, along with our expanded martini, wine, and craft cocktail menus, offer our guests an exceptional dining experience seven days a week.”

Guests dining at RKC will have a larger dinner menu to choose from with new dishes that include Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry, Peachy Keen Chicken Sandwich and BLT Eggs Benedict at brunch. Favorites such as the Yum Burger, Jalapeno Popper Sandwich and the signature Mark Daddy Martini are still available.

Celebrating 1 year at Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

Both the restaurant and The Royale’s other concepts will be celebrating on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Guests will enjoy food & drink specials, live music, a live art exhibit, giveaways and a chance to win exciting prizes from other tenants in the Big Royale Raffle. Other businesses in The Royale include Window Coffee Bar, Stem Swag, Cult Hair Salon & Spa, Your Health and Wellness and others.

“Our vision for The Royale was to blend mid-century modern style with an inclusive atmosphere, transforming what was once dilapidated autobody garages surrounding a junk yard into a vibrant center for connection, creativity, and joy,” says Rocco Menaguale, the architect and designer of The Royale. “We wanted to create a space that reflects the Melrose neighborhood’s character and brings people together. We are excited to celebrate our anniversary with the community and introduce the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes this space so special.”

Royale Kitchen + Cocktails is at 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. Phoenix, for more information visit their website.

 

Seafood specials for happy hour at Chula Seafood

Chula Seafood, the popular fish monger and restaurant has announced happy hour specials at their Uptown, North Scottsdale and South Scottsdale locations. You will have to visit each location on Monday-Saturday from 3 – 5 p.m. and all day on Sundays to experience each location’s unique seafood specials that are updated often.

The North Scottsdale (Grayhawk) location at Hayden & Thompson Peak Pkwy offers $1 off grilled & raw oysters, $6 grilled street tacos and a $15 soft shell crab sandwich. Drink specials include $8 Chula Ritas and Chula cocktails, wine by the glass for $3 off and $5 draft beers.

The Uptown Plaza location offers Chef’s Ceviche for $9 and $5 beers and $3 off wines by the glass including 6 oz., 9 oz. and 1/2 bottles.

Get Spam Musabi & confit tuna with kimchi onigiri for $6, shrimp cocktail for $4 each and raw oysters for $3 at their original location at Hayden & Roosevelt location in South Scottsdale.

Stay up to date with their fresh fish list and changing specials at their website.

The Italiano to open in Scottsdale next month

Friday, September 20th will see the grand opening of the newest restaurant and concept, The Italiano from The Maggiore Group at 90th St and Shea Blvd. It will be the group’s sixth concept from Joey Maggiore and his culinary team offering an elevated and unique dining experience.

“This is truly our best concept yet! We’re drawing inspiration from every corner of Italy to blend age-old traditions with innovative approaches,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We can’t wait for you to experience our family’s heritage in a new and familiar way.”

Designed by Maggiore’s wife Cristina, The Italiano offer over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining, a private dining room and art that pays tribute to Joey’s late father, chef & Restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore. The restaurant will feature limestone and olive trees throughout once guests enter through the picturesque entry and doorway.

Old school Italian dishes at The Italiano

Once opened the menu will feature traditional Italian red sauce dishes with Chef Joey’s touch. Like their other concepts, The Italiano will feature a unique interactive experience with the introduction of an antipasto cart where guests can build their own plate with over 30 different items to choose from. After dinner guests can enjoy a must try Limoncello cocktail from the cart along with desserts chosen from the Zabiaone dessert cart.

The restaurant is currently hiring front and back-of-the house staff and those interested can get more information and apply at https://harri.com/magg-italiano-scottsdale. The Italiano is at 9301 E. Shea Blvd and will be open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner. For more information visit their website or follow them on Instagram @TheItalianoTrattoria.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

May the 4th be with you in downtown Mesa

Myke’s Pizza, Cider Corps and Pair Cupworks celebrate Star Wars Day next Thursday starting at 7 a.m. Start your day in warp speed with a Dark Side Latte or a Blue Milk Espresso then at 11 a.m. enjoy a Luke, I Am Your Father’s Cheese Pizza or Dago Bahn Mi Pizza. Cool off with Light Saber Cider Slushie or a Mangolorian Cider. Dessert and tonic specials are also available and all are for dine-in only. At 6 p.m. the Star Wars soundtrack will set the mood and a costume contest is scheduled.

Suns playoff promotions continue in the 2nd round

With the Suns advancing to next round of the NBA Playoffs local restaurants are giving fans something else to cheers about. Old Town Scottsdale’s The Montauk offers a “Sun Burst” shot for $10 throughout the playoffs. It’s made with their dreamsicle frosè and topped with Empress 1908 Gin creating the signature orange & purple team colors. Around the corner at arcade bar The Hot Chick game day specials of $5 Suns Bru drafts, $10 Purple Haze cocktails and $10 Purple Gatorade Shots are offered.

Dave and Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace extend their Slam Dunk Deal including a free appetizer when you sign up for their loyalty program. Included in the deal are $20 Play Card and Watch menu entree of your choice for $29.99. Entrees include a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, All-American Burger, Original and Boneless Wings and more.

Local couple opens 2nd location of Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails in Scottsdale

Kyle and Erica Walters opened their second restaurant last month at the Loop 101 & Via de Ventura 4 years after they opened in Chandler. Parlay features a menu of scratch made dishes for all palates and 24 signature cocktails. In addition to lunch and dinner they offer happy hour 7 days a week from 3-6 p.m., weekend brunch starting at 9 a.m. and live music Friday and Saturday from 6 -9 p.m.

Hundred Mile Brewing Co. hosts water drive in May

All month long the Tempe brewery and restaurant will be collecting packages of water in 12 packs or larger. Customer’s that donate water at the restaurant will receive $5 off each tables order. The water will be distributed to Tempe residents experiencing homelessness by the city’s Homeless Outreach Prevention Effort (H.O.P.E) team.

“As business in Tempe, we see ourselves as part of the community and we want to be good neighbors to everyone,” says Sue Rigler, founder of Hundred Mile Brewing Co. “We love partnering with the city and with other local businesses to support our community and we thank you for helping us help Tempe’s residents in need.”

Z Teja’s now offering new Spring seasonal menu

Warm temperatures means new cooler and refreshing dishes from Executive Chef Danny O’ Campo at the southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler. Through July 1st guests can enjoy 5 new menu items including Fried Cauliflower, Green Chili Barbacoa filled Fried Relleno, Mango Steak Salad and Horseradish Honey Mustard Glaze Salmon. From the bar comes a Blue Raspberry Mojito to enjoy with your meal or by itself.

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