Tag: dive bar

Swizzle Inn joins POV Foods portfolio of bars and restaurants

Midtown Phoenix’s Swizzle Inn changed ownership last month, and its new owners are no strangers to running local bars and restaurants. POV Foods took over the neighborhood dive bar that opened in 1996 tucked into a corner of a strip mall at 5835 N. 16th St. The windowless bar with nautical touches is known for its holiday lights glowing year-round and its “No Starbucks Parking” sign out front.

“The Swizzle Inn is the neighborhood’s living room,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods. “It’s a place people come to unwind, share a story, shoot some pool. We’re not here to change that, we’re here to honor it and keep the doors open for the next generation of regulars.”

POV Foods was founded in 2014 with plans to maintain and revitalize Arizona local haunts in the Phoenix and Prescott area. They also own Scottsdale’s Rusty Spur Saloon that has been pouring drinks since 1951, Mesa and Prescott’s Red, White & Brew, 32 Shea in Phoenix, Lakeside Bar & Grill in Peoria and Bill’s Grill in Prescott.

No changes coming to Swizzle Inn

There are no plans to change anything at the Swizzle Inn under the new ownership as the same smiling faces pouring your drinks, daily $2 brown bag special shots, the “catch of the day” and Wednesday night trivia will all continue.

“We’re not some big corporation coming in to rebrand or remodel,” said Annie Gaillard, General Manager of the Swizzle Inn and POV’s beverage director. “We’re local folks who believe in the power of community, and we plan to carry on the Swizz’s tradition of being a spot where everyone feels welcome.” The “come as you are” bar is open daily from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

 

 

The Dash Inn re-opens in Scottsdale after 27 years

If you attended ASU from 1967 – 1994 you probably spent some of your parent’s money on beer and food at The Dash Inn. Closed in 1994 by the fourth set of owners the popular dive bar was an institution at Apache & Rural Rd. has re-opened as part of Brat Haus in Scottsdale. The Dash Inn Tribute Room’s owner Dave Andrea is also the owner of Brat Haus and was one of the last owners at the original location. I visited the new location with a very excited ASU alum on the 2nd night it was opened and many local alumni have been strolling down memory lane as the stopped by to remember their college years. Rumor has it when it was billed to a credit card it read “the library”.

“The Dash Inn was a hip joint, and you could see that just by walking in,” said former employee Tom Cole. “Management never gave long-haired waiters a hard time when they applied for work, which gave the personnel and restaurant a look that attracted the counter-culture while its traditional Mexican feel attracted everyone else.”

Andrea uses one of the dining rooms at Brat Haus for The Dash Inn as guests prefer the outdoor beer garden. Guests will find nostalgia and 500 MTV music videos on a rear projection TV and a limited menu of Mexican food. The menu includes the popular secret recipe margarita and cheese crisp with all menu items costing $8 or less.

“Luckily, I had kept all of the old recipes and plenty of pictures to help replicate the details of design, smallware and furniture,” Andrea said. “The Dash played an important role in thousands of people’s happy memories of a simpler time and college life in the ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s been so much fun listening to all their stories as we bring it back.”

The Dash Inn Tribute Room is located at 3622 N. Scottsdale Road 85251. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to close and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to close. For more information and updates check out their Facebook page.

Meet me at the Coach House and where else to go on Thanksgiving Eve

Those last two posts on Thanksgiving Day restaurants that are serving dinner or preparing take-out meals nearly wiped me out with all the information, I can now set my sights on Thanksgiving Eve.

If you’re  out and about showing out-of-towners a good time or you grew up here and return home to catch up with friends at the local watering hole, the night before Thanksgiving can be just as big a deal as the turkey and football the next day.

If you mention Thanksgiving Eve to most in these parts two places come to mind…..El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley and Coach House Tavern in downtown Scottsdale. Join me at the Coach House just after sunset before the line forms and I’m sure many will make an appearance at both establishments.

It won’t be your typical Wednesday at Sorso Wine Room and The Park as they start the Thanksgiving celebration a day early.

Thanksgiving Eve at Sorso Wine Room

If you live in the northeast valley and prefer to stay closer to home  Sorso Wine Room at The Scottsdale Quarter will start the celebrating with an all day Happy Hour with 2 for 1 house wines by the glass and draft beers.

Food special will be available including the Brussels Board ($8), The Dip($8) and select Bruschetta at 3 for $10.

Sorso Wine Room is at 15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150, Scottsdale http://sorsowineroom.com/ Thanksgiving Eve

The Park in downtown Phoenix

If you’re going to be in central or downtown Phoenix, The Park will be hosting a Thanksgiving Eve Bash with MillerCoors. The Bash starts at 8 p.m. but $5 pumpkin spice specialty cocktails and ales will be available all day.

Guest are encouraged to bring a can(s) of food for the Can 4 Can Hurricane Relief Food Drive. Those that bring a can will receive a penny can of a MillerCoors product.

The Park is at 3 S. 2nd St., Phoenix http://thepark.bar/

The Park

I hope to see you out and about  and where ever you go be smart, safe and have a  Happy Thanksgiving!