Roosevelt Tavern
Years ago, at my first First Friday, I was strolling along Roosevelt Row and saw a happenin' place that I had no knowledge of. Throwing off my nighlife-gps, it was a historic house, with black iron gates, scalloped moulding, overgrown trees, and the thought of a high schooler throwing a party while his grandparents were away didn't escape me. That particular night, I already had plans but noted to myself to come back - and soon.
Come to find out, it was the new and oh-so-hip Roosevelt Tavern, owned, operated and "chefed" by Matt Pool, former bartender of Bar Bianco (next to Pizzeria Bianco). It's nothing too nuanced - yes, it's a historic home, and he's made it modern while adding seating in every room. Again, it's hip - but Phoenix hip. You can go in business attire for happy hour or your creative weekend artsy clothes (or anything in that range) and be just fine.
And "Tavern" it is. It has arguably one of the best beer selections in the state, with Arizona's own Four Peaks brewery creating an exclusive beer for RT. In the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt, "Pool had a special cooler designed and built that keeps the rotating selection of handcrafted beers icy cold," says the Roosevelt Row website, and I can vouch - the beers are that point just before freezing.
Most surprising feature - the food. It's so good. I had a hot dog "fancy" style, and it was remarkable. Between every bite I made a comment at how amazing it was. Sandwiches are great too. A chef couldn't let "bar food" be bad. Equally surprising was that it was reasonable - happy hour is the best - $3 signature beers, $4 bar food of the day, on and on and on.
Go and take your friends - it's in downtown, accessible from light rail, and also perfect for your own First Friday.
In the day, you'd never know what a hip place it is by night
http://www.rooseveltrow.org/news.html
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