Phoenix Meal at the Bar

[50sGuy]

I have a night to spend by myself in the Phoenix area next week. I'd like to find a nice restaurant that serves meals at the bar (not a bar that serves meals, but a restaurant with food service at their bar). I like this setting when I'm by myself...it's usually easy to strike up a conversation with the bartender and fellow bar-sitters. Any cuisine OK.Your ideas? Thanks.

[barry]

All of the suggestions so far are great. My wife and I recently ate at the bar at Digestif, the new Cal-Ital restaurant in Scottsdale at Southbridge. We actually had a reservation, but we started with a glass of wine at the bar. The bartender, KC, was great, and we decided to eat there. The food is fantastic, lots of small plates in addition to entrees. The folks sitting next to us insisted we try some of their wine, and KC brought us a complimentart digestif after dinner. Really a great evening.

Barry

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Digestif
7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85351

[50sGuy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with the popular favorite--Tarbell's--tonight and was not disappointed. Almost everyone at the bar was having dinner there...met some interesting folks and enjoyed the food as well. FYI, I had the tuna tartare appetizer and a meatball pizza from the wood fire oven. Excellent. Hope to have the chance to try some of your other suggestions on a future visit.

[Beaver Street]

I really like the bar at Hotel Valley Ho - they serve the menu from the adjacent Cafe Zuzu - great food and great people watching.

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Cafe Zuzu
6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[winedubar]

i love eating at the bar at richardsons and cowboy ciao, both have super knowledgeable and friendly staff, and everyone around is always ready for a good convo.

there's also the community tables at delux and la grand orange or even lola for tapas

[jock]

No brainer. Tarbell's, Razz and Grazzie in that order.

[ciaogal]

I second Razz..there is no chef more amiable than Erazmo Kamnitzer...he will make your evening one to remember!

Second choice would be Methode Bistro...the bar has a nice vibe...great Happy Hour, great wine selection, and wondeful food!

Enjoy your visit!

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Methode Bistro
6204 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

[Random987]

If you can find a spot, the bar at the Ocean Club can be fun.

[zebcook]

Grazie in Scottsdale. That's precisely how my first experience there was -- in town alone, looking for a place to eat. The owner instantly made me feel at home and comfortable.

[mamamia]

Richardson's. The bartenders are nice guys, and even though there's usually a crowd, you will never be made to feel hurried.

You say you'll be in the "Phoenix area"...it's a big city. Where exactly will you be? Ok, not exactly, but the general vicinity...I need to shut up now.

[mamamia]

Duh.

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Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico
1582 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016

[50sGuy]

Don't shut up--you're doing fine. I have a car and can go anywhere.

[azhotdish]

Yes I agree - Richardson's. One other place I also prefer at the bar is Roaring Fork, which is technically in Scottsdale.

http://www.burningembersphoenix.com/
http://www.eddiev.com/

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Roaring Fork
4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[silverbear]

Tarbell's has a particularly nice bar and serves its full menu there.

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Tarbell's
3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018

[emmaAmethyst]

Tarbell's was exactly the place that sprang first to my mind too!

Gotta say that Razz (Scottsdale & Shea) is technically more of the "bar that serves meals" category (full menu, full bar); however, in my experience, the foodies that dine at the bar are convivial as all hell, Razz himself is the ultimate host & runs his pass in the actual bar area, & the staff is really friendly & welcoming. I do the same "dine in the bar" model myself, & think this would also be a good choice.

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Razz's Restaurant & Bar
10315 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253