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July 19, 2002/Av 10 5762, Vol. 54, No. 44
On the town
Opposites attract
ALISA SLOAN
Special Sections Editor
The term "nightlife" is meaningless unless you make a night of it. But why spend the entire night in one place when there is so much the Valley has to offer?
And if there is more than one destination on the agenda, don't limit it to trendy nightspots or eateries where half the night is spent waiting in long lines.
Skip the buzzing pager and instead have a relaxed dinner at a down-home rib joint. Finish up with espresso in a luxurious hotel lounge. Or make reservations at a restaurant with retro atmosphere and then head to a fashionable club for a cocktail.
Though the clientele may appear to differ, you can find they do have similarities. Look beneath the surface and you'll find commonalities such as respect for the Valley's vintage venues, an appreciation of modern jazz, a love of baseball or a taste for a fine meal ... whether it's a kosher hot dog with snap or sushi prepared by an artistic chef.
Likewise, a place you have not previously considered could turn out to be one in which you feel most at home. Look around - there may even be one in your neighborhood.
Here is a list of some of the Valley's most unique haunts. They run the gamut from mild to wild. If you plan to drink, please bring a designated driver or arrange for cab service.
Tasty Kabob to Urban Outfitters. Start with a heaping plate of tandoori chicken and fragrant Basmati rice at this earnest, family-run Persian restaurant, then admire the buying power of corporate America evidenced in inexpensive and funky home accessories.
Via Delosantos to Mary Coyle Ice Cream. Head northwest to Via Delosantos Mexican restaurant for homemade calabasitas, then to Central Phoenix's Mary Coyle for homemade ice cream. Go from a venue with a great respect for tequila to one with a great respect for clean-cut, '50s hospitality. Order a banana split to cool the fires of spicy salsas.
Ayako of Tokyo to Monroe's. From its pebbled foyer to kimono-clad hostesses, the experience at this sushi bar/Japanese restaurant is a true Phoenix original, yet it transports diners to destinations overseas. For a pleasant trip back to the States, head downtown to Monroe's, Phoenix's only underground bar. Live music and no-nonsense atmosphere offer a taste of true American nightlife.
Manhattan Pizzeria to the Bikini Lounge. Dress down for this one. Manhattan serves what are arguably the among Valley's best fresh subs. The Bikini, the Valley's only remaining Tiki lounge, serves what is arguably the Valley's cheapest pitcher of beer.
Diamond's Chinese Restaurant to Amsterdam. The no-frills, family-style restaurant serves authentic Hong Kong cuisine to seafood-loving Asian regulars; the lifestyle-friendly piano bar serves fashionable cocktails to a well-heeled melting pot clientele. Order off the "secret" Chinese menu at dinner, then lay low in a quiet corner to take in the scene over drinks.
A&J's Chicago Style Bar-B-Q to the Royal Palms' lounge. Chicago-style ribs are served in spotless, bright surroundings; the resort's lush lounge is the epitome of elegance. If you're lucky, you'll catch a game on TV at A&J's and a solo pianist at the Royal Palms. Both venues provide service with a smile in a comfortable milieu.
Bamboo Club to Borders Books & Music. Phoenix's original Asian fusion spot has an intimate, sexy atmosphere. After dinner, a cruise through the bookstore's aisles makes for an enlightening nightcap. Singles say it's a great place to pick up a book on a Friday night - or a date for Saturday.
Pico Pica Tacos to Chez Nous. At least one of these venues has nine lives. Spend one night of yours in two unusual hangouts: Pico Pica for its varied tacos and Cuban favorites, the Chez Nous for its tuck and roll upholstery and flashback to the heyday of R and B. Both provide friendly service in a funky atmosphere.
Cowboy Ciao to Kazimierz. Feel like playing the role of International Super Spy? The restaurant's imaginative décor and menu (Southwestern/Italian) will inspire your taste for adventure. The lounge's low-lit, plush interior and deep cache of wines from around the world will satisfy any international playboy's taste for the good life.
Char's Thai Restaurant to Gordon Biersch. With décor like Thai carvings and the odd steer horns or wagon wheel, this renovated restaurant shows its steakhouse roots while serving solid Thai cuisine. Follow a spicy meal with a cool pint at this slick brewery where every design element has been carefully planned.
My Florist Café to the Dubliner. Spare, urban elegance - highlighted by artisan bread from the Willo Bakery - sets a deliciously stylish precedent to the Dubliner's humble Irish kitsch - highlighted by live music. Or go in reverse: Irish comfort food at the Dubliner, then a decadent dessert at My Florist's citified bar.
Sonora Brew House to Rosie McCaffrey's. Some of this neighborhood's residents lament the loss of the Coyote Springs Brewery, but newcomer Sonora Brew House softens the blow with its quiet milieu and fine home brews. Just down the street, Rosie's has a welcoming, Irish-themed atmosphere and a lively crowd.
Aloha Kitchen to El Charro: In search of culinary adventure on the east side? Skip the plethora of chain restaurants. Instead try a laid-back dinner of authentic Hawaiian island favorites like "chicken long rice," then head to a 30-year-old Mesa institution for South-of-the-border charm, rich desserts and chilly margaritas.
La Perla Café to the Hotel San Carlos: The West side's La Perla serves up pleasing Mexican fare in what is - in these parts - a landmark location. In downtown Phoenix, cozy up to the inviting, historic bar in Hotel San Carlos - a bona fide landmark.
Handlebar J to Goldie's: The J is a true original for both western atmosphere and western steaks. Make a few turns around the dance floor with yer lady or feller, then follow it up with a trip to Goldie's, one of Scottsdale's most revered sports bars. Both places are what some would call "the real deal."
- Tasty Kabob: 1250 E. Apache Blvd., Suite 113, Tempe. 480-966-0260
- Urban Outfitters: 545 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-966-7250
- Via Delosantos: 9120 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-997-6239
- Mary Coyle Ice Cream: 5521 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-265-6266
- Ayako of Tokyo: 2564 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-955-7007
- Monroe's: 3 W. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-258-1046.
- Manhattan Pizzeria & Sub Shop: 5224 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-248-8315
- Bikini Lounge: 1502 Grand Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-0472
- Diamond's Chinese Restaurant: 4402 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-263-8926
- Amsterdam: 718 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-258-6122
- A&J Chicago Style Bar-B-Q: 6102 N. 16th St., #1, Phoenix. 602-241-7519
- Royal Palms: 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-808-0766
- Bamboo Club: 2596 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-955-1288
- Borders Books & Music: 2402 E. Camelback Road, #200, Phoenix. 602-957-6660
- Pico Pica Tacos: 3945 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-912-0048
- Chez Nous: 675 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-266-7372
- Cowboy Ciao: 7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 480-946-3111
- Kazimierz World Wine Bar: 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 480-946-3004
- Char's Thai Restaurant: 927 E. University Drive, Tempe. 480-967-6013
- Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.: 420 S. Mill Ave., Suite 201, Tempe. 480-736-0033
- My Florist Café: 530 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-254-0333
- Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant: 3841 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix. 602-867-0984
- Sonora Brew House: 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-279-8909
- Rosie McCaffrey's: 906 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-241-1916
- Aloha Kitchen: 2950 S. Alma School Road, Suite 12, Mesa. 480-897-2451
- El Charro Restaurant and Lounge: 105 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa. 480-964-1851
- La Perla Café: 5912 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale. 623-939-7561
- Hotel San Carlos: 202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-253-4121
- Handlebar J Restaurant and Saloon: 7116 E. Becker Lane, Scottsdale. 480-948-0110
- Goldie's Neighborhood Sports Bar: 10135 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. 480-451-6269
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