We didn't realize this place was really, really new when we decided to drive from SE Mesa, but to be fair we would have come anyway. Live music? A spacious dance floor? I must know. For science.
The venue is really badass looking. When you pull off the main drag and turn a couple of times to get to Duke's, the highly visible sign and first glance reminds you of every awesome roadhouse movie you remember.
Inside, the esthetic is exactly what you want in a roadhouse where you're going to get tipsy, and proceed to stomp, spin, and dip the night away.
We came a little hungry so we got a table. The service was great. Timely, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He got a reasonably priced pitcher of beer and I got a lovely stiff drink.
The food came fast and sadly all we sampled was the loaded fries with brisket. We didn't want to be weighed down and sleepy (GenX female + hubby). We are new-ish & learning, but approach our country swing dancing like other people approach training for a Spartan trifecta but also like George Kittle - go hard but more importantly have fun and don't take yourself seriously.
The full order of brisket fries (an appetizer) was served on a long plate - more than enough for two people IMO- and was absolutely on par with the best across the country. I'm well traveled, a good cook and hobby baker so I'm not impressed by mediocre food.
At 8:30 on a Saturday night, there was a definite family-with-kids vibe; live band was setting up, dance floor cleared of tables. Once the band started, most of the families with little Jawas got in their sand crawlers and rolled out. By nine we expected a dance crowd.
The band was at least as good as you'd expect at The Stillery or Tom Ryan's, and we enjoyed while nomming cheesy brisket fries. Like, manly looking dudes, beards, covering country hits and the good stuff from the 90's thru today.
No one danced after the first song or three, so I approached the bouncer (competent, friendly, I probably would not try to push him down or anything ) and chatted.
Turns out the esthetic, service, food, sound system, and talent make sense bc the stakeholders here are the same ones running the Stillery. The Stillery can and does pull quality talent (local and, say, Nashville). Much is explained!
The band started to play Tom Perry's Last Dance With Mary Jane but maybe more awesome, so we hit the floor with all the moves we accumulated in private dance lessons and 18 free Wednesday couples dance lessons at Denim & Diamonds.
We headed out early after a few drinks & dances but only bc we were effectively the only ones dancing. We felt like we had run out most of our moves and there wasn't anything for the 70 or so people there to look at but us or the band.
*ALL* this place needs is for Valley country lovers and people who like live music and country dancing, to know about it. You have been notified. Do your thing. This place is gonna be INCREDIBLE once you show up.
Hell yeah! Turn it up! read more