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    Restaurant Progress

    4.5 (368 reviews)
    PriceyBars, New American
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Restaurant Progress Photos

    Business Info

    RESTAURANT PROGRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Restaurant Progress

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    Lulu S.

    Amazing as always!! Highly rec doing the five course curated meal since it samples most of the menu! The tartare and tomato salad were amazing! Also rec their espresso martinis!!

    Seasonal menu
    Devin R.

    Restaurant Progress is the best dining experience we've had in Arizona. Went for the first time last night, for our anniversary. Our waitress, Dresden, was fantastic, and Chef Pierce Vargas was working right next to us. Every dish was so incredible that we had to tell him personally. We don't usually leave plates this clean, but we practically licked every one. The 5-course tasting menu for $75/person is one of the best values we've ever had. They gave us different dishes, so we were able to try almost the entire menu--from the steak tartare and yellowtail aquachile to strawberry/tomato, asparagus, chicken croquette, branzino, chicken, and two knock out desserts. Every course was outstanding, and the portions left us perfectly full. We also splurged on the wine pairing, and Zac, the wine director, absolutely nailed it. Every pairing elevated the meal. The most surprising part? The tasting menu hasn't gone up in price since they opened in 2017. They could easily charge three times as much, and we'd gladly pay it. Incredible food, incredible service, and an unbelievable value. We can't wait to come back.

    Outside
    Caroline N.

    Enticed by an Instagram flyer for Sunrise Service on 3/1/26 7a-12p, I stopped by on that Sunday late morning excited to enjoy the coffee, pastries, and sounds of the event. I ordered a cajeta latte $7 by @bullyphx. They are in a new coffee cart on the scene, and I have ordered from them before. I love the coffee taste and sweet flavors they offer. Again, I left at the latte I ordered from them. Will definitely continue to follow them at what ever pop up events they participated in! I ordered a brown butter pecan paris-brest $7 at the front cashier baked by @crystalkasserole and @tj_culp. I have never had this patient before, but the brown butter pecan feeling was absolutely delicious, with a balanced salt sweetness ratio. It was more cream feeling that I was used to though, so I was unable to finish all of it. I enjoyed my coffee and pastry sitting outside at the back patio, enjoying the ambient sounds provided by @introverted______ All in all one of the best Sunday afternoons I could have asked for. Amazing ambulance. Always proud to support the small business community of Phoenix and they do not disappoint

    Lasagna and short rib pasta special
    Tiana E.

    Went here for dinner - Service was great and inside is cute, but the dishes were a mixed experience. We had the burrata with fried green tomatoes and neither of us loved it. I did enjoy the carrot tostada though. Then we had the branzino, the lasagna and the special of the night which was a short rib pasta. The Branzino and pasta were pretty good but the lasagna was way too salty! The branzino was on the salty side too but still enjoyable.

    Spicy margarita and island in the sun
    Yasmin T.

    Stopped in for an appetizer and a some cocktails during the Melrose street fair. We sat at the bar and were greeted and helped promptly. The cocktails were fabulous! They had a perfect amount of fresh citrus. The carrot tostada was a good appetizer to share we really loved the combination of the tender carrots and feta. Would love to come back for a full meal I could see this place being a wonderful date spot!

    Adrienne K.

    Phenomenal. Haven't eaten that well since I was in Mexico and it's not even Mexican food. They nailed the ambiance, flavors, and hospitality. Did the 5 course kitchen option. Loved the frisée salad, seabass was delicious but the sauce(s) on the chicken were next level omg usually a tiramisu person and not a cake person but the crunchy bits they had in it + salted caramel was what I didn't know I needed. Will be back

    Dennys J.

    The place is kinda small so recommend a reservation. We shared around 6 plates and we were 3 people. Not pictured but has a lasagna which I wasn't a fan of but other people liked it. We were pretty much full. Staff is friendly as well. Some plates are pricier than others. I wasn't a fan of the chicken either because it was burnt in some areas.

    Wagu flat iron with bricollinni, horseradish and pomme puree,  delicious
    George E.

    Looking to celebrate New Year's Eve with close friends and was able to get reservations at Restaurant Progressive in Phoenix. RP has been on the radar, but just not checked them off the list. Tonight that ended. All dressed up and entered a softly lite small restaurant space with a direct view of the kitchen. A hustling wait staff moved quickly, but under control throughout the restaurant. I love the restaurant theater of a busy / visible kitchen. The first seating was packed. The menu was price fixed at four coarses and a good selection. We ordered drinks and our dining selections. The first course was tuna carpaccio with lemon garlic vinegarette, chive and cilantro. The slices of tuna were thicker than usual and a knife was needed to get through them. The second course was chicken fried quail with jalapeno cornbread and red eyed gravy. It was scrumptious and quite tasty. The third course was the flat iron wagu with brocolinni, horseradish and pomme puree. Again, it was delicious and the brocolinni was perfect. The dessert, a chocolate tart, was fair, a bit dense and dry. I understand New Years Eve is a busy night and we felt like the dishes were flying out of the kitchen. We requested the food presentation be slowed down as we were having a lovely evening with friend and good food. I would have to give Restaurant Progressive another chance, but not on a crazy holiday service. The food was good but not the level that our friends had RAVED about. Thanks for making the evening enjoyable.

    Fall Salad
    Amanda C.

    Everything from the food to service was so perfect! This restaurant had so many local ingredients and flavorful menu items. I highly recommend doing their "Chef's Choice" 5 course menu. I did this with my husband and the 5 courses were different for each of us! I loved this because you got to try different menu items. Their chicken is so tender and juicy and it will be the best chicken you'll ever have. I loved the daily stuffed pasta too because the sweet potato with the homemade pasta made it for that home cooked feeling providing that fall flavor profile that warms your insides. Chais was such an amazing waitress and so friendly! Loved how she provided her recommendations and was so welcoming and kind. It is casual on the inside yet felt upscale without the stuffiness Highly recommend for a nice dinner, date, or special occasion

    Menu
    Mikaeli B.

    Finally made it to Restaurant Progress! This place is awesome. Relatively small, but they have a seasonally rotating menu that keeps it exciting and new. I will preface this by saying nothing we had was bad. Our servers, Joel and Chase were wonderful. Chase got us a celebratory bubbles for the table, and Joe recommended a wonderful bottle of wine that paired well with everything we ordered. It's definitely a romantic, moody vibe. We came for a date night and it exceeded our expectations. Very unassuming from the outside. I loved the rustic meets soft, modern vibe. We decided to do the leave it to the kitchen as it is a five course meal for only $75 per person... That is unheard of for the quality of food you get. We started with the Crudo and the beef tartare. The Crudo definitely had a little bit of spice from some Serano peppers, but it was a very bright acidic dish, whereas the beef tartare was more rich and umami forward. We very much enjoyed both. The salads were next. The Caesar was pretty good. Interesting lettuce choice but I wasn't mad at it. I liked the tomato salad. With the addition of the blue cheese on top, I thought that was unique and paired very well. We then got the pastas. One of us got the lasagna the other got the fresh pasta. The lasagna was definitely not traditional and more unique being artichoke in there and not a red sauce. However, I appreciate the creativity and it was very good. Still nice creamy and rich. The fresh pasta I believe was a tortellini. It had a wonderful creamy filling with a hint of pistachio, but the mint garnish really tied this dish together, and added a nice freshness and herbaceous was. That one was definitely a crowd pleaser. For entrées, we had the Bronzino and the roasted chicken. The roasted chicken definitely stood out to me. The Japanese sweet potato was phenomenal. The chicken was very tender and juicy, and the chimichurri brought such a nice brightness to this dish, cutting through some of the richness and contrasting that creamy lemon feta. I also appreciated the textural element of the pepita. For dessert we had the cheesecake and a mango sorbet. The mango sorbet was definitely lighter and acted more as a palate cleanser and the basil in there complemented it well. I very much enjoyed it, especially if you're looking for a small, sweet treat that isn't a commitment. The cheesecake was traditional with berries and nice and fluffy. all in all, we spent around $206 before tip, which included a bottle of wine. This place is definitely high ranking on my list for the atmosphere, the quality of food, the quality of service, and the fact that it is a rotating menu. I definitely see myself coming back here. It's definitely a place that can be dressed up or more casual if you like. The bar looks like a cool area to grab a drink.

    Christopher J.

    We went here a few weeks ago and had an absolutely spectacular meal. Everything was perfection. Our server was kind and communicative. All suggestions led to delicious options. We were even serenaded by a live band that was performing for a wedding at the Thunderbird Lounge. It never feels like a mistake to go to Restaurant Progress. Always happy to go back.

    Carrot Tostada

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    What an awesome place. Food was delicious. We had the branzino and chicken. Prawns to start. Service fantastic. Can't wait to go back.

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    Loved this cute little spot! The food and drinks were top notch amazing, and the small space turns up the charm. Bravo!

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    Amazing! Beyond words! Yes the hype is not just hype!!! Service! Creativity in food n Manny's cocktails are exceptional

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    Page 2 of 10

    Ask the Community - Restaurant Progress

    Is the menu vegetarian friendly?

    They do have vegetarian options!

    Great place, is there a bar area where you could just get drinks?

    Yes, there is a bar area (maybe 10 seats) where you can just get drinks or food also if you want.

    I am not sure if this is apart of the business aesthetic but I wasn't able to find very much contact information. Is there a way for me to email someone to get ahold of them or is it just not set up yet?…

    You can call there contact number they always answer during business hours.

    It says they have outdoor seating - anyone know if it's pet friendly?

    I just called and asked if they have a pet friendly patio. They said "We are not pet friendly, and the patio isn't open to the public just yet." - 5/17/17

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Bar 1912 - Avocado Mule and forest

    Bar 1912

    4.4(78 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Another speakeasy unlocked! Located inside Valentine, this one has a very swanky, casual feel to…read moreit. Very nicely decorated, with a bit of sophistication. The bar is clean and the surrounding tables and chairs make for a good hangout spot with friends. They do have an extensive menu of drinks to choose from and the bartenders are friendly and efficient. They do offer some desserts and some light bites as well. The restroom is pretty bougie and I'm mad that I didn't get any pics or videos because that has got to be the fanciest toilet I have ever seen in public! Lol You just have to see it for yourself! If you're looking for a casual vibe with a good drink selection, this is a good one to try. Great for a date night, too! Have yourself a ball at Bar 1912!

    The self-appointed king of speakeasies is back at it with another one. Located in the Melrose part…read moreof Phoenix, I checked out Bar 1912 after having dinner at Valentine (hint, hint: the speakeasy is located inside the restaurant). They have a small parking lot, but it's free and I was able to find a spot on a Friday evening. Ambiance (2.5/5): Speakeasies are known for their sophistication and for their hidden entry. Bar 1912 isn't much of a mystery. There are two entry points. Either a door in the back of the restaurant or a hallway inside the restaurant that's relatively easy to find as there isn't a door or anything in between the restaurant and the speakeasy. Our waiter took us there after our meal. Bar 1912 is nice, but just about average in terms of ambiance compared to other speakeasies. Part of the reason is that it's very loud (seats 30 people or so) and all of the seating at the bar are back-less bar stools (which I personally hate due to my back). I would have preferred to sit on the various couches/sofas next to the bar. Service (4.5/5): Friendly, attentive service. Exactly what you hope for when you're grabbing a drink (especially when they take a little longer to make due to their sophistication). You're provided with water without asking which is always a nice touch. I had to grab the bartender's attention once or twice, but outside of that, a job well done. Food (N/A); Since I had dinner at Valentine prior, I skipped food here. They have a small menu consisting mostly of appetizers (many, but not all, which are offered at Valentine). One option which isn't at Valentine, but which piqued my interest is the Sonoran hot dog. Had I been hungry, it would've been a no brainer. They have four or so desserts on the menu, and I had room for dessert, but none of them seemed appetizing. Drinks (4/5): When I'm at a speakeasy, I look for creativity and an interesting blend of ingredients. You certainly have that here. There's a focus on Native American and Hispanic influences here, which is pretty cool, and fitting since we're in Phoenix and everything. I tried two cocktails, one was a hit and one was a miss. I'm pretty flexible when it comes to cocktails, and I know what I like, so I rarely miss. Unfortunately, it happened here. With that being said, I tried some liqueurs I had never had before which is awesome. And I enjoyed the cocktail menu. This isn't the type of spot you'll find an Espresso Martini...thankfully. With a couple of tweaks, Bar 1912 could be in line with some of my favorite speakeasies in town.

    Photos
    Bar 1912
    Bar 1912
    Bar 1912

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    Killer Whale Sex Club - Fun interior!

    Killer Whale Sex Club

    4.1(334 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    They had me at the name... though I will clear the air. There are no killer whales present at…read moreKiller Whale Sex Club. Nor is it a sex club. But, if you're looking for a really cool bar, KWSC is for you. I stopped by on a week day evening around 8:30 p.m. Located in Roosevelt Row, while there isn't parking, I found free parking on the street a few minutes away on foot. Ambiance (4.5/5): My type of spot. Dimly lit with a speakeasy vibe. There are eight or so seats at the bar, and the rest of your seating options consist of comfortable chairs and sofas. You'll see a lot of photos of people's bums on the walls lol. This is indeed part of the appeal. For free, if you would like, they will take a polaroid of your butt and memorialize you eternally on the walls. While I didn't do that, if that's up your alley, go for it. Service (2/5): This is the main area of improvement. After being seated, I was greeted promptly and got my first cocktail promptly. From there, things fell apart. I had to grab the bartender's attention to order my second drink and to close out. It was a week day and they weren't busy. And there were two bartenders. A lack of attentiveness. When I closed out, I noticed that the cocktails were both $2 more expensive than what was listed on the menu. When I inquired, I was told that the menus were outdated... umm what? If you're not going to re-print your menus, give people a heads-up when they arrive. I understand that most people won't notice, but this is deception. Food (N/A): I was on a liquid diet. If you're trying to eat here, all they have is snacks. The menu doesn't specify but I'm thinking it's probably chips or somethign like that. Drinks (4/5): A lengthy, and interesting, cocktail list. Similar to a speakeasy, you're going to see creativity and an interesting blend of flavors here. The most popular drink is Fuck Nazis. We're seeing a theme here. KWSC is an interesting spot. For various dollar amounts, you can get funny things outside of the polaroids of your bum. My first cocktail was great. My second one, a tiki drink, not so much. The menu said that there would be some flame action happening. It didn't. Just another example of the service falling short. If the service were better, Killer Whale Sex Club would easily be a five-star experience.

    I started coming here back in 2019, and at the time it felt like one of those rare places you…read morealmost don't want to tell people about because it was so special. The atmosphere was unique, the bartenders were genuinely engaging, and there was a real sense of community that made every visit memorable. It became my go-to spot to bring friends from out of town and every single person I brought absolutely loved it! Back then, the cocktails felt intentional and creative, not just rushed out for volume. The staff remembered regulars, conversations flowed naturally, and the whole place had this warm, eclectic energy that made you want to stay for hours. Even on busy nights, it somehow still felt personal. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the vibe has changed quite a bit. The drinks just aren't as consistently good as they used to be, especially considering the prices now. Service feels far more transactional and impersonal, and the atmosphere that once made this place stand out has faded into something much more generic. It feels less like a neighborhood gem and more like a stop on a nightlife circuit.

    Photos
    Killer Whale Sex Club - Behind the bar amidst the free photos

    Behind the bar amidst the free photos

    Killer Whale Sex Club
    Killer Whale Sex Club - Interiors

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    Interiors

    Bikini Lounge

    Bikini Lounge

    3.9(267 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $

    What an unexpectedly fun night!…read more I honestly had no idea what I was walking into when a friend told me I had to check out Bikini Lounge because they know I'm drawn to all things eclectic. They were absolutely right. From the moment the friendly bouncer smiled and said, "Step right on in," I was hooked. Yoooow!! The first DJ was incredible. He was spinning all kinds of trip-hop, indie, electronic, and remix-style tracks that had everybody partyin'. It wasn't your typical dance music, but every song seemed to connect with somebody in the room. The crowd was incredibly diverse, and it was so much fun watching people of every age and style dancing and nobody cared. The second DJ, a younger woman, shifted the vibe a bit and leaned more toward a younger crowd. It wasn't quite my style, so I took that opportunity to grab a seat at the bar and do what I apparently do best... chat with complete strangers. I'm a talker, and thankfully they seemed just as happy to strike up a conversation. This isn't some fancy cocktail lounge, and that's exactly the point. It's authentic. There were people dancing at the bar, grooving in their booths, bouncing in their seats, and filling the dance floor with great energy. I came by myself, and within minutes a cool group of strangers invited me to squeeze into their booth like we'd all come together. That's the kind of place this is. At one point they even offered me a glass of beer from their pitcher. I politely declined (look at me making responsible life choices... sometimes), but then I realized almost everyone had pitchers! So I sauntered over to the bar. I did have to wait a bit; apparently chivalry doesn't extend to letting a woman cut the line, but once I reached the bartender, the service was fast and friendly. Every trip back to the bar was the same. No complaints there. As the night went on, the energy just kept building. Before I knew it, I was on the dance floor sweating, smiling, and dancing with complete strangers. After a while, I had to retreat to the patio just to catch my breath before heading back in for more. My ankles are still sore... and the glutes? Fuhgetabouttit! The best part of the night wasn't the music or even the drinks. It was the people. Every generation was represented. Every fashion style imaginable. Every personality. And somehow it all worked. There was this genuine sense of joy and community that you just don't find everywhere. If you're looking for polished and upscale, this probably isn't your spot. But if you want great music, a welcoming crowd, zero pretension, and one of those nights where you leave happier than you arrived... give Bikini Lounge a shot. I went in not knowing what to expect. I left wondering why I'd waited so long to go.

    I have lived in AZ my entire life and never have I ever been here! So when my husband, my parents…read moreand I were on a mission to day drink we decided to visit! It's such a vibe! Our amazing bartender Eddie gave us a little history lesson, very friendly, super hospitable and made great drinks! It was a very warm day and their AC didn't seem to be working, but we made the most of it! It's a great location just west of the main attractions downtown if you want a more chill, local spot-this is it!

    Photos
    Bikini Lounge
    Bikini Lounge - An original

    An original

    Bikini Lounge

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    Restaurant Progress - bars - Updated September 2026

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