Amazing speakeasy! The Saint of Santiago & Potion Seller cocktails were perfectly balanced. Delicious, thick-cut hamachi crudo. Smoky Old Fashioneds were pricey but incredibly tasty & smooth. Highly recommend! read more

Chris our Server is super nice and on top of his game, very cordial, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Love the ambiance, cocktails are Spot On, Food is fantastic and Service was phenomenal. We had the crab dip/marvelous-bread was to die for, Mussels-Excellent-broth very tasty, Salmon-fantastic- done perfectly with crispy skin, Pasta-very, very good. One of our favorite restaurants in Phoenix. Make Reservation, Parking Garage on East Side of Building is usually available. We will be back! read more

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Saint of Santiago and Potion Seller for dessert were both winning cocktails IMO. Both were very well balanced. I ordered the hamachi crudo and it was delicious. I just wished I had more! Cuts were nice and thick and all the flavors blended well together. This place is like a secret but it's not. The vibe is fun and rustic at the same time. Bar tenders were all attentive and nice. The only thing I thought was a bit off was not having a specific bar tender which made it a little confusing sometimes. For themselves. One would take my order and the next would ask what I wanted. Or when I asked for the check and then another would ask me what I'm drinking next. Would definitely come back here at some point! read more

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Really intimate and cool speakeasy restaurant. We had the smoky old fashioned speciality drinks and let me tell you they did not disappoint. They were on the pricey side but boy were they tasty and smooth! We only shared some of the appetizer dishes not a huge meal. We enjoyed the muscles, oysters, and crab dip dish. Service was also top notch! If you have a hot date I think this is a good spot to consider! Enjoy! read more

Very cool hidden underground bar with an upscale ambiance. Honestly quite spacious and easy to accommodate large groups like mine. Drinks were nicely presented and I really enjoyed my mezcal cocktail. We also tried the dessert - the sorbet was very refreshing and the brownie was decadent. Great place for a nightcap. read more

Rough Rider - Saint of Santiago - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

In town for Valentine's Day and tried out this spot for a little date night. The vibes were immaculate and the service was amazing. Everyone was very attentive and nice and knowledgeable about the food and drink options. We got a few of the happy hour items and the crab dip. Everything we had (crab dip, oysters, jumbo shrimp, fried cauliflower, drinks) was so good. Highly recommend getting a "bartenders choice" drink. My fiancé ordered one and it was incredible. They also validated our parking from the parking ramp inside so that was very appreciated! read more

Rough Rider - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

My buddy and I came to Rough Rider for pre-drinks before the Phoenix Suns game and this speakeasy restaurant is the perfect place to grabs amazing cocktails and solid food for a bar. We split a Ribeye between the 2 of us which was great. Highly recommend this place if you want great service with a speakeasy vibes style of place with some of the best mixed cocktails in downtown PHX! read more

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It was good but not overly great. The potato and artichoke appetizer is amazing! I had the duck and hubby had the pork chop. The duck was amazing, smaller portion, but the pork chop was good, the slaw side was just meh, but there's so much of it and that's all you get with it. We ordered smore cake for dessert, I wanted to love it so much and what we could eat we did. The problem is we got an edge piece of the cake (think edge of brownie pan) and it was so hard it was almost uneditable. It's luck of the drawl but try and get a middle piece. It was a fun date night out, but I don't know if we will return. Lots of other options to try. read more

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Great speakeasy bar and restaurant. Wonderful hand crafted drink and a great selection of appetizers and entrees as well as desserts.

Went here to have a little Mini after party for Friend's birthday. It was an impromptu visit but we were still able to get in. It is hidden in the basement of the building below a lively Mexican spot. The hostess was very friendly and helped us decide on the best place for us to sit. We ended up choosing a lounge area with a couch, two chairs and a table in the middle. It was a great little casual spot right by the bar. I ordered the reelection martini. It was on the pricey end at $30 but definitely worth it. It had a smooth salty bite to it with a little tang. The blue cheese olives that came with were to die for. I could eat a bowl of those. Something about the cheese and it's smoothness was so delicious. My friend got the smoke show which he enjoyed. I love the theater of drinks. Browsing over the menu I definitely will be back to try more drinks, and some food, but this is definitely a great spot. Will update when I come back for a longer visit. read more

Rough Rider - Oysters - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

First impression. Love the vibe, greeted by the hostess immediately and seated at our reserved table. Celebrating our wedding anniversary with a complimentary champagne, a nice touch. Our server was Pop, he did a great job explaining the menu and drinks recommendations. Love everything we ordered and for the price, it was pretty good. If you need a restroom, you'll have to go upstairs, only the negative side. Be careful it's yummy certified. read more

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This restaurant can be difficult to find if you don't know it's a speak easy in the basement of a high-rise building in downtown. The server was very attentive even with a group of 10+ people. Food was flavorful and presentation was beautiful on every single dish. Some drinks even came with a piece of candy as a garnish! It can be difficult to go to the restroom as they are upstairs and you have to take the elevator which can interrupt your meal. It would be nice if they had one downstairs where the restaurant is located. If you go I would recommend ride share! Although there is a parking lot in front of the high-rise it can be difficult to get in and out of especially at night! read more

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This was the last stop on our trip to Arizona and by far it was the best one all trip and there were a lot of great ones. We got some recommendations from another bartender in Scottsdale and boy did they come through. We found parking right outside and we knew it was a speakeasy but will not like it took us a few minutes to find the exact elevator that took us to the restaurant/bar. We finally found the elevator and went directly to the front desk. We were quickly greeted and taken to the bar. We were greeted by the bartender who was very nice and knowledgeable and great us awesome recommendations. We did not have much time for food so we just stayed for a few drinks. I went with an Old Fashioned and the Legend Old Fashioned. I enjoyed them both but the Legend topped the cake. I absolutely loved the feel and the ambiance, it had a very prohibition like decor but the drinks paired and matched well with the ambiance. Will definitely be back! read more

Happy Valentine's Day, my fellow Yelpers! My husband and I chose Rough Rider for Valentine's Day this year, and if you're looking for a spot that commits to a vibe, this is it. The space makes industrial look sophisticated, with a strong Old World energy that feels equal parts historic speak easy and modern cocktail den. You can tell they take their concept seriously and they execute it beautifully. We started with the baked crab dip (lump crab, cheese, celery, breadcrumbs), which was rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. It came with four small slices artisanal bread (think Texas toast). Emphasis on small. We asked for two additional slices and were surprised to see we were charged for an extra side. Not a dealbreaker, but at these prices, a little bread generosity would go a long way. For our entrées, I had the pasta (Sonoran pappardelle with braised pork ragu) and it was fantastic. I'd describe it as hearty and subtly spicy. My husband ordered the filet, which was tender and beautifully prepared. Truly, every bite we had was excellent. That said, Rough Rider definitely knows it's good and it prices accordingly. We skipped dessert and alcohol and still walked out nearly $200 lighter. For two people. Without question, the quality is there, but the pricing feels higher than it needs to be. We love supporting local businesses and don't mind splurging. Rough Rider is very much a "special occasion" destination rather than a casual night out for us. All in all, the food was delicious, the ambiance is distinctive, and it's a great spot to celebrate. Would we go back? Yes. Would we brace ourselves for the bill? Also, yes. read more

One of my fav higher end restaurants! The food is great and the drinks are on the stronger side! The staff has always been amazing! It's located down a few floors and the attention to detail is insane! read more

Huge thanks to a fellow customer sitting next to me at a bar top while in Sedona, who recommended we come here! Arriving for their opening, we were fortunate to find free parallel parking within a couple of blocks. Now, this is a speakeasy: no loud signs informing one of their location; having to take a specific (middle) elevator to go down to the basement; once the elevator doors open, to enter a dimly lit host station. The atmosphere is rich, elegant, and inviting from the start. Requesting to sit at the main (lively) bar top, we were fortunate and privileged to be served -- and entertained -- by Brad (and later, Brandon) -- both approachable, professional, knowledgeable, and comfortably attentive, making one feel valued. The impressive and positive teamwork is visible among the entire staff. Watching the cocktails being made by our talented bartenders was quite a show. Impressively, we noticed the use of large, clear, and stamped ice cubes in some of their cocktails -- such details truly elevate the experience. Hubby enjoyed his Legend Manhattan ($30) and Game Theory ($19); I thoroughly enjoy the presentation, scents, and flavors of my Signature Smoke ($35), followed by the Game Theory. For food, we enjoyed off their Happy Hour menu: Roasted Potatoes & Artichokes ($14). Off the regular menu, we shared their tender and well-prepared Ribeye ($80), with a finale of their delicious S'more Cake ($11) and French Press Coffee ($6). Happy Hour: Tuesday - Sunday, 3-5 P.M. What surprised us (and took a little away from this fine experience) is -- being such an elegant venue -- this is not 21-&-over until 9 PM (when the kitchen closes). Thankfully, the babies/children present weren't crying, loud, or running around. Fabulous experience and one we'd want to visit, again, when in the area. read more

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This is Hubby's favorite restaurant, so we come here relatively often. It's in the basement of a large office building on Roosevelt Row. There's not really a sign alerting you to the location, unless you count the huge smiling Teddy Roosevelt on the side of the building. This place is Teddy Roosevelt themed, At the decor really does bring you back in today 1910s. It's dark with lots of gorgeous carved wood. There are pictures of Teddy Roosevelt and because it is Teddy Roosevelt themed, you'll also find bits of Americana. There's a raw bar on one side, and on the other side there is a long bar, a lounge area with fireplace, and a dining room. There's also a little room with a sofa and some comfy chairs off to the side - - perhaps you can rent it privately? I do know that some people came in before us without a reservation and they were banished to the little room because there were no seats available at the bar or in the dining room. Every time we've come here we have had the most attentive servers. The cocktal menu offers a little something for everyone, although I don't think they have a large beer menu. They have wonderful cobbler drinks. Hubby had the Martini of Honor and I had a yummy mezcal drink topped with bee pollen called Twisted Nectar. We started with the the smoked salmon dip, which was delish! For dinner, we both had the pork chop with apple slaw, which is what I always order. Soooo good! Its a good idea to have a reservation on the weekend. And allow time for parking. They do validate! read more

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The ambiance is pretty cool. See the pictures. It is a bit warm for a basement though. The service was very good with one exception. We were asked if we liked our food once. When we got our appetizers. Which was excellent. The mascarpone potatoes are a must. The shrimp cocktail was very good as well. My wife had a cocktail that she liked very much as well. But the entrees. The ribeye was a good cut and very tender but totally un seasoned. The potato's it was sitting on were excellent. The chicken breast. Over cooked and very dry. The sauce and the celery root puree, very good. We were very disappointed at the entrees after the excellent appetizers and cocktail. The ambiance was top notch as well. read more

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First time here. We chose this location to celebrate our anniversary and we are so happy we did. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the server, and bartender--all wished us a "happy anniversary" and even before we got started we were welcomed with celebratory champagne. Hilary our waitress was absolutely PHENOMENAL. Amazing service and great recommendations. She made our time here that much more awesome. Every cocktail we ordered was fantastic. We started with the roasted potatoes and artichokes--HIGHLY recommend. It is a large portion. I ordered the seasonal fish which happened to be salmon--it was good. My only slight complaint is the sauce was salty. If you read the review below mine--several others complained about the salty salmon as well. I was able to eat my dish but it was very salty. My boyfriend ordered the ribeye and he said it was one of the best steaks he has had and the mashed potatoes were equally amazing. The ambiance and vibe is amazing especially for date night or celebrating. Come check this place out! read more

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Came here after work with a few friends to catch up on life. I've had this place book marked for some time now, so glad I checked it out! The ambience and vibes here are amazing! Low light, detailed woodwork throughout and speakeasy feels everywhere! It's usually busy so make sure to get a reservation beforehand. Unfortunately, the non-alcoholic options are basically tea....so I just went with water. We ordered some oysters, and while I'm not a huge fan of them, they were good. We also got the fried cauliflower appetizer that was pretty tasty. On a scale of 1 - 10, I'd come back just for the atmosphere alone, BUT, it kinda sucks that they don't have a few other non-alcoholic beers or drinks available. read more

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Our server was amazing and very patient with us. He recommended some amazing dishes and was super helpful! The food and drinks were amazing. Our favorite was the potatoes because they were so crispy and the flavors were amazing! read more

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Rough Rider was an amazing and delicious experience for dinner! The restaurant is located in the basement and gives off a dark, lodge, hip vibe. Paid parking is available in the parking garage to the east. Main building interior isn't labeled very obvious so find the elevators just past the lobby on the left. Restrooms are on the first floor. Once you get downstairs a small host booth sits to the right against the decorated wall. A large portrait of President Teddy faces you. There is varying seating options and bar seating too. We had really great service! Our water was always filled, we were checked on regularly and were provided recommendations on drinks and food. She explained everything thoroughly. Really appreciated her providing the details on the drink profiles. The food was delicious! We started out with crab dip and muscles. I had the Mr. President drink off the menu to start and it was so yummy for a sweeter side cocktail drink. The seafood menu items, not ordered, are served chilled. We shared the ribeye which was at market price, and cooked as ordered. A table next to us had ordered the potatoes and we were told by our server they were good but we opted out this time. The s'more dessert was just the right amount to finish off dinner. Highly recommend!! And make reservations. read more

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It's a little tricky to find if you're horrible with directions like me, but once you're inside it's definitely a treat. The drinks are fun and service was friendly. Definitely coming back! read more

Rough Rider - Cocktail: Happy Birthday, Mr. President - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Had a fun time hanging out at the bar. The whiskey selection is pretty decent with a lot of different private barrel selections. read more

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Recommended by a friend , decided to check it out for a quick bite. You got to go through the alley and take an elevator to the basement. A really nice bar, very versatile location. We had a mocktail, but the place seemed like it had a lot of interesting cocktail options as well. Had a nice set up with sofas and like room to get like a more personal and casual setting. Wasn't too loud for a bar, easily communicate. Right from the beginning the hosts and the servers were very friendly and efficient. The roasted potato appetizers is a must try and was recommended by a friend. Very well balanced flavors, slightly a little extra garlic flavor which was really good. And it was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The mascapone cream was really good and added to the dish as well. read more

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Completed date night by reserving a late night seat at the bar for drinks and desserts. Skipped dessert because the charcuterie board was so filing and amazing. Best one I've had. Drinks were unique and perfectly crafted. The place was awesome. The hidden location had us circling at first but we had fun discovering it. The decor and atmosphere were top notch. The theme of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders is felt all throughout. This is a rare speakeasy that actually feels like one. The wood affects and the amber lighting creates such a dim warmth. Definitely a new favorite and I've recommended this spot to every friend! read more

Rough Riders Speakeasy is an absolute gem. From the moment you step inside, the vibe is immaculate--dark, intimate, and effortlessly cool. . The atmosphere is unbeatable--smooth energy and just the right amount of buzz without feeling crowded or chaotic. Service is on point too: friendly, knowledgeable, and never overbearing. Service was attentive but relaxed--never rushed, never intrusive. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear your conversation and enjoy your drink without feeling like you're in a crowded club. The cocktails are next-level. Every drink is beautifully crafted, perfectly balanced, and straight-up delicious. You can tell the bartenders take real pride in their work, and it shows in every pour. Whether you're ordering a classic or something more creative, you can't miss. Brandon, Tyler, Jake, Cisco, Rusty, Kyle made the night great. Their attentiveness was well noted. Jordan and Amanda greeted everyone and made them feel like they were being taken care of from the moment you hit the door. Rough Riders Speakeasy is a must. Easily one of the coolest spots around especially if you sit at the bar for sure. Please let the staff know how well they contribute to a warm and friendly atmosphere. read more

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This was my favorite restaurant and I used to tell everyone to go here. I drove 40 minutes and paid $22 to park for two hours. They say they validate for 1 hour-- if never shows up. No longer a favorite. I slept on this review as I made a reservation for our anniversary in the main dining room for when they open at 3:00 on a Saturday. We waited by the elevator to turn on. At 3:10 we followed a couple down the stairs. Then waited for host and informed her the elevator was not turned on. She said she knew it was broken and they called a guy--then why not place a sign on elevator to use the stairs. Host tried to sit is by the bar by a very loud and drunk whiskey tasting group that started earlier. We asked for a booth and they sat the two of us in a booth for 8! I asked server to move to empty restaurant smaller booth and he refused and said no one is sitting next to us yet. Even though we were the only ones there to eat early. Eventually the whisky group left. But my main issue was we ordered a 1 pound king crab legs for $165. The previous visits they were sweet and delicious. Even though the best season to enjoy king crab is October to January, so being December they should had been great but they had no taste and almost water logged. Do not order! Last visits we tried the salmon and chicken--cooked and tasted perfection. This time my wife tried the pork just ok. I tried and it was over spiced. I asked about the cabbage newburg--server said it was "interesting"-- odd response. It was just ok. Last we finished with the key lime cheesecake. Last visit it was awesome. This visit the pie tasted great but the proportion of crust to filling was way too thick of crust--needs better attention. I will say the server was great. In conclusion it seems like their focus has shifted to selling hip and fancy drinks and filling the bar and ignoring the food quality. Hence the restaurant was empty when we left--although not very late yet. Disappointed and we will not go back. read more

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It has a neat concept with a speakeasy like no name entrance in the basement and cool decorations around Teddy Roosevelt, which is a bit odd for folks who are downtown. The food was underwhelming and not all dishes worked. Overall, it is on the heavy and greasier side. The fried cauliflower was wonderful, rich aioli underneath. The charcuterie was unexciting The ragu pasta was decent and worth sharing The salmon was ok The iceberg wedge was not great, what a terrible idea for a horrible salad dressing instead of something classic or light and creative. It's for most who want a cool photo for expensive food, but it wasn't for people who appreciate a great meal that is based from a strong and creative chef. This bodes more of Instagram gastro pub that leaves you heavy and question if it was wor th it read more

The restaurant is at the base of The building. Food is good Strange feeling to be here read more

Rough Rider - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Ummmm it was ok super pricey and the food was just ok! You are definitely paying for the vibes!! It's like a sultry romantic speakeasy! Our waitress was Olivia and she was really nice and knowledgeable about the menu. I tried the duck leg quarter...I have never had duck before it was cool tasted like rich chicken lol the oysters were 4 dollars each and shrimp 4.50 both really fresh.... The cocktail sauce was homemade really good but super spicy!! The salad was fresh lettuce was crisp but the Caesar dressing was very mustardy... all in all it was a cute date night and I'd go again if someone else is paying... lol read more

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Sat at the bar this time. It's a beautiful bar with an interesting theme and a very upscale feel. Tried the crab dip and it was delicious and a perfect late night snack. Service was friendly and informative and it was a wonderful 4th of July stop. read more

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This was my second visit to Rough Rider, and it did not disappoint! This time, I tried the Thai Me Up because the combination of spice and sweetness sounded intriguing--and it was absolutely delicious! One friend ordered the Divine Feminine and really enjoyed it, while another had the Strawberry Blonde mocktail and loved it as well. The service was amazing, as always, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I just need to come back during the day sometime so I can actually try and review the food!! read more

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Firstly, this place is amazing. Secondly, this place is amazing. We had dinner organized for 5 of us for NYE here and were absolutely blown away by the quality of the food that was served - phenomenal. Our waitress was fantastic - very accommodating, communicative, and knew her stuff. Also she was ALOT of fun. The pictures of the food speaks volumes - even though I am not the best foodie photographer.. however the flavors were divine. Everything was perfect - I cant speak more highly of the quality, and presentation of the dishes. All were excellent. The cocktails were good - the Old fashioned became the table favourite very quickly. I tried the gin cocktail (9mm & a Three piece Suit) which was nice but the Legend Old Fashioned was better all round. We will DEF be back for a happy hour or even just to go back there again because its just so awesome! Go do it.. read more

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If Teddy Roosevelt had a favorite spot in Phoenix, it'd be Rough Rider. The drinks? Incredible. The Spanish Caravan is smoky and smooth, while the Nouveau Sangaree is dangerously good--like, "I'll take another" good. The food stole the show. The Roasted Duck Breast was so perfect--tender with crispy skin--that I ordered it twice. No regrets. The Brussels Sprouts (no bacon jam) were crispy, caramelized, and impossible to stop eating. And don't skip the Parker House Rolls--buttery, soft, and downright heavenly with honey butter. Rough Rider delivers on vibes, drinks, and food that'll have you planning your next visit before you leave. 5 stars, 2 ducks, and one very happy diner. read more

Rough Rider - Duck - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The entire process in getting to the venue is interesting because it's in the basement of a building but the food, drinks & ambiance makes it all worthwhile. Are the prices for the food & drinks a little high, sure but the quality and variety of spirits and the portions of favorable dishes will validate the rates. read more

One of the best restaurants I've been to! The decor and ambience is exquisite. My server, Hilary, was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Before I would even think to ask for more water she was already pouring. The bartender made me a custom cream soda which was sooo good. Could not recommend this place enough!!! read more

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Horrible, Bewildering experience. Frankly awaiting an apology.....This evening I took my husband for his 50th Birthday. We requested to sit at the bar and were happy to go as we had not been in quite some time and were to attend a show immediately after dinner. Oddly, after depositing water and menus no staff interacted with us for 10 or 15 minutes. Then a woman approached and asked us to leave immediately. We thought it was a joke -seriously. She said the female bartenders had "complained" about us at some visit sometime months (a year?) ago, which was strange. We thought they must have us confused with someone else. I asked for the manager because the woman refused to give any details about the complaint or the timeframe of the alleged infraction. She told me she was the owner and was "protecting her female staff...." I asked from what? She refused to answer. She insisted however that we leave. Now. My husband is diagnosed Aspergers (high functioning autism) and I told her that as sometimes his behavior is different than others. I asked that we be accomodated and seated at a table away from the bar. Nope. She refused us service without explaination and with a rude, indignant attitude. I would like to know 1. What on Earth is she talking about? 2. When did this alleged thing happen, and to whom and by whom? and 3. Why wasn't it discussed at time of occurence and/or why were we not contacted by phone or email in a timely manner if it was a situation??? We are terribly disappointed and upset by the actions of Kyla Hein last evening, and believe we deserve an explaination, especially since we have taken many friends, family & colleagues to this place over the years. I always drive, so I am careful about consumption and my husband has never been there without me, and we have never been asked to leave, never been "cut off", never been told there was any issue at all. And we dine out all over the metro at high end places consistently and have never had any issues anywhere else! So obviously our impression of the restaurant (and the entire hospitality group) is severly tarnished, and we will share that and will refer all business that we had been referring....elsewhere. Having been an owner/operator myself of high volume venues in two different states I can tell you Ms. Hein's customer interaction tonight gets an F - . We had never seen this woman in our lives! I hope management reviews internal practices as this type interaction carries, at some point, liability. Staff probably need better training & policies in place when working in a place of public accomodation. Just WOW (and not in a good way). Hope you are not the next boogeyman! read more

The speakeasy vibe is awesome. When here for my 21st and it was a great experience. Drinks are great and the appetizers were good! read more

Rough Rider - Lemon drop martini - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Went for Birthday dinner with my husband and could not have been happier with the pick. We did have a reservation which I'd say is a good idea. We had no issues finding like others mentioned however parking was crazy $40 (we did go on first Fridays so that's that!) The service was personalized and fantastic. Inside was cozy and dark woods with a cool vibe. Food was delish! The smoked salmon was a cold dip and good salmon flavor. The duck breast was cooked to perfection and the grits were equally as good. My husband had Pork Chop and was impressed how well it was cooked. We were too full for dessert but the cocktails were tasty! read more

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