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    Rough Rider

    4.4 (691 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Rough Rider Photos

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    ROUGH RIDER ATMOSPHERE

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    Upscale

    Recommended Reviews - Rough Rider

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    Kim H.

    I love this place. The atmosphere is so cool and literally cool inside especially great on a hot summer day. lol. The bartenders really know their stuff. We had the happy birthday Mr. President, s little too sweet for me, tasted better when we added the champagne sidecar. my favorite dish on the menu are the potatoes.

    Siren drink
    Allison J.

    This place was SO fun for me and my ladies. We went here for my birthday and it was so fun. I made a reservation on open table which I HIGHLY recommend. We had a party of 10 and it was so fun. We all had drinks a some people ordered food. Due to party size there was auto gratuity and only 4 cards max. The bar is in the basement of the hotel. When we got there though it wasnt very clear that it was there. We got there a little early but the accommodated us nicely. Originally there was going to be 9 people but I asked day of event if I could bring another person and they said yes. The drinks were so good. Th divine feminine tasted like Jamaica drink with the hibiscus. Then I had the happy birthday Mr. President. Oh. My. God. It didn't even taste like alcohol it tasted like vanilla ice cream I'm so serious. It was delicious. Then I had the siren drink. That one wasn't bad at all. We all had a great time and shared laughs and everything. I love the setting of it though. It's a bit dark so we had to use phone lights to see the menu. But it feels like stepping into a whole new world once you enter. I think it's perfect for hanging out. Date night. Anniversary dinner. All of it. Our server was nice. Very friendly. I think he could use a little more on his hospitality just because sometimes I feel like he didn't know what to say exactly. A little disappointed that there wasn't really anything special for a birthday though. Not even a little card on the table that said happy birthday. Just a thought. Other fine dining establishments I've been in did.

    Emily S.

    Rough Rider has been through some changes that I find disappointing. When we were seated, I asked our server if they still have happy hour and he said he wasn't sure if we were still within the happy hour window - it was 3:30 PM. He then confirmed we were still within the happy hour window and offered to bring us a menu. They used to have an extensive happy hour menu featuring several drinks and food items and now their "happy hour menu" consists of a cheeseburger for $22. Not sure that that really constitutes as a happy hour menu... I asked him why they changed the menu and he put up his hands as if to say he's not to blame and said he doesn't have anything to do with those decisions. He said that "management decided to make a few substitutions but they're pretty good" and didn't provide any further elaboration. I ordered the appetizer lamb lollipops which had four small pieces for $25. My friend decided to try the "happy hour" cheeseburger and he said it was good but it did appear a bit overpriced for an average burger with a pretty hefty serving of french fries. I really wasn't impressed by the quality of the food, the portion size, the price, or the service. Unfortunately, I'll be taking Rough Rider off my list of regular places i frequent and restaurants I recommend to others.

    Scarlett M.

    Oh wow this place is so good! I love a clarified cocktail and the one of the month is a version of a pina colada. This is definitely a full of speakeasy vibe as it is in the basement. They validate parking as well, which is always a huge plus. Great spot I've already been twice this month.

    Super refreshing cocktail
    Michael M.

    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!

    Pasta
    Brandy S.

    Absolutely outstanding, delicious and what a cool experience! First it's a little hard to find but once you find the elevators, head down to the basement for a culinary delight! We loved all the food we had, but the POTATOES are out of this world delicious!! The Brussels were a big hit with us and the pasta dish. I am not normally a chicken fan but I tried it and I must say it was cooked to perfection. But again, those amazing potatoes, YUM YUM! They do charge an auto gratuity for parties of 6 or more and it is a little pricey but worth it. It is a darker restaurant so if you are like me and cannot see that well, bring your readers and a night light! Make sure you ask for Heather S for your server, she was outstanding.

    Saint of Santiago. Perfectly spicy and Smokey.
    Amy J.

    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!

    Kailee C.

    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!

    Ashkan A.

    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!

    Saint of Santiago
    Amy W.

    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.

    Devin K.

    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!

    Elle C.

    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.

    Bar
    Kelsey E.

    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.

    Old Fashioned, Roses by the Elevator and Cowboys of the Caribbean cocktails

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    The food is absolutely amazing! The ambience and customer service is excellent. I will definitely be back!

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    Page 3 of 18

    Ask the Community - Rough Rider

    Are reservations required ? What is the dress code?

    We made a reservation but for a large party. It does not look like one is required. Note: Parties of 6 or more canceled with less than 24 hour notice are subject to a fee of $25 per person.… 

    Is parking a problem?

    There is a parking garage right next door. Or the lite rail stops out front.

    Any gluten free menu items?

    I am not sure that they have an area to keep food gluten free, but there are menu items you would consider to be gluten free. A lot would depend on your degree of sensitivity and how careful the kitchen staff are.

    Which is the best seat...main dining table, raw bar counter or table by raw bar?

    I have sat at all three. I prefer the bar. It's beautiful

    Do they serve beer or just cocktails and punches?

    They do have some beer, but severely limited options

    What's the dress code? Could I in theory, show up in an antique dress in a hoop skirt?

    I'm sure you could. You may find it bothersome to sit down, and you may knock people's drinks off their tables as you walk by, but who am I to dissuade a dress so bold. I would avoid wearing a t-shirt and Jean shorts, but dress is casual to… 

    Are walk ins available for the main room today?

    Walk-ins are always welcome! Depending on the day and time you plan on joining us, there is a chance there will be a wait. We do have a separate cocktail lounge where you can enjoy a drink while you wait for your table. We also have some open… 

    For the $25pp fee to make reservation, is that charged to make the actual reservation or only if no show?

    Only for the no show, Nothing is charged immediately. Hope to have you in soon! Cheers

    Do they have highchairs for kids?

    We do have highchairs available! Our menu is not necessarily kid friendly, but there's nothing like expanding their palate at a young age. Hahaha! We would recommend coming earlier in the evening, but we are family friendly to anyone who like to… 

    Is parking free in the adjacent garage?

    It is not a free garage, but we do validate for our customers. Hope to have you in soon! Cheers

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    Barcoa Agaveria

    Barcoa Agaveria

    4.3
    (132 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I'm a big tequila fan & my crew that night with me is in the same boat or they will do some mezcal…read more The outside patio near the food truck is great when the weather permits. Main level/Upstairs vibe is well-lit with a true cantina bar feel. High-top tables, seats at the bar & happy hour from 4-7 pm make it ideal for some $7 drinks!!. The collection of Tequilas is GREAT. Many of which do not contain additives. I won't lie, I thought I was a big fan until I realized I didn't recognize a lot of the tequilas they had on hand. Downstairs is a whole different vibe. Custom craft cocktails, dim lighting with artwork, and more make it feel like an upscale NYC spot in your basement. I did 2 of my favorites, Paloma De Guayaba with the custom block name etched and the Baya Nueva. While in the Cantina, I had to order my friend the Basura (trash), but that wasn't the case... then again, it is served in a plastic bag, and is definitely a throwback to my early 20's of gettin' lit!!!! Always look forward to sharing this place with friends visiting and connecting with those locally.

    Barcoa Agaveria is clearly a popular spot in downtown Phoenix, and I can see the appeal--but my…read morelatest visit didn't quite match the hype. I stopped in late on a Saturday. It was busy, but not packed, which made the service stand out more than it should have. I had to ask for water twice, never got a refill, and overall felt largely ignored--minimal eye contact, no real warmth, just an impersonal feel that didn't match the space. It felt like a place that may be a bit of a victim of its own success--popularity has grown, but delivery hasn't fully kept pace. Part of the appeal here is the permanent taco truck outside, which I know from past visits is excellent, and I love the truck's outspoken, unapologetic support for immigrants. That said, the cocktail itself was excellent. I was specifically looking for a coffee-based drink before heading to another event, and the Cambures al Estilo Foster delivered on flavor. It was tiny, though--served in a small stemmed glass, gone in a few sips. It did the job, but some may find the portion underwhelming for the price. No major complaints, but nothing pulling me back either. I'm adding a fourth star on a bit of a hunch--I'd like to think they can dial it back in if I return.

    Photos
    El Camino Margarita
    El Camino Margarita
    Basement lounge
    Basement lounge
    When they announce fortaleza go. Cuz it will be gone ASAP

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    When they announce fortaleza go. Cuz it will be gone ASAP
    Industry Standard

    Industry Standard

    4.5
    (114 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Pet friendly

    As in my past reviews, the food here is impeccable. This time I tried the halibut plate again, and…read moreonce again, it did not disappoint. The portion was generous enough for me to take some home, and the asparagus was a perfect complement to the halibut and risotto. Shout out to Lady's! If you are looking for a great place to enjoy good food, good drinks, and good conversation, Tuesday Wendsdays Ladies' Night is the place to be. It is a perfect way to break up the middle of the week with girlfriends. Let's face it, caviar, champagne, or a martini is not a bad way to start a meal. For the price and quality, you really can't go wrong. The staff are amazing, the atmosphere is hospitable, and the vibe is cool, low-key, and relaxed. I also appreciate that there are no TVs, which definitely leads to better conversations. Once again, highest reviews from me.

    The food here was really good, they have a lot of happy hour menu items for different days of the…read moreweek, like "girl dinner" and "boy dinner". Their cocktail menu is really fun too if that's what you're looking for, definitely a fun place to drink. It's got a dark vibe interior and was pretty lively. The parking lot behind is $23 minimum so make sure to look for street parking when you're driving in. We ordered a few things but my favorite was probably the ceviche or the Caesar, both were well dressed and I kept reaching for them. Honestly, all the food here was really great and came out so quick I was very happy. Unfortunately I ordered a Diet Coke that never came, but to be fair I did it after everyone had already gotten their drinks, and the server wasn't ready to write it down. Something that really bothered us though was when we asked the server if they do anything for birthdays and they said yes. We received two different desserts and were really happy until we got the bill and realized we were charged for one of them. We would've been fine without dessert and definitely didn't ask them to bring out two, so that was a little upsetting.

    Photos
    Industry Standard
    Participation Trophy: rum, lemongrass, coconut, blueberry & lime (left) & Naughty Colady: rum, coconut, ube, lime & pineapple (right)
    Participation Trophy: rum, lemongrass, coconut, blueberry & lime (left) & Naughty Colady: rum, coconut, ube, lime & pineapple (right)
    Signature cocktail menu, draft beer list and shots

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    Signature cocktail menu, draft beer list and shots
    Mr Baan’s Bar and Mookata

    Mr Baan’s Bar and Mookata

    4.3
    (43 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    The quantity was perfect for the party of 2. The food was really fresh, good, meat perfectly…read moremarinated, broth was neutral which let the flavors of the meat and veggies come through. I wish they give the options of mushrooms like Enochi and King Oysters along with extra condiments for the Suki Sauce like Garlic, Chilli and Lime juice. The service was really good and attentive. This place really took me back to the Moo Kra Ta buffets in Bangkok and made me nostalgic. I hope they do have more options in terms of seafood and veggies! I hope the restaurant specifies clearly that the services are on reservation basis only because it isn't clarified anywhere yet. This would help a lot of people. Also, I hope the restaurant informs, directs and put in place about the parking spaces available around. Can't wait to get back already!

    Located in Downtown Phoenix, the parking situation is a little hairy. There is paid parking nearby,…read morebut it definitely is better to come a little earlier to scope out the parking situation and get that sorted before your reservation. My party and I had a reservation on a Saturday night at 9pm (when it's 13 people, what can you do). What kind of sucked though (and mainly why I'm deducting a star) is that we did wait an additional half hour to be seated after our reservation time. Our theory is that they didn't think the entire party would actually arrive, and they were not ready to accommodate us. To be fair, the restaurant IS on the smaller side, but there was 0 communication during that half hour on what was going on... which isn't really good for us either. We got the original set, and this somewhat confused me as well. The food was really good, and was definitely a restaurant that I'd go to for the experience, but for some reason some of the meats were doubled while others weren't. The double portions were really nice since our party was so large, we needed to split the food between 4 different grills (so each table got 2 grills each, feeding 6-7 people in total or 3-4 people per grill), but then we had to share the portions where we only got one serving. It wasn't bad, but to me, didn't make sense. The food was really good though; I didn't care too much about the soup, but the green sauce was SO good. Mixing a little with the soup was incredible. I thought the beef and pork were really good. I personally left the restaurant full, but many others in my party did not. I think it's a really good amount of food for 2 people, but when you push to 3+, you probably do not want to come hungry. Also--the live music at Pemberton next door is SO LOUD, you're going to be shouting at your table the entire night when you sit outside. I think I would come back if I wanted to show this place to someone who didn't live here, but it isn't on the top of my list for when I'm trying to eat out, but I will definitely consider this for special date night occasions. It is extremely expensive for what it is though. For $70+ you risk the chance of leaving not full which SUCKS.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Premium Menu for 4 people
    Premium Menu for 4 people
    Original

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    Original
    Carry On

    Carry On

    4.2
    (157 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Surprise Father's Day gift to go on a "flight" from NY to Tokyo. This was such a cool experience…read more I'm an airplane junkie so going back in time in a vintage plane was awesome. The vibe is intimate and the staff was amazing. The food was good; my wagyu was cooked nicely but my wife's was a bit overdone. The peanuts pack some heat so they were a bit too spicy. This is a cool date night experience and you get wings, like the old days.

    I went on their website on Monday, two weeks before I wanted to try Carry On. In my experience,…read morethat was the easiest way to get tickets. Carry On actually called me to confirm our "tickets," which I thought was really cute. The whole experience kind of started a couple of days before our actual "departure time." They also reminded us to park in the Renaissance Square parking garage under Wren & Wolf, and they were able to validate our parking for three hours. We had to go to Wren & Wolf first to pick up our Carry On tickets. We got there early, and they let us relax in their couch area while we waited for our departure time. The walk from the Renaissance Square parking garage to Wren & Wolf was easy. You just follow the signs, and the whole walk is inside the building, which was perfect because it was so hot outside. While we were waiting, we could order drinks and chill, just like being in an airport lounge. When it was time for departure, we walked outside the building, and Carry On was right around the corner. You won't miss it because you'll see the Carry On Air flight schedule above the gate door. Right on time, we were greeted by a friendly flight attendant. Once we walked into the cabin, it really felt like we were inside a first-class flight lounge. Our flight attendant served us drinks right after we sat down, and we also ordered more cocktails and snacks from their menu. The captain spoke to us over the speaker, just like on a real flight. As we took off, we could even feel the seats moving. Looking out the "window," we saw buildings, clouds surrounding us, and even experienced turbulence I'm not going to tell you too much because I don't want to ruin the experience. I'll let you try it for yourself. I think it's definitely worth giving it a try. At least for us, we loved it.

    Photos
    Interior cabin.
    Interior cabin.
    Interior
    Interior
    Filthy martini with blue cheese olives

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    Filthy martini with blue cheese olives

    Rough Rider - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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