Hula's has officially become one of our go‑to spots whenever we're in town. The drinks are…read moreoutstanding -- fun, balanced, and exactly what you want from a tiki bar that actually knows what it's doing. Service was just as good: friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling rushed. The whole place has that easy, tropical vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. After a couple visits, we've already decided this is going to be a regular stop for us every time we come to visit.

While visiting Arizona for a wedding, we had some time to meet up with friends for lunch. Our group…read moreof 9 met at Hula's and were happy for find that even on a Saturday afternoon, they still had a large table available for our party. Hula's does have happy hour deals every day, but the weekend deals are limited to drinks only (weekdays include some food options). Some of our group ordered discounted drinks, and between the 9 of us, we got a solid assortment of items, ranging from mai tais and longboards to potstickers and loco moco, and even a teriyaki chicken kids meal. Understandably, the food took a bit with our party size, but everything was coordinated came out pretty much at the same time. The loco moco was definitely a group favorite (good burger patty) while the mac salad was probably our least favorite component (lacking in salt and flavor). To zhush up my loco moco a bit, I asked our server for some hot sauce, and was brought their Madagascar hot sauce. Woooo-wee that was hot! But it was fun to pass the sauce cup around the table so we could all try some. It was definitely on the spicy side, even for us spice lovers, but tasty. Overall, we had a nice experience at Hula's and we're glad to have had a comfortable place for us all to catch up!

My friend and I went here for happy hour and it was so good! I had the BBQ pork flatbread and she…read morehad the fajita flatbread and we shared a thai chicken. The waitress was so attentive and all food and drink was half off. I had the Bellini which was a heavy pour so you definitely get your money's worth. My friend got a martini and it was the size of two between the glass and the shaker. I love the ambiance here and you can choose to sit indoors or outdoors. Apparently it turns into a club at night with a band and indoor/outdoor bars. Well worth the value!

Blue Martini Lounge has quite the reputation. From several people, I've heard that it's a sugar…read moredaddy spot. I am by no means looking for a sugar daddy lol but I do enjoy people watching. I've passed by Blue Martini many of times. It always seems to be the most hype spot on High Street, a nice entertainment district in Desert Ridge. I finally took the plunge and checked it out on a Thursday night around 9:30 p.m. Parking is easy (and free) on the street, in the surface lots, or the garage on High Street. Ambiance (3.5/5): Blue Martini is definitely a bit bougie and caters to that audience. There's a nice outdoor patio which is where we sat since the weather was beautiful. There's a bar outside and waiter service. I briefly looked inside and there's a bar inside too, lounge sitting, and a dance floor. Blue Martini often has live music or a DJ. Definitely a spot where you can break it down on the dance floor. There's bottle service too if that's your thing. Service (2/5): Talk about slow service! It took our waitress longer than it should have for us to greet us. After placing an order for drinks, we received them promptly. After that we didn't see her again for quite a while. I wanted to order a second cocktail and she was nowhere to be found. Eventually she came around and I placed my order. I decided to close out right then and there knowing that it would take a long time to track her down to close out if I didn't do it right then and there. They also charge two fees amounting to 5%. Not sure what that's all about. Food (N/A): While they do have food, I just had drinks since I was there pretty late. I view Blue Martini as more of a drinks spot, but I can't comment on the food. They have a daily happy hour with discounts on select food items. Drinks (3.5/5): If the name isn't a dead giveaway, Blue Martini specializes in martinis. Beyond martinis, they have a large cocktail list. Plus everything else you'd find with a full bar. The drinks are a bit pricey (it is a see and be seen type of spot after all and you're likely to see old geezers pulling up in Lambos and Ferraris), but I liked the selection. I started off with the Blue Martini, their namesake. It's served with a blue glow stick. From there, I had the strawberry basil martini. Both were pretty good. Not speakeasy quality cocktails but better than your average bar for sure. While Blue Martini isn't really my scene, I can have a good time anywhere. If you're looking to turn up and dance, it's a good spot for that. And it's also elite for people watching.

Staying at the hotel for our anniversary and heard good things…read more At first glance it seems like a very nice place and it is, just have to understand it's a hotel restaurant so there's a mix of fancy and people coming off a day at the pool. Service was good, food took a little while but it was beautiful on the patio so we didn't mind enjoying our time together. Food was okay. The tri tip kabob was a 10/10. Guac was good, their specialty chicken dish was not my favorite and my wife got the chicken tacos which she thought were decent. Overall it was fine, wasn't bad but wasn't worth the price.

Second visit to Tia. On a Marriott junket which included dinner at the JW. Went early so didn't…read moresee much action but really enjoyed our meals. Wifey started with the strawberry salad which was very large and had a wonderful dressing. Easily could have feed two. Went with the lamb entree which was cooked to perfection. Three chops presented on cauliflower mash and mint herbs. Superb choice. I took a step of faith and tried the Wagu beef appetizer. It was terrific. Chunks of beet on short skewers and wrapped with a large basal leaf. The beef itself was exceptionally good. For an entree, I went with the New York strip with a side of asparagus and off the cobb corn elote. The strip was slightly overcooked, I ordered medium and it came well done. Bummer! Asparagus was very grilled and tender. We wrapped up the meal with two pieces of Flan topped with coconut. Delightful ! Restaurant is a little unusual with respect to layout but very functional. Service, by Mel, was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed our experience. Bring your wallet. High recommend without any reservations.

The wings were interesting…read more The brussel sprouts were really good. The steak was yummy.

I met a friend at Cook & Craft for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised the menu has changed…read moresince my last visit. They've added more drink options and new food items, which made it feel fresh and fun again. We grabbed seats at the bar and shared the Brussels sprouts and the Burata Caprese, both were great and perfect for splitting. We asked for the bacon on the side of the Brussels, which they accommodated no problem. I loved seeing new items like fish tacos, the tuna tostada, and a charcuterie board now offered on the happy hour menu. They also kept favorites like the cauliflower wings and deviled eggs, which have always been solid. Drink-wise, my friend ordered an espresso martini. I started with the Paloma, but it tasted a little too sweet for me--the grapefruit juice seemed off. I switched to a glass of Pinot Noir and was happy. Cook & Craft is a cute spot with an outdoor patio area. I definitely want to go back again to try more of the new additions to their happy hour.

Located in Desert Ridge Marketplace, I checked out The Whining Pig on a Saturday night. Since I…read morelive in the area, I walked over. There is ample parking if you're driving. This beer-focused bar isn't the easiest to find because it's underground down a stairwell. Look for the signage close to the stairwell. Ambiance (3.5/5): We sat at a booth at the bar. It's one of the few seats that have back support (which is important to me due to my old man back). Outside of that, it's all barstool seating with no back support inside. Outside, they have a small patio with chairs. That would be another option for me when the weather cooperates. The decor inside is your typical beer bar decor. Laid back. Comfortable. There's a jukebox. A cool place to grab some brews. Service (3.5/5): Two bartenders were working that evening and they were pretty solid. I did have to grab their attention a few times but no biggie. The Whining Pig has daily specials including a beer and grilled cheese combo on Wednesdays. I was curious on the price. They didn't know nor did they find out. That was a miss. Food (N/A): No food for me on this visit as I had dinner prior. They have a small menu, mostly made up of various grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a classic one, a pizza one, and a few others. I'm a dan of grilled cheese so I'll definitely try one out at some point. They also have charcuterie boards. Drinks (4.5/5): Now for the good stuff! Unlike most beer spots, they also have wine and several cocktails. But when in Rome, so I went with a beer flight. You can choose five beers of your choosing from a list of 40 beers or so. While they don't brew their own beer, they have an interesting selection of local craft beers and European ones. The types of beers you're not going to find at your neighborhood bar, including saisons and sours. The flight is served in a pig shape holder which was pretty funny. Flights are always my go-to when they're offered as they allow you to try out a nice variety. Added bonus: Walk down the hallway past the bathrooms and you'll run into Pigtails---a speakeasy owned by the same folks. That way, you can get both your brews and elevated cocktails fix in the same night.

I've been to this location a couple of times so I'm familiar with how to locate it but each time…read morewhoever I'm meeting can't seem to find it. Look for the bronze sign, look over the hedges, look for the stairs leading downstairs into the outdoor bar patio area, follow the walking map on Yelp! Once you locate it though you find yourself inside this cool bar with tons of beer, ipa, cider & wine options on a chalkboard wall in color coordination to make it easy to choose. If you still can't decide the friendly bar staff will help you out, there are a lot of options. They do have some things on happy hour. Food wise they have a charcuterie board, grilled cheese sandwiches& potato chips. Menu items from Pigtails are also available at the bar. There is a big bar top area and other indoor table seating, patio is shady during the day. I'd recommend this spot if you're out shopping and need a break or if you just want a cool bar to hang out at. If you like ciders the Black Widow -Original Sin cider is very delicious.

Alex is so sweet! The grapefruit juice is so fresh and the NA mocktail non risky business is so…read moregood and tantalizes your senses.

Swung by with a large group on a Saturday night. Fairly busy, but we luckily snagged a corner booth…read morethat accommodated all of us. Cozy atmosphere with rustic/modern decor. Waiter had to bring us menus because none of us were able to get cellular service to open the QR menu code. Started off with a few dozen oysters and a cheese board. So many drinks were ordered and our group enjoyed each one. Can't remember all the names, but they were all well prepared and brought out quickly. Oysters were very fresh and cleaned nicely. Cheese board was decent as well. Will definitely be back for a night cap.

Awesome experience. Especially for our first time. Didn't think I'd land a single axe but the…read morelesson at the start was so helpful. It made it easy. The staff is super patient and kind. Kinda wanna go back and throw axes with them... It's not just throwing axes. They have a variety of games- tic tac toe was my favorite. I also love that you can upload a pic. Good beer. Didn't they the food. But fun atmosphere. Lots of games outside of throwing. Impossible not to have fun!!

Located in the entertainment district known as High Street, I've been to The Mighty Axe - Phoenix…read more With plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, comedy clubs, coffee shops, and more in the area, High Street is an awesome part of town to go out. I've been to The Mighty Axe twice. Ambiance (4/5): This is part of what I love about The Mighty Axe. It has a cabin feel to it. Despite being in Phoenix, you feel like you've been transported to the mountains. There's some seating at the bar as well as some comfortable seating close to a fireplace. The barstools at the bar don't have back support (which is always a con in my book). The music tends to be solid. All in all, a cool spot. And a casual one at that. Service (4/5): The service tends to be friendly, laidback, and efficient. Just like I like it. Food (N/A): I've been on a liquid diet both times, and to be honest, I'm not even sure if they have food. Drinks (3.5/5): Everyone likes different flavor profiles when it comes to cocktails. The Mighty Axe has a solid list, though one that is not super appealing to my taste. Outside of their cocktail list, they have a full bar. The Mighty Axe, if the name didn't give it away, is both a bar and an axe throwing place. While I haven't done any axe throwing, I've checked out the area where it's located (the back of the bar). And there's even one outside on the small patio. Overall, one of my favorite bars on High Street (I live in Desert Ridge so I've frequented pretty much everywhere in the area).

I've been wanting to try this place for several months now but every time it's been booked. I…read morefinally got off work early enough to make it at 5 o'clock. Since I was by myself, I was able to be seated at the bar. The vibe here is incredible! It's beautifully decorated and nice and cozy. Perfect for a date night. I must bring my husband back here at some point. As I said, I sat at the bar and Megan the bartender was outstanding! I ordered a drink called Agree to Disagree. I think that was the name. Anyway, it was delicious and because it was happy hour it was half off the regular price of $23. I ordered one oyster and it was fabulous. I only ordered one because I was meeting a group of friends at The Guest House in 30 minutes and I did not want to spoil my appetite. I can't wait to come back here so that I can enjoy the full experience with the band. It's a lovely place and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Was excited to try this place out as it seemed super cool on social media. We were a party of 3 and…read morearrived right on time for our Sunday night reservation. We made our way down the stairs and the hostess was there ready to check us in. We didn't wait at all and got seated right away. Once seated it took a while for the server to come take our order. There was live music going on which kept us entertained for the time being. After about 15 minutes, she finally came over to greet us and take our drink orders. We ordered: 1 WILD STRAWBABY - Ocho Blanco Tequila, Bergamot, Strawberry, Pineapple, Lemon, Almond Milk $22 1 50 FIRST DATES - Bumbu Rum, Cascara, Brown Sugar Date Syrup, Coconut Milk, Cinnamon Sprinkle $22 1 BLUEBERRY MULE - Blueberry, Lime, Ginger Beer $13 The drinks didn't take too long and another bartender dropped them off. Water was never offered to us and was only given to us after we asked. All the other tables were given water once they were seated. Our drinks were good but we chose to just have one each and we left. The live music was great. The musician was playing the piano and kept it fun and upbeat. The inside is pretty cool and unique but service could've definitely been better though. *There's a $10 cover fee per person when there is live music*