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Thirsty Lion - Desert Ridge

4.2 (1.1k reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 3 weeks ago

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THIRSTY LION - DESERT RIDGE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Trendy
Happy hour specials

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HH shrimp
Brad W.

Back for more Happy hour hijinks. As usual, the happy hour had lower prices, but less food. Two burger sliders and half basket of cheese curds. Also unless you ask the whole patio if you want the musters turned off, you shouldn't turn the musters off on a hot Arizona night.

Becca W.

We weren't very hungry but wanted something to snack on along with a good cocktail. We found Thirsty Lion on Yelp and decided to give it a try. When we walked in, the host asked if we had a reservation. We said no, and he grabbed a menu and led us to our table. Unfortunately, he didn't smile or show much expression during the interaction, which didn't make us feel very welcome. Our server was okay, a bit friendlier than the host, but still not particularly warm or engaging. I ordered the Cucumber Rosemary Gin & Tonic. I could taste the cucumber, but there was no hint of rosemary. It was also loaded with ice and seemed light on the alcohol, definitely not worth the price. My husband ordered the 20oz Mother Road Tower Station, which was just okay. For food, we ordered the fries, artichoke dip, baked soft pretzel, grilled burger sliders, chicken tenderloins, and the pear & prosciutto flatbread. The fries were overly salty and tasted like they had been cooked in reused oil. The color of the fries gave it away. The pretzel wasn't very soft, which was disappointing. The rest of the food was decent, but nothing really stood out. Oh well, we gave it a try, but unfortunately, we won't be back.

Spicy chicken sliders... not spicy
Darci Y.

First time eating here! Took a little bit to get seated, but once hostess showed up, we were seated immediately. The food had great flavor, was cooked well and nothing was left! We came at 8:30 so there weren't many patrons. We got the Tuscano Chicken which had amazing flavor. Even the veggies were delightful! It does have a slight kick to it. The kids food was cooked well and they finished it all. The fish and chips were also quite good. The fish was cooked well and wasnt too dry. The only downside is the kids juice is quite small and there are no refills... other than that, everything was really good. I would come again! I would come again!

Smoked turkey club
Elsie M.

A friend suggested this place for a late lunch/early dinner recently before heading out to an event. Since we had an event to go to after, I decided to order a "safe" option and went with the smoked turkey club with a side of fries. The sandwich was delicious, had a nice balance of flavors and textures, and was satisfyingly filling. The fries were unfortunately overly salty. Overall, service was friendly and attentive from start to finish. For the quality and quantity of the food, I would say the prices are reasonable.

Green Chili Chicken & Avocado Sandwich gluten free
Jorey C.

Pretty standard experience, only came here because Backyard was an hour wait and we wanted to watch March Madness. While there are TVs playing sports, most people are not there to watch the game and there was no camaraderie in cheering on any team. And this was to determine the final four!! I appreciate a separate gluten free menu. Not too much piqued my interest but I went with the green chili chicken sandwich with fries. It was a standard sandwich, the chicken itself was okay, I liked the crunchy slaw that offered good contrast with the creamy chipotle aioli and avocado. I dipped it in ranch and that upped the flavor even more. The gluten free bun was pretty good, a little crumbly and dry but better than some other gf buns I've had. The fries were seasoned well - very peppery - but were inconsistent in terms of some being crunchy and more being soggy. Overall, it wasn't a bad sandwich by any means, good but wouldn't come back for it again. My boyfriend got the fried chicken mac and cheese and enjoyed it but it was pretty small for the price. Again the restaurant served its purpose and we still had a good evening but wouldn't necessarily go back. Comfy chairs, pretty good service.

Olivia R.

Thirsty lion is definitely a family favorite. We made a reservation for my son's birthday dinner while my in laws were in town. We sat on their patio, which I really love because it has a nice moody relaxing vibe out back. The weather was perfect for a patio dinner. My son and I shared their california roll appetizer, we scarfed that roll down, yum! For dinner, I ordered their reuben sandwich, very delicious sandwich. I ate half and took the other half home. I forgot to take a picture of it but it was delicious and large! My son ordered the cheeseburger with fries off the regular menu instead of the kids menu. He wanted a big boy burger, haha! My husband ordered the GOCHUJANG BBQ PORK & KIMCHI FRIED RICE- Boneless Korean BBQ smoked pork, grilled with gochujang sauce, sautéed kimchi fried rice and a fried egg, sunny side up. Fantastic! Our server let my son pick his birthday dessert which is always so nice when you get to pick! He chose the chocolate molten lava cake with a huge side of whipped cream! So good!! Our server was great, friendly and attentive. Thank you for a nice birthday dinner experience for my son's 11th birthday.

Laura M.

We stopped into Thirsty Lion Gastropub for a quick bite on our way home from an event, and it ended up being the perfect choice. It was after 9pm on a weekday, and as usual, most places in Desert Ridge Marketplace were already closed. We knew Thirsty Lion would still be open, which made it an easy decision. We grabbed seats at the bar and ordered from their reverse happy hour menu. We had the artichoke spinach dip and the salmon cakes, and both were great. Just what we were looking for as it was late and we needed a little something. The bartender was also very friendly. Overall, a great late-night option with good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Miso Mizo Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Debbi P.

Great vibes and always so accommodating for large parties!!! New summer menu items added and they are so delicious!!! Got the teriyaki miso chicken bowl and it was amazing!! Everything on it was so fresh and flavorable!!!! Met a large group of friends for lunch and Maggie B was the best waitress!! Handled our entire group so beautifully. Went off without a hitch and everyone loved their meal!!

Eggs Benedict
Andrea H.

This restaurant is located in the Desert Ridge shopping area in the north of Phoenix. I met a friend here on a Saturday at noon. I expected the place to be crowded, so I reserved a spot using Open Table online the night before. We didn't need it though. My friend arrived early and got a table without the reservation or a wait. The booths here are really long. It will seat a large group easily. If your midsection is growing, you might find it a bit tight to get in and out. It's a good reminder to choose something healthier and eat perhaps a little less. They have a special weekend brunch menu with breakfast items and cocktails. You can also get lunch and mocktails too. They cater to all tastes. I opted for the traditional Eggs Benedict. It was done perfectly. My friend had the BBQ burger - her favorite. Our waitress was very laidback, despite her very mellow demeanor, she was timely in her delivery of our meal and refills of drinks. She was even prepared with "to go" boxes and "to go" iced tea when we finished with our meal. My friend and I ended up hanging out for several hours chatting, but the waitress didn't disturb or rush us. I would certainly be willing to return to this restaurant because the food and ambience were both of a decent standard.

Jules F.

We absolutely love this place and it continues to impress every time we visit. The drinks, food, and service are all excellent, and everything tastes incredibly fresh. You can truly tell this is a scratch kitchen, which makes a huge difference in both quality and flavor. There really is not a bad choice on the menu, and everything we have tried has been consistently delicious. We started with the pickle fries and the wrapped shrimp as appetizers, and both were fantastic. The pickle fries were crispy and flavorful, and the wrapped shrimp were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. For our main course, we ordered the ribeye with grilled shrimp, and it was outstanding. The steak was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with the shrimp. Our sides of jasmine rice and vegetables complemented the ribeye really well and rounded out the meal nicely. We also ordered the sausage mac and cheese, which was beyond delicious and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The atmosphere is welcoming and family friendly, making it a great spot for any occasion. At the same time, it is also a great place to sit at the bar, enjoy a drink, and watch a game. This restaurant truly offers something for everyone, and we will absolutely continue coming back and recommending it to others.

Seared ahi salad

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17 days ago

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2 months ago

Tristin was our server today. She was amazing 10/10 service. She was helpful and welcoming. Hope when I come back, we get her again!!

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5 months ago

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7 hours ago

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16 days ago

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2 months ago

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18 days ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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7 months ago

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8 months ago

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29 days ago

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7 months ago

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3 months ago

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

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10 months ago

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11 months ago

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22 days ago

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18 days ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

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23 days ago

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1 month ago

Food is consistent and so is the service. I always get the hamburger and fry's. Overall good restaurant

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3 months ago

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9 months ago

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5 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 months ago

When you can count the fries when you order fish n chips .......... Not good too much coleslaw more fries needed

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2 years ago

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Thirsty Lion - Desert Ridge Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Thirsty Lion - Desert Ridge

Was the Thirsty Lion once located at the Scottdale Fashion Square?

Yes it was

Dog friendly patio?

Yes

Is this good for teenage children?

Yes. Family fruendly

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Twenty6

Twenty6

4.3(35 reviews)
0.7 mi
•$$

I was here for a conference. The bar was a huge hangout for everyone!…read more I had a few drinks here. The service was always good. One day when I was hungry and I'd already eaten at Tia Carmen's twice and Kembara was still closed and the Meritage was having a private event, I decided to order something from the bar. I ordered a chicken Cesar salad and it was really good! My waiter was so nice! He was super busy but always very sweet! The menu is very limited but when there's nowhere else to go... The next night we ordered a charcuterie board to share before dinner. It was good, but I did not like the blue cheese-looking cheese. It's very strong, smelly, and gave me bad breath. The bread and sauces were delicious, and of course you can't go wrong with manchego cheese!

Came here for a little staycation with my family and decided we didn't wanna leave the hotel so we…read morepicked 26 for dinner. I'm gonna give three stars because the service was great at the bar and the server was attentive outside and quick although she didn't know the menu well. I ordered the cheese plate to split with my children and no one knew what was on it when I asked, but I was later informed that I got a tomato jelly and honey mustard as the sauces. To me a $30 cheese plate would not come with a container of honey mustard so I was not impressed. When I asked what cheeses were on it they told me there was 2 different cheddars. There was no way it was a cheddar it was a very soft cheese. I believe it was a goat cheese. The almonds were probably the best part of the whole platter. My husband got wings, which were very big. He enjoyed those and the sauce, and my other daughter got meatballs, which she enjoyed, but thought they were a little spicy, I find that usually when kids order things that are spicy servers will say just so you know that has a little bit of heat to it to which the waitress did not again, I don't think she was very knowledgeable on the menu in general . For the type of hotel twenty6 was kinda of major let down. Definitely will pass on the next visit.

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Twenty6
Twenty6
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Star 78 Speakeasy - charcuterie board, espresso martini, panini, bacon wrapped dates

Star 78 Speakeasy

4.0(22 reviews)
0.7 mi

Came here for a friends birthday celebration. I remember when this space was called Gin n Reel, it…read morestill has the same vibe inside but it's been turned into a speakeasy and now serves food. The price for the murder mystery was $55 which was very reasonably priced and the drinks were tasty. I did the cipher which they bring out pen and paper and you fill out how adventurous you're feeling and they will custom make you a drink. The murder mystery experience was so interactive and so much fun! If I'm honest I'd pay just for the murder mystery but the food options weren't great in flavor. The appetizer (bacon wrapped dates) only came with two small ones, and the fig app was even smaller they looked the size of peanut size m&m's. The main dishes were also not great, the skewers were lacking in flavor and the polenta had a weird texture. The tri tip just came out without any ask to cooking temp and was overcooked (well done). The dessert was probably the best tasting of the meal and it was nothing to write home about. Overall I would go out for the murder mystery but maybe hold out for a better menu.

I was searching for a nice speakeasy/cocktail bar to get after dinner drinks for my friend's…read morebirthday and found Star 78. It was easy making a reservation. There is parking on the street or in the lot. We weren't familiar with the area so it was a bit tricky to find. It is located in the back of a coffee shop. The concept of going through the phone booth is fun. The space inside was quaint and intimate. They have a regular menu and then had a special Valentine's Day menu. I got a nice fruity cocktail that was sweet. I enjoyed it. Everything was reasonably priced. All of our drinks were pretty glittery, it made everything really pretty. My friend got a free glass of prosecco for her birthday which was nice. A good speakeasy to visit. Menu has good variety. Service was great, they ran through the menu with us and was attentive.

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Star 78 Speakeasy
Star 78 Speakeasy - Little Italy Press

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Star 78 Speakeasy - Espresso martini

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Espresso martini

Tell Your Friends

Tell Your Friends

3.7(141 reviews)
3.4 mi

I've been here multiple times. It's my go-to happy hour spot when friends come to town to have an…read moreelegant night but also not break the bank (at least for happy hour) Stunning interior and friendly service. I haven't had a drink I haven't liked, you can't go wrong with any of them. The 50 first dates has become my favorite, however. For food, the milk bread is a delicious starter. The chicken tenders are also amazing. Can't wait to go back!

Unfortunately, I would not go here again. I was genuinely so excited to take my husband because he…read moreloves jazz, flapper-era music, and the whole 1920s speakeasy atmosphere. Based on how this place is described and marketed, we were expecting an intimate, vintage-feeling evening where we could sit down, have a cocktail, listen to jazz, and enjoy the atmosphere. That was not our experience. There were definitely things we liked. The location was great, the overall theme and decor were beautiful, the lighting created a great atmosphere, and we enjoyed the food and drinks. The service was also very good. However, the entertainment was a huge miss and completely took us out of the experience. We walked in and the band was performing "Genie in a Bottle," followed by other current/recent pop songs, Backstreet Boys songs, and "Creep." The singer was repeatedly screaming into the microphone and encouraging everyone to scream and make noise. At one point, while sitting in what is supposed to be a speakeasy, we were literally listening to him sing "creep" which is one of the most depressing songs of all time. It felt much more like being at a loud dive bar or country bar than an intimate 1920s inspired speakeasy. My biggest issue is that the entertainment did not match the experience being advertised. You can decorate a room beautifully and make it look like the 1920s, but when the soundtrack is "Genie in a Bottle," "Creep," and Backstreet Boys songs being loudly belted into a microphone, the illusion disappears pretty quickly. The noise level also made it difficult to simply sit, have a drink, talk, and enjoy the space. We specifically chose this place because we wanted that relaxed jazz/speakeasy experience, and that simply wasn't what we got. The cocktail selection was another disappointment. For a speakeasy-style bar, I expected a stronger selection of specialty bourbon and whiskey cocktails. The prices also felt excessive for the overall experience. On top of the already-high prices, we paid a $20 entertainment cover ($10 per person) specifically for the band. I wouldn't have minded paying a cover for quality live entertainment that fit the advertised atmosphere, but the artist was not particularly impressive and, more importantly, the music didn't fit the theme at all. There is a lot of potential here. The space itself is beautiful, the service was good, and they nailed many of the visual details. Unfortunately, the entertainment is such a major part of a speakeasy experience that it overshadowed everything else for us. If you're specifically looking for jazz, flapper-era music, and an authentic-feeling 1920s speakeasy atmosphere, I would not recommend this place based on our experience.

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Foley Ranch, Boots & BBQ

Foley Ranch, Boots & BBQ

3.9(179 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$

Wow! This western bbq gem is great! Before you even walk in the smell will lure you inside. We walk…read morein and greeted by the nice gals up front. Our waiter Taylor was so wonderful, quick, kind and on it! We started off with nachos and delish, esp if you like homemade potato chips. We ordered the trio and the ribs are a MUST!! This place offers dancing lessons, line dancing, swing, live music, college football, NFL, you name it they got it! Also a spacious outdoor patio! Be sure to follow them on instagram for all their ongoing specials! I'll be back to check out their brunch, great deals & drinks!

This place is loud and fun .. on this trip we stopped in on a Saturday night, the band was playing…read more& the dance floor was packed. We were seated right away and had a great view of the dance floor. The waitress was there super quick to take our drink orders, food came out fast, everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the brisket and green beans, I like mine a little bit firmer but they tasted good. My friend had the prime rib and said it was delicious, definitely a huge serving size, they did not have any raw horseradish just the dipping sauce. She took most of it home, it was huge!! We will definitely be back for drinks and dancing.

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Foley Ranch, Boots & BBQ - Entrance

Entrance

Foley Ranch, Boots & BBQ - Our famous Cornbread Hush Puppies served with whipped Honey Butter!

Our famous Cornbread Hush Puppies served with whipped Honey Butter!

Foley Ranch, Boots & BBQ - We offer the best in Pulled Pork, Ribs, Chicken, Brisket & Sausages. Amazing sides as well to complement the meats.

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We offer the best in Pulled Pork, Ribs, Chicken, Brisket & Sausages. Amazing sides as well to complement the meats.

Thirsty Lion - Desert Ridge - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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