The Duce
525 S. Central Avenue
theducephx.com
The Duce in downtown Phoenix combines a vintage lounge atmosphere with an assortment of All-American snacks, cocktails and fare. The repurposed warehouse is so much more than a bar — from a boxing ring, to picnic tables stacked with vintage board games, a kitchen in an airstream trailer and an army surplus store with Etsy-ish arts and crafts speckled throughout. Whether you’re DD or enjoying your spiked lemonade from a mason jar, The Duce will have you entertained for hours. The Duce has created such a unique environment that it appeared on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
The Yard
5632 N. 7th St.
foxrc.com
Fox Restaurant Concepts opened an second Culinary Dropout location in Arizona, but with the new location came a new name and a new twist. The Yard still has a delicious menu that is very similar to its Scottsdale counterpart, but it offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Yard, a repurposed auto warehouse, is also home to a grassy plot for fun and games as well as alternative dining at Little Cleo’s.
Bad Mother Cluckers
26 E. University Dr.
badmothercluckers.com
The Valley has multiple restaurants that specialize in chicken, including Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, Raising Cane’s and Bad Mother Cluckers. Just like Lo-Lo’s uses its addition of delicious waffles to distinguish its menu, Bad Mother Cluckers provides a giant version of the classic game“Jenga” and encourages a side of healthy competition with your finger-licking good chicken.
Saddle Ranch
9375 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale
thesaddleranch.com
In the mood to ride a bull or cook some s’mores over an open fire? Glendale’s Saddle Ranch, a western rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurant, describes itsself with three words that encompass the entire experience: “Steaks, Bulls and Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Saddle Ranch not only has an extensive menu with western references but provides a venue that would lend itself to a night on the town with the girls or a fun first date.
