Light Rail - Light Rail Blogger - Phoenix » Clarendon Hotel

Let me entertain you

Tony Arranaga — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:27:21 +0000

I realized last night while having dinner with my friend Tonia that there’s quite a selection of ‘go-to’ restaurants in Central Phoenix. What’s a go-to restaurant? These are restaurants I keep in mind whenever I’m looking for places to celebrate a special occasion, impress visiting friends, etc., etc. While we say goodbye to one of my favorites (here), there are still several other options for a good time – all of them are light-rail convenient.

For the most part, I love the restaurants for the same reason. They each have their own unique presentation, they have great service, and they offer an excellent dining experience with a cool urban vibe. Have a favorite near the light rail that’s not mentioned on the list? Be sure to tell me in the comments below. Need information on how to ride? Click here.

Gallo Blanco at the Clarendon Hotel is a good walk or short bike ride from the Indian School station (info).
Hanny’s which is within walking distance from the Central and Washington station in the heart of downtown (info).
Hula’s Modern Tiki which is just south of the Camelback station (info).
Postino on Central which is uptown at the Camelback station (info).
St Francis also located a few blocks from the Camelback station (info)

Into the groove

Tony Arranaga — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:18:05 +0000

Feel like kickin’ up your heels on a Sunday night? Looking to bring the weekend in for a nice soft landing? You’re in luck! There are plenty of events to help facilitate all this on a Sunday afternoon/evening in Downtown Phoenix. All of the locations below are just a hop, skip and a jump from a lightrail station.

Civic Space Jam is held on the third Sunday of every month at Civic Space Park which is the public space with the big floating art display called Her Secret is Patience. A full line up of DJ’s will be on hand, each of them with their own style from house to reggae to dance. The electic mix will have you dancin’ the night away. The event goes from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for more details. Take the light rail to Central station and look for the big net in the sky.
Hot Fudge Sundaze is every Sunday on the rooftop of the Clarendon Hotel. The scene is chill and the drinks are fierce! (Did I just say that?) Seriously, the event and the DJ’s always promise a good time and a cool scene. The event goes from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Information and directions can be found here. Take the Indian School station, then head south to Clarendon and west to 4th Avenue.
Retro Hi-Fi at SideBar is the late night hot spot in Downtown Phoenix. If you’re like me and dig house music with vocals and a world beat, then Retro Hi-FI is your place. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. Check out the Facebook event page here. SideBar is located at 7th Avenue and McDowell, which is seven blocks from the McDowell station. Need information on how to ride the light rail? Click here.

Extended METRO hours are coming

Tony Arranaga — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:57:31 +0000

METRO light rail passengers in the Valley will finally be able to enjoy extended weekend hours.

Since the new transit system rolled onto Phoenix streets last December, METRO has stopped service at midnight. The decision was a financial one, and led to many angry restaurant owners and passengers. People were relying on the train for entertainment, and in some cases more revenue, on the weekends. Background on the news story is here and here.

METRO is now entering a pilot program to determine the need for extended hours. Starting this weekend, METRO trains will start heading back to the yard at 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. If you need to download a list of stations on a map, click here.

While one website is offering tips for a safe pub crawl, here’s my list of my five favorite bars in Phoenix for late night fun.

Sidebar

Phoenix. needs. this. bar. Sidebar brings style to this side of town. The bar has a laid back sexy feel. Dark colors and brick accents, contemporary furniture, and the city view from the second floor make this space uber cool. Sidebar is located on the southwest corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell, so be prepared to walk/bike/taxi from the Central and McDowell light rail station. More information can be found here.

George and Dragon

The GnD, as the peeps in Phoenix call it, is a popular hangout for those who love British fare and the largest selection of imported draught beer and Scotch in the city. The bonus: pool tables! When I called the bar to confimr they would be open late this weekend, the woman said they’ll be open until 2 a.m., just like everynight. There you go! Here’s information on GnD. Take the light rail to the Indian School stop, crossover to west side of street and head north one block.

Portland’s

I love this place. However, I’ll admit this entry comes with an asterik and a footnote: I have not received official confirmation they will stay open late. I’ve heard through word of mouth they are staying open until midnight and playing it by ear the rest of the time. If you don’t know Portland’s, the Cheers like resto/bar has excellent burgers, a new coffee/vodka drink called the Jefferson, and patio seating. All this and it’s next to the Roosevelt light rail station. What more could you want? Read more information here.

Gallo Blanco and the Clarendon Hotel

Gallo Blanco is the new fab edition to the Clarendon Hotel in midtown Phoenix. I confirmed with Gallo Blanco owner Doug Robson that the bar will be staffed late on Friday night. I love this place for entertaining because you can either sit in the bar, hang out in the pool area by the water feature, or head up to the rooftop and see the midtown skyline. The hotel has a cool and funky cosmopolitan vibe. Here‘s their website. Deboard train at Indian School stop, head south on Central, west on Clarendon to 3rd Ave.

Amsterdam

The alternative bar has a mixed crowd that you’ll either find in the lounge area, or out on the patio area, or maybe listening to the beats on the dance floor. I like the bar because it’s nice, but you definitely need to bring your A game, natch. Amsterdam is almost halfway between the Civic Space Park (deboard, head north on Central) and the Roosevelt station (deboard heading south on Central) so take your pick. The bar sits on the west side of the street. The Amsterdam website is here.

Enjoy the extended hours and be safe!!

What are your favorite late night bars?? Be sure to comment below.