People in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa had their first chance this weekend to enjoy late light rail service, but how many people took advantage of the extended hours? (More information on extended light rail hours here)

I went to an event at the Clarendon Hotel and Gallo Blanco Cafe (Steele Indian School station) and the place was packed.  However I went to another restaurant closer to downtown in the heart of the arts district (and First Friday activities) and things did not appear as busy.  I’m going to chalk it up to bad weather or maybe people were out of town for the long holiday weekend.

On Saturday night, ABC15.com is reporting 75,000 people attended the fireworks display at Steele Indian School park.  Simultaneously, an event took place at Tempe Beach Park, which is located next to the Mill Avenue light rail station.  No official word from METRO on how those people utilized the train to get to either events.

What was the crowd like where you went on Friday and Saturday night?  Do you think the weather and holiday weekend made the trains less crowded?

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.

Light rail in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa will soon run later on weekend nights, according to a post on the East Valley Tribune‘s website.

METRO‘s board of directors voted unanimously on the issue during their meeting on Wednesday.

The issue has been a hot topic ever since the debut of the new transit system in Arizona.  Many passengers and business owners along the line have complained about the late night train schedule, which stops service at midnight.

Starting in July, trains will run at 20 minute intervals until shortly after 2 a.m.  Until then, the last trains will head back to the yard starting at 11 p.m. and stop running entirely at midnight.

According to reports, extending service on Friday and Saturday nights by six hours will cost the system about $250,000.