Spring Training Season Dining
Looking for culinary and nightlife recommendations for spring training season? From boozy brunches to game- day after parties, here are pre-and-post game spots for baseball fans, locals and visitors, alike.
The Lodge (credit: King Lawrence)
Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park and Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen is a culinary retreat and concept adjacent to Downtown Tempe's Farmer Arts District and nearby the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels spring training facilities. The cabin-themed restaurant and bar that draws inspiration from a cozy ski and hunting lodge in the mountains is owned by Executive Chef Aaron May and Carolina Panthers player, Jared Allen. With a comfortable lodge experience complete with a stone fireplace, the restaurant encompasses a dining room, a large patio, and lounge area with entertainment including 30 televisions for sports viewing (cue basketball and baseball season) and interactive games such as Jenga, corn hole, darts, and bocce ball. Staying true to its sasquatch aesthetic, the décor consists of custom-carved sasquatches, stuffed wild animals, whiskey barrels, and antler chandeliers. Mainstay menu items include "Cheddar Cheese Curds ($8,99)," "Green Chili Pork with buttered tortillas ($9.99)," and gourmet hot dogs like the "Chicago Hotdog ($7.99)" and "Beer Braised Brat ($7.99)." Spring training specials include $7 Effen Vodka Mules and $1 Lodge draft beers will be offered with day-of spring training ticket stubs. The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen is open from 11 to 2 am everyday, located at 26 South Farmer Ave., Tempe and can be reached at (480) 967-0578 for more information.
Credit: Goodwood Tavern
San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium
Goodwood Tavern is a restaurant and bar located in the Entertainment District of Downtown Scottsdale. Amongst playful and tounge-and-cheek cocktails such as "The Natalie Wood" and "The Tiger Woods," the libations, food, and décor are influenced by old Hollywood, vintage classic cars, and a gentlemen's racing event in London. From happy hour (3 to 7 pm) to late-night grazing and everything in between, Goodwood Tavern's menu features high quality food items including Pork Belly Bahn Mi ($11) and Buffalo Chicken Dumplings ($8). The restaurant and bar is located at 7330 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale and can be reached at (480) 990-2388 for more information.
Hash Kitchen (credit: Debby Wolvos)
Colorado Rockies & Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
The Hash Kitchen, a creative breakfast and bar spot is an abode to a build-your-own Blood Mary bar that is owned and operated by Executive Chef Joey Maggiore of Maggiore Culinary Concepts. An "Instagrammable" and creative DIY Bloody Mary bar is the centerpiece of the 4,000-square-foot creative breakfast restaurant and bar. The Bloody Mary bar serves various in-house infused vodkas including bacon, pickle, cilantro lime, and jalapeño. Brunch enthusiasts can pile unlimited toppings high for just $10 with over 50 playful options including: mini cheeseburger sliders, pickled eggs, egg rolls, corn dogs, spicy asparagus, "Pigs in a Blanket," beer battered onion rings, corn dogs, oysters and king crab. The menu specializes in not-your-average hashes, eggs benedict, scramblers, fritatas, pancakes and waffles. The brunchery is a short drive from the dual-team spring training stadium for the Rockies and Diamondbacks and is offering 50% off Bloody Marys for every spring training game ticket stub provided. The Hash Kitchen is open from 7 am to 3 pm everyday, located at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale at The Shops at Gainey Village and can be reached at (480) 947-3214 for more information.
Smoked BBQ Wings at Hogs N' Hops BBQ (Debby Wolvos)
Colorado Rockies & Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
For those all- American craft beer and barbecue lovers, Hogs N’ Hops BBQ is the perfect post-baseball game destination where you will find a variety of traditional savory sliders and ribs along with classic BBQ sides like charred corn on the cob and fingerling potato salad. Most popular entrees include the Southern Sliders ($12) and the Smokin’ Cobb Salad ($13). After “going up to bat,” Hogs n’ Hops is offering a $1 beer for every spring training game ticket stub provided. Hogs N' Hops is located on 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale and can be reached at (480) 947-3180 for more information.
Vivo Ristorante
Colorado Rockies & Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Vivo! Ristorante is a modern Italian- favorite that is a refreshing take on Tomaso Maggiore’s authentic culinary style. From healthy to hearty, Chef Tomaso Maggiore's menus include salads, sandwiches, and signature pastas and specialties for any outing or occasion. Most popular new menu lunch items include the Sandwich with Grilled Chicken Paillard ($13) and the Mozarella Tasting Caprese ($14). Lunch is Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 6:30 pm and dinner hours are from 5:00 to 10:30 pm, Vivo! Ristorante is located at The Marketplace on 6560 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale and can be reached at (480) 699-9081 for more information.