Monarch Theatre/Bar Smith
After years of anticipation, Phoenix’s first Cornish Pasty opened downtown at Central Avenue and Monroe Street. It spans three stories, which means three bars. What’s a pasty? It’s a flaky pastry filled with savory ingredients. You can order a pasty stuffed with the Old-World flavors or go for something different like chicken tikka masala. Now, Cornish Pasty has four Valley restaurants, including two near the ASU campus in Tempe.
Details: 3 W. Monroe St., Phoenix. cornishpastyco.com.
La Piazza Phx
Like many Thai restaurants, this one has an extensive menu of salads, rice, noodle and curry dishes. If it’s rice you’re after, try the signature dish, pad ga pao. It is your choice of meat or tofu, mixed vegetables and Thai basil leaves, all soaked in a chile-garlic sauce and served with jasmine rice. A whiff of the sauce will set your senses free. Come by the charming, purple-and-gold-accented restaurant during lunch and your meal includes an egg roll and soup.
Details: 114 W. Adams St., Suite 104, Phoenix. 602-759-8737, thaibasilaz.com.
Downtown Phoenix boasts a diverse crop of nightlife options, from laid-back dive bars to topnotch music venues and fun-filled bars with games and activities.
Monarch Theatre and Bar Smith are neighboring joints from the same owners, and among the few nightclubs downtown. At Monarch Theatre, international DJs often provide the sounds. On most nights, Bar Smith hosts performers upstairs on the rooftop patio and downstairs, and the music is an eclectic mix with popular nights including BFF Fridays and Solstice Saturdays.
Details: Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-4561991, monarch theatre.com. Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-456-1991, barsmithphoenix.com.
The historical Silva House in Heritage Square Park seemed destined to become a bar. Long community picnic tables and misters outside woo customers from Pizzeria Bianco across the square. Inside, the horseshoeshaped bar connects the four small rooms. Get $3 well drinks and draft beers on Industry Nights, from 9 p.m. to close Tuesdays; or stop by for a burger and beer for $10 on Monday nights. Trivia night is on Wednesdays.
Details: 628 E. Adams St., Phoenix. 602-2560223, theroseand crownaz.com.
Crescent Ballroom
This popular venue has a two-level patio out front and lounge that serves cocktails like the Honey Badger and Mexican dishes like the poquito bean and cheese burrito. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. The ballroom is the best spot to catch indie acts, with wooden-bleacher seats in the back and a side area for underage patrons.
Details: 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. 602-7162222, crescentphx.com.