Although downtown Phoenix still has a ways to go before it can match the nightlife scene of some other major cities, the downtown bar scene has made great strides in recent years.
The recent opening of the Valley Bar injected a good dose of hipster cool and Phoenix style to downtown. Now, Chambers on First is bringing elevated pub food and drink to the downtown nightlife scene.
Chambers on First is a renovated, upscale pub in downtown Phoenix — Photo courtesy of Chambers on First
Formerly known as The Turf Irish Restaurant & Pub, the restaurant bar has rebranded itself as Chambers on First. Along with the new name, the venue has revamped its food menu, added craft brews on tap and renovated its space with refurbished furniture and an expanded patio.
The food menu now features elevated American fare, featuring small plates and entrees.
Appetizers include smoked chicken wings, barbecue pork, breaded mozzarella balls and sliders. On the main menu, you'll find gourmet burgers, wraps and sandwiches. There's also a handful of fine dining options, including blackened salmon risotto, flat iron steak and fennel mushroom fettuccine pasta.
The restaurant and bar is holding on to its identity as an Irish pub, however, so you'll also see slightly jazzed-up versions of pub staples, including a classic cottage pie and fish and chips.
On the weekends, the restaurant offers a brunch that features drink specials, such as $15 bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas.
In terms of drinks, you'll find several local craft brews on tap, including beers from San Tan Brewery, Four Peaks and Uncle Bears Brewery. Of course, this being an Irish bar, Guinness holds a special spot on tap every night of the week.
Although the new menu at Chambers on First will definitely appeal to foodies, the Irish-tinged decor, which includes Celtic crosses and Irish whisky barrels, provides a dose of old-fashioned pub ambiance. But with its dark wood paneling and long spacious bar, Chambers is also sophisticated and intimate enough to make for a good date night destination.
But if your aim is to socialize with friends and strangers alike, the bar also features several big-screen televisions. You might drop by for UFC fights, Monday Night Football or other crowd-pleasing events.
As part of its relaunch, the restaurant and bar has also kicked off a happy hour, when visitors can enjoy half-price appetizers, house wine by the glass for $5, well drinks for $4 and draft beers for $4.50.
Whether it's pub grub or good drinks you're after, Chambers on First is your place.
