February 16th, 2013
Location: Taps @ Poca Fiesta 1010 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210 480.464.7004
Claim to Fame: Home of the 99 cents Beer during Happy Hour!
Okay so I didn’t know any of this when I walked in. I had been to this location once before when it was “R.T. O'Sullivan's Sports Grill”. I walked in and much was the same, only it didn’t smell like a bar. It was clean, when I walked in there was a team of brunettes ready to assist. All were lovely and I found a place up in the bar area.
Not a big crowd on a Saturday afternoon but the music was playing and there were “established patrons” sitting up at the bar enjoying conversation and their lunch. “Established patrons” is what I call those people who look like they may frequent a particular bar, we all long for a place “where everyone knows your name”.
I sit down and I get a great seat (top deck) where the flat screen is right in my view, Virginia Tech and NC State were just starting their game. There are pool tables and an area with games. The doors were open and a great breeze was flowing.
The flat screens are peppered throughout the place and because there is seating at different levels you have the ability to not just see the game but be seen as well (should that be your fancy). The beer menu is okay (I love beer) and I think all places should have Dos XX on tap (lager or amber) but I am pleasantly surprised that they did have San Tan IPA, so I go for it, and YUM!.
As I read my way through the menu I find that I am focused on “The Burger”, I could go on to say how wonderful it was, but I think you should just go out there and try it yourself. There is something about cherry peppers and grilled Ciabatta on a hamburger that is to die for.
The ambiance is that of a bar (no way around it ) but I could see myself bringing my friends and family here for football and definitely some Final Four action, and even on the weekends when you find a sitter and want to hang with girlfriends for lunch or a group of couples in the evening. Very laid back and the staff are lovely inside and out. Monica came over from around the bar and we chatted, as did the other ladies.
That being said, make sure to go when you have time, because it took a while, even though I stated I was shopping and just popped in for a quick bite. I am sure that its growing pains but there are things that need to be better if they are going to compete.
1) Servers should know beers on tap (it’s only fair that
they get annoyed by my BF coming in and asking, “So what beers you have on tap”)
People like to know you know the menu.
2) I am offered water and it was horrible. I live with Phoenix
agua and its fine at home, but when I go out to a restaurant can I at least get
it filtered.
3) Their web page isn’t up.
4) Door to the kitchen was open, needs to be closed so as
not to shatter the mystery.
Hey! If you find yourself in the area, please give this place a try…I plan to make my way back to watch some college basketball and to make my way through the menu…but will refrain from the Ghost Pepper Challenge.
