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The Roosevelt
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
816 N 3rd StPhoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 254-2561
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
213 reviews for The Roosevelt
Review Highlights
"my friend loves the grilled cheese and tomato soup."
(in 38 reviews)
"Thank you MATT (of Matt's Big Breakfast Fame."
(in 10 reviews)
"The beer and wine selection is usually provoking."
(in 9 reviews)
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213 reviews in English
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Review from Sunny L.
Phoenix, AZ
1/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This review is based on my first and only visit at The Roosevelt. I must have been hiding under a rock because I have lived within walking distance to this spot for a year and a half and have never been.
I'm glad that I finally have because I will be visiting more often. I loved the ambiance of the place. There were little rooms that you could sit in and it was very chill and relaxing. On Sunday, happy hour is all day long.
We had the Honeymooner sandwich (which is fried Bologna and cheese) it was very tasty. The wine on special was not very good, but maybe next time I will get a different drink.
I think The Roosevelt is a great place to chill with a close friend to to have a date. -
Review from C N.
San Diego, CA
12/23/2011 3 photos
REALLY COOL former HOUSE. Great beer selection. The 2 star review is solely due to the DISGUSTING BATHROOM! Beware! Seriously! They spent so much $ designing a cool place (glass wall for the keg room, great lighting, high ceilings, cool retro beer fridge, etc.), why the bathroom is worse than an inner-city high-school bathroom is beyond me...
What's worse than being poorly lit/designed/smelly, is the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in DAYS! And it was out of TP, towels, etc. Really an unforgivable oversight. -
Review from Andre C.
Soda Springs, CA
10/7/2011
One of my favorite places in PHX.
Beer, Wine and Food menu's are always interesting. I like the coziness of the place.
I've never had a bad experience here.
If you're around... just grab a drink here and judge it for yourself. Just be weary of being here on the first Friday of the month. -
Review from Nora V.
Tolleson, AZ
1/23/2012 4 Check-ins Here
What can I say about the Roosevelt that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing so I won't bore you with how awesome the pretzel & stone ground mustard is for dipping. Won't say anything about the best priced specials downtown. The ginormous braut's with kraut or breathe a word about their selection of brews on tap. I won't sing my pleasure over the ooey gooey cheesy Panini that comes with the best tomato soup I've ever had. No, I won't do it! I will say the food is great, the specials are the best deal going, the staff helpful & quick. I love the ambience the best I think. I love that the charm was left right where it should be in this historic home turned neighborhood pub.
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Review from Kyle S.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 12/29/2011
My previous review was very harsh, but true. I met some friends at the roosevelt last week and the service was perfect. I have had nothing but poor service previously, but this new hipster guy that waited on us was a really great waiter. So, I'm upping the stars, hopefully the service keeps improving.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2011
I have been to the Roosevelt many times, but it usually someone else wanting to meet there. The… Read more »
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Review from Billie S.
Phoenix, AZ
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been eating here for years, and now I find the only redeeming quality of the Roosevelt is their all day happy hour on Sundays. I now find the services horrible and the mood pretentious. The servers act like they are doing you a favor by acknowledging you. I love the food, if I ever get a chance to order.
The Roosevelt is a good place to take a date if you like a lot of alone time. The servers rarely come by and once your food arrives, they usually don't return.
Matt, you are losing a lot of loyal and new customers. -
Review from keith w.
Phoenix, AZ
12/9/2011
I dig this place it has all the elements required for a proper seduction.
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Review from kimby s.
Phoenix, AZ
9/12/2011
Ooh, Roosevelt.
The Good: They have an awesome selection of beers. Also, the conversion of an old house into a bar is pretty fun.
The Bad: Lighting- on what planet do you require a cell phone to read a menu?? Seriously, I know that I can act like an old lady sometimes, but I shouldn't have to squint to see what's available. Service- the bartender was actually awesome. The "servers"...I am not sure why they are even there. There were two gals, and one of them took my initial order for a beer and every few minutes they would walk back into the room, but not once did they ask me or any of the other 3 people I was sitting with if we needed another. Even though the bar was almost empty. I had to walk to the bar to order a pretzel (which was delicious), and also walk to the bar to close out my tab. If the service was better, heck ,even acceptable, I'd probably be giving this review 4 stars. -
Review from Melanie D.
Tempe, AZ
9/12/2011
Best grilled cheese ever.. EVER.
It's super dark in here - like very almost uncomfortably dark if it was a first date, or someone you didn't really know. The entire room we were in was lit by only 5 votive candles.
The music was good, the food was awesome. It was a good stop off the light rail - only about a 6 minute walk. -
Review from Mike E.
Phoenix, AZ
7/30/2011
I love everything about The Roosevelt.
It's located in a historic house in downtown Phoenix, which makes for a nice relaxing setting.
The Roosevelt is a bar, but also has some unique and tasty appetizer type items. Do yourself a favor and try the deviled eggs.
The Roosevelt has a good wine list and also has a plentiful selection of beers.
Cool setting, unique menu, and great selection of beer and wine gives The Roosevelt five stars. -
Review from Steve O.
Phoenix, AZ
5/27/2011
After seeing all of the positive reviews, I thought I would convince my girlfriend check this place out.
Drove around the block a few times trying to find the place. There is no obviously visible signage from 3rd st. There is moss growing on what used to be a plaque on the porch. After confirming that the establishment was open, we walked in.
Seating is unique. We walked in during a quiet period, so coffee table and stools were available.
My most singular frustration was not being able to distinguish patron from employee. No service at all. Not a single greeting. Bar area is small and the bar tender seemed more interested in the two folks sitting there already than getting new business.
Was not sure how to obtain food or drink.
I felt as if I walked in to a strangers house, and despite the menus neatly arranged on the tables, we were not wanted there.
The Roosevelt does not seem interested in attracting new customers. -
Review from Becca C.
Phoenix, AZ
11/29/2011
Love it here, nice place to hang and drink wine.
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Review from Josh Y.
Phoenix, AZ
3/10/2011
Had 1 drink here once last fall with my business partner after a meeting downtown. It looked cool from the outside and she had been there before and liked it. I did not. The concept is cool -- I love old houses and re-purposed edifices and was stoked to try it.
We walked in and it was kinda dead. There was 1 group of 4 people in the front room chatting and I felt like we walked into their living room and interrupted a private conversation when we entered.
The bartender saw us walk in and walked out thru the back. We saddled up to the bar. When she returned she didnt greet us or even acknowledge us and then proceded to throw atttitude when I asked what beers they had. She couldn't recommend anything. She poured a crappy beer for me (just dumped it into the glass -- my 3yo niece could give a better pour), and a weak drink for my partner and walked away again.
The service blew. The whole experience blew. Not again, my friend. -
Review from Lindze F.
Phoenix, AZ
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Attention vegetarians: the amazing tomato soup? Chicken stock. I am the saddest girl in the universe right now.
I've been dreaming about and eating this soup and its glorious sidekick: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich for about 3 years now. It would never occur to me to ask if a tomato soup is made with chicken stock. I'll even ask other restaurants about the base of vegetable soups, but tomato? Come on!
The quality of this combo is so delightful it completely made up for the lack of seating and always disappointing service (really girls, you're not THAT much cooler or important than me. Get over yourselves).
Still, the atmosphere is lovely, the music is always spot on, and I can't complain about the wine and beer. If you are a non-veggie and don't mind the uppity chicks, go ahead and enjoy. -
Review from Deborah P.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/16/2011
fun, relaxing little tavern. The menu is limited but interesting. Had the cheese plate that was really nice - 3 different cheeses, locally made bread and crackers, dried cherries, dates, apple, some kind of nuts, and honey - and the big fat pretzel. Definitely want to try other items next time, particularly the chips & dip, grilled cheese, and tomato soup. It seemed like they had some interesting beers too!
Our server was extremely attentive, happy to help with the menu, and seemed to know the featured wines. It was very quaint with tables lit by candles - a wonderful place for drinks and conversation. -
Review from Kristi D.
12/6/2010 ROTD 6/1/2011
The Roosevelt is s-e-x-y, sexy. I can not believe it's taken me this long to write a review of a spot I tend to frequent but after spending, geeez, I dunno, maybe 4 hours here on Saturday night I was just smitten enough to sing full praises.
Historic home turned bar, The Roosevelt is dark, romantic and the perfect place to spend hours drinking wine, (by the glass or bottle) or beer (from their fairly extensive beer menu) while getting to know that special someone... or, stop in for a nightcap after dinner or a night out downtown.
The Roosevelt offers small plates that are all quite tasty, my favorite being the Bacon wrapped Dates. I love turning people on the wonderful world of dates, and bacon and cheese is the best way to do that.
The setup, as mentioned in previous reviews, is awkward. But hey, this was a home that has been converted to a bar and you are sitting in one of the three bedrooms. I'm not really sure how else it could be done without knocking out walls and ruining some of the sexiness....don't do that...
I'm a smitten kitten Roosevelt, dare I say, full of smit! -
Review from Melissa T.
Tempe, AZ
11/30/2011
Looking for a late night snack and beer/glass of wine? This is your place. Dark, loud music, relaxing couch, and comfort food w/a pal is the ticket here. Enjoy!
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Review from Niki N.
Phoenix, AZ
9/20/2011
So um... Matt... WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS PLACE?
For one, I have been going here and enjoying the grilled cheese/tomato soup plate for quite a while. The last few times (over the course of about 6 months or so) the soup has tasted bland and almost inedible. It's not the creamy flavorful soup I remember from my first few visits. The grilled cheese is still pretty good, but I don't go there for the soup or grilled cheese alone. It's the combination of the two I really liked.
I almost refuse to buy soup and a grilled cheese anywhere else because I feel like I could make the same thing at home for a fraction of what I pay for it at a restaurant. But I didn't used to feel that way about the plate at The Roosevelt. It was something special. But not anymore. Maybe if I didn't know how wonderful it used to be I wouldn't mind it. But as a soup (tomato mainly) aficionado I have left the last few times feeling unsatisfied.
Also, I dunno what's going on but the service here has really gone downhill. My last waitress (who I have heard complaints about before from friends) was super rude to me. On my last visit I met up with some friends who had already been there for about 30 or so mins. I walked in and searched for them (this place is almost too dark to see anyone) and sat down. I waited a good 15 mins before the waitress came over and at first I didn't even know she was there because she didn't make her presence known. She just stood to the side of me with her arms folded staring at me like she wanted to me to hurry up and order. No hello or what can I get you. Nothing. When my food (The tomato soup/grilled cheese plate) came about 10 mins later I was not very happy with it, like I said before It's not as great as it used to be, and so I wanted to send it back. I really hate doing that but I really didn't even want to eat it. Well what seemed like forever went by and no waitress. Our waters were empty, my friends wanted more beer and I wanted something else to eat. By the time she came back (I would guess about 20 or so mins) I just didn't even feel like bothering. AND the only reason she came back was to drop off the check. She didn't even ask if we needed anything and completely ignored the empty glasses on our table.
I mean, I don't want my waitress coming over to check on me every 30 seconds or anything but I feel like every time I go in here I just get ignored.
The one and only reason they got two stars from me is because it's close to my house and they have happy hour specials (both food and drink) all day on sunday. I'll wait for my crappy service as long as my wine is half off. -
Review from adrian f.
Phoenix, AZ
5/11/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I can't believe that we put off going to this fantastic bar for so long!! It's right up the road from our house, but we just always stuck to our regular bars... well last night we were wanting to drink good beer, and I remembered that the Roosevelt was a beer and wine bar, so we hunted it down! It's such a cool little bar, with different rooms full of seating and another room with the main bar... very intimate, very comfortable! They offer a pretty decent beer and wine selection and the prices are very reasonable! The staff is very attentive and friendly! The food menu is pretty small (just snacks really), but it all sounds really good, so we'll probably try a few dishes next time we go! I'm so glad we found this bar, and we WILL become regulars here for sure!
Bonus: they play good music, aka Portugal. the Man! -
Review from Monica G.
Phoenix, AZ
10/2/2011
Great comfortable place to hang out w friends, food is average as are drinks. The atmosphere is awesome, I'd go back!
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Review from Lauren F.
Phoenix, AZ
7/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I kept hearing about this place, but never actually tried it until just recently. My husband and I looked up the address and when we got there, we weren't sure if we were actually at a bar.... The bar itself is a really cute historic house that is pretty dark on the outside.
As soon as we came in, we were greeted by the bartender and told to sit wherever we liked. The thing about this bar, is that they have kept the walls of the original house pretty much intact, so you have the choice of sitting in various rooms with little tables or couches tucked into every nook and cranny. The other thing about the Roosevelt is that it is very dark with many of the rooms being lit only by a few tabletop candles.
We ended up sharing a long dining table with another small group and made ourselves comfortable. But then when we looked at the beer list and menu, we almost fell out of our chairs! The Roosevelt offers a very large selection of craft beers, in bottles and on tap, and for very fair prices! They also have a small food menu that looks delicious, but we haven't tried yet...we keep forgetting to save room for the food!
The service is friendly and efficient, and the music selection is impeccable as well.
Like another Yelper mentioned, I could imagine that if it were really dead in here or quiet, you might feel like you had just walked into someone's living room and interrupted everyone, which might be awkward, but I have only ever been here at night when there are usually at least a few groups here.Listed in: Best Places for a Pint
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Review from Rusty T.
Phoenix, AZ
6/27/2011
I really dig this place but have 2 gripes. 1) Their liquor permits do not allow drinking on the patio - what's the point of a patio if you cannot take your beer out there. 2) The lighting - the front rooms are very dark while the one in back makes you feel like you're in a hospital with its fluorescent bulbs lighting the kegs. Overall, good beer selection and the music is always top-notch.
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Review from Ernie P.
Phoenix, AZ
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very low key and dark vibe, not group friendly and very small. The beer selection was very basic but a nice selection. I wouldn't recommended this place to anyone just because it's a little creepy to take a date or friends. I had high hopes for this place but now that I've tried it, I'm not a fan.
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Review from Andrew H.
Phoenix, AZ
3/6/2011
The staff is always very cute and attentive. Great wine and beer selection. The grilled cheese & tomato soup is fantastic.
I've been on certain nights where they were showing old westerns with a dj spinning great tunes. Big thumbs up! -
Review from Bonnie G.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 6/6/2010
Wow, how sad to go from an ROTD raving about this place to being perfectly happy to not stepping back into this bar ever again!
I have a lot of great memories here at the Roosevelt, met a lot of wonderful people and friends who have been a big part of my life whether it is just grabbing a beer at the bar or taking over the huge community table or chilling at the candle lit booth section.
A few months back, a couple of ladies and I decided to stop by the Roosevelt while in Phoenix. It had been a long day of bike riding and the bar wasn't very busy (a big plus if you have been here on First Fridays!) so was excited to have a drink after enjoying our meal at Cibo.
A lot of sofas and chairs didn't have enough space for 4 people to sit with each other (you know that phenomenon when you go the movie theater and every row has seats but it would take an act of God to convince everyone to move a couple for everyone to sit together?) so we went for the high table in the middle dining room. It was missing a chair (and I have had the "bitch seat" in the past where I end up standing) but I was really tired after more than 20 miles of hard core bicycling and a relaxing carb-filled dinner. I went to take a seat from the bar but the waitress said we couldn't do that. I was taken aback since the bar wasn't busy and our table was missing the 4th chair.
She stated simply it was the policy and the manager doesn't allow chair moving. She didn't voice a solution. Then I looked over and saw the chair that should've been at our table was at the one with the booths against the wall. "But clearly she took the chair from our table, and that chair is unoccupied and it isn't busy, so why not?" What happened next was pretty....off putting. She said "You want me to ask her to give you her chair back?" Really.
Yes. What? Am I in 8th grade? #1, that isn't what I said. #2, are you really arguing with 4 thirsty customers about a chair?
We looked at each other and left. We had a great time at the Lost Leaf and we could move chairs where ever the hell we want.
She wasn't apologetic and even if it is the manager's policy, he isn't there. Did she think we were manager chair narcs?
You could have been mine "4 LYFE" Roosevelt as I stated when you first opened, but given your disdain for hospitality and respect for your customers, I see no need to go back. Enjoy that empty chair.Listed in: Central Phoenix and Me, This is Why, This is Why, This…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/21/2007 ROTD 8/10/2007
Please don't hit me! If i could give 4 and a HALF stars I would!
I drove by here after a show at the… Read more »
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Review from Joe S.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/14/2010
Had about as much atmosphere as a walk-in fridge, so we turned around and went to Centurion.
Sure the house looks nice from the outside, but inside comfort and vibe did nothing to make us want to stay. -
Review from Patrick N.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/3/2011
Been here a few times and have not had a bad experience. Very good selection of beer. The menu is limited and the servings are small but everything is delicious. The one can't miss item: bacon wrapped dates.
I actually dropped in before a Suns game and in the spirit of the upcoming event had a hotdog. Not your backyard-barbecue-type flair, but great nonetheless.
Get there early, as others have noted, because seating is limited and naturally goes quickly. -
Review from Kali M.
Tempe, AZ
10/8/2010
I had heard really great things about The Roosevelt and decided to stop in last week. It was a little odd at first when you walk in because it is extremely dark (only lit by tea-light candles) and the seating is very limited, although there seemed to be lots of open space just not enough tables and seating. From what I could see, the house was really neat and had great character, but I am really looking forward to going back during the day or in the evening when there is more light.
The beer selection is great and the service was really amazing too. Our server helped us out so much with individual beer recommendations and we liked almost all of them.
It is definitely a place you go with a small group of friends or on a date to have good conversation in a relaxed, classy atmosphere. -
Review from shawn T.
Phoenix, AZ
8/2/2010
Thank you to my Cenpho peeps for helping me find a late night spot last night (Sunday night at 10:30pm)! And thanks for the tip on how to modify my searches! Muy helpful.
So I decided to go to The Roosevelt since they were serving food until 11:00. I also was craving soup so I wanted to try the grilled cheese sandwhich and tomato soup. Boy that hit the spot! I also tried a crisp white wine from an Arizona vineyard and it was surprisingly good!
The house was raucous for a Sunday night, with a live Dj. Good conversation at the bar with tatoo guy. Only complaint was the bartender was veeeeery slow to refill my vino. But kudos to her for adjusting my bill because she didn't tell me the wine was twelve bucks a glass! That was awesome! I'll be back -
Review from Sean S.
6/1/2010
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits):
6 Food
10 *Drinks*
9 Service
9 Atmosphere
8 Value
I'll just get the tough part out up front: I don't really dig the food. I haven't been able to pin down exactly why - I just don't.
What I do dig though are the many many beers they have, and the super bonus is that they ALWAYS have a Lost Abbey on draft. Pure awesome.
I've never been lacking for a seat, so I'm surprised by all the reviews that say differently, although I could see how that could happen because the seating is sparse - though that is part of the atmosphere they are trying to build here.Listed in: Downtown Phx
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Review from Denis S.
5/12/2010
I was really excited to try this place, and subsequently pretty disappointed by it. I came here around 5:30, so that might explain why the vibe was off.
The place itself is exactly what I like. From the outside it looks like a simply house. Inside, it was very bare, but had a very relaxed mood. Plenty of different types of seats from bar, to high tables to low tables in each lower chairs. Lots of candles, etc... So far, so good.
First, they only serve beer and wine, which sucks. Second, their food was both expensive and disappointing. I got some type of sandwich (can't remember now), but the bread was super greasy, the meat was too stringy. Half of it literally fell out when my teeth couldn't bite through the whole thing (and I have strong teeth). It was also cold.
The people were nice, but it had a very "local" feel to it, they all seemed to know each other, which made this stranger feel a little left out. -
Review from Dallas G.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 1/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm probably gonna regret this but the truth must be told. The. Truth. Must. Be. TOLD!
Let me start this very angry Yelp by saying I love Erenia and I hate doing this. I hate ripping on local businesses and I loathe it when I actually know and like the owners. In fact, in any other scenario, I'd just keep my trap shut. But this just rubbed me the wrong way.
Their product is of exceptionally high quality. I don't deny that and the stars are not about the quality of the food. They are good people with a great product and they deserve to succeed. I'm not trying to suggest otherwise. But...
Many people complain about not finding a seat. It is limited, which is part of the charm, if you're one of the Chosen Sitting Humans (CSH). I don't really mind standing so this isn't a huge issue for me.
What I do mind is businesses who CUT OFF THEIR NOSES TO SPITE THEIR CUSTOMER'S FACES!!!! Seriously, who do you think you are to be so obsessed with the idea of your own perfection that you are unwilling to make even the simplest of requested changes to the menu items? I just asked for no cheese!!!! This is not NYC and WE LIKE IT THAT WAY!
This is the first time this has ever happened to me and it will be the last at the Roosevelt! I'm done.
Do you know what you do when you employ such anti-customer service ploys? You screw yourselves because I walked right on out and I'm telling everyone who might ever go there about this personally and on Yelp. You screw the servers and make them look like complete assholes. WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM THIS POLICY? You retain the intellectual integrity of a fricken salad? CONGRATS!
People have allergies! People have religious convictions! People are even sometimes horrified by the taste of arugula. The reasons the policy is absurd are too numerous to list. I hate it. I hate it fundamentally. I love you guys. I hope your restaurant flourishes but it will certainly not be because of me or my friends while I have any say over what we do on a given evening.
Or, just put a freaking vegan item on the menu. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only vegan.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/8/2008
The cheese plate is truly wonderful.
Beer and wine selection is plentiful and of high quality (I… Read more »
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Review from Iain B.
Phoenix, AZ
11/29/2009
Well reviewed, but just got back on a very nice chilly Sunday night so had to chime in. First, I loved it. Second, it was not busy (Sunday night) so I was very happy with that, and Third, I parked right in front just like you were parking at a house. Awesome.
Walked in, very cozy and was greeted by a very friendly server at the bar. We found a table right away and I ordered the IPA, it was delicious and icy cold as a tap beer should be. As other reviewers have noted, it is very dark, so use your !phone flashlight application or the two candles on the table. I kept having the sensation that for a brief moment, I was in say, Portland and not Phoenix. It was like getting out of here, but not going anywhere, which was a nice break.
Ordered the Legendary Pretzel (great and piping hot!!), the hot dog (amazing, I wish I could buy that brand), and a grilled type beef sandwich which also was quite nice. I liked how the bar food was a bit different than say your average bar food (no wings here, and maybe that's a good thing?). Went for the arrogant bastard next and man, that beer has some kick, you get a nice buzzy buzz going for sure.
The pints were only $5 so that was a perfect price for some great beer, and I really got a good vibe, the server was very good and friendly and overall the Roosevelt had a kind of laid back feel to it. I will go back, but will plan on a off night or a Sunday as I can see how busy it could easily get.
They also had a blonde beer on special for $3 a pint and a nice red wine for $6.50 a glass. They had, I think, 14 beers on Tap!!
Price: 2 pints, 2 glasses wine, one legendary pretzel, one sandwich, one hot dog, before tip $40, I thought that was pretty reasonable.
Highly recommended for sure. The only thing I wish they had was a decent website, the Twitter thing isn't that helpful. Oh, and bring a flashlight. -
Review from Pierre Trudeau I.
Phoenix, AZ
9/6/2007
I feel conflicted reviewing the Roosevelt because it's basically like... home. Downtown Phoenix hasn't developed enough yet that I can step right outside my door, do a cartwheel and land at the doorstep of my friendly neighborhood bar. A 5 minute stroll past a few crackhouses and construction sites has to suffice. And what better reward at the end of such a journey than to step into this completely perfect tavern.
The lovely waitresses are all a delight. There's also a good chance you'll see that big bear of a friendly dude-slash-owner, Matt, who owns the equally cool Matt's Big Breakfast a few blocks away, and is the bro of the co-owner of the even cooler Pizzeria Bianco, also a few blocks away. Come here on a late weeknight and you might run into said co-owner and her infamous partner, Chris Bianco, as they stop by to wind the night down.
I wouldn't stop by here on First Fridays, I must say. I did once and it was so crowded you could barely move. This is an historic home restored into a bar with a low-key ambiance lending itself to relaxed conversation. It's not really ideal when jam-packed a la Sweaty Generic Mill Avenue Nightclub. But that's just me. On most nights the crowd consists of late 20somethings, 30somethings, and generally an assortment of downtown residents and professionals. I ran into two of my old ASU law profs once.
Roosevelt is the first place I take anybody visiting downtown, from either Phoenix's suburbs or from out of state. It's only existed for some 8 months, so I've taken many people for their very first time. Their reactions are always amusing in their variety. One friend who's used to going out in Scottsdale was astonished that he walked by a group of people who were actually talking politics. (!!!) More importantly though, the common thread through each visit has always been that we simply had a good time.Listed in: Downtown Phoenix
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Review from Nikki F.
10/4/2009
L
O
V
E
I am certainly adding this place to my growing list of favorite downtown bars. The vibe was so spot on, I could probably come here 3 nights a week and not be mad about it. I love the seating, even though it makes absolutely no sense. Comfy couches and chairs big enough for Brad E. and I to share and fit both of our badonkadonks in.. trust me on that.. junk. in. the. trunk. I ran into Joel L. here also, which is always a pleasure. Apparently the tomato soup and grilled cheese is absolutely phenomenal, and I am craving it more than anything in the entire world right now. The bartender boosted my ego about 63 notches by telling me what a lovely redhead I was, so thank you sir. You are the most wonderful person of the weekend. Their beer list is also killer and the outdoor seating area is big enough for a frat party.
I honestly cant wait to come back here. If anyone, I mean, ANYONE is in the mood for The Roosevelt, call a bitch, I am so there.Listed in: Places I enjoy getting sauced., Sooo.. you wanna go out?, We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares and go
Downtown,…">Downtown! -
Review from Jenn H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2009
I don't know why I even bother trying to go here. Every single time I walk in this place I end up walking right back out. I tried to go there with Mark J TWICE in December and both times we ended up walking out within 120 seconds. Lame!
The Roosevelt is either too crowded, or there isn't any seating, or it's filled with hipster douche bags or the service eats a dick.
My recent problems with this place include:
- Inadequate seating
- Huge waste of space/not laid out well
- Staff consists of asshats mixed with a few very cool staffers. Most of the chicks who work here are cool, but I encountered several dick tard dudes.
- Why is there a security gaurd/rent a cop here at all times? He is nice but it is too creepy for comfort. What is this? The Arizona Mills Mall?
- The suckdom ruined my birthday
- Mean people giving mean looks hamg out here a lot
On the flipside the beer selection is good and I ate here once a looooooooooooooong time ago and I think I thought it was good. I can't remember because it was so long ago. I'd love to eat here again but I can't seem to tolerate this place for more than a few minues before I stomp on off and out the front door.
Do better Roosevelt. -
Review from Alicia F.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/16/2010
I know its all the rage right now, small hole in the wall, over priced, "dive" bars but I have found that most are overrated, like The Roosevelt. Don't get me wrong, they have a great beer selection and their food is quite good but coming from someone who works in the service industry I put service before all that.
I know its the trend right now to act too cool and so emo that it hurts but its time people stop covering their insecurities beneath tattoos and black clothing. I was served a beer that sat on the bar under that taps for over 45 minutes because it was a "miss-pour" and they must be trying to save money. Let it be known, the reason I drink beer on tap is to get a nice fresh, cold beer, not a beer that's been sitting around for 45 minutes. If a bar is going to bother bringing in craft beer I am sure the microbrewery wouldn't be to happy to see their beer served that way. Take pride in what you serve and what you do, its okay to smile. -
Review from Daniel R.
Tempe, AZ
9/9/2009 ROTD 3/16/2010
As confused as the seating is in this place, the decor, ambiance and product are spot on. Cozy furniture when you get a spot. Extremely delicious bar food. Choice selection of beers and wines.
The Roosevelt is a charming place. Spending a hour here can renew your faith in Phx. -
Review from Francesca H.
Phoenix, AZ
9/19/2010
Roosevelt was fantastic! I'd definitely return. However, mostly for beer, it's not my top choice. To be honest, I'm limited because I only dined upon their cheese plate, and guzzled a single pint of brew, and I agree with others, it is delightful.
I don't see myself enjoying it, if it was a full house. Seating is limited, and it's seemingly overwhelming when it's busy.
However, the atmosphere is right up my ally. It's a converted Historic home - beautiful! We went on a rainy Sunday. It was dead, and I got to enjoy my present company as I delighted on the flavors of one of my favorite meals: one that combines cheese, fruit, bread, and at The Roosevelt: Valrhona chocolate.
Now, they serve kind of a "bread of the moment" which was a currant bread which was good, but not what i expected when another bread they had served was hyped up to me. I do enjoy the fact that they have a variety of local brews, and I'm always up for a new beer.
All in all, it's good. But also kind of hard to screw up a cheese plate. -
Review from Georgie S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/6/2009 7 Check-ins Here
Okay, after recently relocating to Midtown from the vapid vortex of the valley (aka N Scottsdale) I knew I was in for some culture shock. After scouring yelp for suggestions, I grabbed my best friend Lisa and we took off an a little mid-week impromptu bar crawl to help familiarize me with my new area.
First stop, The Roosevelt.
Oh my God. How much did I freaking love this place?? I literally felt like Alice and I'd stumbled down the rabbit hole upon entering this quaint and cozy little bar, especially after spending the last 3 years up north. Where were the steroid-induced and over gelled bartenders I had come to expect? And where was the group of young 20 something girls that looked like they wanted to rip my head off right as I walked in the door?? Every where I turned there were great little details. A guy reading a book while throwing back a beer in the corner snuggled up into a chair, a group of interesting looking women having a great time discussing lord knows what, and of course the fabulous bartender that let my friend Lisa (literally the most indecisive person in the world) sample practically every beer on tap until she found the one she liked the best.
And don't even get me started on the beer. For those of you that don't know me, I had a bit of a reputation back in school for basically being able to drink my weight in booze. And yet, after two tall glasses of their intoxicating house beer, shockingly enough I had a nice little buzz going on. No, it may not have been my first drink of the night but that's besides the point : )
Sampled some food at the suggestion of my fellow yelpers, and I don't think anyone in the world has ever inhaled a grilled cheese sandwich and bowl of tomato soup as fast as I did that night. Sooo good.
Only reason I am taking a star away is because of the 1 bathroom. A situation that has proved to become a bit problematic as the place fills up.
Oh well, I absolutely loved it and will definitely return!Listed in: Central Phoenix Watering Holes
