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| - I came to Oven + Vine with friends who live in Phoenix. I'd tasked them with picking a restaurant because I don't really understand Yelp in this town. Last time I was here, we went to a place with a 5-star average that was decent enough, but without atmosphere, in a sterile mall. I was happy to see that Oven + Vine was less depressing, a cute spot with a hipster vibe, a nice oasis for a visiting Angeleno.
We went for dinner on a Thursday night and the place was vibrant and busy, with one of the youngest crowds I've come across in Phoenix (average age in the 30s, maybe even 20s!). The restaurant was in a building that looked like someone's house, complete with a lovely yard patio. We ate inside, and I enjoyed the homey, comfortable feel of the place. Service was great, too. Everything about this meal was just pleasant and easy.
The draft list was solid. I drank a tall glass of the Four Peaks Kilt Lifter, which has become my go-to when-in-Phoenix beer. I also tried some of the Two Brothers North Wind imperial stout, which was fantastic. Prices were reasonable, too. The Kilt Lifter was $5, not bad for a sit-down dinner beer.
I wasn't terribly hungry when I showed up for dinner--I'd been at a conference event with free tacos, and I have no will power--but I ordered the baked rigatoni and ate most of it anyway. It was quite tasty, the pasta made with house marinara sauce and herbed ricotta cheese then topped with mozzarella. Like most baked pastas, the rigatoni was slightly dry here and there, but it was mostly just satisfying. I added locally made Schreiner's sausage for $2, and it was well worthwhile. I also took a sliver of my friend's Italian combo flatbread, and this was a good piece of pseudo-pizza, the doughy bread topped with thin-sliced prosciutto, Schreiner's sausage, sopressata, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. I wouldn't say the food was outstanding overall, but it was pretty good and well priced--my pasta was $11 including the sausage.
I liked Oven + Vine and would probably come often if I lived in Phoenix. I had a great time with my friends--we hung out for a couple of hours, and it was very fun and relaxing. The food and drink were solid and affordable, and the place just had a good vibe. I haven't found too many restaurants in town that check all those boxes.
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