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| - You need to know that I want to love this place. It has all the elements of a perfect bar experience: huge, rotating beer list featuring multiple local options; a large wine list; it's even literally attached to a liquor store! So let's break it down:
THE GOOD
Everything I mentioned above. I visited with a friend last night and totally nerded out over the seasonal pumpkin options - there were multiple. I'm all about that first-time experience, and the menu here gives you everything you need to try new each time. I like that.
The artwork. I like that Taste of Tops features local artwork, oftentimes for sale, too. I'll always appreciate businesses that support their local community in this way. It really matters. Kudos to you for that, Taste of Tops.
THE BAD
Ugh. I hate to say it, but: the service. I don't know how to accurately describe this, but last night, the girl behind the bar made me feel like I was inconveniencing her by trying to place an order for drinks. Very strange, and while I totally understand that sometimes people just have bad days, it caused me to think back to all the other times I've visited Taste of Tops. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't think of one single notably positive service experience. In fact, for the most part, I would describe the service here as "nonexistent". I might as well step behind the counter and serve myself.
The irony of this is that Top's Liquor, just next store, is the polar opposite! Staff goes out of their way to help you. They LOVE talking about their alcohol - they love helping you find what you're after. The incongruous nature of service between the two is a real head-scratcher to me.
The interior is also very dark, with only minimal seating.
CONCLUSION
A LOT of locals consider Taste of Tops a home away from home. I suppose I can see why, but I lived in the Tempe area for nearly two years and, no matter how many times I visited, it just never quite "clicked" for me.
Who knows? Maybe I've just had bad luck. I would never turn someone away from Taste of Tops. But I wouldn't recommend it, either. I'll be quick to recommend its neighbor, but I'll likely forego mentioning the bar. :-/
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