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| - Suite 301 would do themselves good by turning it down a notch. What they are sitting on here, is a magnificent space in an urban enthusiast's wet dream, 3 stories above the foot-traffic-heavy streetscapes of downtown Tempe. Windows line the facade and compliment this view gorgeously from inside the bar, while the three step up and out onto the sunbathed rooftop deck seals the deal as the best place to drink-with-a-view outside of the Clarendon Hotel. I cannot even fathom the investment needed in order to secure this spot for your bar-owning dreams, which is why its is a bit disappointing, albeit, understandable, that they use this space as a den for hopeful men willing to overpay for mid-level booze and sit on white furniture, hoping to pay their way into some breezy's Valentino dress.
Sadly, any semblance of LA chic is kicked right off the balcony, as the first HIGHLY NOTICEABLE detail of the bar is their penchant for IKEA furniture. I wonder if the owner was that dude who camped out for weeks prior to the stores Grand Opening and won all that free furniture. I mean, its apparent and obvious so much so that the whole place screams 'Cheap!" or better yet, "We're trying to fool you" ... leather chaise lounges, that one round mattress bed, the mirrors, stools, even their potters. I'm sure if they actually gave wine glasses to their outdoor patrons, we'd actually seen the stemware labeled "Svalka".
Yet, there ARE plenty of redeeming qualities. As mentioned, the space is warehouse elegant, with exposed brick and multi-layers of foundation. The views are perfect, and the open air feels great at sunset. Also, the service is helpful and quick and generally delightful. The pours are strong and the prices reasonable -- at least during Happy Hour.
Overall, drinks from 5:30 - 7 is recommended strongly. There is a pleasant clientele and the vibe is festive before the thousandaires get crunk later on at night.
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