We have some new friends who have never ridden the light rail. The 4 of us decided to take a trip downtown and pick a restaurant that was an easy walk and one the we could enjoy for less than $50 a couple with a few drinks.
After doing the required internet searches we ended up at Hula's Modern Tiki on a Friday night in July. We arrived around 6:30 and wanted to eat inside (they have a cute outdoor patio) as it was still a hot. We were the first ones on the waiting list and created a seat at the bar. Cute place filled with Hawaii type memorabilia. My wife's Mai Tai was very good which can be a challenge to find in Phoenix.
We were seat in about 15 minutes. The wait staff was adequate. The spicy edamami was actually spicy and I ended up eating most of it. We ordered the Ahi Taco's and the Carne Asada Taco's. Each were two large taco's stuff with Ahi tuna and steak cooked to order. There was enough for 3 or 4 taco's each. Delicious. My wife enjoyed the black bean and rice combination and she doesn't do beans.
The concrete floors make the atmosphere a little noisy but not obnoxiously so. The 4 us were able to carry on a "real conversation". I also notice a manager type "floating around" obviously paying attention to the details. It showed. I later introduced myself to the manager (Dana) who turned out to be the owner. I always enjoy a restaurant where the owner/manager is actively involved.
The price came in right at $40 and we all agreed we would go back again. It would be a really fun place on the patio when the weather cools.