I would have set my rating at 4.5 stars. The Vig is my new fav place to go in Phoenix. here's why: it's a 5min drive from our house. They have free (tipped) valets. They have great Happy Hour specials. The menu has a wide variety of creative delectables suitable to every palate; all priced exactly right. There are so many dishes on it that sound amazing I was instantly planning a return visit my fist time there. I've had the grilled chicken sandwhich with amazing coleslaw and their juicy burger (as a lettuce wrap) which had lightly caramelized red onions which is a nice touch as I dislike totally raw onions but love them blanched. The staff is attractive and friendly. The atmosphere and decor are EXACTLY what I look for in a favorite: dim lighting but tasefully accented. a gorgeous bar with a stunning lit up "Booze Waterfall" on the backbar (as a former barman, a nightmare for the staff to clean I'm sure- just gorgeous!) A bar any single could comfortably saddle up to and surf the net or chat with folks. Huge comfy booths that could squeeze in 8 I'm sure, yet they put couples there if they have them available. Booths that are dim and judging by all the canoodling couples, perfect for date nights- gay and straight given the several same-sex couples I saw one night, which is always a good sign and awesome. A MASSIVE indoor/outdoor lounge with huge windows that easily open on pleasent days and seal out the heat with duct in A/C during triple digit days. Tasteful and ecclectic background music. They can accomodate groups and the lounge which also features bean-bag toss game would be perfect for a corporate or private party. A cornicopia of merrits to be sure!
The only down side for me is that they have a kids menu and the kids also like the bag toss game both of which will encourage families with small kids. I generally detest children and only mildly tolerate any children of friends and family. I'm a proud, childless,"Adults-only" kind of guy that will walk out of any restaurant containing more than 3 kids total within ear-shot. But for the 2 or 3 Chicken-fingers-and-fries guests that were there on both my visits, I would up the star-rating to a solid 5!
Despite that one small subjective to myself flaw, this place is now my new touchstone by which I will compare other places.
I dig The Vig!