Almost 10 years ago, I wrote a glowing "five star" review on The Phoenix because they had some of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and arguably the best cheeseburger in the area. It was a treat, and a helluva value too, at just $7 for the "build your own" platter which included steak fries that were also delicious. We ordered there often enough that one of the bar-tenders who would take our calls would recognize my voice and know pretty much what I was getting, with very little variation. I'd hadn't eaten here since 2020 and decided I wanted another one of those amazing burgers. My family ordered a few for take-out. Little did I know: everything has changed. Obviously, the prices have gone up. It's 2024 and the world is the way it is. Understandable. While the burger is still a hefty 1/3 pound patty, there is no seasoning, and the burger was very dry. And being a cheeseburger, somehow the burger was missing the cheese. The website shows it's still supposed to come with cheese, so I don't know what happened there. Most disappointing though were the fries. Gone are the well-seasoned, almost potato wedge-like steak fries that were mounded next to the burger, and they're replaced with bland, soggy crinkle-cut tragedies. A few were still cold in the center. I didn't even taste any salt on them. I wish I could say I was embellishing some of these details to make a point, but I'm not. Maybe they were in a rush or something? I wish I had the answers. The food here now has gone from something I would crave at least once a week, to something I will likely never try again. I'm actually a bit in shock as I write this that I'm having to write a new review about this place, knowing that it's such a far-cry from what it used to be. Originally, I wanted McDonald's this evening, but didn't wanna go across down to McKinley for it. Now, I wish I would have. If anyone from The Phoenix reads this, please undo these changes! I don't know what happened, whether it's because of a new cook, new owners, or just a change in where the ingredients are sourced from, but this is not what The Phoenix should be. I can no longer recommend this place, and have to give it two stars. The food itself is just such a dramatic fall-off that I just cannot rate it any higher. I'd honestly ask for a refund, but I don't want to call and have that kind of talk when the bar-tender is just there, trying to enjoy her Tuesday night.
Loved this place! Just stopped in randomly with some friends and the food and service was amazing! It's a nice local bar, but their food was above and beyond, and their bartender (I wish I had caught her name) was fantastic.
Great food, service and atmosphere! Live music, cheap drinks, and fun karaoke!