The Ostrich — Restaurant in Chandler

Huge, huge let down. This place has gone down hill tremendously over the years. Whoever was hosting on 7/28 at 8:30pm is likely the reason I won’t be coming back- in addition to the new drink menu which is a pretty big downgrade. It was a busy night, sure but we told the host we wanted a table, she promised us it would be “just a short 10-15 minute wait, you’re free to stand over here and get some drinks started while you wait for a table”. So we wait- we get our drinks, wait 20 minutes, see another couple walk in and get sat immediately. Then another. Let a server know we’re waiting for a table still- nothing happens. A busser asks if we want to sit at the bar. We tell him that we’ve been waiting for a table and people are getting sat before us. He didn’t seem to care, just laughed it off and went back to wiping down the bar. Then yet ANOTHER couple gets sat immediately upon walking in. Pretty unreal and at this point we’re dying to leave. Our server comes up again and we let her know everything that’s happening, to which she says “Awh I’m sorry, do you want a table??”. YES we want a table we’re the only idiots standing in the whole place! We close out and upon leaving, let the host know what transpired to which she says “Awh man, I had NO idea you guys wanted a table!”. I reminder her that that was the first thing I said upon walking up and she literally wrote our names down. The look on her face was almost robotic, no signs of life present. As much as I used to love this place, I won’t be back and will encourage others to find an actual speakeasy where you don’t have to scream to hear the person right in front of them. Somewhere where people actually care that you’re there and standing in the middle of a room filled with people sitting as you wait for a table that...

My speakeasy seeking PIC and I rolled up here on Friday, June 16, 2023 about 4:45 pm. I mentioned this because Crust was hosting a corporate event for avionics companies. We realized we needed to explore for another 15-minutes, I wandered off to find a geocache, and Audrey sought out the entrance for The Ostrich (a suggestion by her daughter)

I returned from not finding the cache, but Audrey and Daniel wheeled the corner. She introduced us, and Daniel mentioned to find him again at 5 pm so he can guide us to the secret entrance.

Daniel does guide us to the secret entrance, and briefly explains the history of the speakeasy. It was so cool! A false wall that's a door was very James Bond-ish.

Once again, I'm gonna harp on the missed music opportunity with the contemporary tunes versus period music sigh I am alone in the thinking of providing an experiential vibe with decor, dress, patrons, and music.

I digress. The walls were adorned with mugshots of celebrities! Of course, the token ostriches needed to be present. On to the main event ... the drinks!

We were acknowledged immediately when we posted up at the bar. I ordered a Room 301 since none of the set menu drinks that were specific to The Ostrich had rum in it. Audrey ordered a Mexican Firing Squad. Both cocktails were well done by our mixologist. After our obligatory drink photos we toasted and happily sipped away.

In the meantime, we ordered the meatball sliders which were plenty for us.

Again, I would've awarded 5-stars IF the music matched the experience. Regardless, I would highly recommend The Ostrich any day, and any time...

I'm not sure I can say enough amazing things about The Ostrich but particularly about the staff, their abilities as food service employees, and how welcoming and wonderful they are. My wife and I were overjoyed when they advertised for a cocktail class and immediately purchased tickets to the event. Unfortunately, the event was rescheduled into October when I would be out of town on business. However, Tyler, the Ostrich Manager, put an incredible experience hosted by himself along with Daelyn and (forgive me) another bartender whose name escapes me. We aren't cocktail novices by any means but the class was exceptionally informative and the food pairings that Tyler suggested were equally as incredible.

During the entire event, we were given an opportunity to taste fantastic mixed drinks, learn about mixing spirits like Green Chartreuse and absinthe, and generally have our socks continually knocked off by the graciousness of the entire staff. I've loved the fact that Chandler has this type of cocktail bar with skilled staff at every position. I don't need to drive into uptown Phoenix or Scottsdale to get a well-crafted, unique cocktail. Even better are the stories and experiences the staff provide (sit at the bar and get to know them).

Tyler, you've solidified customers for life, and the Ostrich (and it's sister locations) will be our go-to for showing off the burgeoning cocktail scene in the...