Rough Rider — Restaurant in Phoenix

Best restaurant on Roosevelt Row by far. Perfect setting, and even better choice for a much deserved, date night with the wife.

What amazed me the most was finding out that Rough Rider’s is hidden away in the basement of a tall, glass business building at the intersection of Central and Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix. This is a true gem for those seeking a high-class dining experience. This restaurant offers a spectacular take on American cuisine, and it's no secret that quality comes at a price, and the best things are often worth waiting for.

Just as you start to question if your at the right location, after not finding any parking. (hint) (hint) Parking can be a bit of a puzzle, but Rough Rider takes care of that by comping your parking pass for the nearby parking garage, directly East of the restaurants building. But I’m almost certain it’s only for the first 2 hours (though it might not apply on weekends, so it's a good idea to double-check beforehand). As you enter the doors to the building be sure to take the middle elevator down to “B” (Basement). Now, As you anxiously await your arrival the anticipation quickly turns to excitement, as the elevator doors have opened up back in time to the great 1920’s.

The first thing you'll notice is the unique, never before seen, old Victorian Era inspired design and flow. Beautifully crafted, elegant bartenders and servers dressed down in black vest and black bowtie, some handlebar mustache wearing, just got off the titanic kind of vibe.

Now after your seated, of course we start with The delicious cocktail menu. It is what kept our company. Offering creative and delectable drinks that perfectly complement the dining experience. The drinks and entrees, ping ping off each other. The work and thought to achieve this doesn’t go unnoticed. Now after a few delectable drinks with your wonderful company. Your now ready for the food, my personal favorite was the Hanger Steak! It was the best I’ve ever had, and of course we had to try the pork chops, as it stands out as a fan favorite, it’s cooked to perfection. Great flavors and it melts in your mouth. You'll want to let your server know to keep the drinks coming. This is the place you, reward yourself with great food, drinks, and even better company. You deserve it of course after a hard week, this is the place to unwind and have a great time with great food and drinks.

Be sure to note that there's a dress code in place, so dressing up for the occasion is required. It only helps your date like you even more, 😉

To make the most of your visit, consider going during their happy hour, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, 3-5 PM. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid a potentially long wait, as this hidden restaurant tends to attract those in the know.

All in all, Rough Rider Restaurant offers a memorable, exclusive dining experience that's worth every penny for those who appreciate exceptional cuisine and ambiance. It's a true hidden gem in downtown Phoenix on the forever favorite,...

I will preface my comments with the fact that I am a “Wino” and I frequent BYOB Restaurants. I found the wine prices to be outrageous and planned not to have any wine and judge the place on only their food. Most of the wines I reviewed were 3+ times retail and a limited list. The other couple wanted to have wine so we did. My friend ended up regretting ordering the wine. More on that later. To the food, we were told we needed to have the Fried Cauliflower. Unfortunately, that is where it started. Flavor was good but the dish was very salty. I see why people like it and if you don’t mind saltiness, I would say it was good. Also had the shrimp appetizer and for 4.50 a shrimp, the quality and flavor was underwhelming! The shrimp were average and small for the price. The salmon appetizer with the crackers (said comes with lavash) was ok too. One of my criteria that I use to judge a restaurant is their Ceasar salad. If you are going to put it on the menu, it better be good. I could not recommend that salad and would not order it again. Take a pass on this. Then we went on to entrees. I really didn’t see anything that moved me…. I considered the duck but it had a tangerine sauce and that definitely would not have worked with the red wine. The fish was Trout so I passed on that too. Since nothing else moved me, I decided to have the Carpaccio. I love Carpaccio so I thought I would have that. It was their interpretation of Carpaccio…. Someone would like it and at best it was average. A good cut of meat but it was a little mushy. I love Wagyu but not sure I would use it for carpaccio. I would not order it again. The pasta dish I was told was spicy but not sure why it would be. The only dish that got the thumbs up was the rib eye. I did not try that so no comment, however, it did look good. Maybe I should have just had a piece meat but I wanted to experience the skills of the kitchen and the quality of the food. Turned out not to be the best choice. Overall the food was ok. Now back to the wine. I would not have minded paying 100% over retail but over three times, that is ridiculous. The wine, Canvasback made by Duckhorn, I would never buy and this one at $115, it was over the top expensive. Nothing on the wine list moved me and for the prices, not worth it. I would imagine Rough Rider does a better cocktail business and maybe those are good. As they say, In matters of taste, there is no dispute. We would not go back. I would rather to go Atlas Bistro, my favorite BYOB fine dining restaurant and take a 15 yo beautiful bottle of wine! It’s not awful, it was ok and why I gave it 3 stars. Our server did a very good job so no issues there. The ambiance was a bit nostalgic featuring Teddy Roosevelt and that was interesting, however, it was a bit...

Rough Rider is a prime example of a diamond in the rough! In the heart of Downtown Phoenix, you will find this hidden gem that encapsulates the essence of impeccable service, masterfully crafted cocktails, and delectable food, making it an absolute must-visit. From the moment you step through the discreet entrance, you're transported to a forgone era of sophistication and charm. The service at Rough Rider is nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, we felt attended to by every staff member we interacted with. The staff's genuine warmth and attentiveness created an inviting atmosphere that made us feel like honored guests. Their knowledge of the menu, both the cocktails and the food, is second to none, and they are more than happy to guide us through the selections and educate us on their creative drinks. These cocktails are beyond unique. We observed the creation of each drink that was made and honestly, it felt like artistry. We sat at Sal and Brandon’s bar section. They were true masters of their craft, turning each cocktail into a work of liquid art. We were obsessed with the communication and chemistry between them! We were intrigued by their teamwork and banter; It added to the overall experience From classic concoctions to innovative signature drinks, every sip is an adventure for your taste buds. The balance of flavors, the quality of ingredients, and the attention to detail showcase the dedication and passion that the team pours into every glass. And speaking of passion, the food at Rough Rider is a revelation. The menu displays a tantalizing array of dishes that perfectly complement the cocktail offerings. The fusion of flavors, the use of fresh ingredients, and the culinary expertise behind each dish are evident with every bite. Whether you're indulging in small plates or savoring a full course meal, you'll be treated to an exquisite journey of taste and texture. The fried cauliflower and aioli was truly unmatched. It was the perfect serving size for the two of us. Based off what I observed around me, all of the shareable options seemed like the perfect portion for two. One could easily lose track of time in the inviting ambiance of Rough Rider. The dim lighting, prohibition-style underground lounge, and intimate setting make it a perfect destination for all event types. It makes for the perfect date night or a night out with friends. The atmosphere alone adds an extra layer of sophistication and entertainment to the experience. In a city with up-and-coming dining options, Rough Rider stands out as a haven of excellence. The service is impeccable, the cocktails are mind-blowing, and the food is an absolute delight. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and step into this remarkable...