State 48 Rock House — Restaurant in Phoenix

After coming here for years I finally have to say something. This used to be my favorite location but I wouldn’t be surprised if locations including this one start closing down. Ivevisited most of the recently and it’s all the same.

Specifically for the Rock House I’ve learned that you have to ask who is working in the kitchen to know what to order. Fish and chips are God awful with one chef, and okay with another. you know who you are.

Beer tastes awful these days- and having worked in the industry for Arizonas largest beer distributor- I’d bet money those beer lines are caked with filth.

The New Mexican Beer is incredibly awful. Sour, bitter and I can’t imagine any sane cicerone enjoying most of these beers.

The AK48 used to be my favorite but it gives me a stomach ache now.

On to the menu. Portion sizes are way out of whack.

Fish tacos are really fish nuggets on a corn tortilla

Burgers will always be a different temperature than what is ordered

Loaded fries were soggy.

Rueben Corned Beef is WAY overcooked and I’ve had better at ARBYS

What HAPPENED guys? There’s no way you’re not losing money with how many plates I see sent back.

Moving on to atmosphere.

This was a dog friendly patio- but after talking to management it appears their permits are not up to date? So one of the best features of an out door patio is null and void .

Furthermore it’s getting hot out and I noticed none of the fans are on? Apparently they don’t work and haven’t worked for a while. There are misters set up that also appear to be not working.

Landscaping bordering the corn hole area is broken and a trip hazard. YIKES.

Moving on to culture-

I’m not sure if the chef thinks he is gorgon Ramsey/ but he can often be heard shouting in the kitchen at the other workers (I wonder if he’s the same guy with the terrible fish and chips)

I’m so surprised because Osteria Mia (same owners) seems to be keeping it together. But whoever is running this kitchen and these people is running this place into the ground.

What an utter shame. This has all the making a of being Arizonas Premiere Brewery- but if you want better food, better beer and better service- go across the street to RED ROBIN or CARLOS OBRIEN.

The only redeeming quality is the good music, open patio and semi capable service staff

Also- it’s a rock house but there’s never any bands?

I’m desperate to see this place do better. Otherwise just sell and let Copper Blues or someone else come in and do it right.

Fix...

Pros: The wait outside was only about 20 minutes. My daughter had the Beer Cheesesteak Sandwich and my son had the State 48 Burger. They both loved them. Our waiter, Kurt, was very nice and attentive.

Cons: The food took 50 minutes. Kurt kept coming up and apologizing. My kids liked their food. My wife and I both had the Grilled Salmon. It didn't come with what was the menu, it had mashed potatoes and broccoli. My plate was warmish, the salmon and mashed potatoes were warm (not hot). I'll get to the broccoli in just a minute. My wife's plate wasn't warm at all. Her salmon and mashed potatoes were room temperature. Both of us had really bad broccoli, it was way overcooked. It was so well done that it was like a dried herb. You could rub it in your fingers and it turned to near powder. When my wife told the waiter about the issues (she never complains about her food, she works in the food industry), he immediately went and got his manager (we think that is what she was). She came over and asked what the problem was. She said, "I don't know how, they came out at the same time." I tried to show her my broccoli and how it was dried out and she said she would bring me more without looking at what I was showing her. She told my wife she would make a new plate but didn't know how long it would be because they were busy. I ate my salmon and mashed potatoes. It took about 15 minutes for my wife to get her plate. They also brought me a side of broccoli. Again the broccoli was horrible. My wife's was in the same over cooked, bitter condition. Mine was a mix, some was overcooked/dried and some was literally cold to the touch. Seriously though, when I say over cooked, I mean nearly impossible to chew. The manager never apologized and seemed frustrated she had to help my wife. The waiter did apologize. There was no discount or anything, which I guess was fine.

Bottom line: If you want beer (which they they had a great local selection) and pub food, you will like this place as long as you don't mind the wait. If you want anything beyond that, good luck. The manager left much to be desired. The waiter was cool. Won't be returning...

Despite the poor reviews, we decided to give it a try. We were greeted fairly promptly (2 minutes) and sat at a high top near the bar. Server came and got drink order, and because we read the reviews, we placed food order at the same time. Beer flight came out quickly- and all were nice and cold. A male that was not our server brought food out, placed it down, and the walked away. Didn’t ask if we needed anything, just walked away. The entire time we were eating, nobody came to check on how the food was, if we needed condiments, drink refills, anything.

Our burgers were good, cooked just right, and a good temperature. Both of our fries were cold and hard, but nobody came to check on us, so we ate them.

This venue has great potential. Great location, great concept with outdoor games (corn hole, ping pong) music, TVs with sports, and lots of seating options. I felt like it was bing run by ADHD 5 year olds. There were 4 tables within my eyesight in various stages of cleaning. Someone would clear a few dishes, and then never come back to finish. There was a bus bin sitting on the booth of one table the whole time we were there. The dirty tables brought in some flies who then bothered us at our table. Several times I saw servers and 2 adult males standing around socializing. One adult male did bus one table while we were there, so one out of 4 got cleaned up, but the rest did not.

I should say, we were there on Mother’s Day, (Sunday) about 5:45 and it was not terribly busy.

You guys have the food down pretty good from what we experienced, work on some training and procedures (or hire a busser) and check on your customers. Customers first, cleaning second....