The Vig — Restaurant in Phoenix

I have LOVED the rigatoni pasta from The Vig for a long time but shortly after discovering it, the location on 40th St. stopped serving it. I haven’t been there in a while and when I looked it up I saw there’s a new location on Central AND that they had the rigatoni back. I was so excited! I went to order it online and they gave an option to do curbside. I just got back from a 11 hour travel day and didn’t feel like having to go in to grab it. I was quoted that it would be ready in about 30-45 minutes, however I got a text saying it was ready 9 minutes after I ordered it. I quickly drove over there and used the link they texted me to let them know I was there. The link informed me they would be out shortly with my order. After about 15 minutes I called the restaurant just to make sure I was in the correct parking area because I had never been to this new location and the parking lot was a little confusing. Well, I called twice and it rang til I got the answering machine both times, no one answered. Which is extremely strange to me… as a business do they just not answer their phone? Normally at this point I would’ve just gone in to grab it myself, however because it was ready so much quicker than it was supposed to be, I ran out of the house without shoes. I then decided to pull around to the front entrance to see if there was a sign about curbside pickup. There wasn’t but I saw the workers standing inside and they saw me and brought my food out shortly after. The food is amazing as always but the lady who brought it out was EXTREMELY rude. I would like to preface this by saying I have worked as a host, server, bartender and food runner for 6 years. I understand when things happen at restaurants and I’m usually very patient and forgiving with things. However this lady made me feel like I was awful for ordering curbside togo food. After she handed me my food and I thanked her, I asked just so I knew for the future, if I was in the right spot for curbside. She responded with quite an attitude saying “Normally people just walk in themselves and grab it. We leave it right there” (and pointed to the front entrance). I responded by saying oh I’m sorry I just was confused because I ordered curbside. She responded “yeah we don’t do that”. I responded by saying oh that’s just a little confusing cause you guys offer that option online. I was clearly confused and she had nothing more to say except that they “don’t do that” and that normally people come in to grab their food themselves. Her tone was extremely condescending and she kept backing up and turning back towards the restaurant as I was trying to have a conversation with her. I know if I ever did that at my work I would be in BIG trouble. Anyways, the food was great like always but the service was awful! I’ve never experienced anything like that before. Very disappointing after being so excited that there’s a location so much closer to me now. Let’s just say I won’t be going back to that location but instead to my original...

The VIG North Central: A Surprising Brunch Gem with Stunning Atmosphere

Nestled in the heart of North Central Phoenix, The VIG North Central redefines what a brunch spot can be. Having visited other VIG locations before, I admittedly walked in with tempered expectations—expecting a solid bar experience but questioning its ability to deliver a true brunch vibe. Let me just say: I was completely blown away.

Atmosphere & Ambiance: Simply Breathtaking

The moment you step onto the property, you’re met with a venue that feels more like a weekend retreat than a neighborhood restaurant. A stunning fireplace anchors the outdoor patio, creating a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for Phoenix’s beautiful mornings. The patio flows seamlessly into the indoor restaurant and bar, which combine a chic, modern aesthetic with a comfortable, welcoming vibe.

This location offers an elevated ambiance that balances sophistication and casual charm. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over mimosas with friends or enjoy an intimate dinner—and I already feel like I want it to be my personal “Cheers.”

Service & Staff: Shout-Out to Jayvon!

The service was just as impressive as the setting. Our waiter, Jayvon, was an absolute delight. Attentive, personable, and genuinely warm, he made us feel at home from the moment we sat down. He anticipated our needs without hovering and added to the overall experience with his positive energy and professionalism. Jayvon deserves a standing ovation for making our brunch as special as it was.

The Food & Drinks: Brunch Staples That Shine

While the menu features your typical brunch selections, everything is prepared with care and quality. My go-to brunch drink is a mimosa, and The VIG delivered perfectly. Crisp, refreshing, and balanced, it was the ideal companion for a Saturday morning catch-up session with my good friend and her daughter. The VIG also offers a thoughtful rosé selection (which I’ll undoubtedly be back for), but for this visit, it was all about the bubbles.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Spot in North Central

The VIG North Central is not just another brunch spot—it’s a destination. From the stunning outdoor fireplace to the impeccable service, it’s a place that surprises and delights at every turn. If you’re looking for a spot that feels like a home away from home, this is it.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make time to experience The VIG North Central. Trust me, you’ll be back—and you’ll probably want to move into the neighborhood...

We had a great time at The Vig—fantastic drinks, solid food, and stellar service from Tiana, who was both our server and bartender. She was friendly, attentive, and made some excellent cocktails.

We started out on the patio, which is a nice spot, but between the humidity and the misters not doing much, we ended up moving inside. Definitely the right move.

DRINKS

Daily Mule (mezcal, pomegranate liqueur, vanilla) – Super refreshing, well balanced, and lightly sweet. I loved it, but my husband (a traditional mule loyalist) wasn’t a fan.

Coug Cup (lemon vodka, elderflower, strawberry purée, prosecco) – Kind of like a floral strawberry lemonade. Pleasant, but a little underwhelming overall.

Pineapple Sunrise (tequila, pineapple, hibiscus, lime) – Light and slightly sweet. The hibiscus really comes through. Comes with a Tajin rim, but I preferred it without.

Blackberry Smash (bourbon, blackberry, lemon, mint) – As someone raised in Tennessee, this one felt like home. Smooth, fruity, and perfect for a southern summer night. This is the grown-up punch at the cookout. Hands down the best drink of the night. I rarely order a second of the same drink because I like to try new ones, but I got a second Blackberry Smash after our meal.

FOOD

Noble Pretzel – Slightly over baked and had a mild burnt taste to the exterior, but still good. Queso was tasty, but pretty plain. The house mustard was a whole experience—sharp, PUNGENT, slightly sweet. It has a serious kick, in the best way.

Vig Burger – Smelled incredible, and I had high hopes, but it didn’t quite live up to the aroma. It was juicy, seasoned and cooked well, but the guacamole made it messy, and the flavors didn’t fully come together for me. The fries started off fine but got overly salty as we got further into them.

Overall, the drinks, service, and ambiance were fantastic. Tiana took great care of us and clearly knows her way around a cocktail shaker. The food was a little underwhelming, but I’ll definitely be back to try their brunch—especially if the drinks are anything like what we...