
Let me start by saying that my visit to Twin Peaks in Tempe, AZ, today was nothing short of extraordinary, and it's all thanks to the OUTSTANDING staff who turned a challenging day into a memory I'll cherish forever! I went with my brother, hobbling in with an aching knee fresh off replacement surgery and excessive physical therapy - way too much walking had me in rough shape. But from the moment we arrived, this team wrapped us in warm care, and professionalism that left us speechless. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a haven of hospitality, and I can't wait to shout their praises from the rooftops!
First, let's talk about the leadership duo that sets the tone: Mark, the General Manager, and Jason, the Bar Manager. These two are terrific leaders and genuinely wonderful guys! Despite being slammed with a bustling crowd, BOTH took precious time out of their hectic schedules to check on me personally, ensuring I was comfortable despite my knee pain. Their dedication to their team and guests is palpable, and it's clear they're the heartbeat of this place. Mark and Jason, you're the gold standard of hospitality - thank you for making us feel like family!
Now, onto the front-line magic. Amina, the host extraordinaire, was one of the sweetest, kindest souls we've met in a very long time. Her smile could light up the darkest room, and her sincerity and genuine attitude were a blessing on a day when my knee had me grumbling. She greeted us with such warmth that it instantly lifted my spirits. Mark, here's my one plea: why is Amina not a server yet?! I am 100% positive she'd be a phenomenal addition to your already stellar team. Let others handle the front desk - unleash Amina's smile, magic, and huge heart on the floor. She'd make you proud and elevate the experience even further! If you don't think so, I will hire her personally!
Then there's Kelsey, hands down the most beautiful person and server I've come across in forever - inside and out! Kelsey didn't just serve us; she looked out for me like a guardian angel, catering to my every need, listening patiently as I whined about my knee, and constantly checking on us with a grace that's rare to find. Aside from being exceptionally beautiful, she has one of the sweetest, most beautiful souls I've ever encountered. What's more, she's as humble and grounded as they come for such a stunning woman! Mark (sorry, bro!), if Kelsey isn't training other servers, I'm left wondering why not?! Her poise, kindness, and skill are a masterclass - she's a treasure, and Twin Peaks is lucky to have her! Kelsey asked me if I would remember her name and ask for her "if" we come back...there's NO WAY I will ever forget your name and kindness! If I come in and you're not working and Amina (foolishly) hasn't been promoted by then, I might just go elsewhere and come back another day!
Let's talk about the food, because it's just as incredible as the staff. Being on meds for my surgery and with my brother driving, we couldn't indulge in any libations - a bummer, for sure, but the food more than made up for it! We shared the spicy Thai ribs, and wow, they were AWESOME! Don't let the "spicy" scare you off - they're more delicious than fiery, and it was a great suggestion from my brother. Then, we both dove into a special on the menu: the Twin Peaks smash burger. As a BBQ guy who prides himself on making outstanding burgers, I was VERY impressed! This was hands-down the best burger I've had in quite some time - juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The fries were spot-on, crispy and seasoned just right, making the perfect accompaniment. Every bite was a celebration!
Mark, Jason, Amina, Kelsey, and the entire team - you've earned every bit of this 5-star review and then some! I'll be back as soon as my knee permits me, and I'll be bringing friends to witness this magic. Twin Peaks Tempe, you're incredible -...
Read moreWent for my lunch today. Was sat quickly, but then we asked to move to be in the sun. It took quite some time to get a new server at our new spot. When she came, she was very sweet, but seemed overwhelmed, perhaps new. We ordered our drinks and food since we had already been there for 20 mins. It was NOT busy and there were several waitresses standing around chatting with a customer sitting at a table near one bar. There were 2 bars open and plenty of staff chatting. Sat there for another 10 mins with no drinks, now I only had 30 minutes left on lunch. Since I could not see our server, Anessa, I walked up to the 4 servers who were standing around chatting with the patron who was obviously either an employee off the clock, or a regular. When I asked about our drinks I got eye rolls from all 4 servers. They turned to the bar and said there are no drinks on the line. I said, yes I know this and that is why I am asking for one of you to check on them. They all basically stood there giving me an annoyed look. At this same time our server came back with waters, so I returned to the table. She was apologetic about our drinks and said she was not sure why the bartenders were taking so long. We had ordered one Church Music and one Corona. We waited another 5 minutes to get our drinks. When she returned it was just with the church music and said they were out of corona. It took 15 minutes for them to advise her of this. There were at least 4 people behind the larger bar and 2 behind the smaller bar. Anessa was extremely sweet, but even the table next to us had to ask where she was twice while we were there. She was obviously overwhelmed and ZERO co-workers who were standing around offered to assist her. It is poor management to see this happening. They were not busy and there were plenty of co-workers that could have assisted her. Zero communication from the bar to the server for FAR too long. I was a server for many, many years. Not sure the dynamics here, but seems like a mean girl situation as Anessa was very sweet, but her co-workers had no interest in helping her out. It baffles me that a manager didn't see us sitting for 35 minutes without drinks AND that they allow their servers that aren't busy to just stand around chatting and giving paying customers attitude when I asked for their help. The food was fantastic, but there needs to be some major team building and awareness when customers sit for so long without even water from the managers. I was quite honestly baffled - I can see this happening when the place is full and busy, but there were max 10 tables. It was our first time visiting a Twin Peaks, and to say the least it was not pleasent. I feel sorry for our server, and I definatley...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Twin Peaks - Tempe, AZ
So, I decided to treat myself to a little dinner adventure at Twin Peaks in Tempe, AZ, and let me tell you, it was an experience. I went with the New York Strip Steak and, because I like to live dangerously, I added some billionaire bacon to the order. I mean, who can resist bacon with a name like that? It practically screams “I’m better than you, but eat me anyway.”
Let’s start with the steak. Perfection. Cooked exactly how I wanted it, tender, juicy, and seasoned so well that I had a brief moment where I considered starting a long-distance relationship with it. It was that good. Every bite was like a love letter to my taste buds. If steak were a love language, this one would be fluent.
Now, the billionaire bacon. Ah, the bacon. It arrived at my table, looking all fancy, but unfortunately, it was a little too cool for my liking. Not cool like James Bond, more like that friend who shows up late to the party and forgot to bring ice. I kindly asked them to reheat it because, well, billionaire bacon deserves to be treated with respect. When it came back? Game-changer. Hot, crispy, and absolutely worth the title of “billionaire.” It was the bacon of my dreams, and I suddenly felt like I had a small fortune in my mouth.
The atmosphere was just what you’d expect from a place like Twin Peaks—lots of sports, big screens, and the kind of crowd that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the Super Bowl, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday night. It’s definitely got that energetic, beer-and-wings vibe, which works if you’re looking for a lively evening.
As for the service… well, let’s just say it was a little on the “fashionably late” side. The place was packed, so I’m willing to cut them some slack, but there were moments when I had more eye contact with my empty water glass than my server. Still, the food made up for the wait, and when my bacon finally arrived hot, I forgave all sins.
All in all, Twin Peaks in Tempe knows how to deliver on flavor, especially if you’re in the mood for steak and a side of fun. Just don’t be afraid to ask for your bacon to be reheated if it’s too cool for school, and maybe pack a little patience for the service. I’ll definitely be back—mainly for the steak, but also to see if the bacon can convince me to invest...
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