Try the Los Muertos cocktail at Renata’s Hearth PHOTO COURTESY OF: RENATA’S HEARTH
Located in a historic 1929 building, Renata’s Hearth holds on to its midcentury allure with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Biltmore Blocks and textured upholstery. The Latin-inspired, evening-only restaurant has a menu that circles around a theme of smoke and fire. Two items not to miss? The perfectly textured guacamole and the fork-tender wagyu brisket. Pair a smoky mezcal cocktail with the charred Spanish octopus, or enjoy a glass of wine with a Mesa de Familia grilled branzino. “Some other Latin-inspired restaurants do a terrific job of getting people in the door and clearly are a place to see and be seen, but Renata’s has a strong focus on the food and flavors,” says General Manager Cornelius Cover. If you cast your eyes on the antique-style photos of women, located behind the cocktail and guacamole stations, you’ll find yourself wondering, “Just who is Renata?” 2400 E. Missouri Ave., renatashearth.com
Ask mixologist Ross Simon for one of his special cocktails at Don Woods’ Say When Rooftop Bar. PHOTO BY STUDIO ALCOTT
Lean back and let go at Rise Uptown’s newest addition—Don Woods’ Say When Rooftop Bar, featuring creative cocktails concocted by decorated mixologist Ross Simon. The four-item menu is designed with the cocktails in mind, as each creates a perfect pairing. All eyes are on The Asti, a fruity take on the traditional Aperol spritz with Ramazzotti Rosato liqueur and fresh-pressed watermelon. “Everyone knows salty-sweet watermelon goes great with martinis and margaritas, and now I can’t wait for people to experience it in a spritz,” says Simon. Or take a more adventurous route and try The Bohemian for an unlikely combination of gin, sherry and salty undertones. End the evening with bruleed bread pudding and cayenne ice cream for a sweet and spicy finish to an adventurous night. 400 W. Camelback Road, saywhenphx.com
Enjoy a taste of Italy at Campo Italian Bistro and Bar. PHOTO BY STUDIO ALCOTT
A new late-night hot spot joins the McCormick Ranch neighborhood. Welcome Campo Italian Bistro and Bar, where Italian cuisine can be enjoyed through bar snacks, happy hour, communal tables and the traditional dining experience. The two chefs, Alex Stratta and Jeremy Pacheco, Genuine Concept’sculinary director, infuse long-standing family recipes with locally sourced ingredients to offer a menu that is sure to satisfy your palate. “Many of the recipes that I use are not so much the whole original dish but the employment of tried-and-true techniques that stand the test of time and offer our guests foods that are steeped in tradition,” says James Beard Award-winning chef Stratta. “Campo is becoming a great place for happy hour, and we hope to fill any late-night niche, should there be one.” Stop by during happy hour for a bottle of wine and a margarita pizza, or save your appetite until dinner and indulge in the mafaldini pescatore, featuring squid ink, lobster and more. 8260 N. Hayden Road, Ste. A102, campoitalian.com
Nosh on 24K gold wings at The Ainsworth. PHOTO BY UPROAR FILMS
There’s no such thing as over the top at The Ainsworth, as luxe is cooked into every dish. Catch this week’s game in this new polished but energetic sports bar, located directly across the street from the Phoenix Suns arena. Think baseball paired with the Smokin Watermelon, featuring Don Julio Silver Tequila and served in a cored watermelon, or your favorite football team scoring a touchdown as you dig into its signature mac and cheese burger. The lounge-style interior honors its flagship location in New York, so expect a high-end viewing experience. “We believe a big niche missing in Phoenix, and Downtown, is sports with a sophisticated twist. The Ainsworth provides an elevated experience to traditional sports bars,” says owner Scott McIntire, who also owns The Lola and McFadden’s at Westgate with wife Melissa. “Of course we have great wings, but everyone has to try out our 24K gold wings at least once!” 3 S. Second St., Ste. 117, theainsworthphx.com
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