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    Meritage - An Urban Tavern

    3.6 (199 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Meritage - An Urban Tavern Photos

    MERITAGE - AN URBAN TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Meritage - An Urban Tavern

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    Special Fourth of July Drink Menu
    Cory S.

    My sister and her boyfriend were visiting town and staying at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and for the Fourth of July, family gathered for dinner at the Meritage, An Urban Tavern. We had a delightful meal consisting of drinks, entrees and sides, and desserts (and of course, great company!). The Meritage is located next to the Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, and it is considered to be a sophisticated urban tavern that serves a diverse dining menu with more than 50 different craft beers from Arizona. They have four menus published on their website (https://jwdesertridge.247activities.com): the All-Day Summer Menu, the Summer Social Hour Menu, the Summer Beverage Menu, and the Summer Desserts Menu. While we didn't order drinks, one person ordered a special Fourth of July drink and another person in our party ordered an Arizona beer. My wife and I both ordered handcrafted favorites. I ordered a Mut Burger consisting of a double patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, American cheese, secret sauce, and a brioche bun with French fries as a the side. The bun was so soft, and I ordered the secret sauce on the side, which ended up being tasty. My wife ordered the Grilled Cheese Veg consisting of stracchino, brie, goat, comté, caramelized onions, tomato jam, arugula, and country loaf with a side salad. She enjoyed her meal. We split our sides. For dessert, while others at the table ordered the Vanilla Crème Brûlée (with whipped cream and strawberries), I ordered the Campfire S'mores with milk chocolate mousse, marshmallow fluff, graham streusel, and graham cracker ice cream. It was delicious! As my wife and I drove to the resort just for dinner, we were able to have our parking validated. While we didn't need to be the ones to make the reservation, you can make reservations using OpenTable. They are open Thursday through Monday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 AM to 4 PM for lunch, Thursday through Monday from 3 PM to 5 PM is Social Hour, and Dinner is served Thursday through Monday from 5 PM to 9 PM (though closed Tuesday and Wednesday for Dinner). We enjoyed the meal though it was hard to find and also quite loud and difficult to hear. The food was fine and the service was good. We would certainly consider going back again if we were in the resort.

    Kids meal
    Sarah C.

    Ate lunch here and it was great! The grilled calamari was awesome. The pulled pork sandwich was great and so was the mut burger with tots which were great. We ordered a kids meal to have split and it came out in a cute tray perfect for the kiddos. Staff was super nice and the place is nice inside.

    Happy hour menu daily 3 to 5 pm
    Nancy W.

    Arrival. Pull through the gate. Bring the ticket inside for validation. The cheerful restaurant was busy on this Tuesday about noon. We came in for lunch with two adults, a3 year old and a 6 year old. Kids menu $18. Includes a drink like milk. The boys had Mac and cheese and it was shells with a white Alfredo sauce. Very good. It cane with a lovely side of fruit and fries. Also a nice little cup of catsup. My daughter and I split the club sandwich. It was on sour dough toasted nicely. It's boars head turkey breast and it's delicious. Also thick crunchy bacon. It came with a spear of dill pickle and fries. We all loved the lunch. Service was great and we plan to come back. I'm posting the current happy hour menu as well. The drinks look great. Many I would like to try. If you're staying at MVC Canyon Villas they no longer honor the discount privilege card here. My only suggestion to management is that the Ranch dressing is watered down. Please don't do this. It won't even stick or stay on the fries and tastes weak.

    Sharon C.

    One nice thing about staying at Canyon Villas is that it's right across the street from the JW Marriott and we get to use the JW amenities. We can even use resort credit at the JW restaurants. Tonight we tried the Happy Hour at the Meritage. We were pleased with the food, drinks, service, and decor. I had the strawberry bliss, which is a blend of gin, strawberries, basil, and lemon juice. Dan got a jalapeño margarita. Both drinks were quite good. We shared the ahi tuna and chicken wings. They were delicious and quite affordable. We might go back tomorrow and get fried green tomatoes and truffle fries. I planned to order that after we finished our tuna and wings, but we were full. I was frustrated because I was looking forward to those fried green tomatoes. You don't find that on nearly enough menus. Morton, our server, took excellent care of us. He was at our beck and call. Thank you, Morton, for making our dining experience so enjoyable.

    Lump Crab Cake Sandwich
    Adrianna S.

    Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday. We were seated right away. Service was quick and friendly. Large, open restaurant with lots of TVs. Golfers coming in and out. Fun atmosphere but not too loud. Food was good! We both enjoyed our meals. We tried the crab cake sandwich and the MUT burger. Side salad and tater tots were good. No complaints here!

    Jennifer D.

    This is a great restaurant on an upscale hotel property. The food was delicious! I had the tuna poke bowl and couldn't believe the amount of tuna that it came with. High protein content after a game of golf! It hit the spot! We also had crab cakes for an appetizer. At the bar we had prickly pear margaritas and a grapefruit Paloma. Every drink is made to order and fresh squeezed fruit. They don't use and mixers in the drinks we ordered. The bartender was friendly and our waiter was fast and efficient. Our sealed were served quickly and everything was at the right temperature. I appreciated the ac too after a hot game of golf!!

    Giant thyme bush in my cocktail.
    Staci F.

    Unfortunately this was a disappointment for us. Our server was pleasant but did not explain the menu, offer suggestions, just wasn't overly engaging or friendly as is customary at these types of places. The heavily chlorine tasting tap water is a definitely turn off - I expect a little better at a a restaurant with these prices and of this caliber. We had two cocktails - the whiskey thyme and a wise beekeeper. The beekeeper was overly sweet with huge globs of bee pollen on the rim and the whiskey thyme drink had an entire "tree" of thyme in it - very clumsy. Our server never asked about a second drink or any other drinks and my husband finished his about halfway through the meal. Not a huge deal but like I said sloppy and inattentive. The complimentary bread was not warm and had a weird mixture of seeds scattered very unevenly over the top. We got the burrata appetizer and the bread was very greasy and mid warm but the flavors were good with a super awkward presentation. I was planning on ordering fish but after the weird non greeting and lack of menu explanation as well as the server not seeming to understand when I asked what the fish of the day was - I got nervous about the fish and opted for steak as food poisoning isn't in my vacation plans. We've stayed at the JW numerous times and the service here was a surprise. We got steaks, Brussels, mashed potatoes. The steaks and side dishes were prepared well and had good flavor. All of the food was just above room temperature. We did bring the food temp to the servers attention and he apologized appropriately and offered new dishes. We declined as we did not want to wait for new dishes. He did take our drinks off the bill in recognition which we appreciated. They did bring my husband a birthday desert which was nice but it was basically inedible, grainy in texture and overall just not good. Overall the vibe was mid level and slightly awkward. This restaurant tries to be fine dining but frankly they need to step it up a bit for that. This was on a Wednesday night and I'd say the restaurant was about a quarter full.

    Caesar Salad
    Ta'keisha R.

    Hubs and I stayed here for his birthday and had a great time. We grabbed a bite from Meritage to hold us over for dinner. My salad was really good but there was a lot of the bitter lettuce so I threw a lot out. Those tots though so tasty! We definitely didn't throw many out. They give you a huge portion and they're so hard to put down.

    Chopped Salad
    Monty D.

    The Meritage is tucked inside the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge in Phoenix and is a good out-of-the-way spot from the hustle of the hotel and conference areas. For the golfers, it's adjacent to the resort's golf shop. The Chopped Salad was quite good. All the ingredients were fresh. The seasonal fruit was a nice sparkle to the dish. The marinated tomatoes were a nice addition to the greens. We added chicken which was cooked well - very tender. For our taste, the dressing - a mild vinaigrette, was a bit too sweet. As you can see the Turkey Club is just standard fare. The sliced turkey breast was okay, as was everything else including the sandwich bread. The accompanying tatter tots were crunchy, light and airy. But they didn't have a lot of flavor. The staff were quite friendly and very helpful with answering all my questions.

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    26 days ago

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    5 months ago

    Top notch service and food. Great ambiance. A little pricey but well worth it prior to your round of golf.

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Everything was delicious! Mushroom Tartine and Steak Frites were my favorites. Service and ambiance were great as well. Highly recommended

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    Was here with a group for lunch before a round of golf. Well organized, tasty, healthy food and great service.

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    Ask the Community - Meritage - An Urban Tavern

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    Twenty6

    Twenty6

    4.3(35 reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    Came here for a little staycation with my family and decided we didn't wanna leave the hotel so we…read morepicked 26 for dinner. I'm gonna give three stars because the service was great at the bar and the server was attentive outside and quick although she didn't know the menu well. I ordered the cheese plate to split with my children and no one knew what was on it when I asked, but I was later informed that I got a tomato jelly and honey mustard as the sauces. To me a $30 cheese plate would not come with a container of honey mustard so I was not impressed. When I asked what cheeses were on it they told me there was 2 different cheddars. There was no way it was a cheddar it was a very soft cheese. I believe it was a goat cheese. The almonds were probably the best part of the whole platter. My husband got wings, which were very big. He enjoyed those and the sauce, and my other daughter got meatballs, which she enjoyed, but thought they were a little spicy, I find that usually when kids order things that are spicy servers will say just so you know that has a little bit of heat to it to which the waitress did not again, I don't think she was very knowledgeable on the menu in general . For the type of hotel twenty6 was kinda of major let down. Definitely will pass on the next visit.

    Nana had the kids, so we stepped out for an after work cocktail date night. Twenty6 lounge is the…read morebar in the lower lobby of @jwdesertridge and is a casual spot for resort guests, or a couple on a mini date night. We each enjoyed a couple of drinks while chatting about life. Sitting at the bar was quick service and quiet, but you can also relax in a plush patio chair out in the courtyard. Next time, we will plan better and be sure to play some arcade games in the new space before it closes at 9!

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    Tell Your Friends

    Tell Your Friends

    3.7(142 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    I've been here multiple times. It's my go-to happy hour spot when friends come to town to have an…read moreelegant night but also not break the bank (at least for happy hour) Stunning interior and friendly service. I haven't had a drink I haven't liked, you can't go wrong with any of them. The 50 first dates has become my favorite, however. For food, the milk bread is a delicious starter. The chicken tenders are also amazing. Can't wait to go back!

    Unfortunately, I would not go here again. I was genuinely so excited to take my husband because he…read moreloves jazz, flapper-era music, and the whole 1920s speakeasy atmosphere. Based on how this place is described and marketed, we were expecting an intimate, vintage-feeling evening where we could sit down, have a cocktail, listen to jazz, and enjoy the atmosphere. That was not our experience. There were definitely things we liked. The location was great, the overall theme and decor were beautiful, the lighting created a great atmosphere, and we enjoyed the food and drinks. The service was also very good. However, the entertainment was a huge miss and completely took us out of the experience. We walked in and the band was performing "Genie in a Bottle," followed by other current/recent pop songs, Backstreet Boys songs, and "Creep." The singer was repeatedly screaming into the microphone and encouraging everyone to scream and make noise. At one point, while sitting in what is supposed to be a speakeasy, we were literally listening to him sing "creep" which is one of the most depressing songs of all time. It felt much more like being at a loud dive bar or country bar than an intimate 1920s inspired speakeasy. My biggest issue is that the entertainment did not match the experience being advertised. You can decorate a room beautifully and make it look like the 1920s, but when the soundtrack is "Genie in a Bottle," "Creep," and Backstreet Boys songs being loudly belted into a microphone, the illusion disappears pretty quickly. The noise level also made it difficult to simply sit, have a drink, talk, and enjoy the space. We specifically chose this place because we wanted that relaxed jazz/speakeasy experience, and that simply wasn't what we got. The cocktail selection was another disappointment. For a speakeasy-style bar, I expected a stronger selection of specialty bourbon and whiskey cocktails. The prices also felt excessive for the overall experience. On top of the already-high prices, we paid a $20 entertainment cover ($10 per person) specifically for the band. I wouldn't have minded paying a cover for quality live entertainment that fit the advertised atmosphere, but the artist was not particularly impressive and, more importantly, the music didn't fit the theme at all. There is a lot of potential here. The space itself is beautiful, the service was good, and they nailed many of the visual details. Unfortunately, the entertainment is such a major part of a speakeasy experience that it overshadowed everything else for us. If you're specifically looking for jazz, flapper-era music, and an authentic-feeling 1920s speakeasy atmosphere, I would not recommend this place based on our experience.

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    Tia Carmen - Guisado Chicken and street corn

    Tia Carmen

    4.2(340 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Thoroughly impressed with Tia Carmen. My husband had a conference at the JW Marriott, and I ended…read moreup dining here multiple times. The decor is gorgeously coastal, and the food was incredible. For dinner, my husband had the lamb shank, which was attached to a Flinestone bone. It was tender and full of flavor. I had the mesquite chicken tacos, and they were FIRE. I absolutely loved the charred pineapple brussel sprouts. The drinks were phenomenal - Get the "century of passion" mezcal cocktail! For lunch the next day, I had the cod fish sandwich. Let me tell you!!!! The fish sandwich was probably my favorite dish, as I ordered it two days in a row. I also had the Wagyu kebabs, with a side of mole and it was 10 out of 10. I would highly recommend Tia Carmen!

    Very disappointing experience, especially for a birthday celebration…read more We had reservations to celebrate my son's birthday. When we first walked in, the restaurant was beautifully decorated and had a great vibe, so we were excited for the evening. Unfortunately, we were seated all the way in the back, in the room where they serve breakfast. There were no decorations, no atmosphere, and it was extremely quiet compared to the lively setting we had seen when we walked in. There was also another family in the room with a screaming infant. We have kids ourselves, so we completely understand that babies cry, but combined with the lack of atmosphere, it made the experience even less enjoyable. We politely asked if we could be moved to the main dining area, but they were unable to accommodate us. Since we were there specifically to celebrate a birthday and were looking for a fun, celebratory atmosphere, we decided to leave after having one appetizer and water. This simply was not the experience we were expecting when making a reservation for a birthday celebration. If we had known we would be seated in that back room with such a different atmosphere from the main restaurant, we would have made other plans. Thankfully, the evening was saved by Kembara across the way. My husband spoke with their manager while I closed out our bill, and despite us having no reservation, they went out of their way to accommodate us and make my son's birthday feel special. Their kindness and willingness to help truly turned the evening around.

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    Blue Martini Lounge - Beer cheese and pretzels

    Blue Martini Lounge

    3.4(568 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I have heard the RUMORS ABOUT THIS PLACE but I've only been approached two and a half times by…read morecouples..! Lots of smoking on the patio. Feels like the 80s again. Live music multiple times a week and waitresses are efficient and sweet. Fun energy and dancing with your friends! ICE COLD MARTINIS. And big too!! See size does matter HAHAHA

    Blue Martini Lounge has quite the reputation. From several people, I've heard that it's a sugar…read moredaddy spot. I am by no means looking for a sugar daddy lol but I do enjoy people watching. I've passed by Blue Martini many of times. It always seems to be the most hype spot on High Street, a nice entertainment district in Desert Ridge. I finally took the plunge and checked it out on a Thursday night around 9:30 p.m. Parking is easy (and free) on the street, in the surface lots, or the garage on High Street. Ambiance (3.5/5): Blue Martini is definitely a bit bougie and caters to that audience. There's a nice outdoor patio which is where we sat since the weather was beautiful. There's a bar outside and waiter service. I briefly looked inside and there's a bar inside too, lounge sitting, and a dance floor. Blue Martini often has live music or a DJ. Definitely a spot where you can break it down on the dance floor. There's bottle service too if that's your thing. Service (2/5): Talk about slow service! It took our waitress longer than it should have for us to greet us. After placing an order for drinks, we received them promptly. After that we didn't see her again for quite a while. I wanted to order a second cocktail and she was nowhere to be found. Eventually she came around and I placed my order. I decided to close out right then and there knowing that it would take a long time to track her down to close out if I didn't do it right then and there. They also charge two fees amounting to 5%. Not sure what that's all about. Food (N/A): While they do have food, I just had drinks since I was there pretty late. I view Blue Martini as more of a drinks spot, but I can't comment on the food. They have a daily happy hour with discounts on select food items. Drinks (3.5/5): If the name isn't a dead giveaway, Blue Martini specializes in martinis. Beyond martinis, they have a large cocktail list. Plus everything else you'd find with a full bar. The drinks are a bit pricey (it is a see and be seen type of spot after all and you're likely to see old geezers pulling up in Lambos and Ferraris), but I liked the selection. I started off with the Blue Martini, their namesake. It's served with a blue glow stick. From there, I had the strawberry basil martini. Both were pretty good. Not speakeasy quality cocktails but better than your average bar for sure. While Blue Martini isn't really my scene, I can have a good time anywhere. If you're looking to turn up and dance, it's a good spot for that. And it's also elite for people watching.

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    It's time

    Meritage - An Urban Tavern - lounges - Updated September 2026

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