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    Neutral Ground Lounge

    4.8 (19 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Neutral Ground Lounge Photos

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    NEUTRAL GROUND LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Neutral Ground Lounge

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    Beef carpaccio "big Mac" gougère and Nightshade Martini made with tomatillo and tomato consommé. What a pairing!
    Amanda F.

    I love dropping in to Neutral Ground for a creative cocktail and a bite. I finally had the chance to enjoy more of the food menu, and it was delightful and delicious! The menu changes seasonally, and I love trying the gougère dish of the season. It was a smoked salmon a while ago and a beef carpaccio "big Mac" this summer, and both were so good. I would also note how impressed I've been with the zero proof cocktails, especially the Violet Tonic made with purple corn.

    Julie R.

    Went into Neutral Ground with little to no expectations and walked out completely obsessed!! We weren't super hungry and honestly weren't sure the menu was going to be our thing just by looking online but we were so wrong. We ordered the cured salmon, tartare, English peas, hen, and the Naked and Famous cocktail, and every single thing was a huge hit. Tartare was our favorite! The format is perfect for sharing and grazing, and the portions were just right for a full spread without overdoing it. Our server was also so kind and came in clutch when we were unsure what to order. If you're just coming in for drinks you'll also love how cozy and intimate it is. I loved the ambiance. Perfect for a date night or small get together with friends. It feels like a hidden gem tucked into Arcadia that you want to keep to yourself. This is absolutely going in our regular rotation!!

    Deviled eggs
    Morgan A.

    Absolutely loved my experience at Neutral Ground Lounge! The deviled eggs were flavorful, the cucumber mocktail was incredibly refreshing, and the pineapple sorbet was the perfect light and tropical finish to the meal. Everything tasted fresh, intentional, and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere was also such a vibe. It was relaxing, elevated, and welcoming. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to!

    Blushed Orange
    Chelsea H.

    We got just what we were looking for at Neutral Ground Lounge. Service was quick and considerate, premium really, but still comfortable. Jesse really catered to our family. Each of us found a cocktail to our own taste, which we enjoyed with the crab beignets- somehow fluffy and still filled with crab meat. Next was Guinea Hen Empanadas. They were rich and flaky with a decadent truffle dip. We then shared a bottle of Pinot Grigio and the pate- light and smooth with perfectly toasted bread, pistachio for texture and citrus for acidity. We were impressed by the thoughtful flavors and presentation. Definitely somewhere to sit and enjoy, not chow down. Each offering was a conversation piece. Chef Ryan was coordinating our courses beautifully and the owner Kevin even came by to ask what brought us in. This space feels comfortable and inviting but still elevated. Not to mention a gorgeously decorated feast for your eyes. Check it out!

    Acorn squash. Beautiful.
    Dakine B.

    Great great new concept in the Arcadia area! Small bites of simply amazing food and a killer cocktail list. I've tried almost everything on the menu and it's wonderful. So very delicious. Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Modern retro feel. Nice bar. Comfortable seating. Service is so Friendly. I've tried most every cocktail and I really enjoy them. The one that needs work is the daiquiri. It needs a bit more "pizzazz". It's a bit flat and one note. That's my only complaint honestly. What a fun new place.

    Romantic spots by the bar
    Kim K.

    We were back in Phoenix for New Years week and came back to NGL for a Friday night date night. The service and food are outstanding. The environment is super trendy and fun! I love the records! Adds a lot to the ambiance. The cocktails are great! I ordered the Blushed Orange. I had never had blood orange foam! My husband and I split many dishes - radicchio salad, Brussels sprouts, squash, cod filet, hamachi crudo, and oxtail dumplings. We ordered the sweet focaccia with mascarpone and caramel for dessert. Yum! I highly recommend checking out Neutral Ground for a date night or night with friends!

    Peach tart

    Went for date night with hubby. Fell in love with the beautiful ambiance. Anthony was the perfect server - you just don't get service like that anymore. Cocktails were unique and delicious- I'll be back for the cherry boulevardier. Small plates to share with lots of tasty dishes to try. Check this place out - you won't be disappointed.

    Onion tart
    Adam B.

    The food and cocktails were all awesome!!! Make sure and get the radicchio salad if it's sfill on the menu. They said it will change seasonally. Love that it wasn't too loud and you could hear your table speak.

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    4 months ago

    Amazing food, cocktails and service! Highly recommend! Drinks were delicious as was the food, must try.

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    Wayward

    Wayward

    4.6
    (80 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    When we first discovered this spot back when it was Liquor Pig, we came specifically to try some…read morecocktails, and then spontaneously ordered the bone marrow poutine on a whim. What we didn't realize at the time was that we had stumbled upon one of those dishes that would stick with us! So when Liquor Pig closed, we were genuinely sad to see it go, but then delighted to learn that the same chef was spearheading Wayward and, most importantly, that the legendary bone marrow poutine made its way onto the new menu. And thankfully, it's still just as memorable! The bone marrow is incredibly luscious, rich, and decadent, and the whole dish is the perfect indulgent pairing for Wayward's creative cocktails. The portion is also a great size for two people to share, especially since it's definitely a rich dish. We also tried the Jaew Chicken which was tasty and definitely a little different from what I'd normally order. It was a nice addition to the meal, but honestly, the poutine is the reason we'll keep coming back to this place! While walking through the restaurant, I noticed quite a few tables enjoying the bone in short rib taco board and those portions are serious. That platter could easily feed four people, so it's definitely something to keep in mind if you're dining with a group. All in all, I'm happy that Wayward has kept one of my favorite dishes from the Liquor Pig days alive. If you're looking for creative cocktails with something rich and indulgent to snack on, do yourself a favor and order the bone marrow poutine!

    WOW! I don't even know where to begin. Wayward completely exceeded every expectation. Chef CJ is an…read moreabsolute genius--every dish was a masterpiece, both in flavor and presentation. Every bite was an experience, and you can tell that every detail is crafted with incredible creativity and passion. The food is unlike anything else in Scottsdale. The service was just as impressive. Everyone made us feel welcome, and our server, Jacob, was phenomenal. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and made the entire evening even more enjoyable. Wayward isn't just dinner--it's an unforgettable culinary experience. I'm already counting the days until I can go back. Bravo to Chef CJ and the entire team! Also, try the Green with Envy drink! (Must try: Black Cod, hummus, taco board, Gem lettuce & all desert)

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    Martini
    Martini
    Duck
    Duck
    Indigo

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    Indigo
    The Starving Artist

    The Starving Artist

    4.5
    (220 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    First time here and loved it! We were looking for a chill spot to grab a drink before our dinner…read morereservation. Upon walking in, the place was packed and we stood in line at the bar for standing room only. The bartenders were friendly and the cocktail list was pretty interesting. Both of the drinks we got off the menu were bitter and NOT sweet, which is bad news for me cause I love a sweet drink! lol The bartender was able to make me a lychee mojito after I asked specifically for any flavored syrups they had. She was very sweet to check what flavors they have and gave me several different options. My boyfriend got some whiskey and they gave a hefty pour. We ended up snagging some seats at the bar and ordered two slices of pepperoni pizza. Love that you can buy slices individually here, including cheese pep and dill pickle - how fun, will definitely try this next time! Overall, nice chill dive bar with good food and drinks. Ambiance is very moody but fun. They also have old school darts! We'll be back :)

    I love this bar !!! It's so cute and the vibe is always a good time !!…read more I've been here several times and the wait staff is amazing !! Very cozy vibe ! Only thing I'd say is the pretzel bites with cheese dip is wayyyy too spicy and should say on the menu it's more of a nacho cheese not beer cheese. Other then that love this place :)))

    Photos
    Sandwiches, NY stlye pizzas, salads, and shareables
    Sandwiches, NY stlye pizzas, salads, and shareables
    Champagne of Beers were super cold
    Champagne of Beers were super cold
    Seems like a cool vibe....let's check it out :)

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    Seems like a cool vibe....let's check it out :)
    Pretty Penny

    Pretty Penny

    4.8
    (97 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    What an amazing evening, beautifully curated with so many thoughtful details. Only downside is that…read morefor some reason Apple maps was not accurate to finding the location and parking was a challenge as it is right on Roosevelt Row. However as soon as I found it and immediately after entering Pretty Penny I was transformed to the cutest little restaurant. I was greeted immediately and had made a reservation so even though my friend hadn't arrived yet, they sat me down. They instantly offered water and menus (food and cocktail). I noticed that the menu seemed very small and the dishes were shareable -- I don't eat meat so I was hoping my friend wouldn't mind sticking with fish and seafood (which she didn't). As soon as I got to my table there was the cutest sign that said welcome to Sarah Sherman and guest -- it was such an adorable and personal touch, I loved that! As soon as my friend got there we immediately both ordered the cold brew old fashioned -- we thought about the espresso martini but this just sounded too good to pass up -- and we were not disappointed! This drink was so tasty and strong. We immediately ordered the bread (sourdough boule) to soak up some of the alcohol as well as some oysters and the salsa. The oysters were so well spiced and were absolutely delicious. But the bread, the bread, the bread -- the server mentioned that it took almost 9 months to develop the bread recipe and it served. It was the best bread and butter that I think I have ever had! The salsa was good but probably was my least favorite of everything and it was still super yummy. We then moved on to the octopus tostadas. Sometimes octopus is not my fav -- it can be too chewy but this was so amazing and incredibly flavorful. It was starting to be my favorite dish until we ordered the Hamachi -- OMG!! Talk about a mouth orgasm-- both my friend and I were yummming it up -- but seriously this bite was so complex with different flavors coming up with every chew -- it has coriander candied peanuts, fermented pineapple, avocado, pickled fresno, toasted coconut and aji amarillo yogurt -- The server mentioned that this was the chef's least favorite dish which I totally do not understand because this was off the charts in my book. We also tried the earl gray whiskey sour, which was light and delicious, and ended with the shrimp toast and the espresso martini. By the way the toast on the shrimp toast was like a little fried dough triangle -- sooooo gooood! The martini was good but the cold brew old fashioned really stole the spotlight for me. Other details I loved that just elevated the experience: Purse hook (very important to me), the little trays for your utensils, metal coasters, incredibly attentive servers, fantastic music, great ambiance and the cutest was the penny they put on top of your check. So cute -- was not expecting such an enjoyable all around experience!! Will be back 1000%!!!

    It was pretty good but certainly not worth the titular pretty penny price--and we didn't even get…read morethe recommended 8 dishes, which is, like, the entire menu. To start, the menu is a bit puzzling. It's kind of like a handful of Asian-inspired dishes, a handful of Mexican/South American, and a handful of French or New American. But there's not enough of each to chart a course through one type of cuisine. So, basically you're gonna have a cultural melange meal. Hamachi crudo was really good and fairly unique. The halibut was excellently prepared but not particularly innovative in any way I could tell. Zucchini had goat cheese, which wasn't immediately clear from the description, so I didn't enjoy the rude surprise I got when I took my first bite, and didn't eat anymore, as I really despise the stuff. So that was a waste. Not a dig on the dish, just a personal thing I wish I had more notice of. There were other issues though. The wine list was exceptionally small, They were out of the bread, which is supposedly a must-try. And then we were going to get the steak but the folks next to us advised against it, showing their cut that had zero fat. They said it was leather. On that point, the tables are SUPER CLOSE. Like, a couple inches apart. You hear everything and almost can't avoid getting entwined into others' conversation. We liked the people we were next to, but be aware that it's an unintentionally awkward communal experience that's not well-suited to a date night. The service was pretty good, they put out a nice printed greeting with the reservation name, and give you a sparkling wine toast. But considering the price and overall experience we had, I'd pass and not come back.

    Photos
    Purse hook
    Purse hook
    2nd pasta dish with carmelized onions
    2nd pasta dish with carmelized onions
    Roasted beet app

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    Roasted beet app
    Filthy Animal

    Filthy Animal

    4.2
    (455 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$$

    This was the only steakhouse I visited in Phoenix, so I might be a little biased, but I can…read moreconfidently say this was my favorite meal of the entire weekend! From the moment we arrived, the restaurant had such great vibes. There was also a subtle, almost secretive animal theme throughout the space that added a really cool touch. The hostess and waitstaff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and accommodating. The drinks were good, but the food was definitely the star. The milk bread was absolutely delicious, and the pibil dumplings were also really good. My only complaint is that they only came with three pieces, which felt a little expensive for the portion. The beef tartare was another standout. It was delicious on its own and paired really well with the banana chip, which added a nice contrast in texture and flavor. I would probably skip the white oak grilled skewers, though. They were pretty burnt, and unfortunately, they didn't really stand out to me compared to the other dishes. The ribeye was cooked to absolute perfection. We asked if they could prepare the two halves of the ribeye at different temperatures since my wife prefers her steak closer to medium, and they were more than happy to accommodate us. They even comped our milk bread because it took a little longer than expected to come out, which was a really nice gesture. Overall, an excellent experience from start to finish. Great atmosphere, fantastic service, and some really memorable dishes. Definitely recommend checking this steakhouse out if you're in the Phoenix area!

    We had brunch here, it was okay. Aesthetically displaced is lovely, but it is right in the heart of…read morecampus. It was not busy and we had great service and an excellent seat.

    Photos
    Private Dining Room
    Private Dining Room
    Pibil Dumplings
    Pibil Dumplings
    Milk bread

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    Milk bread
    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    4.2
    (89 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    Gotta luv the changing vibes in Tempe!!! After a great dinner experience celebrating an anniversary…read moreat Filthy Animal, we slid over to Drop Dead Gorgeous to relax, chill & take in some more craft cocktails. Anytime you're dealing with a speakeasy, you feel like a VIP, and that's how we felt that evening. What a great way to close out the night, as the vibe and decor are what I'm all about. Do plan ahead with reservations. Our Server from FA & Bartender here hooked it up for us with a special toast and celebration for our anniversary!! VIP Treatment with the 70's to 2000's vibe. Looking forward to my return.

    I really wanted to love this place. Let me set off with the positives. The decor, the DJ, the…read moreseating ambience, and overall just vibes are 100%, 5/5 out of five stars. The chicken tenders were fire!!! What is lacking on this occasion was service. The server that we had was so unattentative. I have never been in a cocktail lounge in my life and had to beg for drinks. Our server would wait until every drinks was made for all of her tables before bringing out drinks. It was ridiculous. She was nice but seemed high. I ended up only having 2 drinks. We would have ordered more but they have 90min max seating and we didn't event get drinks for the first 30min. No exaggeration. Also one of my drinks I had to send back. My apple martini tasted like soap. It was like they did clean the glass after giving a soap bath. No bueno. So they need to get their service to match the vibe of a true cocktails lounge. Yes it is a 70s vibe but doesn't mean the lackadaisical style service. I would come back and try again. The music, the atmosphere and the food was good. They gotta get these cocktails together and service. We ended up walking to nearby competitors and that was money lost for DDG.

    Photos
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left.  DJ booth behind.
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left. DJ booth behind.
    Interior
    Interior
    Table seating

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    Table seating

    Neutral Ground Lounge - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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