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    The Wandering Tortoise

    4.5 (280 reviews)
    ModerateWine Bars, Beer Bar
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    The Wandering Tortoise Photos

    Business Info

    THE WANDERING TORTOISE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Wandering Tortoise

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    Beer Choices change often.
    Marie V.

    We've been coming here for years, it's just a fun spot. Even when it's crowded (which it usually is), but we always find a seat. The only annoying thing is the parking lot... super small. I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I usually go for their Frosè or their house rosé (which is actually really good, I always have a bottle chilling at home). They usually have food trucks when you get hungry, mostly Transfer Station Food Wagon, which hits the spot when you need it. If you're lucky, Nelson's Fish Market next door will be open too, and that's always worth checking out. They also do wine tasting nights sometimes, which is a cool change, but be ready for a crowd. All around, just a great local hangout we keep coming back to.

    Ana H.

    Pretty cool place, with friendly service and a bunch of beer options to try (Really really good beer selection), they also have wine and some slushy options. The place is very cool, rustic but warm vibes and loved the bar set up and the outdoor area was very nice. Also, I got lucky with a tap takeover from 2 breweries I haven't had before!

    Macy P.

    The vibes were immaculate. Showed up on a weekend and hung out for a while and had a blast. Great tap options and super dog friendly. Can't get any better. 10/10!!

    Farmhouse Sour
    Chrystine A.

    Great atmosphere. Cool bar. Easy parking. Big drink menu. Wine. Mead. Cider. A lot of hazy. A lot of sours. Food truck in the back.

    Drinks
    Heidi A.

    We were here because PHX lechon roasters would be in the parking lot selling lechon. I don't drink much, so I got the iced peach green tea. My fiancé got two beers, and he said they were both very good. For how small the space is, there is a lot of seating, which is great, since it's way too hot out. I think the outdoor seating could improve for sure. The tables and seats were too hot outside of the shade and I'm thinking the umbrella could have been open the whole time (during the business is open) to prevent it or lessen the heat. And when you're on the high top right in the shade, you can sit fine, but because the mister doesn't hit that area, we still felt pretty warm. But overall, a great experience! The service was great as well :)

    Small pour of Bottle Logic Stout.
    Ross N.

    I was in Phoenix looking at a grad school, and met up with an old friend I knew from a beer-share. Wondering Tortoise was his recommendation as "The Place" to go. They had lots and lots of taps and I probably had about 10 different small pours of Bottle Logic, a flight of Superstition mead, an IPA from Outer Range and a can of apple/ peanut brittle beer from their can selection. The servers were aldo really nice and were recommending local places I should check out if I move to the area. Overall, very cool beer bar! Cheers

    Jolinda B.

    We came here the other day during happy hour. They have a something like 47 beers on tap. You'll definitely find something you'll like. They have a relaxed atmosphere. Where we sat at the bar made it difficult to read the board and the bartender showed us a QR code that linked us to all the offerings. Although, he failed to mention some were not available for happy hour pricing. We each had 2 before we found out. We hadn't eaten yet and decided to take advantage of the food truck that was set up outside. It was Sink or Swim, we both had the carne tacos that were stuffed with meat. The guy brought them right to us when they were ready. He even checked on us to make sure we liked them and didn't need anything else. I would definitely recommend! We had opened a tab at the bar and we needed our card back to order the food. The bartender closed us out. We noticed we didn't get happy hour pricing and when we asked, that is when he informed us that we chose beers that weren't apart of happy hour. That's unfortunate and we chose to not have more. We will probably return at some point because they have so much to choose from. If we come during happy hour, we will be a little better with our choices now that we know.

    Inside and current selection on tap
    Vincent T.

    One of the best chill spots for a tap room. Very dog friendly you can have your doggy inside away from the heat. Great rotation of local and west coast brews. Friendly and helpful staff, best thing is everyday happy hour until 7:30!

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    7 months ago

    This place has a killer craft beer selection and chill environment... highly recommend!

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    9 months ago

    Totally up our alley! Love this vibe and all their Hazy IPA's! Totally recommend this place for an afternoon, early evening hang out.

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    11 months ago

    Good beer, good vibes what else can I say? The music isn't too loud either which I HATE. The employees were nice and served me quickly.

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    Ask the Community - The Wandering Tortoise

    Are children allowed? I always thought no but I heard otherwise from a friend.

    Yes we do accompanied by legal guardian

    How much are Flights of beer?

    No flights that I have seen but you can do small pours. The beers average about $1 per ounce and most have a high abv.

    Are you still super dog friendly?

    They are VERY dog friendly. They are allowed inside as long as well behaved (was just there with my puppy and will be returning this evening with him again.)

    Do they offer HH specials?

    Happy Hour everyday from 12 to 7:30 $2.00 off 16 oz Draft $1.00 off 8 oz Draft… Read more

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    Dick's Hideaway - Carne Adovada Eggs Benedict

    Dick's Hideaway

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Absolutely love this hidden little gem ! Shhhh! Service, atmosphere high end bar experience. Food…read moreand drinks are all amazing! !!! I love restaurants like this! Totally made my mother's da!

    Probably not going back to Dick's…read more.. We were visiting both Phoenix and Scottsdale with friends and decided to meet up at Dick's Hideaway for dinner after hearing good things. There were six of us, and we were quoted a 45-minute wait, which seemed reasonable at first. However, their system for managing waits is honestly pretty frustrating. There are no reservations, no text notifications, and no call when your table is ready. You're basically left hovering and guessing. We did make it back in time for our table, but a simple "hey, your table's ready" system would go a long way in making guests feel valued. We were seated around 8 PM after waiting and taken to a large corner booth in the back. Unfortunately, there were still two people from the previous party lingering at the table even after they had paid and the rest of their group had already left. I understand finishing drinks, but it felt inconsiderate given how busy the restaurant was and how long people were waiting. After being seated, it took about 15 minutes before anyone came to our table, and even then, not everyone in our group was acknowledged right away. Things didn't improve much from there. It took over 30 minutes just to place our food order. From what we could tell, there was only one server handling the entire restaurant. I can definitely empathize with how difficult that must be, but at the same time, when we first arrived, she appeared to be standing near the entrance rather than actively managing tables, which added to the confusion. When the food finally came out, it was very staggered instead of arriving together. I ordered the Taos tenderloin with green beans and fries. The sides were actually great--probably the highlight of the meal--but the steak itself was disappointing. I ordered it medium, but it came out with an overly charred, almost burnt crust that completely overpowered the flavor. The whole dish really needed basic seasoning like salt and pepper to bring it together. The atmosphere also didn't do much to help the experience. It's extremely dark inside--so much so that it's hard to see your food--and the space feels cramped. The layout is also pretty strange and honestly a bit off-putting. There's what appears to be a kitchen area right behind the bar, and then a full kitchen in the back--but what really stood out was the lack of separation near the restroom area. There's no proper door between the kitchen and the bathroom space, and from a small step down off the dining area, you can basically see straight into the kitchen if you wanted to. It just didn't feel very private or well thought out. Another thing that stood out was the portion sizes. While some people might see that as a positive, they were honestly too large--especially for those of us traveling who couldn't take leftovers with us. Slightly smaller portions might not only reduce waste but also help the kitchen keep up with demand and improve overall service speed. Overall, this ended up being more of a one-time experience than a place we'd return to. Between the disorganized wait system, slow and inconsistent service, and underwhelming food, it just didn't live up to the expectations we had going in.

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    Dick's Hideaway - Beautiful table set up prior to arrival of romper room

    Beautiful table set up prior to arrival of romper room

    Dick's Hideaway
    Dick's Hideaway - Smoked Mango Margarita

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    Aftermath

    Aftermath

    4.4(463 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    The staff at Aftermath truly made our Mother's Day celebration unforgettable. Accommodating a group…read moreof 10 people is no small task, yet everyone was so welcoming, attentive, and incredibly kind from start to finish. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the service made our entire family feel comfortable and cared for throughout the meal. As amazing as the hospitality was, the food completely stole the show. Every dish was spectacular, packed with flavor, and beautifully prepared. The absolute must-order is the jalapeño bacon burger -- perfectly cooked with just the right kick of spice and loaded with flavor in every bite. We'll definitely be returning for another incredible experience!

    My wife and I have been meaning to give Aftermath a try for quite some time, and we finally got…read morearound to it last night. It has a lovely ambiance, the food is good, and while we had a few issues with our food, the service was delightful. We also found some fun offers when booking through OpenTable. We arrived to Aftermath for an evening reservation on a Saturday night that we made through OpenTable. The parking spots in front were taken so we drove around to the back where there was plenty of parking. We found a parking spot right by the back door to the restaurant, which we had to pull to open (though that was easy to do). We then walked to the host stand and were seating right upon arrival. Our server Allyn was wonderful! She answered our many questions, gave some great recommendations, and made us feel right at home. We started out by ordering a cocktail and wanted something fruity, sweet, and made with vodka, and while nothing on the menu fit this request, we had Allyn work with the bartender to create a "Bartender's Choice" drink, which turned out to be a Blackberry Mint. It was exactly what we were hoping for. We then ordered Rigatoni Alla Vodka for my wife (consisting of imported rigatoni, Calabrian chili vodka sauce, parmesan, and basil) and an Aftermath Burger for me (consisting of 2 Arizona grass fed blend patties, velveeta, red onion, house pickles, toasted onion Kona bun, and Aftermath burger sauce with fries). We learned that the Rigatoni Alla Vodka has a spiciness level of 2 out of 5, though Allyn put in a request for my wife to get it at a 1 out of 5, and it was perfect. Our only issue is that when my dish arrived, the fries were actually cold and the burgers were barely lukewarm. It was busy at that time in the restaurant, and once I got the attention of someone to assist, they quickly brought out a replacement burger, which was delicious. The fries tasted almost as if they were nuked in a microwave, but they were still a good complement to the burger. Learn more about Aftermath at https://aftermathphoenix.com. They are open for lunch daily from 11-3 except for Friday and Saturday when they are open from 10-3. They are open daily for dinner from 4-10 PM. They have daily happy hour from 4-6 PM and live music every Sunday from 7-9 PM. Open Table also offers specials. The first time you book Aftermath through Open Table, you can get a drink for only a penny. After several visits, you then earn a free appetizer or dessert, and after several more visits, you earn a free burger. While we had the issue with the burger and fries temperature, Aftermath redeemed themselves by quickly replacing it, and otherwise, we had a very good experience. We do plan on visiting again in the near future.

    Photos
    Aftermath - Phoenix

    Phoenix

    Aftermath - Burger Feature!

    Burger Feature!

    Aftermath - Oysters Aftermath

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    Oysters Aftermath

    Swizzle Inn - Bar

    Swizzle Inn

    3.8(228 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $

    I do love the Swizzle! As I mentioned before, drinks are strong and cheap. They also have a good…read moreselection of tequila and whiskey -- so that is appreciated. This last time I went to Swizzle it was on a Saturday night and I didn't get there until 10pm and it was off the chain with no where to park or sit. When people get talking it is really loud inside and you can't hear the touchtunes. People were getting wild and that was super fun. There was a also a little food stand outside in the parking lot, which is really good for a bunch of drinking folks!!

    Swizzle is the kind of dive bar you hope to stumble into -- and never want to leave…read more Plenty of TVs with every game on, great prices, and a laid-back crowd that makes it easy to relax and have fun. The staff here absolutely crush it -- friendly, quick with a drink, and they make you feel like a regular even if it's your first time walking in. The place has that perfect dive-bar charm: cool lighting, fun decor, and just the right amount of energy without feeling overcrowded. Tonight they even had a food contest going on, which made the whole night a blast. Honestly, I've seen a few of those one-star reviews and can't help but think those folks must've had a bad day -- because Swizzle is exactly what a neighborhood bar should be: chill, affordable, and full of good vibes. If you're looking for a spot to watch the game, hang with friends, or just unwind after work, this is it. Swizzle is an easy five stars.

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    Swizzle Inn - Valentines karaoke

    Valentines karaoke

    Swizzle Inn
    Swizzle Inn

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    Original Gravity

    Original Gravity

    4.4(412 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    Patrick was amazing, very friendly and detail oriented when it came to recommendations in the menu…read more Being that it was my first time it made it easier to choose something from the menu. To the cook making the food good job on the fried because I normally stay away from fries but they were so good that I finished the whole thing ‍ the drinks were amazing, I think it was the white sangria my favorite. The margaritas weren't to bad either the OG margarita wasn't so strong perfectly balanced with the alcohol. Definitely loved that they have a a cute back door patio, not overly crowded comfortable sitting. Perfect to do some remote work if you work work from home...oh and they got fast WiFi. The menu prices reasonable for what thy serve too.

    I think diners looking for a safe, basic gastropub might find Original Gravity to be adequate…read more While it may not sport any memorable signature dishes, or have an iota of atmosphere, I have to hand it to them for quality ingredients and stellar service. They have the most amazing Parmesan Fries I've tried in quite some time, and I think the steak frites will make a decent meal. There are also quite a few sandwiches, and I had The Bee's Knees (chicken, citrus honey, maple butter). A bit stickier and sweeter than I anticipated, and probably something one should relegate to brunch, but I appreciate the chicken cutlet itself. I don't think anything on this menu is really out of this world, but you'll find something that works. The cocktails are not very enticing. I had a Pear Cucumber Martini and I thought I was simply served a double of cucumber vodka. Overall, I don't hate it, but there's not much of a return factor either.

    Photos
    Original Gravity
    Original Gravity
    Original Gravity

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    Ledu Thai - Chicken Pad Ki-Mo

    Ledu Thai

    4.5(45 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    From the moment we stepped into LeDu Thai, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that…read moreperfectly set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The soothing decor and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a delightful meal, especially on an unseasonably hot day. We began our culinary journey with the Larb Mushroom appetizer, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The dish featured succulent oyster mushrooms tossed with roasted rice powder, fresh mint, shallots, cilantro, and a vibrant chili-lime dressing. Each bite was a refreshing explosion of flavors, combining the earthy richness of the mushrooms with the zesty brightness of the dressing. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect precursor to the meal ahead. For her main dish, my wife chose the Pad Z U, an outstanding selection that showcased sautéed broad noodles, crispy fried tofu, and Chinese broccoli, all enveloped in a delectable sweet soy sauce. The noodles were soft and chewy, creating a delightful texture that harmonized beautifully with the vegetable medley and tofu. The heat in the dish was skillfully balanced, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the palate. My wife couldn't stop raving about it! I opted for the Kua Kling, and it truly was a star of the evening. This spicy stir-fried minced chicken was enriched with fragrant curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, resulting in an aromatic dish that was accompanied by tender long string beans and the unique Sadtor beans. The flavor profile was complex and enticing, with each ingredient complementing the others in a delightful dance of spice and freshness. It was a dish that not only warmed my belly but also left me craving more. What elevated our experience even further was the attentiveness of our server. With a genuine smile and a welcoming demeanor, they offered excellent recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu added to our enjoyment, making the dining experience even more memorable. Overall, LeDu Thai is a culinary treasure that I cannot recommend highly enough. Each dish was exceptional, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Thai dining experience. We can't wait to return and explore more of what their menu has to offer!

    Wow! We had the best dining experience at Ledu! It was amazing! The service was incredible. What a…read moredarling restaurant and environment, the atmosphere was a vibe. My daughter and I shared the Som Dtam Tod /which is a crispy papaya salad and the beef Pad Z U. The Som Dtam Tod was absolutely amazing. It's a dish I'll be thinking about forever. It was so unique and so flavorful! The Pad Z U was the best I've had! We ended the evening with their burnt toast with salted caramel ice cream with honey syrup. It was out of this world. I went with a party of 8 and all of us absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go back. 10/10

    Photos
    Ledu Thai - Cool lav!

    Cool lav!

    Ledu Thai - Fried Tofu

    Fried Tofu

    Ledu Thai - Very pretty bathroom!

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    Very pretty bathroom!

    The Wandering Tortoise - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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