Culinary Dropout

American restaurant · Central Phoenix

Culinary Dropout

American restaurant · Central Phoenix

2

5632 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

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Highlights

Inventive cocktails, comfort food, yard games & live music  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

5632 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 Get directions

culinarydropout.com
@culinarydropout

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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5632 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 Get directions

+1 602 680 4040
culinarydropout.com
@culinarydropout

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

Best Food at Citi Field, the New York Mets Stadium in Queens - Eater NY

"Spot offering pickle-spiced fries and fried Oreos." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://ny.eater.com/24390270/best-food-citi-field-new-york-mets-stadium-baseball-games-queens-citifield
View Postcard for Culinary Dropout
@infatuation

Culinary Dropout Review - Uptown - Phoenix - The Infatuation

"The game is always on and the beer is always cold at Culinary Dropout, a spacious indoor-outdoor gastropub that has a solid weekday Happy Hour. Come for the soft pretzels and provolone fondue (you’ll want to dunk them like Deandre Ayton when he’s actually playing in the post), and stay for the live music and yard-style games like ping-pong, cornhole, and foosball. Loser gets the next round." - Lauren Topor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/phoenix/reviews/culinary-dropout
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MEGHAN CUMA

Google
The best location in the valley! The free valet is a great added touch and super quick. The vibes are fun and social. The food is amazing. Brussels sprouts were yummy and not too hot. The fish and chips were moist and crispy and the Mongolian short ribs essentially melted in your mouth, amazing. Finishing it all off with their famous monkey bread. I’ll have to come back for happy hour, the bar looks like fun!! Our server and all staff were very attentive and friendly

Jenn Sallas

Google
This was my first time here at Culinary Dropout. Overall, it was a great experience. The staff was amazing! We ordered 5 different appetizers, 2 main entrees, and 2 cocktails. The watermelon Margarita is amazing. The grilled asparagus was served cold. And I'm not sure if that's how it was meant to be served, but it was not appetizing. The Steak Frites entree was served warm, almost cold, but was still yummy.

B M

Google
Amazing spot with fresh, flavorful food! The sandwiches were stacked and satisfying, and the salad was super crisp and tasty. Plus, it’s dog friendly, which made the experience even better. Great service. Patio is shaded with misters.

Ro Grin

Google
We decided to once again try a new place. Once again we were surprised to see the inside of this place. We went on a Sunday, and were seated right away. Servers were busy as their stations were very large. Our meals came out in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, my wife's meal was not correct. We mentioned this to the server, who immediately went to the kitchen to fix the error. The staff was very friendly, (PS, i ordered the soup of the day, and unfortunately I got what they called "yesterdays soup. They said they ran out of what I ordered. I recommend servers should have told me before bringing me the watery, with most likely used yesterdays veggies as well. Having visited our table many times!😶‍🌫️my family took their timein eating. I eat fast, and then wander. Shuffleboard, ping pong, corn hole, and I'm sure I missed other activities. An interesting and fun place.

Ebonee Shaw

Google
All of the staff were really nice, from the valet to the host stand and service staff. I had the chicken sandwich at the recommendation of the bartender it was so good. And the pretzels and fondue is enough to feed 4 people, also very good. Can't really go wrong!

Julie Isom

Google
We try to visit a location each time we come to AZ. Love the menu here! We had lunch here today before heading to the airport and we all left satisfied! Prosciutto Deviled Eggs - The crispy prosciutto was perfect, the eggs had a little too much mustard for my taste. Chopped Chicken Salad - One of the best salads I’ve ever had, so filling too! Fish & Chips - Delicious beer batter and light and flaky fish! Prime Rib Dip - The roll was so soft and the meat was tender. Chicken Katsu Sandwich - The coleslaw had a sweet flavor which was good and the chicken was perfectly cooked. Kids Crispy Shrimp - Delicious!

Ashley Gill

Google
Took a few minutes to get seated, which was fine, it's the end of the week and we weren't in a rush. But the drinks? That first round took forever. Like, long enough for me to start wondering if the bartenders were out back foraging the guava themselves. The rest were much quicker, so all is forgiven. Evil Jungle Princess - Rum blend, spiced orgeat, pineapple, guava, lime, and a pineapple rum float. I'm not usually a rum fan, but this one was a little tropical vacation in a glass. The guava smacked me in the taste buds (in a good way), and while it's definitely sweet, the lime keeps it from crossing into dessert territory. 7.5/10 and I'd totally order it again if I felt like cheating on vodka. Playboi Stache - Vanilla tea-soaked vodka, passion fruit liqueur, orange oil. Sounds sultry, right? Sadly, this one was more "finance bro with opinions on crypto" than sexy playboy, definitely lives up to the spelling. A little bitter, a little confused. 5/10, mostly for effort, good job little buddy. Peaches and Rye - Rye, peach liqueur, peach purée, wild mint. The peach ghosted me. So did the rye. I genuinely considered asking if they brought me the wrong drink. Tasted more like "mint water that's seen some things." Not offensive, just... mysterious and not in a fun way. It was tasty and I didn't feel the need to send it back, but it missed the mark by a half mile. Prosciutto Deviled Eggs - Three halves, which is a weird little flex. Tasted better than some others weve had recently, even if the math was off. Creamy, with a good amount of green onion; it was a solid attempt. My husband wasn't impressed, but that just meant more for me. 4.5/10, would still snag another uneven portion. Fish & Chips - This is where they redeemed themselves. The fish was hot, steamy, crispy, and flakey; pretty much everything you hope for but rarely get on a first try. Fries were handcut and actually cooked properly (bless), with big grains of kosher salt. No sad, soggy fries here. The coleslaw, however, was doing absolutely nothing. Needed salt, pepper, mayo, hell, a little Axe body spray would've helped. Still, that fish carries the dish to an 8/10. Both of my drinks looked the same, which felt like a missed opportunity for some flair. Service started off a little slow, but once things picked up, our server John was clearly hustling. He was covering a lot of ground and still kept up with all his tables--props for the hustle. They've also got a fantastic patio that somehow stays nice even when it's 115° out (bless the misters and shade), though we weren't feeling it today. Inside seating is comfy, not too cramped, and the music's at a solid volume--easy to talk over, at least until the place starts to fill up. Right before we left, you could feel the noise level creeping up, so I'm guessing it gets pretty lively during peak hours. We also got to chat with Jo, and she was fantastic (seriously, ask for her if she's working, she's awesome). Super friendly, gave us the scoop on their brunch menu and made a great case for coming back. So we will! Brunch is officially next on the list, and maybe we'll finally give the patio a proper go: cornhole and cocktails sounds like a good way to win a Sunday.

Karen Loya

Google
I've had the pleasure of dining at this location twice, and both experiences have been truly delightful. My most recent visit was yesterday, and I was initially concerned about parking, as the lot appeared full. However, the complimentary valet parking service was a welcome surprise. The process was seamless, and the staff were very helpful. The dining experience itself was excellent. The service was attentive and friendly, and the food was enjoyable. I highly recommend starting with the soft pretzels and fondue as an appetizer—just be sure to save room for your entrees, as it's quite filling. I opted for a Caesar salad, which was also very satisfying and filling. They offer a variety of protein options to customize it to your taste. The drink selection is impressive, with a range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. I particularly enjoyed their sweet lemonade. My friend tried the raspberry black tea, which she had seen recommended on TikTok. However, she found it wasn't sweet at all. We requested sugar, and she was able to adjust it to her liking. This was a good reminder to not always rely on social media reviews when ordering. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely return to this location in the future. The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that there's always room for a bit of improvement, but overall, it's a wonderful place to dine.
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J. R. P.

Yelp
A Thoughtful Reflection on an Otherwise Excellent Establishment As someone who deeply appreciates the art of hospitality and the delicate balance between ambiance and service, I feel compelled to share a recent experience at Culinary Dropout in Phoenix. This is not written in anger, but in the spirit of sincere concern and a desire to see a truly promising establishment reach its fullest potential. Let me begin by acknowledging what Culinary Dropout does exceptionally well. The food is, without exaggeration, superb--crafted with care, flavor-forward, and reflective of a kitchen that understands both comfort and creativity. The aesthetic of the space is equally commendable: hip, inviting, and thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of ease and belonging. However, it is precisely because of these strengths that the shortcomings in hospitality were so jarring. Upon arrival, I was met by a hostess--blonde, with a braid--whose body language and facial expressions conveyed not indifference, but something closer to disdain. There was no greeting, no warmth--only the subtle but unmistakable sense that my presence was an inconvenience. This was not a matter of a single moment, but a sustained impression that colored the entire beginning of my visit. Later, after an otherwise pleasant meal, I was left in an awkward and frankly embarrassing position. My server failed to return to confirm my payment, leaving me to wait outside, uncertain and exposed, as other patrons looked on. It was a small oversight, perhaps--but one that left a lasting impression of neglect. I do not write this to disparage, but to illuminate. A restaurant, like a principality, thrives not only on its riches (in this case, food and design) but on the loyalty and goodwill of its people--its guests. When the front line of hospitality falters, it undermines the very foundation of trust and return. A Note for Future Guests While the food and setting at Culinary Dropout are commendable, I feel it's important to share a concern that may help others feel more prepared. During my visit, I encountered a hostess--blonde, with a braid--whose demeanor felt markedly unwelcoming. While I cannot speak to her intentions, the experience left me, as someone of Turkish background, feeling subtly but unmistakably out of place. I share this not to accuse, but to encourage awareness. Hospitality is, at its heart, about making all guests feel seen and valued. I hope future diners of diverse backgrounds are met with the warmth that matches the restaurant's otherwise inviting atmosphere. With respect and hope for improvement, J. R. Phoenix
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Ashley L.

Yelp
Took a few minutes to get seated, which was fine, it's the end of the week and we weren't in a rush. But the drinks? That first round took forever. Like, long enough for me to start wondering if the bartenders were out back foraging the guava themselves. The rest were much quicker, so all is forgiven. Evil Jungle Princess - Rum blend, spiced orgeat, pineapple, guava, lime, and a pineapple rum float. I'm not usually a rum fan, but this one was a little tropical vacation in a glass. The guava smacked me in the taste buds (in a good way), and while it's definitely sweet, the lime keeps it from crossing into dessert territory. 7.5/10 and I'd totally order it again if I felt like cheating on vodka. Playboi Stache - Vanilla tea-soaked vodka, passion fruit liqueur, orange oil. Sounds sultry, right? Sadly, this one was more "finance bro with opinions on crypto" than sexy playboy, definitely lives up to the spelling. A little bitter, a little confused. 5/10, mostly for effort, good job little buddy. Peaches and Rye - Rye, peach liqueur, peach purée, wild mint. The peach ghosted me. So did the rye. I genuinely considered asking if they brought me the wrong drink. Tasted more like "mint water that's seen some things." Not offensive, just... mysterious and not in a fun way. It was tasty and I didn't feel the need to send it back, but it missed the mark by a half mile. Prosciutto Deviled Eggs - Three halves, which is a weird little flex. Tasted better than some others weve had recently, even if the math was off. Creamy, with a good amount of green onion; it was a solid attempt. My husband wasn't impressed, but that just meant more for me. 4.5/10, would still snag another uneven portion. Fish & Chips - This is where they redeemed themselves. The fish was hot, steamy, crispy, and flakey; pretty much everything you hope for but rarely get on a first try. Fries were handcut and actually cooked properly (bless), with big grains of kosher salt. No sad, soggy fries here. The coleslaw, however, was doing absolutely nothing. Needed salt, pepper, mayo, hell, a little Axe body spray would've helped. Still, that fish carries the team to an 8/10. Both of my drinks looked the same, which felt like a missed opportunity for some flair. Service started off a little slow, but once things picked up, our server John was clearly hustling. He was covering a lot of ground and still kept up with all his tables--props for the hustle. They've also got a fantastic patio that somehow stays nice even when it's 115° out (bless the misters and shade), though we weren't feeling it today. Inside seating is comfy, not too cramped, and the music's at a solid volume--easy to talk over, at least until the place starts to fill up. Right before we left, you could feel the noise level creeping up, so I'm guessing it gets pretty lively during peak hours. We also got to chat with Jo, and she was fantastic. Super friendly, gave us the scoop on their brunch menu and made a great case for coming back. So we will! Brunch is officially next on the list, and maybe we'll finally give the patio a proper go--cornhole and cocktails sounds like a good way to win a Sunday.
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Dj M.

Yelp
Great flavor, decent pricing and attentive staff!!! Will definitely be back!!! Turkey Pastrami was amazing, fry's were crisp and water was cold!!! Tables were clean and spacious, lots to do and not too loud!
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Ramon A.

Yelp
I ABSOLUTELY LLOVE this location of CD on the 7th St. It's my second time visiting in like two years or and both experiences were equally amazing and memorable! The staff was polite and accommodating, offering insightful information on seating and menu item suggestions. The ambiance is inviting and comfy and so are the bar stools! Lol I had the amazing M.A.C burger and friend along with a watermelon spritz mocktail. This place is a must try for all reading this!
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Tim S.

Yelp
Went here for lunch after a volunteer event. I went with the fish and chips. How were they? Pretty damn good! 3 pieces of white fish, nice batter. Came with some good fries, and cole slaw too. Also had a couple of my friends ribs which were fall off the bone delicious. Service was friendly. Good spot for a large group. A little $$ IMO, but work paid, so all good.
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Homeyra K.

Yelp
If you are looking for a lively place to grab good food, listen to good music and be submerged in an environment full Of emergency this place is for you. It is Loud but comes with great service, comfy seats, good DJ and excellent food. Parking is limited but they do have a complimentary valet.
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Cristal R.

Yelp
Stopped by after work to get together with friends and family. FYI only one way to enter and exit, Entrance: The entrance to the restaurant is in the back, in the parking lot, away from the street. Montebello ave and 7th street, enter thruway curbside pickup and valet will meet you there to park your vehicle. Culinary Dropout in Phoenix offers complimentary valet parking during weekday lunch and all other times, including Thursday evenings, Friday evenings, all day Saturday, and Sunday brunch! My coworker used to work here so he100% recommended the fried chicken! $24 Here is the 411 (comes with dark meet, leg, thigh and a breast 3 piece. $6 extra for white meat Comes with 2 sides: mashed potatoes and gravy & coleslaw along with buttermilk biscuit. $2 sub for side of your choice, fries, Sub Mac & Cheese,etc. mac & cheese totally worth it ! To drink I ordered $8 Sicilian Lemonade Stand, it was perfectly refreshing: pureed strawberry. Peeve-tree sparkling lemonade Total with taxes: $36.92 Our tables sharables: WHIPPED FETA & TAHINI DIP 14.5 caramelized squash, apple, date, roasted pistachio, grilled ciabatta $14 SOFT PRETZELS & PROVOLONE FONDUE sea salt $17 They have game spot and lots of lounge sofas 11/10 experience! Shout out to our server we had a party of 10 and we all arrived at different times. Exceptional service Excellent everywhere start to finish valet, waitress! Ps our table was a fan of the fried chicken we had 3 orders in our group! Can't wait to stop by again!
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Nycole R.

Yelp
The name makes me chuckle-I'm pretty sure it's tongue-in-cheek, because there's no way that the chef here dropped out of culinary school. Everything we ate was delicious. I joined a group of colleagues here for happy hour after work Friday and we had a smorgasbord of different appetizers. The pretzels, hot dog bites and Brussel sprouts were my favorites. The environment is perfect for happy hour-lively, upbeat and fun. We were seated at a picnic table near a group of people playing yard games and they were sure having a good time! The decor is a great hybrid of the indoors and the outdoors grouped together. Service was fantastic-we were checked on frequently and our server made sure we had plenty of drink refills and recommendations for appetizers. Parking was a little tricky-but they offer valet, which made it better. I'd be happy to return and get a full meal here next time.
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Kemlyn B.

Yelp
Love the food and ambiance here. I loved my Pub burger. It was an all American juicy burger that was perfectly seasoned. I will get the steak frites the next time. The struggle oil in the fries was just the right amount. Valet parking!
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Andrea P.

Yelp
Environment is so nice of its like semi outside , they have lots of seating and like two bars! The service was okay we could've gotten checked on more especially since it was a bday celebration (no free desert or anything for birthday girl ) but overall the food was not so bad! Honestly I enjoyed overall the drinks and atmosphere theres games you can play and all! Our tab for a group of 7 was around 500$ including tip.. Another thing to note the sinks in the bathroom are shared!!! So even if you think your in the wrong side of the bathroom your not lol.. one you enter you have to go to another door that leads you to either men or womens. Lastly they have valet parking don't know if its like that all the time but yeah so be ready for that but tip is optional to the drivers, ofc we tipped though
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Emilee J.

Yelp
Such an awesome spot with the BEST cocktails I've ever had. Tons of unique menu items, specially the apps and loads of seating for large groups. Their outside area is gorgeous and perfect to watch a game and inside is nice enough for a date night for two. Our servers were super friendly and we stuck around for 3 hours or so and they didn't kick us out! Would definitely come back again.
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Caitlyn A.

Yelp
Went for drinks and apps. Got seated immediately with no res on a Friday night which was nice! We ordered 2 margs, nachos, and the pretzels/fondue cheese. Our food came out quick, about 10 mins after ordering, but our drinks took at least another 10 mins on top of that. Then after our second drink when we were ready to get the check, a waiter didn't stop by our table for at least 20 minutes. It was a very cool spot and the food and drinks were sooo good but the service could've been better.
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Taylor L.

Yelp
Went here for my fiancés work event. They had a whole section with a buffet set up. Food was great. Atmosphere was fun with option of cornhole and ping pong. I think an excellent choice for big gatherings.
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Charlotte B.

Yelp
I've been coming here with friends and family for 10 years and I've always had a great time! They have a large space with indoor and outdoor seating with games outside. Every time I come here, I order the soft pretzels and fondue. A definite favorite! We also ordered the popcorn shrimp and zucchini which was tasty! The garlic aioli was ok. In the past, I ordered the shrimp kale caesar that I really enjoyed. The kale, shrimp and dressing were all fresh and tasted great. Our server was very sweet and accommodating. She was friendly and attentive to us. Would recommend this spot! Also really appreciate the complimentary valet parking at this location.
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Crystal M.

Yelp
Great indoor outdoor event space for parties of all sizes! Love, absolutely love the vegan curry. Bummer it's the only vegan option but thankfully it's really delicious. Non vegan date loved theory biscuits & chicken. Service was friendly & quick. Good date night!
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Kelli K.

Yelp
I loved the food, drinks, and vibe at Culinary Dropout. They had live music when we came which was great. The spicy skinny marg was delicious. I could have had 100 of those! Thank gawd it was actually spicy. The food was also yummy, especially the brussels sprouts with gochujang. Service was lovely but sooo slow. Expect to wait a while for cocktails and slightly less time for food. Don't expect to be checked on, but do expect friendly service when you do see your server.
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Bethanie M.

Yelp
We always have a good time here! The inside and outside are always full of people.. Food is good. Drinks are great. Games are fun! Experience with kids or adults.
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Jannay L.

Yelp
While we were visiting Phoenix for spring break, we stopped by Culinary Dropout and it was a great choice for a relaxed family evening. The food was okay, nothing mind-blowing, but the service was excellent and the ambiance was amazing. The space is super fun and inviting. My 7-year-old daughter had the best time playing the games and exploring the kid-friendly areas it made the whole experience memorable for us. We'd come back just for the vibe and the service!
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Rose S.

Yelp
My brother recommended this restaurant while we were in town on vacation. Really loved the vibe of the place, the huge open patio area with all the games available and it was absolutely packed because it was graduation weekend. We still got in relatively fast and everything was fantastic food and drink wise. We started with a few drinks, and had the pretzels and fondue cheese and the whipped feta appetizer. The pretzels were really soft and the cheese was really delicious. The whipped feta and bread was also really delicious and light! We ordered the fried chicken dinner, chicken katsu sandwich and the turkey and pastrami sandwich. We also got side salads and the ranch was really delicious! Highly recommend the salad! Overall great ambiance, drinks and food! Highly recommend this place!
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Caroline A.

Yelp
Service and ambiance were great. We were seated promptly and our waiter was very attentive and nice. I was celebrating my birthday and they brought out the monkey bread, which was amazing. It's made to order, definitely order it. I got the Mongolian short rib. It came with crispy rice and teriyaki flavors. This meal was interesting to me that the flavors were not what I was expecting, and the crispy rice really wasn't that crispy. I still ate so it wasn't that bad. My sister ordered the Alfredo pasta. She had to ask for more Alfredo, but after that, it was good.
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Maryann H.

Yelp
My friends and I came for a birthday with a decently sized group. We had a reservation for 15 and had 2 outdoor tablets reserved for us. First, we got there and our apps people had ordered with our reservation were already on the table. The wings were cold by the time we all sat down. Our crusty bread was also hard/cold. Next, we ordered our drinks and food. The drinks were very strong, but still took 30-40 minutes to get to us. We had a 2 hour total for these tables and ended up not ordering until 1 hour in. By the time the food came out, we had 30 min left to eat. It was pretty busy and they were also hosting a business or catered dinner across the way from us, but we definitely ended up waiting and getting rushed out at the end. The food is decent, but nothing to die for. Our server was definitely trying her best, and I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for being pretty busy. Overall, food was fine and drinks were okay. For the future, I think I'd opt for another restaurant, but I do appreciate that they take large groups here!
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Rosanna B.

Yelp
This restaurant is a gem! We came with a large party on a Sunday night with a reservation of course. The service was impeccable, food was tasty, and the ambiance was a vibe. I had the Peking duck and a cocktail called Tijuana spa water and the waiter recommended mud pie. Loved the food and the cocktail was decent. I also appreciated they sat us at a large round table so everyone could engage with one another as opposed to rectangular table. They have a multitude of TVs which have a great view from all around the restaurant which I would assume would be great for watching sports. There is a private lot to park in with plenty of spaces.
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Mark M.

Yelp
Another great experience at our local Culinary Dropout! Zack, Sarah , Shayla and Seth were perfect hosts and hostesses and treated us like gold. The food and beer was amazing-my wife had the Mongolian short rib and I had the Korean wagyu rib top-perfect! We've thoroughly enjoyed our dinners with you guys for a few years and we will be back!
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Nia M.

Yelp
We enjoyed lunch with Joseph's boss and co-worker. I wasn't aware that they are a chained restaurant. The decor at this one is more rustic touches of elegant flare like the chandeliers. Our server made sure our needs were met. There was a variety of options, something for everyone. The drinks were okay. I had the Evil jungle princess; love the name. The server suggested this was one of their more sweeter drinks. It is not overpowering and about a 5 out of 10 on the sweet scale. The sangria was okay. The pasta was good and I thought the pork would have been better with a little less sauce.
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Resha D.

Yelp
This location is HUGE!! They have their own parking lot and valet which makes it an easy place to go in the city. Their "outdoor" seating is still covered and they have a lot of social games on the patio. Pool, bags, ping pong etc. This is a great place for happy hour! They recently expanded their menu and added some great salads. My go to dish is the crispy chicken katsu sandwich! They have house made ranch which is also really good! The soft pretzels are pretty popular as far as appetizers go. If you do dessert go with the monkey bread! It's baked to order, so be patient! But it's pretty good. I tried the caramelized banana bar this time around but was not a fan... aside from the vanilla crema abs the banana.
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Divya T.

Yelp
The 2 boys running the valet were incompetent. they helped men and left women standing in the heat waiting for their cars. I would also say one of them the tall blond was so rude. I ended up asking for my keys and getting my car myself. no tip. other than treat us equal like human beings. I'll never go back there.
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Jared F.

Yelp
All locations are a great spot to hang out with friends or even a work get together. This location is no different. Our waiter was great with a big group and people coming and going for a couple hours. Kept the food and drinks coming and was great with water refills. The menu has something for everyone and they do a great job with food allergies. Ambiance is great, noisy but not super crazy. Just the right vibe.
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Janelle P.

Yelp
Man I can't say enough amazing things about this place. It's my current fave restaurant and anytime we have people visiting I suggest we eat here! I love the whipped feta tahini dip this can be an appetizer or my main meal sometimes. It is absolutely amazing. If I'm really hungry I'll grab the turkey sandwich it's smoked with pretzel bread, so amazing. To drink: Paloma spritz with the Himalayan sea salt?! I get at least two each visit to culinary, soo good! I love the atmosphere, why we keep coming back and very fast attentive service!
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Bella B.

Yelp
Ambiance. Didn't see fine print it's (complimentary) dinner valet parking run by muscled college boys. Maybe highchoolers because they seemed socially awkward: lack of smile, eye contact, and engagement. They just want to park your car and retrieve it. Sadly, they don't open car doors for ladies that seat in front passenger's seats. Host stand had 2 girls posted. Asked if we had reservations. They seemed very stressed to anticipate where 2 people without reservations should be sat in their ginormous restaurant. With anxiety and depression on the rise for teens, this was telling. Nonetheless, we got sat. Eventually. Their schtick is the laid back yet party atmosphere. Prime for extroverts. Lots of lawn games, ping pong tables, etc. Great for corporate meeting and private party events. Loved loungey lawn furniture. Loud. Airy. Nice lighting. Picnic tables too. Loos. See pics. Food. Overall very good, especially with a name like Culinary Dropout. Interesting flavors. See pics. Service. Sweet, nice. Outfits were what kids wear now. High waisted jeans, cropped tops revealing a lot. Early 90s throwback, especially with Nike kicks. SMH. But I digress... service was fine. Friendly, good pace, accommodating. Overall, good. Interesting. Wanted to play games, but exhausted that night. May work in Detroit metro if the patio can be enclosed with heaters. Perfect venue for Phoenix weather.
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Raven P.

Yelp
The staff are friendly and very helpful. Our waitress let me request everything on the side instead of directly on top of my hot wings, and they tasted amazing. You can tell everything is made from scratch-- even my ranch tasted like someone hand-mixed it with love. My husband loved his ribs, and though his drink contained a decent amount of cilantro, he loved that too. We're definitely coming back here with family for a hangout, and think it's a great place for group meet-ups.
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Casey R.

Yelp
I really enjoyed Culinary Dropout. The service was fantastic and the food was well seasoned and tasty. The ambiance is nice, a little warm outside last weekend but tolerable. Of note: the high top red chairs are super uncomfortable and you pretty much have to valet your car, my husband is weird about his truck and doesn't like Valet. I wish you had some parking for regular people.
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Brandon P.

Yelp
It was definitely worth the drive. All of the food was unique and perfectly cooked. The Korean style Ribeye Cap was VERY spicy but delicious. It reminded me of Mongolian Beef. The fish had a sauce under the breading which was different but was a really good flavor. The caramelized banana bar was problematically delicious. A nice balance and not too sweet, surprisingly. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was loud but we were able to have conversation without straining. We will definitely be back and excited to try more items from the menu.

Rebecca M.

Yelp
This was our first time coming here and we were NOT disappointed. The food was absolutely amazing and so was our server. I would definitely recommend for people to come here and taste their delicious food and if you are lucky enough to have Keisha as your server, than you will be served with the sweetest smile and kindest voice.
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Jennica S.

Yelp
My boyfriend was raving about a few things: gochujang brussels sprouts, crusty bread, garlic oil & balsamic, and soft pretzels & provolone fondue. Those were ALL worth it, but if I had to choose two, it would the brussies and pretzels! For an entree, he got the steak frites, and for mine, I chose the crispy caesar salad but I replaced the shrimp with salmon. I was not that hungry, but if I were, I would have likely gone with the Korean style ribeye cap or fried chicken. The restaurant itself was very aesthetically pleasing. It is also the only Culinary Dropout that is connected to a pizza place, so I have been told (by my boyfriend). When we went, there was a live band playing and it was very loud and vibrant. It was a weekend, so I am not entirely sure if live music is common, but it was fun to experience. Our waiter was attentive and sweet! We didn't have to wait too long for him to get to us, and the food and drinks arrived pretty quickly as well. Overall, a cool and casual spot to checkout. I would suggest making reservations!
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Lala C.

Yelp
This was absolutely not worth the money. The only good part was the steak. The place was empty when we went but it Took 25 minutes to get house potato chips and dip (so overly salty it made my stomach hurt) The waitress would disappear for 20 min at a time, so three other people helped us. $5 sodas, charged me $5 for four slices of zucchini Pasta bolognese was like hamburger helper This place is beautiful, but their food is VERY overpriced and just not worth it.
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Rachel K.

Yelp
I have always been a big fan of Culinary Dropout. It's a great place for drinks, appetizers, dinner with friends or family, or just to hang out. I came here recently for a work holiday lunch and they were so accommodating. We had a reservation but there was a table delay since other parties were still finishing. It was not a problem for us but they still brought out a few complimentary appetizers as a thanks for our patience. It is just above and beyond service every time. The pretzel bites are a standard for us. The warm cheese dip is insane. I loved the Chicken Katsu sandwich I got last time. I have never been disappointed or had any issues. The only thing I would give a warning to is the parking situation. It gets very busy. I would carpool as much as possible and be early. Also be patient. The valet staff is kind, courteous, and are doing their best.
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L. E.

Yelp
First timer here and let me say everyone in my party was impressed. The server was super attentive and very kind. Brunch was fantastic the feta tahini dip was exceptional as was the banana bread french toast. Well done !
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Erica J.

Yelp
The DJ was great! The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and arrived promptly. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared with fresh ingredients, and the variety pleased everyone at our table (Pretzel appetizer, Prime Rib sandwich, Turkey and Pastrami sandwich, Mongolian Short Rib, Fried Chicken, Mississippi Mud Pie, and Monkey Bread. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice and lively dinner.
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Iris P.

Yelp
On Wednesdays we go to Culinary Dropout We stumbled upon here when looking for another place but we sure are glad we stayed! We didn't know what culinary dropout was so we decided to just check it out while in Arizona, and it became our new favorite place to check out when we travel:) we got the ribs and we shared them, and it was still a great size for us both! The ribs melted off the bone it was incredible! They even separated the plates for us so nicely! We loved it here even the atmosphere was fun there are games to play and at night it turns into a fun bar to have fun with friends!
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Kim G.

Yelp
The service was great! The food is always awesome! You gotta try the warm goat cheese appetizer with the warm toasted bread! Plenty for a meal! Love it!
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Amanda P.

Yelp
The food is always so good, they did change their menu since the last time we came (over a year ago lol) and removed my favorite dish but it happens. The service was amazing, I wish I would have caught his name, but we sat at the bar and he was very attentive and personable!
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Dinelia S.

Yelp
I always enjoy culinary dropout. The Gilbert location is my favorite. Depending on which one you go to, I've found the service is very different. I also asked for an iced tea that one location gave me, but phoenix said they didn't have. I pulled it up on the site and they still didn't know what I was talking about. They also charged me full price during happy hour. So I won't go back to this location again. Definitely sticking to Gilbert or Scottsdale even.

Kelly L.

Yelp
Menu is great. All of our dishes were well prepared. We like the big open space of the dining area!
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Jaclyn T.

Yelp
We went to celebrate a birthday and the overall experience was good. Martin was our service and he was a delight. My husband got the fish and chips and enjoyed that. However, I got the steak frites and the steak was barely edible. I do not recommend. The espresso martini was good for drinks, but didn't have any coffee beans or anything to add to make it cute for the aesthetic. Overall, the birthday boy got a birthday shot and we all had a nice time. Also, the non alcoholic cocktails were a delight and I recommend the pot stickers for an app.
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Jesse B.

Yelp
My wife and I tried this place not knowing what to expect since we're from out of town . I am a person who gets overwhelmed in crowded places and it was taking all my energy not to tell my wife let's find someplace else . I'm glad I didn't because once we were seated I calmed down a bit and got to enjoy the great food and excellent drinks . The lighting in the place was low and nice but the noise level was pretty hectic . It was a mix of everyone from families to college kids . And I didn't know they had valet parking . The drinks took a while to come out from the bar but without even saying anything someone came over and said sorry about the wait on your drinks and they comped us the 1st round .
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Kate E.

Yelp
Returning customer over 6 years later so thought I would share my latest experience. Unfortunately it isn't for the better. It was a Wednesday night and our group of 11 had a reservation. The place was PACKED and in the main dining space it was incredibly loud. All good for the business of course but definitely made it hard to chat. The kitchen was of course insanely busy and you could see them working their butts off, but something in their process was busted because not only did we wait a pretty long time for our food, but when it did come out we weren't served all together. About five of us got our food and just about when we were finished eating the rest of the dishes slowly came out...and those weren't even all at once. Even more disappointing after all this was that some of our dishes were lukewarm, if that. Our server was apologetic and thanked us for being patient, so that was nice. Someone further down at our table said she had mentioned the manager may comp us or do something for us, but sadly that never happened. All in all with everything considered we left a bit disappointed because many of us had been here before and had better experiences. Hopefully this was a one off situation and not the norm.
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Chris C.

Yelp
Great food with large portions! I had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, and it was pretty much two meals. Paloma tasted great, too! Service was quick, as well. The patio was a great spot to hang out in after a long day.
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Kyle H.

Yelp
Let me start off by saying that I have been resisting the urge to dine here, and after talking to a friend about this restaurant I finally caved. I decided to make a reservation, after about an hour of drooling over the menu pictures. We arrived at 6:43, and waited in the complimentary valet line for about 7-8 minutes. After waiting, a valet person told me. "We are full you can park somewhere else and walk back." We were able to find a CVS down the road about 1/2 a mile down the road, and ended up walking a grand total of about a mile. Ladies I had to change from my heals into flats. As I walked up to the restaurant around 7:15 PM, all dressed up for couples night, I saw a long line of vehicles in the valet line being parked by the same person. I guess the valet does not keep reserved spots for those guests with reservations, which was surprisingly inconvenient. That was the our valet part of the experience- Zero stars! The restaurant vibe was that of a fun youthful-new downtown popping restaurant. There were people everywhere, and outside there were people playing different types of outdoor games. They had a live band playing, which was a nice touch. Our server was polite. I think our server's name was Cat? She would show presence after the food runner brought out items of the menu we requested, to ensure everything was satisfactory. The staff has a real group mentality. Cat suggested a beer of the day for my husband, which was 12-14%- It was dark, smooth, and delicious. I chose a simple Margarita on the rocks with the sugar rim. A friend ordered a smoked old fashion, yummy. After seeing the exquisite skills of the bar. I wish I would have ordered a martini. After looking at menu, I knew the 3-4 dishes I was going to try. Wow, the pretzel bites with cheese fondue were a superb appetizer to share with a large group. The cheese is kept warm on top of a cute candle powered burner/warmer. The fish and chips... You mean fish nuggets? Maybe if one of the 3 nuggets were a true fillet I would have wanted more. Please note there was excess oil because of the extra breading that had to be utilized for the smaller nuggets. That being said, the fish was tender and tasted fantastic. The meat loaf was thick and juicy- The way your grandmother would make it. My 36-hour pork ribs were cooked to perfection, and tasted heavenly. The coleslaw was delicious; however the mash potatoes could use some help. The best dish of all was the Korean style ribeye cap. Every bite was impressively tender, and cooked the way the chef recommended. The taste of the onions and mushrooms it was served with was phenomenal. I have added photos of the food and drinks I ordered. If you are going to eat here, you are sure to enjoy it!
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Natalia W.

Yelp
The drinks were really great and the food was good the service is fast easy and chill place to be at !!!