Rough Rider

We rolled into Rough Rider Arizona to celebrate an anniversary, and the place delivered. It’s a legit speakeasy vibe dim lighting, solid brick-and-mortar feel, and a quiet, confident energy that’s easy to settle into. We kicked things off with the baked crab dip rich, creamy, and perfectly shareable then, two standout cocktails: Game Theory and Summer George. The drinks showed real craftsmanship bold flavors with balanced finishes. The service was sharp but never stiff, with spot-on recommendations. The atmosphere has a masculine, unpretentious charm great for a conversation filled night with a partner. We left with the “we’ll be back” vibe and a sense that this hidden gem is perfect for anniversaries or any night you want a well made, low key experience.

I had an excellent time at the happy hour here. The oysters were really fresh and the sauces to go with them were also outstanding. Also the drinks were delicious, I had a mystery punch and an old fashioned. The old fashioned was clearly well made, and the punch was very tasty.

We stopped by this spot for a pre-dinner cocktail (our dinner reservation was at a different place), and it turned out to be such a fun surprise. You enter the building, take an elevator down to the basement, and as soon as the doors open, you’re transported into what feels like a movie set — the vibe is super chic, moody, and exciting. The ambience really blew me away. There was an open flame feature that added a dramatic touch, and the bar wall was fully stocked with an impressive selection of alcohol — definitely a visual treat. The cocktails were top-notch, crafted with care and creativity. We also tried a crab dish which was delicious and nicely balanced. It was the perfect spot to kick off the evening — stylish, unique, and definitely memorable.

We had the most incredible dining experience at Rough Rider this evening. Our waitress, Olivia was attentive and extremely knowledgeable! She provided recommendations for us when we were unsure what to order and successfully guided us to heaven and back. The cocktails were unique and out of this world delicious. I am a huge mezcal fan, and the Twisted Nectar was to die for. We started with the oysters- the best mignonette we have ever had and the oysters were extremely fresh. We then had the crab dip which was like a mouth hug with delicious bread. Next for our main, we ordered the ribeye steak prepared medium rare and the cauliflower for a side. The cauliflower was the best thing we ate all night- truly a showstopper. The steak was cooked to perfection melt in your mouth good on a bed of the most decedent and delicious mashed potatoes. We then finished with the s'mores dessert which was the perfect ending to the perfect meal. 10/10 we cannot wait to go back and visit Olivia. She even brought us a little surprise when we told her that we are getting married soon!

The restaurant impressed with attentive staff and a warm ambiance. Initially, I ordered a pasta dish that didn't meet my expectations. However, upon switching to the duck leg, I loved the rich flavor and perfect preparation. The meal was complemented by excellent drinks and service. I look forward to returning for another memorable experience.

Parking was difficult to find and deal with. The music was so loud you couldn't have a conversation without yelling. The speakeasy theme was more hipster than anything. The food was inconsistent. We both had the duck - one was good, the other was completely burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. Soda comes in a can and there's no refills. Service was barely okay, the server seemed annoyed. The bartenders spent most of their time standing together chatting. The prices are way too high for what you get.

Great food, drinks and service. Had the crab dip, sauvigon blanc and True American. Sat in the cocktail lounge, what a treat... must do vs a table. May want to make a reservation. For 2 sat pretty quickly without one... enjoy!

Great speakeasy/restaurant in fun basement location in downtown Phoenix. Great location and atmosphere. Service and food however was lacking. Ordered the popular seafood tower, it was pretty delicious but definitely overpriced. The mussels, steak and pork chop were just ok. Service took forever and it wasn’t very busy. And the staff barely checked on you.

As the self-appointed king of speakeasies, it is my duty to share another review about, well, you guessed it, a speakeasy. I had the pleasure of checking out Rough Rider on a Wednesday evening for dinner. Located in Roosevelt Row, I parked on the street for free. I didn't do a lot of research on how to find the speakeasy, but it ended up being a fun scavenger hunt of sorts. Ambiance (5/5): I'm a stickler for a speakeasy being a true speakeasy...meaning it should be hidden. As you walk down the street, there's a graphic on the wall instructing you to keep walking and enter the building through the side door. Once inside, by the elevator, there's a sign telling you to take the middle elevator down to the basement. Once you do, you'll arrive at the speakeasy. Upon entering, I was immediately impressed with the old school, classic charm of Rough Rider. The speakeasy is Teddy Roosevelt-themed, who's nickname was Rough Rider. You'll see various decor with his face on it, he has a cocktail named after him, etc. I sat at a nice booth. The speakeasy is also larger than I expected, so there are a good number of seats. Service (4.5/5): Our waiter was friendly and gave helpful suggestions. My only complaint? He could have stopped by a little more frequently. Outside of that, an excellent service experience. Food (5/5): I judge speakeasies by their drinks, but I was here for dinner, too. The menu features shareable small plates, seafood, and a small list of entrees. I outdid myself and went with one cocktail shrimp, which is served on ice with your classic dipping sauce. From there, I had the crab dib which features crab, celery, onions, and scallions. It's served with Noble bread. And finally, the duck confit, served with a root puree and blackberries. Delicious all-around. The crab dip was served warm in a skillet. The bread was fresh and crispy. With the crab dip smeared on top, it was a great starter. Crab is one of my favorite seafoods, so no surprise there. I also don't often pass on an opportunity to have duck. While not a large portion size, the duck drumstick had a crispy skin interior and succulent gamey interior. The sweetness of the blackberries complimented the duck perfectly. I was also excited to try a root puree for the first time which had a slight taste of oysters. Very cool. Drinks (5/5): Now to the good stuff. Speakeasies are known for elevated cocktails. Which is certainly what you'll find here. The drink menu is split up into five sections. Since I had to catch them all, I had a drink from each category. These included the Hello, Mr. President (served with a champagne side car), a cocktail that incorporated fresh jam, a tiki-style cocktail, and more. Each and every cocktail was unique and well made. The presentation was nice, though not over the top. I enjoyed each one, and the differences between them all. Rough Rider is an awesome experience, but it won't come cheap. You're going to pay a premium, but the food and drinks are quality. I think it's safe to say that this speakeasy is one of my top 5 favorite (probably top 3) that I have experienced in Phoenix so far.

This is Hubby's favorite restaurant, so we come here relatively often. It's in the basement of a large office building on Roosevelt Row. There's not really a sign alerting you to the location, unless you count the huge smiling Teddy Roosevelt on the side of the building. This place is Teddy Roosevelt themed, At the decor really does bring you back in today 1910s. It's dark with lots of gorgeous carved wood. There are pictures of Teddy Roosevelt and because it is Teddy Roosevelt themed, you'll also find bits of Americana. There's a raw bar on one side, and on the other side there is a long bar, a lounge area with fireplace, and a dining room. There's also a little room with a sofa and some comfy chairs off to the side - - perhaps you can rent it privately? I do know that some people came in before us without a reservation and they were banished to the little room because there were no seats available at the bar or in the dining room. Every time we've come here we have had the most attentive servers. The cocktal menu offers a little something for everyone, although I don't think they have a large beer menu. They have wonderful cobbler drinks. Hubby had the Martini of Honor and I had a yummy mezcal drink topped with bee pollen called Twisted Nectar. We started with the the smoked salmon dip, which was delish! For dinner, we both had the pork chop with apple slaw, which is what I always order. Soooo good! Its a good idea to have a reservation on the weekend. And allow time for parking. They do validate!

The ambiance is pretty cool. See the pictures. It is a bit warm for a basement though. The service was very good with one exception. We were asked if we liked our food once. When we got our appetizers. Which was excellent. The mascarpone potatoes are a must. The shrimp cocktail was very good as well. My wife had a cocktail that she liked very much as well. But the entrees. The ribeye was a good cut and very tender but totally un seasoned. The potato's it was sitting on were excellent. The chicken breast. Over cooked and very dry. The sauce and the celery root puree, very good. We were very disappointed at the entrees after the excellent appetizers and cocktail. The ambiance was top notch as well.

First time here. We chose this location to celebrate our anniversary and we are so happy we did. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the server, and bartender--all wished us a "happy anniversary" and even before we got started we were welcomed with celebratory champagne. Hilary our waitress was absolutely PHENOMENAL. Amazing service and great recommendations. She made our time here that much more awesome. Every cocktail we ordered was fantastic. We started with the roasted potatoes and artichokes--HIGHLY recommend. It is a large portion. I ordered the seasonal fish which happened to be salmon--it was good. My only slight complaint is the sauce was salty. If you read the review below mine--several others complained about the salty salmon as well. I was able to eat my dish but it was very salty. My boyfriend ordered the ribeye and he said it was one of the best steaks he has had and the mashed potatoes were equally amazing. The ambiance and vibe is amazing especially for date night or celebrating. Come check this place out!

Our server was amazing and very patient with us. He recommended some amazing dishes and was super helpful! The food and drinks were amazing. Our favorite was the potatoes because they were so crispy and the flavors were amazing!

Rough Rider was an amazing and delicious experience for dinner! The restaurant is located in the basement and gives off a dark, lodge, hip vibe. Paid parking is available in the parking garage to the east. Main building interior isn't labeled very obvious so find the elevators just past the lobby on the left. Restrooms are on the first floor. Once you get downstairs a small host booth sits to the right against the decorated wall. A large portrait of President Teddy faces you. There is varying seating options and bar seating too. We had really great service! Our water was always filled, we were checked on regularly and were provided recommendations on drinks and food. She explained everything thoroughly. Really appreciated her providing the details on the drink profiles. The food was delicious! We started out with crab dip and muscles. I had the Mr. President drink off the menu to start and it was so yummy for a sweeter side cocktail drink. The seafood menu items, not ordered, are served chilled. We shared the ribeye which was at market price, and cooked as ordered. A table next to us had ordered the potatoes and we were told by our server they were good but we opted out this time. The s'more dessert was just the right amount to finish off dinner. Highly recommend!! And make reservations.

Came here after work with a few friends to catch up on life. I've had this place book marked for some time now, so glad I checked it out! The ambience and vibes here are amazing! Low light, detailed woodwork throughout and speakeasy feels everywhere! It's usually busy so make sure to get a reservation beforehand. Unfortunately, the non-alcoholic options are basically tea....so I just went with water. We ordered some oysters, and while I'm not a huge fan of them, they were good. We also got the fried cauliflower appetizer that was pretty tasty. On a scale of 1 - 10, I'd come back just for the atmosphere alone, BUT, it kinda sucks that they don't have a few other non-alcoholic beers or drinks available.

Sat at the bar this time. It's a beautiful bar with an interesting theme and a very upscale feel. Tried the crab dip and it was delicious and a perfect late night snack. Service was friendly and informative and it was a wonderful 4th of July stop.

Rough Rider is a masterclass in flavor pairing--from the cocktails to the main course, everything felt intentionally crafted and expertly executed. From the moment you step in, the speakeasy vibe and electrifying ambiance set the tone for a memorable evening. It feels like you've discovered a hidden gem--cool, intimate, and buzzing with energy. I started with the June on the West Coast, and I was blown away. It was so smooth and well-balanced that I genuinely forgot it was a cocktail--it tasted that good. You could tell there was a strong pour, but it was hidden behind layers of refreshing, delicious flavor. For my second drink, I asked the bartender to recommend something to complement the bone-in pork chop, and he suggested the Secrets of the Apothecary. He described it as a cocktail that drinks like a Cabernet, and that was spot on. While it wasn't my favorite of the two, it was still a unique and tasty addition to the meal. And then--the pork chop. Wow. Pork is so easy to mess up, but this one was perfection. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. The black garlic marinade and demi-glace were deep, rich, and savory, and they paired perfectly with the apple slaw salad, which brought a fresh, slightly sweet contrast. It was honestly one of the best pork chops I've ever had. Huge props to the chef. Rough Rider nails the experience--from drinks, to food, to vibe. I'll definitely be back.

NOT a speakeasy IMO but still a great atmosphere with a great cocktail menu. Alive but not too busy (here on a Friday night). I can't attest to the food as we only ordered drinks. Prices are high, but reasonable considering the concept.

Ummmm it was ok super pricey and the food was just ok! You are definitely paying for the vibes!! It's like a sultry romantic speakeasy! Our waitress was Olivia and she was really nice and knowledgeable about the menu. I tried the duck leg quarter...I have never had duck before it was cool tasted like rich chicken lol the oysters were 4 dollars each and shrimp 4.50 both really fresh.... The cocktail sauce was homemade really good but super spicy!! The salad was fresh lettuce was crisp but the Caesar dressing was very mustardy... all in all it was a cute date night and I'd go again if someone else is paying... lol

One of the best restaurants I've been to! The decor and ambience is exquisite. My server, Hilary, was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Before I would even think to ask for more water she was already pouring. The bartender made me a custom cream soda which was sooo good. Could not recommend this place enough!!!

Delicious. I saw episode on Check Please AZ and had to try. Definitely a place I will go back. The atmosphere is cool. Parking is easy in structure next door. Service was on point. I cannot think of anything I would change. Salmon was perfectly cooked. S'mores Cake dessert was tasty.

This place is a GEM, don't miss the opportunity, CS, Ambiance, Food and Drink is FANTASTIC! Andrew was our Server and he was phenomenal, very polite, considerate, knowledgeable and accommodating. He made our dining experience memorable. We love this restaurant and we will be back.

Several of my Ladi friends and I decided to go out and have dinner while our husbands were at a fraternity meeting. I chose this place because I have been wanting to come here for a long time. Let me begin by saying that the ambience is wonderful. It's kind of hard to find. You have to use the middle elevator in a tall building in order to go down into the basement and go to the restaurant. The service was wonderful. But now let's talk about the food and some of the mishaps. We ordered the muscles and the crab dip for appetizers. Both of those were good. However, it's where the wheels fell off for the entrées. I had the duck breast over grits. The grits were not hot and the duck was just OK. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. But I was a little disappointed that my grits were cold along with the greens that were served with the dish. Two of my girlfriends order the salmon. I don't know if the chef accidentally spilled a lot of salt into the dish or if it was on purpose. Either way it was way too salty and in not edible. We sent it back and they graciously gave us two more dishes. But when I tell you that it was overly salty, it was overly salty. I cook a lot and I like salt, but I couldn't even eat that because it was entirely too salty. I'm willing to give it another try. I just definitely will not get the duck again. The drinks were very good though! And the decor is amazing.

Food was tasty and presentable. The drinks we exactly how they described and tasty with just the right amount of sweetness when needed nothing overpowering besides the presentation. Service was amazing our waitress was super quick and sweet very personable. The ambiance was spot on we dressed for the occasion. We would definitely go back considering we came from California to try it out.

Completed date night by reserving a late night seat at the bar for drinks and desserts. Skipped dessert because the charcuterie board was so filing and amazing. Best one I've had. Drinks were unique and perfectly crafted. The place was awesome. The hidden location had us circling at first but we had fun discovering it. The decor and atmosphere were top notch. The theme of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders is felt all throughout. This is a rare speakeasy that actually feels like one. The wood affects and the amber lighting creates such a dim warmth. Definitely a new favorite and I've recommended this spot to every friend!

We had the most incredible dining experience at Rough Rider this evening. Our waitress, Olivia was attentive and extremely knowledgeable! She provided recommendations for us when we were unsure what to order and successfully guided us to heaven and back. The cocktails were unique and out of this world delicious. I am a huge mezcal fan, and the Twisted Nectar was to die for. We started with the oysters- the best mignonette we have ever had and the oysters were extremely fresh. We then had the crab dip which was like a mouth hug with delicious bread. Next for our main, we ordered the ribeye steak prepared medium rare and the cauliflower for a side. The cauliflower was the best thing we ate all night- truly a showstopper. The steak was cooked to perfection melt in your mouth good on a bed of the most decedent and delicious mashed potatoes. We then finished with the s'mores dessert which was the perfect ending to the perfect meal. 10/10 we cannot wait to go back and visit Olivia. She even brought us a little surprise when we told her that we are getting married soon!

Good food can't make up for cold service We brought our out-of-town friends to celebrate their engagement. The space was beautiful, and the food was solid. The service left us all feeling like an afterthought. With only a couple other tables seated on a Wed eve, we hoped for a warm, welcoming experience. Instead, our server was dismissive, barely present, and visibly uninterested...right down to an eye roll when our friends shared their proposal video. What should've been a joyful, easy night felt uncomfortable and uninvited. And yes, after $400 dinner; they still charged us for dessert. You may not remember the words; you'll remember they way they made you feel. We don't expect a red carpet, but a little acknowledgment would've gone a long way. There are too many great places in Phoenix that know how to make a celebration feel like one.

We had never been there before and were sat like naughty kids in the corner facing a wall (raw bar).. we made the best of it. Waitress was a little abrasive but on the ball. It was definitely poppin for a Friday night and the basement vibe is pretty cool. We didn't get to see the main part of the restaurant but it was nice. We ordered drinks (AMAZING)!! We shared oysters (both east coast options were phenomenal), then there was everything else... ordered a Caesar salad, roasted potatoes & artichokes, and the ragu... The salad lettuce was old and soggy.. The ragu was SO spicy and was not exactly expecting that.. and the potatoes and artichoke.. what to say about that.. the artichokes tasted like burnt Brussels sprouts which was odd and the potatoes were just okay.. surprisingly they're cooked in what seems like the same way and yet grossly different. We definitely will try this again cause so many people have raved to us about it. Maybe next time with friends while not staring at a wall and definitely with trying other options

I came here in NYE 2022 and made a reservation and my party was put on a bar stood by the seafood. We were incredibly disappointed and frustrated but I liked the vibes so I wanted to try it again. For NYE 2024 my boyfriend and I came and we made reservations over the phone in November. I wasn't given an option about seating and when we got there there wasn't a table and we got seated at the bar. We were super frustrated because we had been planning this and it was not what we wanted. Along with that my boyfriend got stuck in the elevator. The only thing that saved the day was the bartender Brandon. He was so kind and considerate and just made us feel seen through the frustration and I cannot thank him enough. I hope he gets to see this review. He was so kind to get us complimentary drinks and was so attentive throughout the night. The food was almost pretty amazing. We shared the roast chicken and the meat and cheese board and it was incredible. So thank you Brandon for saving NYE.

This was my second visit to Rough Rider, and it did not disappoint! This time, I tried the Thai Me Up because the combination of spice and sweetness sounded intriguing--and it was absolutely delicious! One friend ordered the Divine Feminine and really enjoyed it, while another had the Strawberry Blonde mocktail and loved it as well. The service was amazing, as always, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I just need to come back during the day sometime so I can actually try and review the food!!

Firstly, this place is amazing. Secondly, this place is amazing. We had dinner organized for 5 of us for NYE here and were absolutely blown away by the quality of the food that was served - phenomenal. Our waitress was fantastic - very accommodating, communicative, and knew her stuff. Also she was ALOT of fun. The pictures of the food speaks volumes - even though I am not the best foodie photographer.. however the flavors were divine. Everything was perfect - I cant speak more highly of the quality, and presentation of the dishes. All were excellent. The cocktails were good - the Old fashioned became the table favourite very quickly. I tried the gin cocktail (9mm & a Three piece Suit) which was nice but the Legend Old Fashioned was better all round. We will DEF be back for a happy hour or even just to go back there again because its just so awesome! Go do it..

The speakeasy vibe is awesome. When here for my 21st and it was a great experience. Drinks are great and the appetizers were good!

If Teddy Roosevelt had a favorite spot in Phoenix, it'd be Rough Rider. The drinks? Incredible. The Spanish Caravan is smoky and smooth, while the Nouveau Sangaree is dangerously good--like, "I'll take another" good. The food stole the show. The Roasted Duck Breast was so perfect--tender with crispy skin--that I ordered it twice. No regrets. The Brussels Sprouts (no bacon jam) were crispy, caramelized, and impossible to stop eating. And don't skip the Parker House Rolls--buttery, soft, and downright heavenly with honey butter. Rough Rider delivers on vibes, drinks, and food that'll have you planning your next visit before you leave. 5 stars, 2 ducks, and one very happy diner.

The ambiance here is truly one of its strongest points. Warm lighting, tasteful décor, and a layout that feels both spacious and intimate. The background music was at just the right volume for conversation, and the staff added to the welcoming atmosphere with their friendly demeanor. It's the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer over your meal :)

Went for Birthday dinner with my husband and could not have been happier with the pick. We did have a reservation which I'd say is a good idea. We had no issues finding like others mentioned however parking was crazy $40 (we did go on first Fridays so that's that!) The service was personalized and fantastic. Inside was cozy and dark woods with a cool vibe. Food was delish! The smoked salmon was a cold dip and good salmon flavor. The duck breast was cooked to perfection and the grits were equally as good. My husband had Pork Chop and was impressed how well it was cooked. We were too full for dessert but the cocktails were tasty!

We sat at the bar and ordered drinks and the crab dip. Everything was delicious! I enjoyed the artistry and speed of the bartenders! Will definitely return! Please note it was difficult to find! Just remember second elevator then basement!

I came here because I'm a fan of Theodore Roosevelt. I was not disappointed with the food or decor. It'd be very easy to have made the theming super cliche, but the detail put into the choice of books, wall art, and drink names shows some care. I had a late lunch and wasn;t up to eat, but I wish I had been. The menu looked great. My two different drinks were delicious. There was a ton of variety. The bartender was sweet and helpful, and the feel of the place was perfect. I wish I was a local and could visit more.

This is a in the basement speakeasy. We made reservations for 10 PM. The atmosphere was low lighting, almost like a romantic late night vibe . we ordered the salmon dip which I really enjoyed but my friends didn't , they enjoyed the crab dip which was warm. The salmon dip was more like package tuna when you mix mayo on it. I did not enjoy the crab dip. I got the chicken breast, which just came in a white sauce with artichokes inside that was tasty as the sauce was creamy, but I was not blown out the water by it. My drink of choice was not very impressive as well. This will be a place that I may have to give another try and try some other things on the menu

So Good!! Our server was fantastic even though it was a busy time we never were left wondering where she was or waiting on her. Ordered a couple appetizers for the table and their craft cocktail selection was extensive. Everyone was able to find something they wanted without it being overly sweet

This was our first time coming to rough rider and it was everything we were expecting and more. When we arrived we got into the elevator to the basement and were transported back in time. The speakeasy was so cool, and we came for happy hour so we got some of their drinks and a charcuterie board. The service was amazing, and the server made sure to give us great recommendations when struggling to choose.

This place is proof that if you come up with an interesting theme and dark lighting, you can fool the suckers. The drinks are overpriced. The food, especially the entrees, are bad. Somehow they managed to mess up a Caesar salad (bland) and chicken (dry and gross.) But people keep coming here because you take a cool elevator and it's dark enough that you can't really see the menu. Good for them.

Wow wow wow! Our friends took us here and it was an amazing experience! Love the basement speakeasy vibe-super classy ambiance also... the drinks were incredible and the food was delicious. We also had outstanding service with great menu recommendations. My favorite thing was my cactus cocktail and the fried cauliflower was out of this world. Highly recommend and we will absolutely return! I would say the only downer is they sat us at a table by the sushi bar. My friends who had visited before (and had a reservation) were very disappointed with our table location. That area lacks life compared to the other sections of the restaurant. They had no other place to put us, which was upsetting since they'd made a reservation days in advance. I think this space needs work. Plus it was freezing cold! I'm assuming next to a freezer?

If I could give this place 6 stars, I would! I read reviews prior to coming here and noticed so many people raved about the food. I was skeptical because could that many people really love the food THAT much? I kept my expectations in check so that I wouldn't be disappointed, but OH MY GOSH, everyone was right! The food is AMAZING!! My husband and I like EVERYTHING that we got. We got the: - Fried Cauliflower: my husband said this was a 10/10 - Baked Crab Dip: warm and comforting - Seasonal Fish: The fish was trout at the time and was very similar to salmon. I loved it! And the spinach Florentine sauce was so good. - Bone-In Pork Chop: My husband finished the whole plate. Super tender pork and the apple slaw was very refreshing. I've been recommending this place to everyone since we went. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is so cool (love that you specifically have to take the middle elevator down), and we had such a great time here. I can't wait to come back here again!

This underground restaurant provides relief from the sun with its dark but inviting aesthetic. The pictures on the walls and the menu itself create an environment that sends you back in time to Teddy Roosevelt's rough rider roots. In early October, the restaurant did a great job decorating for Halloween! There are little bats on the lights throughout the space and fake cobwebs. The aesthetic is very festive and also works well with the restaurant's subterranean character. The bar at Rough Rider is so cool with old barrels on the wall and a classic look that makes you think of Roosevelt's presidency. The cocktails are slightly pricey around $17-20ish but they pack a punch. Each cocktail I've had is well worth the price. I particularly like the "True American" with Old Forester, Fernet, and orange juice! I'm a sucker for Fernet so this drink didn't disappoint and offered a neat spin on my go-to mixing alcohol. You won't be disappointed if you stop in just for a drink before going somewhere else for dinner but you should stay for a bite if you can! I've been several times and the menu has just gotten better and better. They offer great fish and oysters if you are looking for something from the sea. Rough Rider also has great meat options. I really enjoyed the ribeye. It was so rich and paired so well with my cocktail. Rough Rider is conveniently situated on the corner of Central and Roosevelt. It is very easy to walk to from most of downtown Phoenix and the streetcar stop just across the road. Driving isn't too hard for downtown with a large parking garage next door.

The pasta was the best pasta I've ever had!!!! When the waitress said it's made with love...she really really really meant it. I'm from out of town and want to come back to visit just because of the pasta! The Goat Milk Panna Cotta was soooooo good too!!!!! Pork Chop was great. Plus I love a good theme! It was so neat!

I absolutely adore coming to Rough Rider. From the moment you take the center elevator down, it transports you to another time. If you're looking for a more upscale girls night, date night or boujee dinner please don't skip Rough Rider! The food is absolutely phenomenal, the drinks are not loaded with sugar but packed with flavors, and the servers will always give you the best suggestions! They are attentive and know their menu!

Amazing good!! So much flavor. The oyster mignonette is green apple and challots. Absolutely amazing and unique flavor mixes. Excellent spice combination. Favorable, amazing pasta, basil...if you love pasta like I do....this is heaven!!! Excellent service from a very attentive wait staff. Friendly and accommodating. Took out a group of 5 for a customer dinner. My only negative comment is the place is so loud. I couldn't even hear the person sitting next to me. I wouldn't recommend it for clients. Take your loud and crazy friends instead!!! Highly recommend for the good!! Great Chef!!!

Great ambiance! Drinks were delicious although they messed up my husbands order and took about 20 minutes to get him the right drink. Otherwise service was great! Food was good, not great.

This is the perfect spot for a date night!! You take the elevator down in the ten-o-one building and you will be instantly impressed. The servers are extremely friendly and give great suggestions! We both enjoyed our cocktails and the crab dip is out of this world! Seriously if you get one thing only it has to be that! I will continue to come back this place is great :)

First time visiting and will be back! Chris was our server and was very sweet and helpful as we navigated the cocktail menu which was fun and tasty. As recommended by others get the fried cauliflower and my husband enjoyed the pork chop served cut away from the bone. I had the blackened duck breast which was cooked medium and delicious!

Very nice ambiance, wonderful and attentive service, and the food was phenomenal! We received a free birthday s'mores cake.

My friend and I were so overjoyed to see the selection of spirits and liquors on the wall. We sat at the bar which was beautiful and spacious. We ate the Lamb Ragout with Pappardelle for our entree and the potatoes and artichokes for our side. Both were phenomenal. There was a variety of oysters to choose from which we took advantage of. Also, the cocktails were equally delicious. The bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. We can't wait to come back to try more menu items.

One of our absolute favorites. We often bring family here when they come into town for the experience. The vibe of the place is so fun. It's set in the late 19th and the decor is right on point. The last time we went we got to sit at the bar which definitely gave a different view of the place too, we loved it. The service was great from the host to our waitress. We got great drink recommendations and our sober family member requested a mocktail that the bartender curated perfectly! The staff was attentive and we never felt forgotten. Food and drinks came out quickly. We didn't have much hopes for the food being anything too amazing since it's a cocktail bar but boy were we wrong. The charcuterie board was what's expected of one for the most part but the potatoes and artichokes were so delicious! The chicken was probably one of the best chicken dishes I've had since moving out here. The meat was juicy, tender and you didn't even need a knife to cut it. The s'mores cake was delicious and not too sweet. And we loved that they had a vegan dessert option for our guest with a dairy allergy. We will definitely continue to come back.

This place is so cool. Tucked in the basement. Things come alive once the elevator doors open. We didn't have a reservation and they seated us at the bar. Looked like they had plenty of open tables. Food was creative and on point. Cocktails were intricate and were a cornucopia of flavor. Make sure to visit this place when in the area.

Finally made plans and secured reservations to do a double date on a Saturday night and it was a swinging pendulum with the food & drinks... The ambiance, vibe, and staff are definitely top-notch here. If you don't know you gotta enter via the elevator going downstairs to access the restaurant. We were quickly seated and glazed over the menu trying to find the ideal cocktail to keep the night moving. Is it pricey, yes, so like any place you expect the best with food, drinks, and service. The mishaps for our night overshadowed the goodness. The best dish we had was the crab dip and cauliflower everything about the flavors & the sear on the food was just perfect. For dinner, I went with the ribeye steak cooked medium. The sear was great however, the piece of meat I had was extremely fatty so as I was cutting through it seemed like every piece had unwanted fat on it. Fat is key, but this was a bit too much as it was overpowering the steak. The Meatballs that were shared were good but didn't really stand out to be as stellar as they were sold. The one item everyone talks about is the Bone in Pork Chop so my buddy got that and I managed to have a few bites. Most importantly with the pork chop, gotta eat it immediately when it comes out as it got super tough towards the end. This place definitely met expectations from the Vibe & experience. Not all the food was stellar and missed the mark as far as expectations. Similar thing happened with my cocktail, as we ended up sending two cocktails back that night. One was extremely tart and nonalcoholic while the other was very strong and sat like cough syrup. I do appreciate our server Taylor as she was engaging, fun, and knew how to help us make pics from food to drinks. Looking forward to returning to try more food & drinks & hoping for less issues.

This place is really cool. Reservations recommended (maybe required?). It really gives speakeasy vibes, especially since it's underground and you take an elevator to get there! Staff were all very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I think Andrew took care of us and he was great! We only ordered drinks, but food looked and smelled incredible! We tried three different drinks. The Don't Harsh My Mallow was my favorite!! The Port to Port was great, the bourbon and port were balanced perfectly. Infinite Playlist (happy hour menu) was so refreshing and delicious.

Made a last minute reservation here and we loved it! My drink was super yummy (don't harsh my mallow) others drinks were good too! Friends ordered the roasted chicken and pasta and that was delicious! Highly recommend checking it and enjoying some cocktails for a date night or with some friends!