Wintery Brew
They've been tapping new kegs of holiday beer up at Noble Hops Gastropub, which opened early this year at 1335 W. Lambert Lane in Oro Valley. Lost Coast Winterbraun, Rogue Brewing Co.'s Juniper Pale Ale and Old Crustacean Barleywine, and Port Brewing Co.'s Santa's Little Helper all recently joined the rotation—but they go fast, so call to see what's on tap; 797-4677; noblehopspub.com.
1702, the restaurant and beer pub at 1702 E. Speedway Blvd., also has a hefty selection of wintertime beers available. Kegs of Anchor Christmas Ale 2010, Anchor Christmas Ale 2011, Sleepy Dog Max's Christmas Ale and many others were tapped recently, and more are on the way. The place has also begun production of its own beer, which is made on site; 325-1702; www.1702az.com.
Good and Cheap
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, 135 S. Sixth Ave., now offers daily lunch specials for less than $10. That's a smoking deal considering that Janos Wilder is one of the city's most-celebrated chefs, and that the food created under his tutelage is typically top-notch. You can also score good deals on Thursdays during ladies' night, which features a half-price bar menu and $3 drink specials for the ladies from 9 p.m. to midnight; 623-7700; downtownkitchen.com.
Coming Soon: Foodie Fleet
A new food truck called Foodie Fleet is about to hit the streets, adding to the growing number of trucks offering gourmet food around the city. We've heard the truck will specialize in pressed sandwiches and waffles, but bison sliders and french fries served with unique dipping sauces have also been mentioned. The best thing we've heard, however, is that the truck will offer pairings of nonalcoholic beverages. We'll let you know when we learn more.
New: Texas Roadhouse
Another Texas Roadhouse has opened at 968 W. Irvington Road. The chain restaurant—which also has locations at 170 S. Wilmot Road and at 8450 N. Cracker Barrel Road in Marana—is famous for large portions, side dishes like fried pickles and rattlesnake bites, and all the meat you could ever want; 889-3864; www.texasroadhouse.com.
The Happiest Hour
Brushfire BBQ has added a happy hour. Head to 2745 N. Campbell Ave. or 7080 E. 22nd St. between 3 and 6 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, for drink specials and discounts on chicken wings, Messy Fries and Messy Fritos; brushfirebbq.com.
