Monday, September 24, 2007

NachoBears to the Dos Gringos!



Date: September 23, 2007

Establishment Visited: Dos Gringos http://www.dosgringosaz.com/

Bears Lost 10-34



I’ll admit it, we had fun at “the Dos” on Sunday in Tempe on Priest, despite the fact that the Bear lost to the Cowboys 10-34. Please understand, I went to grad school in Tempe, and sometimes visited the Dos Gringos (read: every day) on University, now moved to 8th Street. They recently opened up a new location just south of Elliot on Priest—the NachoBears team decided to give it a try!


I’m usually weary when one of my favorite drinking establishments tries to clone itself (read: dilute their brand) in a new location, especially one like “The Dos” that has such a strong college vibe. The Dos should heed the warnings of the once successful Long Wongs, which took a wong turn and duped itself into obscurity. They are now everywhere and have no quality whatsoever.


Alas, I didn’t have too much to worry about after all. People and quality food make a bar, and the Dos set up all the trailer park shizzle it is known for, then threw in more Coronas and day drinking encouragement. The wait staff is young and fun to be around. We even witnessed a body-shot! If I had to quibble, I’d say that the game itself was not easy to watch—not only was the Bears offense a train-wreck, the TVs only offered good viewing from select locations. I’ll give them a pass, though, since this is not supposed to be a sports bar (I don’t think, anyway)…








So here are the nacho ratings:

Chips: 3.5

They at least cooked them recently, they were crisp and fresh. Blue and white corn tortilla chips. Only criticism would be they are a little too fried and sweet (for my taste). You might like them though.

Toppings: 3.5 We got the chicken nachos, the chef (and I use that term loosely) loads the plate with chips, then scoops on the required toppings. Not an exact science, but fairly effective. Guac, beans, sour cream, black and pinto beans, velveeta “Cheese-like” sauce. Again, no jalapenos! (Why!?!?!)

Wait Staff: 4.5 Everyone was really friendly and fun!



Beer: 3.5 Dos XX was on sale for $2 in a can, and I don't really like can beer, but you gotta go with the special. The rest of the beer choices were good, but they are not giving it away. You are supposed to buy Corona at Dos Gringos.

Price: 3.5 Not good, not bad.

Bears Viewing: 2.5 Sitting at the bar offers the best view of the TVs, and you’ll crane your neck watching the game. Looking around the room I noticed 90% of the crowd could care less about the game.



Overall Rating: 3.5 Good, Fun Place. The Wait Staff Made the Difference!

Half Moon Tries Half as Hard


Bears game: Sun. Sept. 9 @ Chargers 3:15 PM
L 3-14
Half Moon Bar in Tempe is a great place to watch the Bears since they are an “official” Bears bar and they have a lot of tv’s featuring the Bears. They even have tv’s in the bathrooms so you don’t miss any of the action. However, the bar does tend to be crowded and there are usually some loud obnoxious non-bear fans. The worst part about this bar is the food. It basically sucks. They put sloppy-joe mix on their nachos! Why? The chips are bland and get soggy from the sloppy joe stuff. No jalapeƱos either. A sad attempt at nachos. Is it me, or why are good nachos so hard to find in Phoenix?!!?

Chips: 1.5

Medium to poor, stale and store bought, stored in a bag. Tasted like cheap chips you’d get at Costco.


Toppings: 3.0

Nothing to write home about. Kinda bland and tasteless. No one put care into it!


Wait Staff: 3.5 Cute female wait staff, moderately friendly.


Beer: 3 .0 No ‘on tap’ beer!


Price: 2.0 Expensivo!


Bears Viewing: 4.0 There are a few games on the widescreen TVs, but the Bears are on the main screen.

Overall Rating: 2.5 Low to Mediocre!
Heres a quick recap of the September Bears.

September Bears Schedule:

Sun. 9 @ Chargers 3:15 PM WBBM L 3-14 Half-Moon
Sun. 16 CHIEFS 3:15 PM WBBM W 20-10
Sun. 23 COWBOYS 7:15 PM WBBM L 10-34 Dos Gringos bar on Priest
Sun. 30 @ Lions 12:00 PM WBBM FOX Nacho Location To be Announced.