The Vig Experience

He Said

They must be doing something right! It all started in Arcadia and has expanded into Uptown Phoenix and now Downtown Phoenix. I will admit that my first experience had nothing to do with the food and more about the drinking and atmosphere. So I’ll start there, since I firmly believe this is what made it what it is today. No matter what location you go to, you can be sure it will be full of 20-30 somethings simply hanging out. That’s what is so great about the Vig. It has a great back yard with large laid back lawn chairs and bocce ball, lots of shade, a fire pit when its cold, an additional outside bar when it’s busy, and fake grass. It’s like going over to someone’s great backyard and enjoying a relaxing time with friends. So to recap: great people, great atmosphere, and great drinks. That is the winning solution for the Vig. But it can’t survive on that alone, so I visited the uptown location for brunch one morning to find out if it can also hit the mark with some great food.

I decided to order the Vigazz burger. Honestly I wanted breakfast but their brunch menu is rather short and there were more afternoon options. The burger was cooked medium to my preference and included bacon and smoked gouda. I love smoked gouda, actually any smoked flavored cheese. Along with a spicy mayo and mustard and the other usual accompaniments. You get a choice of a side and I choose the sweet potato fries. I feel like I’m being healthy even though I know I’m not. The best part was of course, they were running a special at the time of my visit for $5 bloody marys or mimosas. That made up for not having a large breakfast menu at brunch. So at the end of the day I’d go to the Vig for a good time with friends and if we happen to eat there I won’t complain. I’ll enjoy all aspects of that day.

She Said

The Vig. A favorite of many East Valley and Central Phoenix residents, this tavern is a modern retreat now at two locations. This hidden cinder block constructed lounge is a popular spot to visit any day of the week, though weekend evenings are its prime time. The indoor seating area is dimly lit with comfortable booths and simple but contemporary decor. There’s a large bar in the center of the restaurant with plenty of seating. The spotlight of The Vig is the large outdoor patio. Don’t worry! The summer temperatures are beatable with the effective mister system.   A large mesquite tree, adorned with white decorative lights, provides for shade during the day and a sparkling feature at night. To the side of the patio is an astroturf yard for playing bar games. Live music, DJ’s, and happy hour specials to boot!

Now for the menu. Alcohol is plenty with a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines, draft and bottle beers, and mixed drinks. Most of the food is latin-inspired ranging from “Guac & Chips” to their “Big Bowl of Posole.” A dish unique to The Vig, and not one to miss, is the “Carne Asada on a Potato Pancake.” Savory marinated strips of steak on top of a potato pancake, loaded with plenty of guacamole, sour cream, cotija cheese, pico de gallo, and roasted tomato-garlic sauce. Yes, there’s a bit of spice, but nothing anyone living in the Southwest can’t handle!

The Vig is one big backyard barbeque soiree. Don’t let those summer nights go to waste sitting at home indoors. The night is young and so are you. See you at The Vig!