Find TikTok-worthy cocktails and tropical vibes at this new downtown Phoenix bar
The owners of Rough Rider, a Theodore Roosevelt-themed bar in downtown Phoenix, opened Teddy's Preserve in early February. It's meant to be a sunny counterpart to Rough Rider according to owner Kyla Hein.
"Rather than taking from Rough Rider's dark and brooding mood, we decided to complement it," Hein said.
Like Rough Rider, the bar is still dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt, except this one isn't hidden away in the basement, and instead of wood paneling, Teddy's goes for a more casual, modern vibe.
Located in the lobby of 1001 Central Ave. at the corner of East Roosevelt (the same building that houses Rough Rider), Teddy's is an indoor-outdoor bar. In designing the outdoor space, the team leveled the parking lot and planted trees in its stead as an homage to Roosevelt's national parks legacy.
During his presidency, conservationist Roosevelt established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, five national parks, four national game preserves and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land.
In a speech in 1910, he said: "There's a delight in the hardy life of the open. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value."
Teddy's opened without much pomp and circumstance because as one of the cooks put it, "this place advertises itself."
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What's the vibe at Teddy's Preserve?
Discovering Teddy's Preserve on a weekend walk in downtown Phoenix is a marvelous surprise.
Step up to the patio, and notice how the environment invites the curious inside where light showers in from two glass walls. The flowing indoor-outdoor space has multiple seating areas that are separated by an abundance of plants, imparting levity. The outdoor section blends seamlessly with the interior thanks to the shades of terra cotta, saddle brown and tan mixed with white, along with seating made of leather, wood and rattan.
A large "order here" sign in red light guides one to the bar where cheerful bartenders sling drinks and deliver food orders, occasionally lingering with customers for a quick chat.
The seating areas offer distinct experiences, from bar stools to sofas and sectionals. They are surrounded by plants inside, metal benches, tables and chairs among the trees outside where heating lamps are aplenty.
What's on the menu at Teddy's Preserve?
The drink menu divides into nine sections: Shaken ($14), stirred ($14), nitro ($14), shots ($10), frozen ($14), Arizona draft beer ($7 to $9), canned beer ($6), canned wine ($10) and seltzer ($6).
Shaken options include Space Cadet made with Milagro blanco tequila, Fernet-Branca menta, chocolate and a house pandan coconut mix. Stirred features Jeepers Creepers, made with mezcal, blue curacao, coconut, pineapple and orange bitters. Smooth Operator from the nitro section contains Brugal 1888, Fernet-Branca, Sweetz cold brew, Borghetti and black currant. One example from the frozen section is the Alice B Trippin made with vodka, lavender tea, agave and lemon.
Those who feel brave can order the mystery shot and try to identify it.
The compact food menu by chef Ian Herschberg of Rough Rider can be ordered from the truck parked outside.
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Highlights include pork butt and short rib sandwiches and half chicken, a chili-rubbed and smoked pork rib with seasonal barbecue sauce and chives, plus a Sonoran pasta made with fire-roasted corn and bell peppers.
The Royale with eggplant is the only vegan choice, made with burger seasoning-rubbed smoked eggplant, vegan 1000 island dressing, pickles and shredded lettuce.
Small bite options, such as waffle fries, corn dogs, jicama slaw and tortilla chips are also available.
Prices range from $15 to $32 for plates and $2 to $4 for sides.
How to visit Teddy's Preserve
Details: 1001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-675-0389, teddyspreserve.com.
Hours: Teddy's Preserve does not allow minors under 21 after 9 p.m.
Bar: Sunday to Thursday from noon to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight.
Food Truck: Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Teddy's Preserve cocktail bar is now open on Roosevelt Row in Phoenix
