Let’s face it, a chain style sports bar/restaurant like Gallagher’s is going to be out of place amongst the dive bar gems and hidden drinking dens that this space will normally pimp. Any Chili’s/Applebee’s type joint looks the same and feels the same no matter if you patronize a valley locale or the same type of place in say…Alabama. There is a reason they are chains, simple business models that can be universally enjoyed by Joe Anybody no matter where you find them. And yes, the Gallagher’s name can be found in as far north as Cave Creek, all the way east to Chandler and various spots in between.
Nothing about the décor is going to grab your attention and sure it is just as good as any other place to watch whatever sporting ‘game’ is your bag. If you happen to have one nearby you’ll probably stop in from time to time but you aren’t going to really drive half way across the city for something that can be duplicated a few blocks away. The food is typical bar food, moderately priced and filling with whatever unique twists that the business owner’s manual theme demands. The hard working staff will range from cute and competent to bored and semi-comatose and I’m betting if you make this your bar of choice one of the bartenders will remember your name and your poison of choice; it is there job to do such things.
So gosh golly gee whiz, why in the fuck am I wasting your and my time hammering out a dull yawn inspiring blurb when you can just move along and go to another venue that has Blue Moon on tap and be perfectly content doing so? Well dear reader, this particular Gallagher’s has one thing that likeminded establishments can’t possibly duplicate; one helluva view.
The outside patio has its own bar with a smattering of tables for all the smokers who have chase outside to fill their lungs with smoke. Besides a collection of fans that spray cooling mist on the gathered masses, a half dozen stools line the bar. Because of our wonderful summer climate the bar itself has a single air conditioning vent that offers the briefest moments of cooling air lapping at your face while it placates your bar tenders sweltering body (these are the best seats in the place, so grab them if you can). It was during a moment of reflective silence between old friends, that I sat smiling contently when the proprietors of this particular establishment chose to take my breath away. Through the wonders of technology the sun shades that had been providing much needed respite from an unyielding ball of flame moved silently into motion. As my mind churned thoughts home coming solace and bad 80’s television theme songs the shades little by little rolled up and blessed me with the sun setting to the west with South Mountain as my back drop. Unfortunately for y’all I’m a writer and not a photo journalist so until I return to the patio view (and return I will) and remember to take a slightly out of focus snap shot, you will just have to take my word for it; this is one bar in the “regular” world that is worth the visit.
Gallagher’s on 32dn st. and Baseline; go for the sports bar cliché, but stay for the view.
Moderately priced food and drinks; patio bar open on busy nights and weekends.
Parking looks worse than it actually is and who couldn’t stand to walk a few extra feet after piling on the brews and greasy food?
No cover and proper attire is never required.
Gallagher's -
3220 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ - (602) 437-0981
Vio Con Dios, tip your bartender and put a helmet on that, soldier.
- The Midnight Rider.
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