Night Out on the Town

For years Arizona has been a popular destination for transplanted Iowans. Hardly a day has gone by while we have been in Tempe preparing for the 2010 Insight Bowl have we not met someone who is either from Iowa, or has a connection to the Hawkeye State. Last night we decided to head out to the restaurant that hosts the Phoenix Iowa Club and Valley of the Sun I-Club's football watch parties, the Sandbar Mexican Grill.

The Sandbar is perfect to watch the Hawkeyes. Televisions are lined up inside offering a great view whether you are seated at a booth, table or bar stool. And with two bars, one large inside as well as outside, the wait staff will keep you drinks filled as the locals cheer on their favorite Hawkeyes.

The food isn't typical bar food, either. It is a Mexican grill with many favorites of the area as well as a their take to make a few better. Two types of fish tacos were available and I took the one more original. The Ahi tacos were placed in jacima tortilla shells topped with guacamole, and were delicious. After trying those I am eager to try the mainstream Baja Tacos and see how they compare.

Four locations in the greater Phoenix area, the Scottsdale and Chandler locations may attract the most Hawkeye fans, but all four offer drink and food specials during the Hawkeye games. As our waiter informed us (a former resident of Ames and Iowa State grad) there are special drink specials planned while the Hawkeyes are in town.