March 27, 2010

Four Peaks…Five Stars!

So we here at Bumbs & Crumbs are very happy to finally be able to blog about one of our absolute favorite places around, the always solid Four Peaks Brewery. Four Peaks happens to be my favorite bar in AZ, just behind the legendary incomparable Casey Moore’s. I know in previous posts i’ve made quick mention of some of Four Peaks delicious brews, most notably the seasonal, high demand & short supply Pumpkin Porter. Similar to the restaurant in my last post, the upsetting Los Olivos, i’ve been a patron for quite some time now, since the late 90’s when i was a student at ASU. All similarities end there though. Whereas Los Olivos has apparently gone steadily downhill over the past couple decades, Four Peaks has remained consistently as good as it was back then if not actually improved through the years. Four Peaks is a little local neighborhood brewery down in Tempe tucked away down 8th street just off the campus of ASU. Because of its proximity to the school, its obviously going to attract the college crowd, but it also attracts the artsy crowd, young professionals, hip older folk and all sorts of other people. The crowd at Four Peaks, and there always is a crowd, is usually rather diverse. While it’s always pretty busy, and an open table is hard to come by, the vibe is pretty relaxed and laid back. Add in some good music and some rather attractive and friendly bartenders and servers and you’ve got the makings of a great evening. Not only do they brew some of the best beers around, but they serve up some of the best pub/comfort food that pairs perfectly with their home made brews. I’ve had some great, memorable nights sitting out front of Four Peaks on their large, yet cozy patio pictured below. Unfortunately, Pumpkin Porter is only available a couple months out of the year. Luckily, a couple pints of the always delicious and always on tap Kilt Lifter is a great way to start off any night. Four Peaks also has a second location just off the 101 in North Scottsdale in a large & somewhat upscale shopping area. While the food and beer is just as good as the original Tempe location, the vibe & atmosphere just isn’t the same.

So as i mentioned. i’ve had some greats nights at Four Peaks, but how would our first Sunday brunch go?? The patio was equally as busy, the vibe was equally as cool and laid back. The food, while different then the lunch/dinner menu we’re used, was also equally as delicious. Substitute some decent bloody marys instead of the pints of beer and we’re good to go! The wings, burgers a fish & chips was replaced by some traditional breakfast and brunch favorites, along with some non-traditional  and downright indulgent options that all sounded delicious. As usual with Four Peaks, no matter what meal you’re enjoying, portion size certainly is not an issue. Neither is the taste, as everything is delicious. Neither is the service. LIke i said, it can get pretty hectic in there sometimes, but the all female (generally all attractive female) servers bust their butts to keep up. I’ll be honest, i was a bit skeptical about what i had ordered. I was second guessing my order just up until we got served and i took my first bite. The light, fluffy, doughy, warm wrap quickly made me realize all my worrying was for naught. From that point on i wish that wrap would never end it was so delicious. That breakfast flatbread wrap and their bloody mary definitely qualify as being craveable. Julies breakfast proved that, while simple as far content goes, good fresh ingredients make for an amazing meal.

Would i go back? Definitely. Already been who knows how many times, and i plan on going back at least that many more times if not more. Like i said, Four Peaks has always been a favorite not only of mine, but pretty much everyone whos ever been there. The beer, the food, the surroundings, the atmosphere…when put together it makes Four Peaks a special place. I’ve got some family and friends coming into town over the next couple months, this may be one of the spots i’m sure to take out of towners to for a good meal and a good time.

Four Peaks Neon Sign

Four Peaks front patio during the day

Four Peaks front patio at night

Bloody Mary with accoutrements

2 scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, fruit & toast.

Breakfast beer bread wrap - eggs, cheese, sausage, potatoes, bell peppers wrapped in beer flatbread. Side of fruit.

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