With a refreshed look and new menu items, Lookout Tavern is ready for you to enjoy its grub, games and cocktails
By Michelle Talsma Everson
When Lookout Tavern had to close its doors to in-house dining due to COVID-19 precautions, owner Kevin Stout, his wife Erica, and their managing partner Todd Ahlf, decided to turn lemons into lemonade and use the time as an opportunity to update the tavern’s look and feel and add to the menu.
“It was obviously a hard and uncertain time with a lot up in the air,” Stout says. “We used the time though to complete a wish list of items we had always wanted to do.”
To keep connected with their loyal customer base, like many area restaurants, Lookout Tavern still offered delivery and take out options during the stay-at-home orders. To make sure that they re-opened as safely as possible, the tavern did not re-open until June 1, a few weeks behind the governor’s green light to open in-house dining options.
“Our customers’ support during this insane time has invigorated us and we think that they will be blown away by what we have been working on to make Lookout even better than it was before,” Stout says. “As we remained committed to the safety of our staff and customers, we felt our priority for customer safety and our desire to finish renovations aligned perfectly and allowed us to open with a bang.”
“We were able to switch to take-out and delivery immediately after shutdown,” Stout adds. “Because of the community support of ordering from us, we were able to retain our entire kitchen staff working full time hours. We also kept our entire management staff plus some other staff members working. Bartenders turned into delivery drivers, people cleaning, fixing, and painting. Upon re-opening we are happy that we are able to re-hire our entire staff plus new people.”
Stout says that Lookout Tavern has been a part of the local community since late 2017. He has an entrepreneurial background and Ahlf brought years of restaurant industry experience to the (literal) table.
“We chose this location [7th Street and Greenway Parkway] because there’s not a lot of similar establishments in the area,” Stout shares. “Since opening, we’ve enjoyed an amazing customer base, and we hope they love the improvements we’ve made.”
Lookout Tavern’s grand re-opening is this month. Stout is excited to share the location’s brand new menu items that offer more options than traditional bar fare.
“We’ve added more entrée items, such as salmon, steak, and our chipotle lime chicken platter,” he notes. “There are still our signature burgers and casual fare, too, of course, but for those who want a bit more, there are now more options available.”
When it comes to space upgrades, the most noticeable, Stout shares, is the massive LED TV wall that “is an absolute showstopper.” There have also been upgrades to furniture, including new booth sections.
Addressing COVID-19 concerns, Stout shares that the establishment is taking all possible precautions. Staff stick to rigid cleaning protocol regularly throughout the day, including a placard system that lets people know when tables and booths have been cleaned. There is also reduced seating to help with social distancing and they will actively be screening employees.
For those ready to get out and about, at Lookout Tavern, there is always something happening. The popular locale is great for everyone from families enjoying dinner out to weekend nightlife, a date night, and everything in between. Stout notes that patrons can enjoy family trivia nights on Mondays with free kids’ meals all day, regular trivia on Wednesdays, Bingo, UFC nights for the sports crowds, and more.
“We have high-energy, Scottsdale-level nightlife on the weekends,” he adds.
Some specials and perks for locals to keep an eye out for are $8 lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and happy hour drinks. One local favorite is the Prickly Pear Margarita. There’s also often reserve happy hour specials.
“The best way to keep updated on our specials and events is to follow us on social media,” Stout says. “There’s always something going on.”
With the motto, “Grub, Games and Cocktails,” Lookout Tavern doesn’t disappoint with its new revamped menu, and darts, oversized Jenga, Connect Four, and other patio-friendly games for patrons of all ages. When it comes to drinks, Stout says that the bar can do anything “from basic to extravagant,” with more than 16 beer taps and handcrafted cocktails.
Added to its food, drinks and games, Lookout Tavern also features music, premium sound quality, and when it comes to sports—with the new TV wall—there’s not a bad seat in the house.
For customers who want to enjoy Lookout Tavern’s grub, but aren’t ready to dive back in to a social environment, the establishment will continue to offer take out, curbside pick up, and delivery. Stout notes that ordering from the tavern’s website is cheaper than ordering directly from delivery apps, although that is an option, too.
Lookout Tavern is located at 830 E. Greenway Parkway, #100, in Phoenix. To find out more, or to order food, visit lookoutaz.com or call 602-926-9786. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with the kitchen open until 1 a.m. You can find Lookout Tavern on Facebook @LookoutAZ and Instagram @lookouttavernaz.
