GetOut Magazine

Devil House aims to be ASU's Cheers
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
March 13, 2003

The Devil House is Tempe's answer to Cheers. Well, at least that's the way the bar's owner, Andrew Sawyer, views it.

Everyone always jokes that you can come here by yourself and everyone knows your name, he says of the bar, which was formerly Bojo's. It's like the Cheers of Tempe.

New customer Rachel Jimenez, 23, of Tempe agrees.

My friends go here all the time, and they know everyone, she says. The bartenders take care of them, and they get a warm welcome when they come in. I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and now I get it. It's a really warm place.

Manager Peter Ricciardelli says the bar serves specialized shots such as Pete's Who's Your Daddy, which is comprised of vodka, peach schnapps, watermelon Pucker and pineapple juice ($2), for its regulars who request them.

When the Devil House opened in July, Sawyer says he wanted to capitalize on ASU's proximity and make it a haven for college students.

We wanted to make it a real true college bar, he says. We keep our prices down, compared to most bars.

It appears Sawyer stayed true to his mission. College students flock to the bar on weekend nights. It's even somewhat of a hot spot on weeknights. The bar, which looks as small as a shoe box, can fit 146 people inside. Although that's a rather tight fit, the bar also offers an outdoor patio furnished with heat lamps so people can escape the packed club.

There are really no frills at the Devil House. It is what it is a small bar where students can escape their grueling school schedules and down a pitcher of Bud Light with some friends. There's a dartboard, some video games and a small dance floor for those willing to shake it in front of the crowd. A DJ spins Top 40 and R&B-flavored tunes six nights a week. On Fridays, acoustic bands perform.

Ricciardelli says Saturday is the bar's most popular night. Sometimes we have to turn people away, he says. We'll have a line. We're completely packed every Saturday.

With a Cheers vibe that close to ASU, it's no wonder why.

We provide a great atmosphere with a very good price on drinks and beer, Ricciardelli says. And we have great food.

Will I come back? Jimenez says before downing a Purple Hooter shot. Hell yeah. It's fun.

As if to prove her point, she grabs her circle of friends and heads off to the dance floor as 50 Cent's In da Club" blasts through the speakers.

Devil House

Where: 829 S. Rural Road, Tempe
When: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Entrees: $5-$7
Drafts: $2-$3.50
Happy hour: 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday; half-price hamburgers and appetizers, $2 bottled beer, drafts, well drinks and shots.
FYI: The bar will deliver food to your home.
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