GetOut Magazine

The Sets features three bars in one
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
April 3, 2003

The Tempe club scene appears to be giving Scottsdale a run for its money these days. Although new bars and clubs pop up in downtown Scottsdale on what seems like a weekly basis, Tempe isnt far behind.

The latest Tempe club to open is the Sets, which was formerly Pink Es, a large pool hall, that reopened under its new moniker and concept in early March.

Its different, general manager Jonathan Graham says of the club, which is located in a strip mall off Southern and Mill avenues. Its new, and its bringing the bar life back to Tempe. If you live in Tempe, you dont have to drive to Scottsdale to have a good time.

According to Graham, the owners decided to transform Pink Es into the Sets because of the Tempe smoking ban.

(The ban) killed all the bar business in Tempe, so they decided to renovate and still salvage a business, he says.

The 16,000-square-foot club offers four distinct rooms and three bars with one very popular room where people can smoke the Atrium. The open-air room features an outdoor area with illuminated gazebos, a few pool tables, fountains, a fireplace and a bar.

I used to go here when it was Pink Es, says Jeremy Tripp, 23, of Tempe. They never had an outside area, so its nice that they have this big open space now. It still has somewhat of a pool hall atmosphere, and now it looks like a European club.

The Sets offers three other rooms the Bugatti Lounge (the main room, which includes video games, pinball machines, backgammon, table and chair areas and a bar), Club 68 (a club side with three cages to dance in, a large dance floor, a bar and a stage for live music) and the Ballroom (a room filled with pool tables).

Club 68 will host live music by local cover bands a couple of times per month.

Each room features somewhat of a Hollywood theme, as does the menu, with items ($5.50-$6) such as the Desperado (a quesadilla), the Grecian (a gyro) and the Mobster Pizza. There is even a Hollywood walk of fame when you enter the club.

We wanted to get away from the Pink Es thing and not be like every other bar, Graham says. This is something that no one has done yet or tried to do.

Though the club is still a newbie, old customers dont seem to mind the changes.

I really like what theyve done to the place, says Rita Acoma, 31, of Mesa. Its big. Its pretty. And its a place where people of all ages can have a drink and relax.

Graham says he thinks the clubs four rooms will offer something for everyone.

I think Graham Central Station is the only other bar that is bigger than us, he says. Its a concept that hasnt been done. Youre not going to see a bar in the area thats put together like us.

The Sets

Where: 93 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
Hours: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Cover: $2-$5 on weekends
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