GetOut Magazine

Something is Shady at former Thirsty Beaver
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
Jan. 16, 2003

When the Thirsty Beaver closed its log cabin doors last year, ASU students who frequented the bar were faced with a loss.

The Beaver was like our Cheers, says Julie Sanbore, 22, of Tempe. My friends and I used to play drunken dart games here. Its just not the same now."

Sanbore is referring to Shady Grove, the newest incarnation of 1001 E. Eighth St., which opened in August.

Shady Grove has replaced the Thirsty Beavers log cabin, woodsy atmosphere with a colorful fraternity-house ambience. The dart board, ASU decorations, bubble-hockey game and once-famous make-out couches are gone. Instead, Shady Grove is decorated with a variety of knickknacks, from pink flamingos to brightly colored streamers.

Beer cans are stacked over the doorway, and illuminated tiny beer cans hang from the ceiling. A small dance floor has replaced the couches and an abundance of leopard and zebra prints abound throughout the room.

Theres also a smoking patio, which appears to be a hot spot for the bar.

I dig the patio, says Ryan Wilcox, 21, of Tempe. I hate going to Tempe and not being able to smoke in the bars, so it's nice to come here and be able to smoke and drink on the patio.

Although Shady Grove plays music such as Incubus, Goo Goo Dolls and Puddle of Mudd, people don't seem too keen on busting a move on the dance floor.

The funny thing is that people used to dance at the Beaver even though they didn't have a dance floor, says Joshua Melvin, 26, of Scottsdale.

Girls would dance by the pool tables or over in one of the corners. Now there's a dance floor and no one really makes use of it. At least not that I've seen.

With nightly drink specials such as two-for-one shots and $2 beers, it's easy to see why people are giving Shady Grove a chance.

I'll probably come back, Sanbore says. I think in time it'll develop into a cool Tempe hangout, and in the meantime, I'll just enjoy the cheap drinks.

Shady Grove

Where: 1001 E. Eighth St., Tempe
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Cover: None
Drafts: $2.75
Happy hour: Varies daily
Info: