Clubs

CHILLIN’: Three tattooed girls relax with drinks at the outside bar at Casey Moore’s Oyster House in Tempe.

Morgan Bellinger For Get Out

Casey Moore’s has a piece of our heart thanks to its eclectic scene

By Kelly Wilson, Get Out

April 3, 2008

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The scene:I’ve been going to Casey Moore’s since my days at Arizona State University, when I fell in love with the charming atmosphere of the converted house that sits in the middle of downtown Tempe. Now that I live in the neighborhood I consider Casey’s — which features wooden picnic tables and booths on the patio and two bars (one inside, one out) — a second home.
View slideshow of a Saturday night scene

Casey Moore’s is the anti-Scottsdale bar: warm, cozy and filled with friendly people, many who seem to be well-acquainted, nightly. You’re sure to run into someone you know at this “Cheers”-like bar, where the bartenders will remember you and your drink of choice.

Casey’s attracts the hippies, the hipsters and some of the Valley’s finest musicians (Gin Blossoms, Violet Wild, The Loveblisters, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers). Hometown heroes Jimmy Eat World even gave the bar a shout-out on their song “If You Don’t, Don’t” with the lyric “Ninth and Ash on a Tuesday night.”

And the coolness factor doesn’t stop there: Casey’s is rumored to be haunted. According to staffers, most of the action happens upstairs. Sadly, I have yet to meet one of Casey’s spirits aside from the slew of brews on tap.

The menu: The seafood on the menu varies from crab cakes to oysters, along with typical bar options like the mozzarella sticks, which I highly recommend when you need to soak up the Guinness.

The music:You can rarely hear the jams over the roar of chatter at this vibrant hangout, but when you can, you’re sure to hear satellite tunes from Top 40 to classic rock to indie rock.

Happy hour: Discounts on selected beers 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The verdict: This bar will always have a piece of my heart. It’s by far the coolest nightspot in the East Valley and one with an interesting history. Just ask co-owner Gavin Rutledge, who is always ready to talk about the beloved spot and its rumored ghosts.

REVIEW

Casey Moore’s Oyster House
Where: 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Admission:Free
Information: (480) 968-9935 or
caseymoores.com

Contact Kelly Wilson by email, or phone (480) 898-5691

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