Male-oriented Library isn't an ideal happy hour locale
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: The Library Bar & Grill, 501 S. Mill Ave., Tempe

Happy hour: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

The vibe: I adore The Library most nights of the week, but it's not an ideal happy hour destination. When we stop by on an early Thursday evening, AC/DC is blaring through the stereo speakers, which is unappealing when you're sober and it's only 6:30 p.m. It's also irritating when you're trying to have a conversation with your friends. Thankfully, the bar staff doesn't dance on the bar, which they're known to do, during our hour here. Although it's called The Library and shelves of books line the walls, this isn't a place to study, kids. It's a place to get naughty and bring out your inner wild child.

There are two bars, a few video games and pool tables. There are also a few sofas in an elevated lounge area by the entrance. It's clear that the bar caters to a male crowd. In fact, the female bar staff is half-dressed in Catholic school girl attire, which explains why there are far more men than women here. A few guys are working, but they're fully dressed. How is that fair?

The food deals: Half-off appetizers

The drink deals: $1.50 PBR's, $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 you-call-its

The review: The chicken tenders, which are served with ranch, celery and carrots, look and taste like every other version of this appetizer that we've ever tasted. It's pretty basic so it's hard to mess up. The quesadilla, which is chock-full of shredded beef, jack and cheddar cheese, is run-of-the-mill, so next time we'll stick with chicken. The beef is a bit overwhelming. We love the french fries, which are beer-battered and perfectly seasoned. They also come in a large order. The Library has the best fries that we have yet to taste at a bar.
This bar is too loud for happy hour, but we'll be back when we want to get in touch with our inner wild child.

The inside scoop: The bar recently opened a second location in Albuquerque, N.M.

Information: and http://www.thelibraryusa.com