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The Rafter Room: What to expect from Social Hall's second-story cocktail bar

The Rafter Room: What to expect from Social Hall's second-story cocktail bar
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Five months after celebrating its grand opening, the founder behind Social Hall -- a restaurant meets bar meets arcade meets backyard hangout in Tempe -- is ready to debut his next project -- a cocktail lounge.

Mike Kenney, a Seattleite who relocated to Arizona, described "The Rafter Room" as a "moodier, edgier, more sophisticated" version of his downstairs restaurant.

It features high vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, dim lighting, wooden floors and seemingly aged walls with marks still reminiscent of the past.

But, do not think of it as a "speakeasy."

"Not really hiding it," he said. "Just kind of a second story to the restaurant. A little darker, a little sexier. But, still have it tie and connect."

The bar has a tequila-focused drink menu along with a mix of aged whiskeys and rums, Tiki-style drinks and classics like the French 75.

It was designed to complement the Latin-Caribbean menu and vibe of the restaurant below. Plus, people will be able to order food off that menu from upstairs.

Social Hall opened last year in the former Minder Binders space near University and McClintock drives but celebrated its grand debut in January.

The menu features "small plates" like green chili mac with carnitas, pork belly street tacos, grilled artichokes and coconut shrimp. They also have a few steak, salmon and pasta options, along with salads and sandwiches. View menu.

The second-story bar will open to the public on Friday, June 22. It will be regularly open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and is limited to those at least 21.

IF YOU GO:
Social Hall/Rafter Room
715 S McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
www.azsocialhall.com