The Genuine marks the first flagship restaurant for the Valley’s Genuine Concepts (the talented bunch behind The VIG). Thanks to its scrumptious small bites, wood-fired ‘za and picturesque libations, The Genuine is on its way to being one of Uptown Phoenix’s favorites for happy hour.
Everyone knows that the vibe is as important as the snacks and sips when it comes to choosing a happy hour destination. Good thing The Genuine offers a cool, casual atmosphere and an artful, airy mid-century modern design to accompany its menu. For eight months, in fact, The Genuine collected vintage furnishings, decor items and artwork to round out the aesthetic. Guests can grab a seat on the patio, accented with plants and firepits, in the sunny indoor/outdoor atrium or sleek bar area. Regardless of where you saddle up, delectable happy hour eats await. (There is a wide selection of $9 cocktails, $7 glasses of house wine and $5 draught beers to choose from, too.)
As the dining experience is built around Chef Jeremy Pacheco’s menu of shareable, wood-fired cuisine, ordering up some pizza–crisped in the beautiful Forno Bravo oven–is a no-brainer. The cacio e pepe pizza brings the adored flavors of the pasta dish to the table with pecorino cheese, a hearty helping of cracked black pepper and olive oil. (The happy hour menu also offers a Margherita pizza and a daily featured option, too. )
As tasty as the pizza is, the lamb meatballs are the star of the happy hour lineup. The tender, flavorful meatballs are accompanied by tzatziki, black pepper feta, a cucumber salad and house-made bread, practically making the appetizer a full-on meal.
And though not on the happy hour menu, the house-made garlic knot pull-apart bread is as decadent as it sounds, while–on the flipside–the wild arugula salad (with frisee, creamy avocado, tomato, citrus, crunchy almonds, fried capers, pecorino cheese and Green Goddess dressing) is a refreshing and colorful option.
Dessert is a must at The Genuine, and the coconut milk panna cotta is a summery sensation. The panna cotta is topped with spiced-rum grilled pineapple compote and coconut tuile, offering a little tropical escape via spoon. The flourless chocolate cake is divine, as well.
Though delicious, knowing that The Genuine showcases many Arizona-based products and purveyors–like Huss Brewing, Noble Bread, McClendon’s Select, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Hayden Flour Mills, Crow’s Dairy and many others–makes happy hour at The Genuine even–well–happier.
The Genuine is open daily Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and happy hour, Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.
To learn more about The Genuine, visit thegenuineaz.com.
6015 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Photo credit: Grace Stufkosky