To begin with, the food is delicious. Innovative combinations please the palate as traditional bistro sandwiches take on exotic intrigue. The Pear sandwich, for example, adds thinly sliced pear to prosciutto, brie and Balsamic dressing on foccacia. The Fig Salad combines mixed greens, dried figs and cranberries, Feta cheese and sliced almonds for a unique epicurean experience. The folks at Carly’s always remember the little stand-out details like the grainy mustard on the Cuban and the sweet onion relish on the Tuna Melt.
Located in the Roosevelt District of Downtown Phoenix, Carly’s Bistro makes more than swell sandwiches, they make good times. Frequented by artists, musicians, hipsters and anyone else who started going to Pita Jungle before everybody started going to Pita Jungle.
As many people go for the drinks as for the food. Their classy beer list includes international as well as local brews yet still leaves room for the PBR, extra cheap during their two happy hours (an early happy hour and a reverse happy hour). The limited wine list is tempered by an exciting assortment of cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a Prickly Pear Margarita, Cucumbertini, White Russian made with soy, or something a little more conventional, Carly’s can likely meet your request.
More than the food and the drinks, which can be found of an equal caliber from other downtown eateries, is the music. The addition of live music whether band or DJ can elevate a dining experience to something beyond “eating.” Shane Kennedy’s musical stylings are a personal favorite. Armed with a laptop and an absurdly extensive knowledge of all things music, he’ll make sure not a moment of your evening is wasted listening to something less than wonderful.
Whether you head down for dinner or drinks, you'll enjoy the laidback atmosphere. Carly's gets awful busy for an easygoing waitstaff so plan to relax and pass some time here. All the more reason to go on a night when you know the music will be worth sticking around for.
