Networks Bar & Grill
Review of Networks Bar & Grill in Phoenix, Arizona
About.com Rating 
Networks Bar & Grill - What I Liked
- Restaurant dining room with large bar area
- It's not food out of a box/can
- Free Wi-fi with purchase
Networks Bar & Grill - Be Aware
- Sandwiches served in baskets
- Don't be in a rush when dining here
- Can be crowded after a game or during a convention
 Appetizers at Networks Bar & Grill in Phoenix, AZ © Judy Hedding |
Networks Bar & Grill - The Mood
Networks Bar & Grill is located in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency
Phoenix in downtown Phoenix. It is accessible from the outside of the
hotel, so it doesn't have so much of a hotel feel to it. Nearby, the
Phoenix Convention Center, Chase Field and the US Airways Center all
feed traffic to Networks Bar & Grill. The bar is the focal point,
with both indoor and outdoor seating, regular tables, booths, hi tops
and bar seating. TVs are in view from all over the bar. The dining
room is smaller than the bar, and you can choose to watch TV or simply
have a meal and ignore it there. The official website proclaims
that it is a "... sports bar that moonlights as a restaurant."
Networks Bar & Grill - The Damages
This restaurant is probably a bit expensive for a regular lunch for a
downtown worker, with appetizers in the $6 to $10 range and sandwiches
in the $8 to $12 range. Salads cost from $7 to $10 each and desserts
are $6 each. This is a full service restaurant, so you'd add any
beverages, tax and tip to that cost.
My Review of Networks Bar & Grill
 Burger and Onion Rings at Networks Bar & Grill © Judy Hedding |
We had a very pleasant lunch at Networks Bar & Grill in downtown Phoenix during a day and time when there were no sporting events and no significant meetings taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center.
It is probably unfair to simply label Network's sandwiches and salads as having "hotel prices." Certainly, Networks is part of the Hyatt Regency, but the prices here are no higher than other higher-quality casual eateries around town. In general, these meals are not pre-prepared or heated and served from a supplier's box or bag. The Chef at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, who oversees the other restaurants in the hotel including the Compass Arizona Grill, likewise takes this place seriously.
 Spicy Chicken Wrap at Networks Bar and Grill © Judy Hedding |
Our appetizers -- Southwestern Spring Rolls ($6.50) and Shrimp ($6.50) -- were both winners. The shrimp were lightly battered and fried, the southwestern egg rolls made in-house and nothing like those mushy imposters at some chain restaurants. The Chicken Tortilla Soup ($5.50) was deliberately prepared on the brothy side, while I prefer mine with more substance.
We tried one burger and one sandwich for variety. Anything with blue cheese on it is good for me, so the Bleu Burger ($11) was my choice. The Spicy Chicken Wrap ($8.50) wasn't too spicy, and was a nice combination of cool, crispy veggies and warm, plentiful chicken wrapped in a tortilla. Onion rings were crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and not overly thick on the breading - just right.
Those mini- desserts that are so popular now were one option (3 minis for $6) for the finish to the meal, but I'd skip those in favor of the rich and creamy Chocolate Lovin' Spoon Cake.
 Arizona Roll at Networks Bar and Grill © Judy Hedding |
In 2010 Networks introduced a sushi menu in addition to the existing menu. About ten varieties of rolls are offered, ranging in price from $6 to $12. The New Mexico ($10) is a sushi version of a little lox and cream cheese, but I much preferred the Hawaii ($11) with spicy tuna and avocado, and a sweet soy finish on a bed of Seaweed Salad. The Arizona ($9) is recommended for those that don't like their fish raw. While I found the Hamachi-Viche ($8) a bit bland for my taste, the Seaweed Salad ($4) appetizer was delightful (but not necessary if you order the Hawaii Roll). Sushi Bowls are offered for those that prefer their roll ingredients without the wrap. The sushi menu isn't large, but it makes a great appetizer or evening snack in downtown Phoenix.
 Desserts at Networks Bar and Grill © Judy Hedding |
Networks Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner daily.
Obviously, it's a nice place for hotel guests to relax in between
meetings or after a tough day of travel. But it's also great place for
locals for a downtown business lunch, appetizers or dessert after the
game, concert or theatre, or for anyone who is looking for a sports
bar with a slightly more subdued crowd than other sports bars in the
neighborhood.
Where to Find Networks Bar and Grill:
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
122 North Second Street
Phoenix, Arizona
85004
602-252-1234
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Networks Bar and Grill online.
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Date of review: April 2010.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for the purpose of the review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
