Uptown Phoenix's dining scene just got a bit more sophisticated with the opening of Copper & Sage and its accompanying cocktail lounge, Blue Stave. Settled into a cozy red brick building, the restaurant and speakeasy combo offers a mix of Southern comfort and contemporary cuisine inspired by Chef Evon Profitt's unique flair.
Open since November, the dual space that once hosted Los Sombreros and SunUp Brewing now presents an inviting atmosphere for both lunch and dinner, with a touch of brunch on the weekends. As reported by Phoenix New Times, the intimate interior of Copper & Sage features tables huddled within rooms of brick and dark blue, while Blue Stave offers a Prohibition-esque setting for cocktails and light bites.
Menu highlights, according to the restaurant's website, range from the savory—like the house-made tagliatelle with Italian sausage and kale in a lemon cream sauce—to innovative handhelds such as pork belly tacos with kimchi. The Copper & Sage website also boasts weekend brunch specials, including a hearty Monte Cristo and the Cast Iron Hash loaded with cubed sirloin.
The Phoenix New Times praised elements of the menu, such as the "jalapeño corn fritters, which were packed with corn kernels and the flavor of fresh jalapeño." While some dishes hit the mark, others, like the pork osso buco and duck fat fries, received mixed feedback for their unbalanced flavors. Nonetheless, a sweet finish could be found in the butterscotch torte, lauded for its complementary pecan praline sauce and light whiskey icing.
Blue Stave complements its neighbor with an array of crafted cocktails like the customized Old Fashioned and the "Iron Your Shoelaces," consisting of French gin, Luxardo Apricot, orgeat, and lemon juice. This speakeasy takes the experience up a notch with the option to book a hidden private room for exclusive dining events. Whether it's a casual dinner, a workday cocktail, or a swanky date night, Copper & Sage and Blue Stave aim to create an experience that meshes upscale comfort with a laid-back vibe.
