Mill Avenue’s Gringo-Star Street Bar

Mill Avenue’s Gringo-Star Street Bar mixes some very of-the-moment trends with vintage fun in hopes of becoming the newest day-drinking destination for Tempe’s youthful crowd.  Gringo-Star has co-opted elements of the modern street art scene, the “food truck revolution”, and the booming wave of 90s nostalgia to create a lively, unique environment that shouldn’t leave any patrons bored.

Setting up shop in the same location as last year’s short-lived 5th Street Bar, the space has seen a radical redesign to accommodate the new themes. Inspired Banksy-esque street art from local and national artists adorns almost all wall space in the well-stocked front bar, along with a massive salvage neon “Gringo Star” sign that hangs from the back wall.

The corridor that connects the front and back rooms has been converted into a vintage arcade, with many titles older than Gringo-Star’s youngest guests. Games include such arcade classics as NBA JAM, Mortal Kombat, and the Simpsons Arcade Game, while skee-ball machines occupy a nearby space.

The dining at Gringo-Star takes an unexpected turn by leaning on one of the decade’s most prominent food trends.  Guests can look over a menu of “Street Food” selections and make their way to a food truck-style window in the back bar to place an order. The guest is then given a buzzer to alert them when their dishes are ready to pick up. Among the dishes that are noticeably inspired by the food truck craze are the Bacon Wrapped Dog and Korean Spiced Beef. Phoenix favorite Schreiner’s Fine Sausage also has a featured bratwurst on the menu.

The back bar opens up to the sizable patio to accommodate those relaxing outside.  The atmosphere is casual, with most staff wearing vintage rock tees and sneakers.

Gringo-Star is the brainchild of an ownership group that includes Mill Avenue impresario Julian Wright, responsible for other Mill hotspots La Bocca, Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, and Handlebar Tempe.

Check it out for yourself at 501 S. Mill Ave in Tempe.