As an Illinois native, along with a large portion of the Valley’s population, I have come to love my home and environment here, but when I find a place that has that “home-town” feel, I hold on and never let it go! This is only one reason that I am tickled to find that the Biltmore’s Half Moon Sports Grill will be re-opening as Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill with a Chicago style party on October 10th.
The bar has been closed since August 17th and has undergone a complete remodel. You’ll find lighter wood floors, more natural light and clever sayings and decor throughout the space. You’ll also find images of Chicago throughout the bar and dining areas as well as family photos that have been provided by co-owner Clay Moizo. Roll-down shades displaying the Chicago skyline will separate the bar from the dining room later at night for a more intimate ambiance. When the shades come down, a Chicago-themed song will play over the sound system. With 32 new HD TV’s along with a new A/V system you’ll be able to immerse yourself in all things football come game day. The new space is also family friendly and perfect for large groups.
Climate-controlled patios with misters, fire pits and heaters make it possible to gloat to friends and family back home that you’re watching “Da Bears” or the beloved Cubbies al fresco. Also, Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill is ideal for parties or corporate events, thanks to two private rooms: the Colangelo Room, seating up to 50, with full audio visual capability, and United Center, seating up to 30, with shuffleboard, a pool table, a 70-inch HD flat screen and bar-height tables and chairs. There’s no rental fee; reservations are first-come, first-serve.
Expect to feast upon Midwestern favorites like real Vienna beef Chicago dogs with the all important poppy seed buns that are flown in from S. Rosens, Italian beef sandwiches on hoagie buns from the Alpha Baking Company in Chicago as well as Eli’s Cheesecake. Chef Marlene Portillo has put her spin on the pizza’s with in-house dough made daily.
The Grand Re-Opening party will be open to the public and the date is more than appropriate as it is the same day the Bears and the Giants will be going head-to-head. In honor of the game and the re-opening, patrons are invited to enjoy $1 Old Style cans in paper bags, the same way that fans enjoy their suds outside of Wrigley Field. You can also imbibe on $3 Goose Island beers as well as $5 personal pizzas the Chicago way; with a cracker thin crust and a three generation strong sweet sauce. Add to that when (not if) the Bears score the bar will sell “Bears” orange and blue shots for only $2.50.
To add to the day’s festivities and revelry, later in the afternoon there will be a ceremony to dedicate a large private room, which was formerly known as the Platinum Club, to honor Jerry Colangelo. Mr. Colangelo hails from Chicago and has had a huge impact on sports in Arizona.
Visit the new spot Monday through Friday from 11am to 2am and 9am to 2am on Saturday and Sunday, with the kitchen being open until midnight daily. Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill is located at 2121 East Highland Avenue in Phoenix. Call 602.977.2700 for more information.