Friday Bites with Nick Nitz

Wait, “resident beer geek” is a job?

If your name is Nick Nitz, then the answer is YES. Nitz, general manager and resident beer geek at The Handlebar, is adept and enthusiastic in all things craft beer.

What started out as a barbacking gig at another local restaurant developed into a career course when Nitz was approached by the opening management staff of The Handlebar to be a bartender in 2012.

The Handlebar is known for its inviting “City Park” beer garden style patio and savory cooked-to-order eats including bakery fresh pretzels, hand cut fries, burgers, brats and sandwiches.

As Resident Beer Geek, Nitz keeps the Handlebar draft list balanced with a rotating list of 24 draft beers in addition to 50 bottle, can, and bomber options. Handlebar focuses on creating a fun, out of the box atmosphere and a comfortable, inviting place for beer lovers (or those novice to the scene) to enjoy a variety of beers while eating one of their grass-fed burgers on the patio. Nitz is passionate about guest experience and educating his staff and consumers on all things beer.

Fun fact about The Handlebar: The wood used in the indoor and outdoor spaces of The Handlebar is reclaimed from a historic barn in the Midwest. That’s right, an entire barn was dismantled and shipped to Arizona to take residence on the walls and bar.

Nitz thrives in the indescribable culture that makes up the craft beer bizz.

Friday Bites with Nick Nitz

Coffee and a Lite Bite | Cartel
The pastries at Cartel are bomb and the coffee selection is the best in the valley. It’s the best to wake up to; cool vibes with coffee and beer at Cartel.

Best Outdoor Patio | The Handlebar Tempe
The beer-garden style patio at Handlebar offers an easily approachable and interactive environment. What’s better than good beer, great music and delicious food? It lets you meet and interact with people you might not normally be able to.

Oldie but Goodie | Casey Moore’s Oyster House
Casey Moore’s is my jam! It’s that neighborhood bar where you always know what to expect. It’s my version of Cheers, it always feels like home. There’s a certain gravity about this place, I find it tough to walk past and not at least stop by for one and say hi to some good friends.

Best Breakfast | Harlow’s Café
Harlow’s has been around forever and has the same staff for forever and a day. The biscuits and gravy are beyond awesome and the coffee is super dark and thick. You know you’re going to get good service and a good meal at Harlow’s.

On the Cheap | Palo Verde Lounge
Palo Verde’s is your ultimate dive bar. The drinks are cheap and strong, the best combination for a night out without spending too much cash. Also, they have the best juke box in town.

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