Events | Camp Social Opening : Just in time for summer

Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind. What better way to unwind than with a grown up Camp Social? School years are wrapping up and temperatures are rising; all things that can make us all a little cranky. Thankfully, the opening of Camp Social is just around the corner.

What is Camp Social and how is it going to make Arizonians happier?

The space itself is sure to elicit memories of summer camp. The building is meant to resemble a rustic log cabin, though this one won’t be separating the boys from the girls. You’ll also find a retro-fitted camping re-purposed as a hostess stand once you walk in the doors. The lighting fixtures are made from re-purposed canoes and there is even tire swing seating. Can’t you almost smell the campfire already?

Now that we’ve set the scene and taken you back to your younger years its time for a little fun and games. Mosey over to the game room and play a little shuffleboard, challenge a friend to a ping pong game or impress your friends with your mastery of Buck Hunter or Jenga.

The intention of the concept was to create an environment that evokes those summer camp memories while providing adult comforts. General Manager Anthony Georgoulis, says, “We think people will be pleasantly surprised with the cozy cabin feel, down-to-earth vibe and high-end yet approachable, affordable fare.”

Speaking of food, what can you expect from the menu at Camp Social?

There is definitely a woodsy feel to the menu and the cocktails that you can expect. Corporate Chef Dirk Flanigan, who just so happens to be classically trained, brings his forward-thinking approach to dishes like fried pickle poutine. Let that soak in for a minute. I’ll wait.

What could be better than fried pickles? How about fried pickles layered on a bed of perfectly crisp French fries, dotted with cheddar cheese curds? A smattering of elk gravy, that’s what!

If that doesn’t get you going, I’m not sure we can be friends. If you’re cool with that, you can also dig into Chef Flanigan’s spicy pork wings with gochujang, cilantro, chili, crisp onions and garlic.

They will also have a variety of wood-fired pizzas. The Big Bend smoked trout pizza with Brussels sprouts, garlic, parmesan, chili flake and a fried egg sounds like nothing I ever had a summer camp. Okay, technically I never went to summer camp, but I doubt that they were serving anything like that.

How are you going to wash down all those delicious dishes? I’m glad you asked!

The libations will include 13 beers, two wines and one spirit on tap, but we think the specialty cocktails are where Camp Social is going to shine. Let me set the stage for you: it’s 114 babillion degrees outside, you’re all but stuck to your car seat when you arrive and the only thing that can cool you off is a frosty adult beverage. Let me introduce you to the Old Camp peach pecan whiskey, a combination of freshly brewed black tea, fresh squeezed lemon and Peach Real served in “the ugliest thermos” the restaurant could find. I’m feeling cooler already!

But where are the s’mores?!

No camping experience is complete without s’mores and it sounds like Camp Social will not disappoint. We can’t wait to check out their Best Little S’more House in Phoenix. Not only for the clever moniker but because its said to be made with marshmallow vodka, chocolate liqueur, melted chocolate, graham cracker crust topped with marshmallows…on fire. S’mores in a glass? I’m all in!

Camp Social is opening in June and will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11am until 11pm and from 11am until 2am on Friday and Saturday with food served until 1am. You can check their special happy hour specials and pricing Monday through Saturday from 3pm until 6pm.

It sounds like the only thing missing is arts and crafts, but who knows, that could be coming, too!

Camp Social | 6107 N. 7th St. | Phoenix | 85014 | 602.451.9915

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© Taryn Jeffries 2017