Feasting in Phoenix 2.0

Yes, yes. I know.

Where have I been?

Well, the short of it is that sometimes you have to take a step back and focus on some other things in life including family, friends, health and prosperity (or lack of prosperity in my case). But, everything is fine, although there are still some rough edges. But if you are looking for someone to blame, blame Madge.

But, let’s move on to the food!

So, like this blog, I haven’t been keeping up with my evil, tree-hugging, vegetarian friend Angelica. We decided to catch up before she started more nursing classes on her way to being the next Nurse Ratchet. We went back and forth on where to meet and finally decided to take a chance on a restaurant near Mill Avenue in Tempe.

I had a bit of trepidation about this since the students at ASU were taking over since classes began this week and I worried that we would have a long wait. But my fear were unnecessary as Bison Witches was only slightly busy on a warm Sunday afternoon.

After parking in the subterranean garage, I met Angelica topside and we entered into the restaurant. The place was very much a bar and grill with the booths dotting the perimeter and the bar the hub of activity in the center of the space. We were told (via a sign) to seat ourselves and we took a comfortable booth overlooking Sixth Avenue.

We were presented with menus and our drink order was taken: water for Angelica and an Iced Tea ($2.25) for me. Angelica swore by the sandwiches and there were several that caught my eye. When our server returned with our drinks, we were set to order. Angelica, not surprisingly, had the Veggie Sandwich ($7.25) and I opted for the Tempe Sandwich ($7.25). I also wanted a side salad ($5.50) and asked for a recommendation on the dressings. I was told the Herb Vinaigrette and Parmesan Peppercorn were both good and was told I could have both. So I did.

The interior was fairly non-descript and it reminded me more of a bar than a restaurant, but it was comfortable. The music wasn’t blaringly loud which we appreciated.

We waited about 15 minutes and our order arrived. The Side Salad was not what I expected at all. The salad itself was a mix of greens, veggies and cheese and all of this was stuffed into a large bread bowl. It also came with a side of chips. The salad was fresh and crisp and I liked it very much. The dressings were okay, although I would have passed on the vinaigrette if I had known in was going to arrive in factory sealed plastic cup. If I had eaten the bread and the chips with the salad, it would have been a substantial lunch, but I wanted to make sure I had room for my sandwich.

Angelica’s Veggie Sandwich was huge and loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, olives, green peppers, onions, artichoke hearts, avocado, sprouts, cheddar cheese, provolone, cream cheese and mayo. This was all served on thick sliced wheat bread and served with Poore Brothers BBQ Potato Chips. She gobbled down the sandwich and kept reiterating that she loved how they made their sandwiches because they were so fresh.

My Tempe Sandwich was a combination of turkey, bacon, onions, lettuce, cheese and Parmesan Peppercorn dressing served on the same whole wheat bread. One taste and I was hooked. The bread was absolutely killer. Soft, robust, earthy and completely delicious. It was a perfect vehicle for the meats, cheese and vegetables. The insides were fresh and abundant and the flavors were all brought together with the dressing. While the dressing was good I wish there was more, so I did add some of my left over Parmesan Peppercorn dressing from my salad. Serving size wise, this sandwich was a monster. I could have easily foregone the salad and have been completely stuffed with just the sandwich. The Poore Brothers Salt and Vinegar Chips were a great accompaniment with their tangy bite. I normally am not a big fan of potato chips with sandwiches, but in this case I think it was perfect due to the size of the sandwich. French fried or coleslaw just would have been a bit too heavy for this one.

We finished our meals and chatter away until we both needed to return to our Sunday obligations. We both had high regards for Bison Witches and there were about a half dozen or so sandwiches that I still want to try. Service was friendly, efficient and helpful.

Our total bill was a meager $24.05 which included tax. It was a steal for the quantity of food.

We departed and said our goodbyes on the sidewalk before I walked Angelica to her veggie-mobile and then left for home.

I hadn’t been on Mill Avenue in ages and there are lots of new things there and plenty to explore. So, I am glad we ended up at Bison Witches. It was a great lunch, great conversation, and an opportunity to see how Tempe was doing these days.

I can’t wait to go back to Bison Witches.

Bison Witches
120 East Sixth Street
Suite 146
Tempe, AZ 85281
Dress: Casual, but ASU clothing always a plus.
Hours: Sunday through Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM (Bar open until 2 AM).
Alcohol: Full bar.
Notes: Entrance to the underground parking is just west of the restaurant.
Website: www.bisonwitches.com