Meat and More at Salty Sow

The Place: Salty Sow
The Location: 4801 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix
By: Shoshana Leon

As the name suggests, Salty Sow knows meat. From pork dishes and crisp chicken thighs to slow roasted beef shoulder and prime rib, Salty Sow offers beautifully cooked meats and so much more including clever cocktails, savory side dishes and decadent desserts. In addition to mouth-watering meats, Salty Sow’s menu has several fish dishes, including Sunbru Beer Battered Fish And Chips, and Asiago-Crusted Halibut; salads include their Brussels Sprouts Caesar.

Located near Paradise Valley Mall, Salty Sow opened in 2013. The gastropub has an inviting neighborhood atmosphere, a large patio, friendly and knowledgeable servers, and an open kitchen. The Sunday brunch buffet (with both adult and kid menus) offers carved meats, fried chicken and waffles, hot smoked salmon, pork belly hash, and made-to-order eggs and omelets. To complete the brunch experience, guests can enjoy $5 Bloody Marys and $4 Mimosas.

In addition to an extensive selection of wine and beer, Salty Sow has a creative list of Signature Sips. Some of my favorites include Rosemary’s Piglet made with champagne, pomegranate juice and rosemary syrup; and sparkling white sangria made with elderflower liqueur, oranges, grapes and opal basil. For a twist on a classic, the maple glazed old fashion features Maker’s Mark, maple syrup, blood orange bitters and cherries.

Salty Sow offers happy hour daily from 4-6:30 pm, and being a big fan of happy hour—especially ones that extend to the weekend—I’ve experienced Salty Sow’s many times. Great drink specials include $5 glasses of wine and $2 off Signature Sips and well drinks. Eats range from Tacos, to Chicken on a Stick, to Shrimp Bisque. Be sure to try the crispy Duck Fat Fries (which are topped with a silky egg and served with creamy béarnaise) and the Truffled Deviled Eggs (both $6). Happy hour small plates include Fried Green Tomatoes, House-Made Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms and Shrimp Firecrackers. My favorite items, though, are the tender Pork Belly Tacos and the delightfully crunchy Honey Rosemary Dipped Fried Chicken, accompanied by a house-made buttermilk biscuit ($7).

Hungry yet? Well don’t forget to save room for dessert! Favorites include creamy butterscotch budino with salted caramel and sweet crème fraiche, and Bananas Foster beignets with cane syrup, honey and ice cream. Salty Sow is open for dinner nightly, serves lunch Monday through Friday, and offers Sunday brunch. Upcoming events include Mother’s Day brunch on May 13; participation in Arizona Restaurant Week May 18-27, featuring a three-course prix fixe menu; and a buy one entrée-get one free special on July 4.

Whether you’re in a meaty mood or prefer lighter happy hour bites and cocktails, Salty Sow can meet your dining desires, and will leave you wanting to come back to try something new.

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