Out For Bloodies

In my Arizona Bloody Mary research, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill kept popping up. With locations in Arizona, California, Texas and Utah, one thing Z’Tejas is apparently known for, in addition to its frozen margaritas, is its Bloody Mary Bar on the weekends, part of the “Weekend Fun Bar”:

The review from AZ Central really built this one up in my head:  “The Tempe location in particular boasts an incredible Sunday brunch (order off the menu) deal: $3.50 Bloody Marys, with your choice of vodka, even top shelf. A chilled glass and your shot of spirits are delivered to your table, and then it’s off to the Bloody Mary bar, where you’ll find four different tomato juice mixes, hot sauces, horseradish, pickled veggies, celery and meat, as in, you know, beef jerky or a Slim Jim.

Z’Tejas is expanding their Bloody Mary Bar. For only $3.50 per drink, Z’Tejas is now also offering a Mimosa Bar, Bloody Maria Bar and a Screwdriver bar. The adult beverage bar will be available at all Z’Tejas location Saturdays and Sundays only. Chandler and Phoenix locations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Scottsdale and Tempe locations from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.”

Plus, their photo was amazing.

Since the review I had read was now almost 3 years old, however, I had braced myself for change.

I was able to make it to the Scottsdale location before 3 p.m. on a Sunday. (ProTip: If you time your visit to arrive in that magic 2-3p.m. hour, you can take advantage of BOTH the Weekend Fun Bar AND Happy Hour!). Since the review I had read was now almost 3 years old, I had braced myself for change.

Indeed, the price had risen, but only $.50, to $4 for a build-your-own Bloody Mary, still a steal.

And, while the bar wasn’t quite as impressive as the one I saw in my research phase, it was still a place with the best options for fixin’s.

Mix:  Z’Tejas offered three different mixes—Original, Horseradish and Chile & Pepper. I chose horseradish.

Note that you can either choose the Bloody Mary (with Tito’s Vodka) or the Bloody Maria (with 1800 Silver Tequila). Don’t like Bloody Marys? Not sure why you’re reading this, but Z’Tejas also offers Mimosas and Screwdrivers.

Chaser:  None offered.

Fixin’s: While lacking the many options of Wisconsin Bloodies, (especially the beef/cheese options more native to our neck of the woods), the selection of olives alone was impressive.

Price: $4