101 FUN

Federal American Grill offers whiskey, wine and a casual good time

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

meatloaf, pork chops, fries, and onion rings. There are also twists on classics and more exotic offerings as well – think cheeseburger-filled egg rolls, parmesan crusted and fried asparagus, truffle-stuffed chicken, and Thai shrimp with cheese grits. As Federal Grill gets to know the local community, owners also plan to develop custom menu items exclusive to Arizona.

In addition to the traditional menu offerings, all of which are available for carry-out as well as dine-in, there is also an extensive Family Meals To Go menu with ready-made dinners large enough to feed a family or four or five. Meals include short rib and risotto, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, baby back ribs and mashed potatoes, and more.

Popular Houston-based eatery Federal American Grill, first founded in the 1960s, is now open at the Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center, marking the family-owned brand’s fifth total location and first outside of Texas.

At 7,600 square feet, the restaurant is massive, giving the brand ample space to create areas for both families and adults, including a bar with more than 500 whiskies that feels like a concept within the concept. In addition to the dozens of tables and booths for guests of all ages, there are also two private dining spaces and a 2,000-square-foot patio. Visually, it comes across masculine and approachable with a combination of brick and plush accents as well as two dozen flat-screen televisions.

There are 11 distinct sections of the food menu, which is the same during both lunch and dinner, including starters, specialty salads, dinner salads, protein bowls, soups, signature features, burgers and sandwiches, seafood, steaks, market sides, and desserts. Expect classic but updated American favorites, including spinach dip, chicken wings, shrimp cocktail, flat iron steak, braised short rib, filet mignon,

The signature cocktail menu reads like a book with 19 total offerings, many featuring whiskey including the Flaming Oldie, which is set ablaze tableside and features Elijah Craig Bourbon, an Everclear 151-bruleed orange, house bitters, and a cherry; and the Paper Plane, which showcases Old Forester Rye Whisky 100, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon. For those who prefer other spirits, there are also options ranging from margaritas to Moscow mules as well as adventurous features, including the Uno Mas, which is an intoxicatingly refreshing blend of Flor De Cana 7-Year Rum with fresh lime and blueberries. Copious wines by the bottle and glass as well as beer are also available, as is a full menu of private selection whiskies by the glass.

Federal American Grill is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Brunch, including signature morning cocktails and a small menu of elevated sweet and savory staples, is offered on the weekend, with plans to launch happy hour discounts in coming months.

Federal American Grill, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; www.thefederalgrill.com.