BACK TO THE 80S

Nostalgia rules the day at 80s-centric hotspots in the Phoenix area

By Teresa Bitler

Allegiant passengers may not be able to time travel, but they can relive the 1980s at several totally awesome venues throughout the Phoenix area.

SID’S GARAGE Hair bands play again at this 80s-themed burger joint set in a fictitious repair shop with a concrete floor and beer kegs hanging by chains from the ceiling. In one corner, a mural of Prince watches over musicians as they belt out songs by Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses. Like any great 80s concert, it can get loud, but the upstairs dining area and outdoor patio offer some respite from the high-energy guitar riffs.

The food is just as much a part of the experience as the music. Headbangers can

Sid’s Garage celebrates the 80s with live music, gourmet burgers and over-the-top shakes

down ½-pound burgers between a bun branded with the restaurant’s logo, crispy tots served in a pail or candied jalapeno bacon torched tableside. To wash it down, the bar serves cocktails in juice pouches, flamingo pool floaties and other creative presentations. But the colossal shakes are the showstoppers, embellished with sweet delights like ice cream sandwiches and whole pieces of cake. sidsgarage.com

COBRA ARCADE BAR This arcade for grownups features all the best arcade games, including Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Frogger and Ms. Pac-Man. But Cobra Arcade Bar is more than the mall-style arcade popularized in 80s movies. Live bands and DJs play nightly from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and drinks like the Garbage Pail Kid, made with Effen Apple and Mad Dog 20/20, flow freely. Although the bar doesn’t serve food, it does invite food trucks to satisfy hungry gamers.

Because its space located near the convention center is small, Cobra Arcade Bar recommends coming early in the evening to avoid waiting for admission. Allegiant passengers who are more interested in the arcade games than the music may want to come during happy hour, Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when fewer people come to play. On Tuesday, the bar hands out free tokens with drink purchases, and on Wednesday, women get free tokens. cobraarcadebar.com

TAPROOM-120 The name of this new taproom refers to the term “T120,” which was found printed on blank VHS tapes during their heyday to indicate they ran two hours (120 minutes). But that’s far from the only retro pop culture reference at Taproom-120. Taps with handles featuring old action figures like HeMan dispense premium craft beers. Adding to the ambiance, a mural showcases favorite characters from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and an onsite arcade contains popular retro games.

Allegiant passengers don’t have to be beer drinkers to enjoy Taproom-120. The bar serves wine and non-alcoholic beverages, too. As the taproom’s slogan goes, all that’s required is for patrons to “Be kind, unwind.” taproom120.com

Sid’s Garage celebrates the 80s with live music, gourmet burgers and over-the-top shakes

Candied jalapeno bacon is a Sid’s Garage favorite

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