Food is the Main Game

HALF MOON GRILL A SPORTS BAR WHERE FOOD IS THE MAIN GAME
Geri Koeppel, The Arizona Republic

Half Moon Sports Grill
325 W. Elliot Road, Tempe (two other locations in Phoenix)

(480) 456-9400; www.halfmoonsportsgrill.com

There seems to be a mathematical equation in dining: There is an inverse proportional relationship between the number of TV screens in a sports bar and the quality of the food.

The Half Moon Sports Grill thankfully proves that theory wrong. The contemporary atmosphere, stellar service, extensive drink list and excellent meals ensure that couples can gleefully agree on a happy hour spot when the Suns are playing.

My husband and I liked the open, modern feel of the main room. A couple of small lounges off the main bar looked like a perfect spot to enjoy a signature martini, and smokers can hang out on the patio with a fire pit and pool table instead of being relegated to a sidewalk.

There's no draft beer, but the bottle list is respectable and affordable (Fat Tire, for example, is $3). The wine, like that in most sports bars, is dismal, but Half Moon makes up for it with a full bar and those luscious-sounding martinis.

We ordered the "award-winning" wings ($8) and four prime rib sliders ($8.50) to start. The wings lived up to their name with crispy skin slathered with lip-smacking sauces covering juicy meat.

The sliders were served on a slightly toasted tiny bun with sides of au jus and horseradish to jazz them up, but the meat by itself was tender and flavorful. These would make a perfect meal at happy hour, when they're discounted, because they could use a bit more beef.

Skipping the burgers for the more off-beat offerings, I tried the chipotle and lime tilapia sandwich with a tortilla crust, served on a wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion and a Southwestern style mayo ($9.95). The fish was as big as my head and as flaky as could be, and the spicy coating made it one of the best fish sandwiches I've ever tasted.

Hubby got the tri-tip steak sandwich ($11.25) with a mouth-watering marinade, Provolone and onion strings. I had one palate-pleasing bite before he vacuumed it up and asked for part of mine. Thankfully I was already getting full from the appetizers and my side dish, a solid Caesar with a tangy house-made dressing and freshly shaved Parmesan.

Service was simply outstanding. Our waitress was friendly and prompt, and she checked back on us regularly. All this adds up to a winning game and a guarantee that Half Moon will be in our regular rotation from now on.

1,700 Southeast Valley restaurants at dining.azcentral.com