Lisa G Cafe and Wine Bar

Chief CEO of procrastinators inc. strikes again. That’s right, double chief. I started this review over a month ago and of course am now finishing it a few days after Lisa G. has closed her doors. Here is hoping that after her sojourn back east she will reincarnate somewhere else in the area. So much for a useful review, but here it is regardless.
Great gathering spot for a group, or dinner for two. Quaint and cozy on the inside and a lovely patio to chill out at when the weather is right. Wine flights are cool, gives you the chance to try a variety of unfamiliar vinos at a very reasonable price.
Bowl of balls, I had heard so much. Trio of balls in a delectable tomato sauce served with a side of foccacia bread and a slice of Parmesan cheese, a nice presentation. I am very particular about my balls and this may seem like an odd complaint, but they had too much meat and not enough filler. Most people would celebrate this, but for me there is a textural component to a good ball. So these were slightly chewy due to the quality and abundance of meat. A touch more bread would make them more tender but at the same time piss some people off. Tutti gusti son gusti I say, each to there own tastes. However, Lisa G is a top notch indie joint, and she is the real deal, friendly and hard working.
Footnote to the new owners, you have some big balls to fill. Talk on the streets is that some people have gift certificates for Lisa’s joint. Perhaps as part of your grand opening you could honor these?

Lisa G. GOES OUT OF BUSINESS!
Tonight is the last night for her self-​portraiture.
Source:

Not even sure where to start on this review… I was so very impressed !! Had the pleasure of eating here last week and have no clue why I waited so long! Bad Gina!
The outdoor patio is fantastic. The are where I sat has some sort of old machine that’s been revamped into a super cool water fountain sculpture. It was very calming to listen to while sitting on the patio.
For dinner I had the bowl of balls… WOW…these were great! Homemade meatballs by a real Italian… I’m very very picky about Italian food since I grew up with real Italian food back East. Not to sound snobby, but my parents were born and raised in Italy so I know a little bit about Italian food :) My Dad would even approve of these meatballs and he is SUPER fussy !
The wine selection is very nice and the drinks were on special that night. $ 6 for any drink! What a deal. I had a really nice Reisling… yum
I can’t wait to go back and try Lisa G’s again. Hopefully for their Wednesday Pizza and Psychic night.
Thank you Lisa G for bringing a little taste of home to me in Phoenix!

Because of all of the positive reviews, I wanted to try this place again. All I can say is WTF is up with all of the positive reviews? I went last night for HH, and while I did enjoy their $ 6-​all-​wines-​on-​sale happy hour, the food is subpar. Barely edible, really. I had the Skewers plate. Bland, bland, bland. The chipotle dipping sauce was yummy, but the tzatziki sauce didn’t seem to go with any of the skewers all that well. Plus, the cucumbers in it were not finely diced enough, so it couldn’t really be used well as a dip. Picky, yes, and not worth mentioning if the rest of the meal had been fabulous, but it wasn’t…
Plus, the place is so blasted loud when it’s full. Enjoyed the ambiance when it was just a few people, but when it filled up… sheesh — I was practically screaming across the small table at my friend. Get some fabric, people!
Okay service, but not remarkable. Sat with an empty water glass for the last 30 minutes or so with no offers to fill it up.
What’s the big deal, people?

I decided to stop in to Lisa G’s after dropping my brother off at the airport the other day. Well, ‘decided’ is maybe too strong a word. Since it was rush hour, it was a choice between dinner near Sky Harbor or sitting in traffic for an hour. I fired up the Unilocal app on the iPhone and realized Lisa G’s wasn’t too far off. So off I went.
Upon arrival, I already knew I was going to like this place. The restaurant is in another one of those converted houses that are so prevalent around Phoenix. The patio looks like a great area to sit and eat or grab a drink at. I actually almost considered it, then I remembered I was in Phoenix and it was still over 100 degrees outside. However, as I walked in, I did look to the window and see the Unilocal reviewed signage up there. It made me smile.
I was promptly greeted and decided to sit at the bar. A glass of some spectacular red zinfandel soon came to my hand and I decided to assault their menu. It’s not a big menu, but everything sounded good. On top of that, the smells wafting from the kitchen to the right of the bar did nothing to assist with my indecision. As usual, I asked the bartender and the server what they recommended. I was advised to try the spaghetti and meatballs, the house special.
While I waited for my food, I continued to be chatted up by the bartender, the server (Stacey), and the host (Jeff). It all felt very comfortable and homey. The crew seemed very comfortable together and it just made the whole experience there that much more delightful.
The food arrived steaming hot and smelling like pure meat and saucy happiness. The chef at Lisa G’s had turned spaghetti and meatballs into a true dinner. The meatballs are apparently what the place is known for and rightfully so. They were amazing. When I finished basically licking the plate clean, I was almost tempted to get their «bowl of balls» because the meatballs were just that good. The sauce was excellent as well and, by comparison, the pasta itself was a letdown. I think it got a bit overcooked, but I’m not gonna complain too stridently, as everything else was so good.
I chatted with the staff for a while longer, learning about an upcoming wine tasting (9−10−09) and their pizza and psychic nights (Wednesday nights). I left happy with a wonderful meal and having met some good people. And there was no traffic on the way home.

OK, I totally messed up here. I recently gave Lisa G’s a good review, but felt like my post could’ve been written differently and still conveyed the same message. Basically, she deserved better.
Long story short, Instead of updating the post, I deleted. Which now I’m realizing was probably the wrong thing to do. I am sorry. And if I need to make up for this mistake in some way, please message me and I will.
Anyway, her restaurant is SO good, which is why this rewrite is so important to me.
Just like the song ‘I’m every woman’, Lisa G’s is every restaurant.
Lisa G’s can be intimate or Lisa G’s can be the chill hang out with friends. Either way, you’ll get great food and attentive, friendly service.
This is my ‘go to’ place whenever I have friends in town for a visit. They always fall in love with the little bungalow style home, contemporary furnishings and Lisa G’s signature bowl of meatballs in marinara sauce, accompanied with thick slices of Parmesan cheese and bread on the side.
While the meatballs are my favorite, I’ve tried most everything on the menu and the food is consistently delicious, including the drinks. Have you ever tasted the Caipirinha (pronounced: «KAI-​PUR-​EEN-​YA») ?? If not, you should — it’s the perfect summery cocktail.
In the three years I’ve lived here, I’ve never had a bad experience at the restaurant and that speaks volumes.
Looking for a place to go on a date? Lisa G’s. Need a cool Midtown Phoenix restaurant for drinks and appetizers? Lisa G’s. Don’t care either way and just want good food? Lisa G’s.
Everybody together. ‘I’m every woman…‘
PS — Lisa G’s is light rail convenient on 7^th St between Thomas and McDowell. If you’re not up for walking 7 blocks or taking a bus it’s a very easy bike ride.

I went there a few weeks back for #pfn and it was a great way to start my vacation. A bowl of balls and a couple of Peroni’s were just the ticket. Considering the size of our group the wait staff did an excellent job. Because there were at least 6 dogs in our group we were out on the patio with them in what I think was the hottest evening to date this year. I had never been to a place that welcomed customers dogs so openly and even in the heat the dogs seemed to appreciate it and I think I only heard 2 barks all night. I liked the atmosphere and wouldn’t mind the drive across town again some time.

Summing up this place in one word, Adorable!
Loved it, and I think Alice-​ma (my fur baby) did too. Attended the PFN Pooch Patio Party! The Happy Hour prices on the wine list were good, if I didn’t have to drive home I so would have had a few more glasses. I had two glasses (I’m pretty sure, it was two…) of the Kuhl Riesling, which was divine. And a cup of joe for the road, as I didn’t sleep too much the night prior.
Because I was with Alice, I spent most of my time on the patio. Its large and very chill, ample lighting and comfortable seating (take a look at the lil turf cans if you go, hilarious!). I only got to sneak a peek at the interior on the way to the powder room, but I could definitely see myself returning for a cozy lil’ dinner with friends here in the near future. Wonderful service, and the food looks like something I will have to try. Yay good times!

Somehow I’ve become a semi-​regular at Lisa G and I’m lovin’ every minute of it. The staff is wonderful and helpful and they seem like a family (there are only a few people that actually work there) which is a nice feeling.
The skewer plate is my favorite. I’ve ate it many, many times in the last few months.
Some new stuff: They just re-​did their patio and added a ton more seating! They’re also doing Saturday night projected movies on the patio and wine/​five course meal pairings once a month. There is lots of good stuff happening here– check it!

This hip little café is a girls dream! A beautiful décor of bright green and brown gives this restaurant a stylish feel. I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Lisa G’s a few times now and really like it. The mini sandwiches, bowl of balls and steak salad are among my favorites. I’ve never had dessert here as I’m usually too full to attempt it but I imagine if her desserts are anything like the entrees… they’ve got to be delicious!
It gets pretty busy here during lunch and dinner so prepare to wait. There is however a cute little bar where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine before dinner. This would also be a great date place. I give Lisa G’s four stars. Enjoy!

Lisa G, you had me at Balls!
Who can resist a trio of piping hot tasty meatballs (Veal/​Pork/​Beef) soaking in a savory red marinara sauce topped with grated parm and served with warm Foccaccia Bread? Not me! These balls are soo good, I had them two days in a row. Yep, I’m a fan but my delight doesn’t end with the balls. I enjoyed every other plate I had during my repeat dinning experience.
Empanadas: Wow! The crust alone is to live for! Each bite melted in my mouth and I enjoyed the tasty center too.
Skewer Plate: This is the perfect sharing dish. Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, and Veggie skewers (2 of each) served with two delicious sauces. Both are good but I preferred the Chipotle sauce. This dish is screaming for a fruit skewer; grilled pineapple maybe?
Mini Sandwiches: A great option for a first timer. This dish offers a selection of three mini sandwiches (your choice) from the main menu. I loved this idea because I can try each and decide which one I would like in the big sandwich size. Each were good but the AHI and Chicken Salad were my favorites; AHI being the top.
Lisa G doesn’t just offer up great food, this is also one cool happening joint. It’s a converted 19 something-​ish bungalow turned Café, Wine, Art Bar. The music selection also adds to the dinning experience. Can’t go wrong with Billie and Ella singing you through a meal right? The service was great during both my visits. They were courteous, responsive, and served with a smile both times. So hey, give at go and don’t forget to try them balls. I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Five reasons that I love this place:
Mini Sandwiches: MJ bread with a little bit of heaven in the middle (my favorites are tied between chicken and tuna).
Tiny Pie: If you go on a tiny pie flight night, don’t waste the opportunity, get it. Since I’m a midget, they make me feel normal sized (notice the theme of my adoration towards shrunken food).
The décor: Redone house, great picture of baby Lisa above the mantle, beautiful artwork by one of the staff members, and a totally dope patio.
The wine: great selection and the staff is happy to tell you which ones they like.
Lisa G!: I love that the owner is behind the bar, and she makes you feel like you’re hanging out at her house having some wine, fun, and food.

I really enjoyed Lisa G’s. I went with a bunch of other Unilocal-he’s and Unilocal-she’s after the last OYE and was pleasantly surprised. I have driven by several times and I love the logo and the sign, and used to live within walking distance, so it was on my list of places to visit.
I love the fact that Lisa G is bopping around taking care of business. I think that people who actually participate in the day-​to-​day operations of their business are doing it right.
Everyone was really pleased with their meals, and I really enjoyed the taste of pizza I stole from my neighboring Unilocal-​she.
I am definitely looking forward to hitting Lisa G’s again and trying out some more tasty treats!

Keep your eyes open, I almost drove right by this place. Might have been because it’s a lot more house-​looking than restaurant-​looking. Not complaining, just saying. I love the converted house thing, just wasn’t expecting it. Or maybe it was because the Unilocaler I was following turned into the parking lot a moment after two cars cut in front of me and she disappeared from view. Either way, I found it, and I’m glad I did.
First, I gotta give ‘em props for the way they handled our large, unexpected and occasionally raucous group — service was friendly and efficient. Lisa G herself even came over to say hello, pose for pictures and answer detailed questions about her fabulous food. Did I just say fabulous? Weird. Not part of my typical nomenclature. Did I just say nomenclature? Did I use it correctly?
Anyhoo — was part of a large group like I said, so I got to sample/​steal bits and pieces of several different menu options. cheese, cranberries, and candied almonds from the antipasto plate, shrimp and veggies from the skewer plate, more candied almonds from the antipasto plate, the empanadas — ooh, the empanadas — they were the best part. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more, the eggplant/​zuchini/​blue cheese & pine nuts or the Mushroom/​onions/​almonds & parmesan cheese. Probably the eggplant, which is weird, because I don’t normally care for eggplant. Oh, but the mushrooms were so good. Hmm. think I’ll have to go back and have them again to be sure. Lastly, we ordered the seared ahi mini-​sandwiches with wasabi sauce, which I loved — though the Unilocaler I shared them with didn’t so much. But she’s crazy, you shouldn’t listen to her.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I used to come here all the time when it was Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe. The service was fun and fast, the house was virtually untouched from the 1920s down to the extent of the old TV sets and the creaky wood floors, and they had absolutely the BEST SOUPS in town!
Well, they lost their lease and then this lady Lisa G. moves in. Next think you know, the fabulous, funky 1920s bungalow has had its heart ripped out in favor of MODERN DECOR [yecch!!!]-so I really have to ask Ms. G «why didn’t you go find some new digs if you wanted modern décor?» I HATE it when people rip out the fabulous old wood floors and plaster and put in drywall!!!
That said – the food is good [kind of modern fusion], I’ve only been there twice for lunch so I can’t say how dinner is, and since I’ve only been there for lunch I can’t say if the wine list is any good. Perhaps I’ll be back for dinner – if hubby and I can take seeing what’s been done to one of our favorite lunch hangouts, that is.
And the soup? Sorry, I’d rather go back to Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe in its dreary industrial setting over at 31^st Ave. and Thomas and get their fabulous soups. Not there’s anything wrong with Lisa G’s soups, but the Sandwich Shoppe ladies have everybody beat.
So – food rates a 3.5, ambiance a 1.5 for tearing out the funkiness of yet another one of our dwindling number of historic homes.
But all you yuppie urban types out there are gonna be happy campers, so go have a great time.

I can finally say I’ve been to Lisa G’s. I’m not sure what took so long, but I’d been wanting to try it for a while. I went for a business lunch meeting on a Monday. The place is cute, service welcoming and attentive but not pushy, and food was impressive as well. I went with the veggie sandwich on toasted wheat bread. The combination of fresh roasted veggies plus farmer’s cheese and tomato jam is simply perfect!
I liked it so much that I planned on going back that same week on Friday to get the same thing. Unfortunately, when I walked in the door just past 2pm, we were turned away… they close mid-​day at 2pm. Bummer!
All in all, I’ll optimistically give Lisa G 4 stars, but I will have to return to try more from the menu and check out their wine list next visit and update then. If you plan on going, make sure they are open so you’re not let down the way Thomas and I were when we went.
PS — I am adding this to my «It’s all about the Eggplant» list since their veggie sandwich has yummy eggplant as one of the yummy ingredients!

«Not that there’s anything wrong with it…»
My bad. Lisa G is not a card carrying member of the Ellen club. Nope. Straightie through and through. So go to Lisa G and eat her balls.

Not impressed. Start with the service. Not professional. It seemed as though the wait staff was clueless as to the table numbers. We were given the wrong table’s order twice.
Second, the food was conceptually a mess. No clear theme or flavor profiles. The food was heavy, greasy and took forever to arrive. None of the dishes were memorable.
Third, the wine selection seemed to be lacking. And, the sommelier didn’t know where the wine was from she was serving. Not impressed.

Clumsy space delightful food, horrible lame service. hostess wasn’t very nice and the waiter was forgetful and spacey though he was VERY cute. what happens when cute runs out?
I actually wrote Lisa G an email describing the bad spacey service and told her the name of the server. She then informed me that was one of her best servers and I had to be mistaken! The only mistake here would be ever going back! She showed me, huh?!
Single star for food only.

Unfortunately, we used to live in the hood (Coronado). Then we moved. Then Lisa G opened up. Then we wanted to move back to the hood! I can only imagine how awesome it would be to be able to walk there.
Keeping it simple:
The Meatballs are big and magical. Get them on the bread as a Grinder. Love them so much we ordered 60 of them for a party. All gone!
The trio of sliders are inventive, fresh tasting and delicious.
The Juno, chicken sandwich with caramelized onions on fresh ciabatta, is crack.
We didn’t know Lisa when we fell in love with the place. But we know her now because we love her food. She is a wonderful and funny person. But even if she were a raging psychotic bitch, I’d keep coming back ;-)