We are excited to launch a series of blog posts over the year to share date night ideas in Phoenix! Today’s post covers ideas from PHXkids contributor Tamie, who visited two unique restaurants that are about food, and so much more.
Modern Round
As a person who’s shooting experience amounts to hunting ducks with those orange guns that we enjoyed so much with a certain popular gaming console of the ’80s and ’90s, I was hesitant as to whether or not I would enjoy Modern Round.
Well, I’m happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. I pictured a big room styled like a massive arcade, but what I got was the feeling of a sophisticated night club. The gaming areas are partitioned off, each with its own large TV and lounge with plenty of space for a party of 4 to 6. If you are new to shooting and just trying to find your way, like I was, you aren’t being stared down by a dozen expert “gamers” awaiting their turn.
Your server gives a brief description of how to navigate the game menus and use the weapons and then you have plenty of time to practice. There are simple target practice bullseyes and balloon-popping games if you want to start easy or you have the kiddos with you, or you can go all in and save the world from a zombie apocalypse or act as law enforcement in a realistic hostage situation. Two shooters are allowed to play at a time and you can act as a team, each helping the other out, or compete for top points if you are more competitive.
The food and drink selection was impressive for this kind of venue. I expected bowling alley style pizza and wings but was pleasantly surprised with the delicious charcuterie board, gourmet cocktails, and large menu of options ranging from burgers to filet mignon and salmon! They also offer a full kid’s menu if you have the littles with you.
We also learned more about the second location of Modern Round opening in the new, state of the art, 62,000 sq ft entertainment venue called The Revelry at the Mesa Riverfront. The Revelry will offer something for everyone, from brunch at Morning Ritual, to virtual putt-putt with your preteens, to date nights at the Pop Culture bar (which will feature a full-scale model of the “Back to the Future” Delorean and lots of other pop culture references). There will even be a dog park with a walk-up ordering menu so you can have lunch while your furry friend plays outdoors!
The Revelry opens fully in April of this year and will be located at 1065 N. Dobson Rd. in Mesa and Modern Round Peoria is in the P83 entertainment district at 8320 W Mariners Way. Online reservations are recommended.
Murder Mystery Dinner
A few years ago we attended a 1920’s themed murder mystery dinner performed by The Murder Mystery Co. at The Old Spaghetti Factory. They offer shows at two locations, one in Phoenix and one in Chandler, with Groupon deals frequently offered to save you some money. Your ticket includes a 3-course meal and 2 hours of “stepping back in time” and becoming immersed in a real-life action game of Clue.
The experience begins the moment you walk in! We were escorted to a private room where all the guests with us and the staff were attired in 1920’s period clothing. We were seated at long tables and provided with a 3-course menu with several options to choose from, including a vegetarian option. After placing our orders, there appeared to be a disagreement between some of the staff – and then a gunshot was heard and the whole room fell silent! The detective arrived on the scene and asked us to help aid in the investigation, so we were given a list of questions to ask and we began to “mingle” to try to get information from the other guests and employees. You had no idea who was actually involved as any one of the guests eating with us could also be an actor involved.
I won’t say anything else to avoid spoiling the mystery of “whodunnit” but it is definitely worth putting on your list of date night ideas this year! The whole evening was so much fun – a more immersive take on “dinner and a show.” The food was the consistently good and large portions you expect from The Old Spaghetti Factory and it is such an enjoyable evening for couples or groups of friends looking to try something different.
They had a photo booth set up with props and we were given a souvenir picture to remember the evening. The shows change from month to month and vary by location, so you can return again and enjoy a whole new mystery!
“The Best Laid Plans: a Hollywood Whodunnit Mystery” runs on select Saturdays in Chandler at 3155 West Chandler Blvd and “Wanted Dead or Alive: a Western Mystery Event” is shown on Thursdays in Phoenix at 1418 N Central Ave. Go to https://www.murdermysteryco.com for more information.
Do you need a babysitter for your date night? We’ve got you covered there too! Check out this review of the Phoenix based company Busy Bees Babysitting.
