After a day of celebrating the glory of Downtown Phoenix at Grand Avenue Festival

, my stomach was shouting for liquid sustenance. Naturally, my taste buds seem to gravitate towards something of the sweet tea variety. Stereotypical Southerner? Absolutely.

I had heard of a cool bar that is tucked away at 7th Avenue and McDowell. That seems extremely curious, considering that hiding at that busy intersection must be a task. With that in mind, I believed that I might be headed to a dive bar for sure.

Once I located the sign-less door, I was met by the colorful hum of Yellow Submarine flickering in the staircase above. Immediately, I realized that I had made a discovery. Cozy couches, dim lights and nostalgic movies seem to package this place in a unique style. On to ordering my drink. I know that I’m somewhere special when the drink ingredients are sweet tea vodka, sweet and sour and a sliced lemon. Simple. Brilliant. Sold.

My refined palate is amazed at the mixture. Seriously, is it possible to beat a combo that includes liquor and sweet tea? If not for the pleasant, relaxed mood of the room, I would have released a “rebel yell” of delight. I suppose SideBar is my diamond in the rough, and that gives it a huge lead on every other place. Now I just have to find it again.

SideBar is located at 1517 N. 7th Ave. and pours Lynwood Palmers until 2 a.m. every day.