Whiskey Rose Saloon, described by one of its owners as “a barbecue and burgers joint with a modern Western saloon theme, is set to open late next week in south Chandler.
It’s taking over the former Old Chicago restaurant on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road.
The 6,600-square-foot building has been remodeled with wood walls, wood floors, and brown leather booths with butcher-block tables. There will be 18 TVs to watch sports and other events.
A stage has been built for live music three or four nights a week, mostly country with some occasional light rock and acoustic.
Tom Tichenor has been brought in to head the kitchen. Tichenor is a classically trained chef whose resume includes stints at Wright’s at the Biltmore and the Wrigley Mansion.
But Tichenor’s first love is barbecue, and he has a background in barbecue competitions. His menu for Whiskey Rose will have ribs, brisket, pulled pork, hot links, and chicken – all smoked on-site.
Prices will top out at $15 for a half-rack and $20 for a full rack of ribs. Specialty burgers and sandwiches will be in the $10-$11 range.
The 20-seat bar will have 30 beers on tap – about half mainstream domestics and the other half craft beers with a focus on Arizona breweries. The small wine list will include a house white on tap.
The female staff will dress in red tank tops and Daisy Duke shorts.
Next week’s soft opening will include several private events. The grand opening for the public will be Feb. 4.
Whiskey Rose Saloon will be open for lunch and dinner daily. Happy hour will be 4-7 p.m. weekdays.
