Citizen R+D Now Open and Serving Crafty Cocktails

By Shannon Armour Tue., Dec. 20 2011 at 4:00 PM

Inside Citizen R + D.

After months of work, the tiny lounge above Citizen Public House, Citizen R + D, is now open to the public -- if you can actually get in.

Accessible from only an outside staircase next to a smelly garbage dump behind the restaurant, would-be guests must call the number at the bottom of a lengthy set of rules (men can not approach women, only women can approach men; no flash photography; inside voices only) listed on the wall to gain entrance to the crafty cocktail adventure that awaits.

Only 30 people are allowed access through the metal gate and inside the doors to the little loft at one time.

And trust us -- once you're inside, it's sorta hard to leave.

We can't wait to see what the R + D team do with all these ingredients

Gin made with 100 proof Absolut vodka double boiled with elderberries and lemon zest right at your table; plush seating; dim lights; and a super friendly staff make staying for "just one more" a hard offer to refuse.

We paid a visit to R + D this past weekend at a media event designed to offer a taste of mixologist Richie Moe's tableside G & T, Citizen's version of an Old Fashioned, and bartender Kris Korf's show stopping Black Blazer: a boozy concoction of Jameson whiskey, black strap molasses rum, and maple syrup that is set on fire and mixed from shaker to shaker as his trusty doorman stands by to make sure he doesn't catch fire. (He informed us that it has only happened once.)

Once the vibrant blue flames gives way to a bright yellow-orange, the drink is poured into a rocks glass and topped off with a float of fresh whipped cream and a little orange zest. The outcome is spectacular and the show is worth the $17 price tag.

R + D, which stands for research and development, will have an ever-changing menu and will not accept reservations -- but don't let the rules, the wait, or the chance of being rejected by the massive door guy stop you from paying a visit to this unique watering hole. It's one experience that should be on everyone's Phoenix bucket list.

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Citizen R+D

7111 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, AZ

Category: Music

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Citizen Public House, citizen r+d, Richie Moe

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Guest

Soooooooo contrived even for the most obnoxious "foodie." No thanks

Hey, r+d; WTF?

$17 dollar drinks? Great call/concept in this economy. This whole thing sounds so overdone and self-absorbed, seriously. Still, I'm sure it will play to a packed house (and that's thirty bodies, you say) initially. Ultimately, though, you can't try too hard to manufacture vibe. That exercise too often ends in a big pile of pretentiousness.

TheCosmicJester

I'll happily take one really well-made cocktail over two crummy ones any day. And knowing Richie's passion for such things, these are going to be some REALLY well-made cocktails. There's truly nothing like it in town.

JuxtaPalate Food Blog

Easy there Robert! Come check it out for yourself. It's a great spot and I think you'll enjoy it.

from you-know-who

Obviously, this is not a secure site. And to the extent that someone outside of New Times' editorial staff has either accessed or been provided access to outside editorial identities, I can't help but believe my own rights to privacy have been compromised.

from you-know-who

Well, bust my chops, Shannon. You're right. Ty Largo found me out fair and square. Crap. My apologies. It sucks to be wrong.

Shannon

This is a public forum and anyone with a Disqus account can take a look at ALL of your past posts no matter what false name you put them under because they are connected to your email. Your email is searchable by anyone on Google. The first thing that comes up is this little gem http://www.phoenixrestaurants....

Your rights have not been compromised. I think you need to lighten up and have a cocktail . I know just the place to get one.

Shannon

Honestly, I went in thinking that it might be a bit pretentious but it really wasn't, I swear. That drink is the most expensive drink on the list but you're basically paying for a double pour of good booze. Plus everyone is really laid back and nice.