Drinks 101: Where to drink before an Arizona Cardinals game?

September 30, 10:11 AMPhoenix Drinks ExaminerMark Nothaft

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The scene at McFadden's Saloon at Westgate City Center in Glendale.

The Arizona Cardinals, thankfully, are off this week and can regroup and retool after the ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts Sunday. The team will be back in action Sunday, Oct. 11, versus Houston, which gives us enough time to map out our pre- and post-game festivities around University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Is it just me, or does the building look like a squashed Coors Light can? Hey, gang, see you at “The Silver Bullet.” Might make a good name for a bar.

Anyhow, after years of lagging behind Old Town Tempe and Downtown Phoenix, the West Side is finally getting its due. It is down-right rowdy out at places like Westgate City Center in Glendale, with its selection of more than a dozen full-fledged nightclubs and eateries. Not sure if the Coyotes will remain in town, but Jobing.com Arena is right next door, and the vibe here reminds me of when Arizona Center first opened in central Phoenix with Little Ditty’s, Players/Phoenix Live! and others vying for our attention once the Suns games ended.

If tailgating is not your thing, come down to The Silver Bullet early and fuel up at Westgate, and plan on celebrating a win over the Texans next week. Here are a few faves on site. Cheers!

• The Shout House – Those who remember Little Ditty’s will love The Shout House. It’s all here; the dueling pianos, group sing-alongs and plenty of rock ‘n’ roll. Also check out Chris Raph in action – the world’s fastest bartender (no joke)! Raph crushed the previous Guinness World Record by more than 250 cocktails during a one-hour happy hour. 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd. (623) 772-1500.

• Yard House – One phrase says it all: The world’s largest selection of draft beer. It’s mind-bending, really. Hundreds on tap. Get here, have a pint, go to the game. Enough said. 9401 W. Westgate Blvd. (623) 872-3900.

• McFadden's Saloon – Probably the best action at Westgate. The extra-large bar is the place to see and be seen, but the interior holds upwards of 400. The property has an outstanding happy hour with drink specials and live DJ music into the late-night hours. And as its name implies, there is an Irish flair and fare on the food menu. 9425 W. Coyotes Blvd. (623) 872-0022.

HOW TO GET TO WESTGATE CITY CENTER: From central Phoenix, travel Interstate-10 west to the Loop 101 North. Exit Glendale Avenue, turn right. www.westgatecitycenter.com.