If you could grab a bite to eat \u2014 or even a drink \u2014 with a superhero or villain, who would you choose? Iron Man? Predator? Batman? Batgirl? Joker? Spider-Man? Thor? Hulk? Darth Vader?<\/p>\n
What if you had the chance to hang out with all of them?<\/p>\n
After months of construction, ComicX (pronounced like \u201ccomics\u201d), is almost ready to open at Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix. The Mexico-based comic book-themed restaurant and bar is located between Sweet Tomatoes and Majerle\u2019s Sports Grill.<\/p>\n
The 8,000-square-foot restaurant features more than a dozen life-sized statues of superheroes, villains, and other characters from popular comic books, TV shows and movies, including those listed above, as well as Captain America, Wonder Woman, Predator, Terminator, The Simpsons, and a Harry Potter-themed area near the bar.<\/p>\n
There are two outdoor patios, one with a space marine and the other with a life-sized statue of Kung Fu Panda\u2019s Po, seating for more than 200 people; a U-shaped bar with a dozen seats; and a Star Wars-themed mezzanine with statues of Darth Vader, Yoda and, Jar Jar Binks. They will also have two game areas with Xbox and Wii consoles.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a place where you can leave your problems and your worries out the door and just connect with that younger self,\u201d said Martha Huerta, chief of operations for ComicX, in an interview with ABC15.<\/p>\n
Founded in Hermosillo, Mexico in 2010 by four friends, the brand has expanded to more than 25 locations in Mexico, she said. The one at Desert Ridge will be the first location in the United States, but it sounds like more are on the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have really ambitious plans,\u201d said Huerta.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have already started looking for a second location here in Arizona,\u201d she said. From there, she said the brand could expand to California, Nevada, Texas.<\/p>\n
Unlike the ones in Mexico, Huerta said they added more technology and some immersive experiences to the location at Desert Ridge. For example, suspended near the mezzanine is a dragon whose eyes will illuminate. Also, near the entrance to the Star Wars-themed lounge will be a wall with projections on it.<\/p>\n
It also acts as a store, Huerta said, because some of the items on display are actually collectibles with documented serial numbers and are available for purchase. She said customers can ask a manager for pricing.<\/p>\n
The Menu: The menu does have a \u201cSouth of the Border\u201d section with street tacos and fajitas, but a majority of the menu features more American-style cuisine, such as hand-tossed pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, and salads (many of them have punny names, too, such as \u201cLord of the Onion Rings\u201d). Main entrees include salmon, roasted chicken, fish and chips, and baby back ribs.<\/p>\n For appetizers, they have wings, shrimp, mozzarella sticks, and sliders.<\/p>\n The Drinks:<\/strong> Storm Breaker ($12): Dark Rum, Angostura Bitters, & lime juice topped with ginger beer<\/p>\n The Incredibly Hammered ($12): Rum, Hypnotic, Midori, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, and Simple Syrup shaken and strained over fresh ice with a nice curacao float.<\/p>\n The comic book-themed restaurant will \u201csoft\u201d open on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix, according to Martha Huerta, chief of operations. An official grand opening will happen sometime next year, she said. Normal hours will be 11 a.m. \u2013 10 p.m., Monday \u2013 Saturday, and 11 a.m. \u2013 9 p.m. on Sunday.<\/p>\n ComicX (between Sweet Tomatoes & Majerle\u2019s Sports Grill)
\n<\/strong>While based in Mexico, ComicX is not necessarily a Mexican restaurant.<\/p>\n
\nPop Rock Racoon ($14): Blanco Tequila, Blue Curacao, Pineapple Juice, & Lime Juice shaken and strained over fresh ice in a glass rimmed with Tropical Punch Pop Rocks, topped with prosecco<\/p>\n
\n21001 N. Tatum Blvd., suite 95, Phoenix, AZ 85050<\/p>\n