If you’ve lived in the Valley for a minute, you know the name Half Moon. But honestly, if you try to GPS your way there today, you might end up staring at a construction fence or a law office instead of a plate of wings. There is a lot of confusion floating around about Half Moon Grill Phoenix AZ, mostly because there were actually two distinct spots with very different fates.
One is gone. One is very much alive.
The legendary "Windy City" version over on Highland Avenue—the place where Chicago transplants went to weep during the 2016 World Series—closed its doors for good in early 2024. It wasn't because of bad business. Developers just wanted the land for high-rise apartments. It’s a classic Phoenix story. However, the original Half Moon Sports Grill at 288 E. Greenway Parkway is still kicking, serving those same award-winning wings and keeping the North Phoenix sports scene alive.
The Tale of Two Moons
Let’s clear this up once and for all. People often use "Half Moon Grill" as a catch-all term, but the distinction matters if you're actually trying to eat.
The Highland location (Biltmore area) was the "Windy City" hub. It was the unofficial embassy for the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks. When they closed on February 11, 2024—right after the Super Bowl—it left a massive hole in the Biltmore social scene. Now, that space is being transformed into an office for a law firm. Weird, right? Imagine billing hours where you used to down $3 mystery shots.
But the Greenway Parkway location? That’s the North Phoenix survivor. It’s been around for over 25 years. It’s independent, and it’s where you should head if you’re looking for that specific "Moon" vibe.
Why the Food Actually Holds Up
Most sports bars treat food as an afterthought. They figure if the beer is cold and the TV is big, you won't notice the frozen chicken tenders. Half Moon is different.
They use 100% free-range Angus beef from Northern Arizona for their burgers. You can taste the difference. It’s not that greasy, flat-patty situation you find at a chain. Their "Moon Burger" comes with Cajun seasoning, fried pickles, and something they call Moon Sauce. It’s messy. It’s heavy. It’s exactly what you want on a Sunday afternoon.
Then there are the wings. They’ve won "Best Wings in Phoenix" awards more times than most people can count.
- The Crunch: They manage to get the skin crispy without overcooking the meat inside.
- The Sauces: Everyone goes for Buffalo, but the Honey Hot and Korean BBQ are the sleepers on the menu.
- The Deal: Wednesday is "Wing Wednesday." You can get a full order of bone-in wings for about $12. In 2026, that’s basically a steal.
The Vibe on Greenway
Honestly, the Greenway location feels like a neighborhood living room. It’s got dozens of HD screens, but it doesn’t feel like a sterile Las Vegas sportsbook.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll see Grand Canyon University (GCU) fans screaming at the TVs one night and families doing Music Bingo the next. They have a massive "AYCE" (All You Can Eat) Fish Friday for $17.99. The Alaskan Cod is beer-battered, and they keep bringing out refills until you literally tell them to stop.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit, keep these specifics in mind so you don't look like a rookie:
- Happy Hour is legit. They run it weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Most places give you two hours; Half Moon gives you eight.
- Lunar Time. This is their reverse happy hour. From 10 p.m. to close, you can get half-price starters. It’s perfect if you’ve just finished a late shift or a movie.
- The Parking. The Greenway lot is huge. Unlike the old Biltmore location where you had to fight for a spot, you can actually park a truck here without breaking a sweat.
- Events. Tuesday is Trivia and Tacos. Wednesday is Wings and Music Bingo. Thursday is Karaoke. They stay busy.
Final Verdict on the "Moon"
Is it the fanciest place in Phoenix? No. But it’s authentic. In a city that’s constantly tearing down its history to build "luxury" condos, the fact that the Greenway Half Moon has survived for a quarter-century says something. It’s reliable.
If you miss the Biltmore location, the owners moved a lot of that staff over to their other concepts like Scramble or Foley Ranch at Desert Ridge. But for the true-blue sports bar experience, Greenway is the last man standing.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
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Check the sports calendar before heading out. If there's a major GCU game or a big NFL matchup, get there at least 45 minutes early if you want a table near a specific TV. If you’re going for the food, try the Moon Burger with a side of their roasted garlic fries—just make sure you don't have a date afterward, because the garlic is no joke.