Ale & Ivy provides sports bar and entertainment center on Sawdust Road

Formally known as Rookies, Ale & Ivy was introduced to Sawdust Road by original Rookies owners Lloyd Ace and David Fairchild as well as Kalani Baker and Nelson Fuertes, who came on during the rebranding of the sports bar.

“Rookies just needed a facelift. It was pretty rundown, so we wanted to revitalize it a little and bring that, like, midtown feel out here.” Baker said. “We both used to work for Rookies way back in the day, so we were familiar with the owners.”

What’s special about it?

The rebranding and expansion of Ale & Ivy came about after a Sundale Donuts location closed next door. With the additional space, Ale & Ivy offers a sports bar; dining; two private karaoke rooms; a back patio; and games, such as pool tables and basketball arcade games—all features added through the rebranding of the former sports bar Rookies.

“We wanted to make a place where you can come in with your mom for lunch and come out with your business associates, or enjoy happy hour or have a date night,” Fuertes said.

Additionally, Ale & Ivy provides bottle service, a DJ on the weekends and party packages for events. With 37 TVs, the sports bar regularly airs boxing matches, soccer games, and baseball and basketball games.

On the menu

Ale & Ivy offers traditional American cuisine with recipes created by Chef Jason Brandom. Menu items include shareables, such as street corn, crab egg rolls, wings and crispy deviled eggs made with caviar.

Entree options include a mix of cuisine options, including meatloaf, a teriyaki chicken bowl, chicken tinga tacos and pizza.

Recent favorites include the Boss Burger made with two smash patties, American cheese, special sauce, pickles and caramelized onions served with a side of fries. Another favorite is crispy shrimp tacos made with salsa verde, chipotle aioli, spicy slaw and avocado.

The eatery also offers brunch on Sundays with a menu consisting of fried chicken and waffle sliders, chilaquiles quesadillas, breakfast pizza, French toast, and mimosas among other items.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere

At Ale & Ivy, customers can enjoy an active ambience with games and music along with a full bar specializing in signature cocktails. Baker said cocktail favorites include:

• Lavender mai tai made with rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and lavender syrup
• Tequila mockingbird made with Casamigos Blanco, watermelon syrup, limoncello, sweet and sour, and lime juice
• Espresso martini made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, mr black’s coffee liqueur espresso cold brew and simple syrup
• Old fashioned 46 made with smoked Maker’s 46 and simple bitters

Other drink options include a variety of beers and wines as well as drafts, 100-ounce towers and bottle service with tequila, vodka and bourbon options. Ale & Ivy also offers happy hour discounts Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. with $4 Karbach pints, $5 house red or white wine, and $6 house martinis.

Baker said Ale & Ivy is looking forward to holding community events and partnering with local organizations, such as their most recent partnership with Abandoned Animal Rescue with a pet adoption event held on June 23.

Additionally, Ale & Ivy is celebrating its first anniversary July 20 with a Hawaiian-themed, all-day event featuring raffle prizes, giveaways and a DJ, Fuertes said.