Tucked away on a quiet street in Tempe, Arizona, Casey Moore’s Oyster House is no ordinary bar. Built inside a historic 1910 bungalow, this beloved local haunt has earned a reputation for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and something a little more mysterious — ghosts.
Locals and visitors alike come not just for the oysters and wine, but for the thrill of spending an evening in one of Arizona’s most famously haunted spots. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, Casey Moore’s promises a night you won’t forget.
The Haunted History of the 1910 Bungalow
Long before Casey Moore’s became famous for oysters and wine, it was simply an old house with a lot of stories to tell. Built in 1910, this charming bungalow has stood through more than a century of Arizona history, soaking up decades of laughter, heartbreak, and mystery.
The building’s age alone gives it an unmistakable character you can feel the moment you walk through the door. Creaky floorboards, vintage memorabilia, and dim lighting all add to the feeling that the past is still very much alive here.
Regulars say the history of the home is inseparable from its haunted reputation. Rumor has it that former residents never fully moved on.
Whether those stories are true or not, one thing is certain — knowing you’re sitting inside a 100-plus-year-old home makes every sip of wine taste just a little more interesting.
Ghost Sightings That Keep People Talking
Ask almost anyone who has worked at Casey Moore’s long enough and they will have a ghost story ready to share. Staff members have reported glasses moving on their own, cold spots appearing out of nowhere, and shadowy figures drifting through the dining room late at night.
One of the most talked-about spirits is believed to be a woman who once lived in the house. Guests and employees claim to have spotted her near the staircase, and some say she has a playful side — occasionally messing with the lights or rearranging small objects.
These stories have taken on a life of their own over the years, drawing curious visitors from across Arizona and beyond. Ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, and everyday thrill-seekers all find their way here hoping to catch a glimpse of something unexplainable.
The ghost stories alone make it worth the trip.
Fresh Oysters Worth Every Penny
Honestly, the oysters here might just be the best reason to visit Casey Moore’s — ghosts aside. Guests rave about the freshness and quality, and it shows in every review.
Ordering a dozen is practically a tradition for anyone who walks through the door for the first time.
The Oysters Rockefeller are a fan favorite, arriving rich and creamy with melted cheese and bacon bits that take the whole experience up a notch. For those who prefer their oysters straight up, the raw bar offering is just as impressive — clean, briny, and perfectly chilled.
At a mid-range price point, the value here is genuinely hard to beat. You are getting restaurant-quality seafood in a casual, laid-back setting that does not take itself too seriously.
Pair them with a glass of wine and you have got yourself a seriously satisfying evening in Tempe.
A Wine and Drink Selection That Hits the Spot
Wine lovers will feel right at home at Casey Moore’s. The bar carries a solid selection of wines that pair beautifully with the seafood-heavy menu, making it easy to settle in for a long, relaxed evening.
Whether you prefer something crisp and white with your oysters or a bold red to sip while soaking up the atmosphere, there is something on the list for you.
Beyond wine, the drink menu is impressively stocked. Craft cocktails, cold draft beers, and an extensive whiskey collection give every guest plenty to explore.
Reviewers particularly love the cactus coolers, which are described as perfectly balanced and refreshing — especially on a warm Arizona night.
Budget-friendly options like the Raj IPA at just five dollars make it easy to enjoy multiple rounds without breaking the bank. The bar team is known for being creative, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about what they serve.
The Legendary Outdoor Patio Experience
If there is one thing nearly every visitor agrees on, it is that the outdoor patio at Casey Moore’s is absolutely spectacular. Sprawling and shaded, it offers the kind of relaxed, open-air setting that makes you want to stay for hours.
String lights overhead and the hum of good conversation create an atmosphere that is equal parts cozy and energetic.
The patio is dog-friendly, which is always a bonus for pet owners who hate leaving their furry companions at home. Heaters are available during cooler months, meaning you can enjoy the outdoor space even when Arizona nights get a little chilly.
On weekends, the patio fills up fast — and for good reason. It is the kind of spot where a quick dinner turns into a three-hour hang without anyone even noticing.
Parking can get tricky during busy times, so arriving a bit early is always a smart move.
Escargot and Appetizers That Steal the Show
Before you even get to the main course, Casey Moore’s appetizers are already making a strong case for themselves. The escargot in a creamy garlic sauce with mushrooms has earned near-legendary status among regulars — rich, indulgent, and absolutely worth ordering.
Multiple reviewers have called it top-notch, with the only complaint being that the portion disappears too quickly.
Fried mushrooms, calamari, potato skins, and chipotle hummus round out a starter menu that is surprisingly diverse for a seafood-focused bar. The portions are generous, especially for half-orders, making it easy to sample a little bit of everything without overdoing it.
Sharing appetizers with a group is the move here. Order a spread, pour a glass of wine, and let the evening unfold naturally.
The food quality consistently punches above what you might expect from a neighborhood bar, which is a big part of why Casey Moore’s keeps people coming back.
Stellar Service That Makes You Feel at Home
A great meal is only as good as the experience surrounding it, and Casey Moore’s consistently delivers on that front. Reviewers frequently single out individual staff members by name — a sign that the service here is personal, not just professional.
Names like Aaron, Kendall, Nick, Tyler, Jeff, and Ellen pop up again and again in glowing reviews, each praised for going above and beyond.
What stands out most is the balance the staff manages to strike. Attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable without being pretentious — it is the kind of service that makes a dinner out feel genuinely memorable rather than transactional.
Whether you are seated at the bar, dining on the patio, or tucked into a corner booth inside, the team at Casey Moore’s seems to genuinely enjoy taking care of their guests. That warmth is a big reason this place has earned such a loyal following over the years.
Vegetarian and Non-Seafood Options That Impress
Seafood bars do not always have a great reputation for catering to non-seafood eaters, but Casey Moore’s breaks that mold entirely. The menu is surprisingly broad, with standout options for vegetarians and those who simply prefer something other than fish or oysters.
The Beyond Burger loaded with sauteed mushrooms, pepper jack, and blue cheese crumbles has been described by reviewers as downright fantastic — devoured in record time by at least one happy guest. Potato tacos have also developed a devoted fan base, with one reviewer admitting they were so good they forgot to take a photo before finishing them.
Pasta dishes like the bolognese have impressed guests with their depth of flavor and perfectly cooked noodles. Couples and groups with mixed dietary preferences will find it easy to all agree on Casey Moore’s, which is honestly one of its greatest strengths as a neighborhood spot.
The Quirky, Memorabilia-Filled Interior Decor
Walking into Casey Moore’s feels a little like stepping into someone’s very well-curated living room — if that living room happened to serve oysters and cold beer. The walls are covered in memorabilia, vintage photographs, and eclectic decor that gives the place an unmistakable personality.
No two visits feel exactly the same because there is always something new to notice.
The quirky interior design is part of what makes the bar feel so lived-in and authentic. It is the opposite of a sterile, cookie-cutter chain restaurant, and guests absolutely love that about it.
Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as cozy, historic, and buzzing with good energy.
One particularly memorable feature that has made its way into more than one review is the unusually creative restroom design — specifically, a men’s urinal styled to resemble a tropical waterfall. It is unexpected, a little absurd, and perfectly on-brand for a place that clearly does not take itself too seriously.
Affordable Prices That Make It a Local Gem
In a world where bar food and decent wine can quickly drain your wallet, Casey Moore’s feels like a refreshing exception. The pricing sits comfortably in the mid-range category, but the quality you get in return makes it feel like a genuine steal.
Draft beers like the Raj IPA have been spotted on the menu for as little as five dollars, making it easy to enjoy a few rounds without stress.
Oysters, crab cakes, and fresh shrimp are priced accessibly enough that ordering generously does not feel reckless. The portion sizes are large, and sharing is actively encouraged — which only adds to the communal, relaxed vibe of the place.
For Tempe locals, Casey Moore’s has become the kind of neighborhood spot you return to again and again precisely because it never feels like a splurge. Good food, good drinks, fair prices, and a haunted house to boot — that is a hard combination to beat anywhere in Arizona.
Fish and Chips, Chowder, and Classic Pub Comfort Food
Some dishes exist to remind you why pub food became beloved in the first place, and Casey Moore’s fish and chips does exactly that. Crispy, filling, and paired with tasty fries, it is the kind of straightforward comfort food that hits perfectly after a long day.
Pair it with a cold Guinness and you have got yourself a classic combination that never gets old.
The chowder deserves its own spotlight. Reviewers have called it the highlight of their meal, praising its richness and depth of flavor.
On a cooler Arizona evening, a bowl of chowder on the patio with a glass of wine is about as satisfying as it gets.
Beyond these classics, the menu also features a salmon pesto BLT and shrimp and fries that have both earned high praise. The kitchen manages to keep things fresh and interesting while still delivering the reliable comfort food a good neighborhood bar should always have on hand.
A Dog-Friendly Spot Perfect for Regulars and Newcomers
Not every bar welcomes four-legged guests, but Casey Moore’s makes it clear that dogs are part of the community here too. The sprawling outdoor patio is dog-friendly, which means you do not have to choose between a night out and spending time with your pet.
It is a small detail that speaks volumes about the kind of welcoming, laid-back culture this place cultivates.
For newcomers, the bar can feel like a hidden gem — tucked away from the louder, busier stretch of Mill Avenue but still buzzing with energy and personality. First-time visitors regularly comment on how quickly it starts to feel like a place they have always known.
Regulars, on the other hand, treat it like a second home. Families, couples, friend groups, and solo visitors all find their rhythm here.
The combination of great food, cold drinks, friendly faces, and a ghost or two makes every visit feel like an event worth remembering.
Why Casey Moore’s Remains One of Tempe’s Most Beloved Bars
There are bars, and then there are places that become part of a city’s identity. Casey Moore’s Oyster House firmly belongs in the second category.
With a 4.5-star rating across more than 4,000 reviews, the numbers alone tell a compelling story — but the real magic is harder to quantify. It lives in the century-old walls, the friendly staff, the clinking glasses, and yes, the occasional ghost drifting through the dining room.
Located at 850 S Ash Ave in Tempe, the bar is open most days from 4 PM and runs late into the night, with extended weekend hours that make it a perfect Friday or Saturday destination. The phone number is 480-968-9935 and the website is caseymoores.com for anyone ready to plan a visit.
Whether you come for the oysters, the wine, the ghost stories, or all three, Casey Moore’s has a way of making every guest feel like they found something genuinely special. Tempe is lucky to have it.