ACME Roadhouse: In its original Scottsdale location, ACME catered to Harley-Davidson weekend warriors. In its new Tempe incarnation, it entertains the college set with dancing and, on Sundays, local rock bands. Dance space is at a minimum, but there's plenty of room for other social rites.
Sun: Live music.
Mon: Industry night.
Wed: Ladies'; night.
Thu: College night. 855 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, 480-517-1818.
Anderson's Fifth Estate: Anderson's two decades of boozing and boogieing have set the tone for all other local upscale clubs. A roomy loft affords swell views of the city's favorite dance floor, framed by three bars piled with hip wait staff. Hipper still is the snug Elbo Room, a quiet bar that's anything but, with its own live DJ, bartender and cage dancers.
Tue: 75-cent drink night, two DJs, two dance floors.
Thu: Brit pop and industrial dance.
Fri: DJs.
Sat: Retro live. 6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, 480-994-4168.
The Arizona Roadhouse: Open 24 hours, the Arizona Roadhouse offers an ambiance that's part rockabilly hot rod, part yuppie loafer. Patrons can enjoy the game on 21 TVs, including five big screens, while munching on delectables from the kitchen's full menu.
Thu-Sat: DJ Chuck spins Top 40 hits. 140 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, 480-726-0505.
Axis/Radius: A catwalk separates these two posh clubs, both favorites among the eclectic and in-the-know party crowd. Radius provides the final word in dance-floor fun, complete with disco ball and up-to-the-second Eurobeat and house music. Axis offers retro dance tunes with giant video accompaniment.
Wed: Latin/salsa night.
Thu: Ladies'; night. 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-1112.
AZ 88: A magnet for hip types on dinner dates or simply club hopping, AZ 88 is nestled in the northwest corner of Scottsdale Mall, the kind of place where the sound of martinis being shaken is swallowed up in ambient techno and smooth jazz. An artfully lighted patio is especially popular on warm nights. 7353 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, 480-994-5576.
Balboa Cafe: Vintage movie posters and metal signs adorn the walls of this Tempe rock club, where local acts like T.A.T.E. and the Peaceful Warriors regularly rattle the stage. You can get your drink on and your rocks off inside the club, but you gotta go outside to the patio if you want to light that stogie. 404 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-967-5887.
Bar Nun: Holy trinity! This Catholic-themed bar and grill, with murals of nuns playing saxophone and piano, is part sports bar, with an abundance of televisions; part family restaurant, as the menu features dishes cutely named the Father Burger and Sister Shroom; and part live music scene -- local roadhouse faves like Sistah Blue and cover bands like the Scones have performed in recent months.
Thu-Sun: Live music with ladies'; night from 8-11 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Southwest breakfast, 9 a.m. 4142 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-706-5564.
The Big Bang: Located below The Library, the Big Bang touts itself as an underground dueling piano bar. Patrons provide as much entertainment as the pianists, getting onstage to dance and sing along. A high level of audience participation, combined with the pianists' campy humor, creates the aura of a cheesy lounge high on nitrous oxide. 501 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-557-5595.
Big Fish Sports Pub: Crammed into an archaic strip mall, the small, tough Big Fish Pub is a loud (!!) haven for attitude, regularly hosting local punk bands and occasionally throwing unannounced gigs by big out-of-town acts. Folks here spend as much time smoking by the front door as they do drinking, playing pool and rocking out inside. Live music seven nights a week. 1954 E. University Dr., Tempe, 480-966-5010.
BS West: Blink, and you might miss this well-concealed Old Town Scottsdale gay bar from the street. Once you do find it tucked away on East Fifth Avenue, you'll discover a two-story sports bar/dance club hybrid -- black-painted walls, TV monitors with MTV-style music videos, a dance floor, live music and an upstairs game room featuring pool tables. 7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, 480-945-9028.
Cabanas: Aptly named, Cabanas' walls are adorned with surfboards and sea-foam-green murals of palm trees. There's not much room for dancing, although there is a stage for exhibitionists. For some quiet time, check out the dock patio, which boasts a Sun Tracker speedboat with tables and chairs on board. 6810 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, 480-421-9055.
Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill: This busy bar entertains thirtysomething Ahwatukee locals with live rock and blues on Fridays and Saturdays. Pool, darts and sports TVs round out the quintessential pub atmosphere.
Mon: Straight A double elimination pool tournament.
Sun,
Tue, Wed and Thu: Karaoke with Crazy Rick.
Fri-Sat: Live bands starting at 9:30 p.m., no cover. 4747 E. Elliot Rd., Ahwatukee, 480-893-6630.
Cash Inn Country: Cash Inn is a large gay country dance club in central Phoenix that features wood-paneled walls, live entertainment, line-dancing lessons on a large, checkered dance floor, video games, a pool table, and dartboards.
Tue-Sat: Dancing, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tue-Wed: Dance lessons, 7:30-9 p.m.
Fri-Sat: DJ from 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sun: Karaoke, 6-10 p.m. 2140 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-244-9943.
Chaser's: Chaser's is like a rugged Lynyrd Skynyrd song. Men in muscle shirts and softball jackets drink beer, an American flag hangs on the stage, and three pool tables inspire competition.
Mon: Open mic night.
Thu-Sat: Local rock bands. Other nights, the jukebox fare ranges from George Thorogood to Limp Bizkit. 8005 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale, 480-945-4985.
Club Bash: Touted as ASU's newest party place, Club Bash is located five blocks from the Tempe campus. Clubgoers can boogie down to hip-hop and Top 40 hits on the spacious dance floor, or be wallflowers and watch the platform dancers. And if you get tired of dancing or standing, check out the 30-foot tiki face in the lounge areas.
Thu: Island Thursday.
Fri: Ladies First, no cover for the ladies.
Sat: DJ 2%.
Sun: Salsa de Noche. 230 W. 5th St., Tempe, 480-966-5600.
Club Blaze: This sizable dance club draws a substantial number of thirtysomething hipsters, who groove to four DJs spinning everything from Latin pop to Top 40. On weekend nights, the club gets so crowded that heading to the bar and back is like wading through a mosh pit. 2740 W. North Lane, Phoenix, 602-943-4646.
Club Central: A two-tiered jazz and blues club, Club Central also hosts karaoke on Friday nights so the amateurs can share the spotlight with the revolving door of musicians and comedians.
Fri: DJ upstairs and karaoke downstairs.
Sun: Live jazz. An enforced dress code on Friday night distinguishes Club Central from other Valley blues clubs. 3110 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-200-8121.
The Clubhouse: Formerly Eugene's Rock Cafe and tucked next to the Horse & Hound, the Clubhouse has in short order become a favored room for local bands in Tempe and across the Valley, filling for fans a musical roadhouse niche left bare by the closing of the old Nita's Hideaway. The small club is unpretentious for sure, but tastefully so, with handsomely painted walls and decorative covers obscuring Eugene's old framed rock 'n' roll posters.
Thu-Sat: Live music. 1320 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 480-968-3238.
Club 245: Located within Jackson's on 3rd (see entry), Club 245 steals patrons from Jackson's main stage after the bands have called it a night. Offering a dance floor and bar in a separate room for the remainder of the evening, 245 escapes Jackson's sporty image revealing a dance club that rivals anything Scottsdale presents, in terms of showiness. 241 E. Jackson St., Phoenix, 602-254-5303.
Devil's Martini: There was a time when a woman could actually get her hair done in Devil's ladies'; room. Although a stylist's services are no longer on hand, the three bars, dance floors and unique courtyard keep patrons occupied with booze and the latest dance music, mixed with occasional classics.
Thu-Fri: Cocktail hour, 5-9 p.m., when the entire menu is half-off. 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-947-7171.
Downtown Club: Formerly Crowbar, the Downtown Club is now an upscale Latino hot spot. There are two bars, a big-screen TV, a VIP section with leather couches and a balcony overlooking the spacious dance floor, an impressive sound system, and lighting that would have made '60s psychedelic bands jealous. The DJs primarily spin Latin pop, and the dance floor often sees action until 4 a.m. 702 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-258-8343.
Elixir: For the perfect balance of style, music and food that will lead to the future of Scottsdale nightlife, head to Elixir. This modern Euro-style lounge captures the quality, richness and ambiance of Asia. Elixir delivers the ultimate dining and entertainment experience with an atmosphere aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the ear and the palate. Indulge yourself in the eclectic menu that is tailored to suit the lounge setting. 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-1945.
E-Lounge: The newest of Phoenix's lesbian clubs, E-Lounge boasts a bumpin' dance floor and a good-looking gathering of girls (although guys get into the groove, too). People tend to come in groups or pairs, but with an open atmosphere, cushy couches, and reasonably priced drinks, nobody sits alone for long. 4343 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-0388.
Emerald Lounge: The funky, two-room Emerald features eclectic local music along with your cocktail, including neo-garage rockers the Hypno-Twists, as well as anti-mainstream art shows, backyard theater and unusual touring acts such as Bay Area robot-rockers the Phenomenauts. The clientele is a telling cross-section of the downtown scene: part grizzled old-timer, part nouveau loft resident, part art-scene refugee. Live music every night.
Mon: Love Lounge.
Tue: Soul Tracks. 1514 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 602-256-9705.
Fat Cats: This unassuming little joint for unassuming neighborhood folks located near the warehouse district of Grand Avenue hosts karaoke and local rock and blues bands.
7 Nights a Week: Drunk Idiot's Club.
Thu, Fri and Sun: Karaoke.
Sat: Various rock and blues bands. 915 Grand Ave., Phoenix, 602-252-0988.
Fuel Motorsport Cafe: If the exhaust fumes from the dozens of Harley-Davidsons parked out front don't choke you, the patio provides a perfect place to kick back and watch local bands like The Wett and Thor & The Swinging Johnsons perform on Fuel's elevated loft stage. And there's plenty of room to move inside the club -- the only things taking up space are the bar and some pool tables. 2827 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 602-788-0500.
Hard Rock Cafe: The memorabilia at Hard Rock's Phoenix franchise ranges from the hip (Roy Orbison motorcycle, Chet Atkins autographed guitar) to the outdated (Spin Doctors? Ugly Kid Joe?).
Thu: Latino ladies'; night. DJs play hip-hop, merengue and old-school.
Sat: Battle of the bands night. 3 S. 2nd St., Phoenix, 602-261-7625.
Harley's 155: The vibe at this central Phoenix gay dance club depends on which of two house DJs controls the console. Some nights, the selection is decidedly '80s (old-school Madonna, etc.). Other nights, newer fare like DJ Sammy blasts. No matter -- an eclectic, multiracial blend of dancers keeps the huge, Technicolor-lighted floor buzzing.
Sun: DJ at 9 p.m. 155 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-274-8505.
Hollywood Alley: A Mesa institution, Hollywood Alley is known for its noisy rock shows, finger foods, black vinyl booths, vintage movie posters on the walls and arcade games in the back. Look for very tall, very thin, very friendly bartender Fun Bobby, who books the Valley's most avant-garde out-of-town bands for the club.
Mon-Sat: Live music. 2610 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa, 480-820-7117.
Jack's Place: Nestled in the heart of old town Avondale, Jack's Place has been in the same place, with the same name, since 1935. A big club with a neighborhood bar feel, Jack's may be one of the only nightspots that actually has a suggestion box by the door. With its eclectic variety of music (spun by house DJ Ray, who owns more than 1,800 CDs), the club draws a racially and culturally diverse crowd of regulars. 613 E. Western Ave., Avondale, 623-932-0190.
Jazz in the Hills Coffee House: This intimate, smoke-free spot -- in the Appian Way Restaurant's banquet room -- features local and regional musicians playing Latin, classic and modern jazz every Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Concerts are free, but gratuities are collected for the performers. 17149 E. Amhurst Dr., Fountain Hills, 480-837-9771.
Jugheads: A small punk/heavy rock club with a tiny stage, Jugheads offers an angry jukebox (Korn, Sex Pistols), black light and plenty of attitude. Live music is on tap most nights -- mostly locals with some regional touring acts mixed in for good measure. 5110 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-225-0307.
The Loft: Laid-back and roomy, the Loft provides a cool wind-down retreat for those hot nights on Mill. The main floor houses the bar and a spacious room, painted blue and red, with dozens of matching couches and chairs. Japanese paper lanterns hang from the rafters, and upstairs, there´s a big loft overlooking the main room. The seating options may be wide open, but other limitations apply: The Loft only has beer on tap, and the music of choice is hip-hop. 420 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-967-4848.
Los Vaqueros Western Steakhouse & Saloon: An old-fashioned country-western bar with brands on the ceilings, tequila at the bar, and beef on the grill. There is free pool from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Sun-Thu: Clint Williams and Running Wild, 9 p.m.
Mon-Wed: Country Karaoke, 9 p.m. 285 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, 480-982-3407.
Mason Jar: This former hair-farmer haven still provides a steady stream of punk, metal, goth and industrial acts. The Jar even books country acts on occasion, so look for an eclectic crowd of underage hard-core enthusiasts and middle-age partyers through the black-lighting and basement ambiance. 2303 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-954-0455.
Misty's: At this unpretentious bar that caters mostly to women, the lush, boudoir-inspired decor (red walls, a mirrored wall covered in Victorian drapes) doesn't exactly fit the '80s retro and Top 40 music that dominates the dance floor, but it's usually too dark and crowded for anyone to notice. Misty's also hosts pole dancing and wet tee-shirt contests, giving Valley lesbians a nice assortment of eye candy. 4301 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 602-265-3233.
Modified Arts: Mainstream-shunning hipsters flock to this tiny performance space located in downtown's up-and-coming Roosevelt gallery district. Modified hosts raw indie rock, emo and punk bands, as well as experimental film screenings, alternative theater and a variety of genre-defying performances. Smokers congregate on the front sidewalk between sets. 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-462-5516.
Nasty Habits: A small, divey mixed gay bar with a definite dingy vibe going for it -- in a good way. Nasty Habits' interior is stark, with beams that look like old telephone poles running across the ceiling and a yellow-brown wall. Patrons can enjoy a jukebox, a pool table and even a quick game of shuffleboard.
Wed-Fri: Karaoke, 8 p.m.-midnight.
Sat: DJ, midnight-1 a.m. 3108 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-267-8707.
Old Brickhouse Grill: Sitting across the street from Alice Cooper'stown, the Old Brickhouse Grill celebrated its grand opening in August, offering the immediate promise of bringing a viable live music club venue to downtown Phoenix, with hip-hop-oriented shows, poetry slams and regular band nights. Urbanites, artsy types and unpretentious bar-rock lovers all figure to flock to the Grill, which features a center bar and massive stage, as well as high ceilings and brick walls for a warehouse feel. 1 E. Jackson St., Phoenix, 602-258-7888.
Owl's Nest: What came first, the Hooters or the Owl's Nest? Patrons can bask in the irony of the fact that the two establishments share the second floor of the building at Fifth Street and Mill in Tempe. And the lively Owl's Nest does indeed have the feeling of a roost, with few windows and a rustic, wooden dance floor.
Mon: Metal-Head Mondays.
Tue: Live music.
Thu: Ladies' night.
Fri and Sat: DJ.
Sun: Hospitality Night. 501 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-967-3060.
PI: The owners of Boston's (RIP) kept the old strip-mall bar pretty much the same way it's been for 25 years -- pool tables, shuffleboards, dartboards. But at night, the lights dim for live entertainment in a lounge atmosphere.
Thu: Blunt Club, featuring spoken word, poetry and open mike with DJ spinning acid jazz and trip-hop.
Fri-Sat: Live music. 5014 S. Price Rd., Tempe, 480-897-1466.
Rhythm Room: Local blues impresario and killer harmonica player Bob Corritore's passion for roots music attracts legends such as John Hammond and other touring acts to his intimate, energetic Rhythm Room that would otherwise skip town. That passion also attracts the Valley's most diverse audience -- old, young, black, white. Doors open at 8. 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-4842.
Rodeo Nights: Grab your boots and hat and take a swing on this enormous dance floor. Or walk a few feet to one of the seven full-service bars. Or try the pool tables, or slip away for a quieter rendezvous under the flashing lights of a saddle covered in mirror-ball tiles.
Thu: Male revue.
Sat: Male revue plus country dancing lessons. 4029 N. 33rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-3800.
The Rogue: The jukebox spins both Gene Vincent and Motörhead, which may explain why skateboarders, cowboys, and Vespa and Harley riders are all drawn to this dark roadhouse.
Mon: Fifty Cent PBR.
Fri: Live music.
Sat: Punk rock DJ. 423 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-947-3580.
Rustler's Rooste: A real live bovine inhabits a large pen next to the entrance, a variety of beers flow from the tap, and a nice view of the East Valley are some of the amenities at this popular tourist destination with a ranchlike feel.
Tue-Sat: Peso Dollar Band. 7777 S. Pointe Pkwy. West, Phoenix, 602-431-6474.
Sky Lounge: Part of Sports City Grill, the popular two-level eatery hosts various themed nights beginning with Progress Thursdays with DJs spinning drum and bass; and Friday Latin nights, which feature Afro-Cuban band Cascabel downstairs and salsa dancing upstairs until 3 a.m.
Sat: Rainbow Room Night. 132 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-229-1110.
Sugar Daddy's: Here, Old Town Scottsdale meets Bourbon Street and turns blues at the corner with local and national R&B acts. And there's a roomy outdoor patio where you can enjoy Sunday brunch with your live entertainment. Live music 7 days a week.
Sat: Live reggae. 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-970-6556.
TJ's Bar & Grill: TJ's is a small, intimate neighborhood country-rock bar with pool tables and other standard barroom fare. Live music Saturday nights features Billy Wyatt and the Night Wind band, and there's also an open jam session on Sunday afternoons.
Tue, Wed and Fri: Karaoke.
Sat-Sun: Live country music. 1734 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-833-1950.
Wink's: Three words sum up Wink's: drag, drag and drag. Four nights a week, the bar is home to some of the best female impersonation acts in the Valley, including (his promo, not ours) America's favorite blonde, Barbra Seville, Pussy LeHoot, and Devina. The bar is decorated with class: Zebra-print carpet lines the floors, a chandelier hangs from the ceiling, silver and black curtains frame the stage, and lovely flower arrangements adorn the front window. Also notable is that Winks is home to the Gay World Series softball team.
Tue-Sun: Drag shows.
Sun: Brunch. 5707 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 602-265-9002.
Yucca Tap Room: Tucked away in a grungy Tempe strip mall, this casual bar evokes a small-town atmosphere with its crowd of working-class regulars. College kids come by for alternative rock, karaoke and open-mike nights, while a more diverse bunch shows up for live bluegrass and country.
Mon: Open mike.
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: Live Music.
Thu: Karaoke. 29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, 480-967-4777.
Ziggy's Sports Grill: A playground for old-school punks (even those who grew into tattooed professionals), Ziggy's offers shows ranging from scorching ska and gutter garage bands to '70s rock and hardcore; a jukebox that contains all that is loud, lewd, and not likely to be found anywhere else (The Plasmatics, The Dwarves, Gun Club); and a spectacular view of Mill Avenue from the ladies' rest room. And it's got to be the only place in Tempe where you can sip a rum and Coke while watching GWAR on two video screens. 414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-557-8093.
LOUNGES
Drift Polynesian Restaurant and Tiki Lounge: This is the ultimate Scottsdale tiki lounge, with big Easter Island heads, surfing flicks on the tube, and huge, highly alcoholic Polynesian-styled drinks like the Evil Bastard and the Grotto. Kick back in the beautiful, big-assed bar and lounge area, where you can pretend you're in Maui while you listen to a mix of electronica, rock and hip-hop. Food is served until midnight. Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. 4341 N. 75th St. (75th St. and Stetson Dr.), Scottsdale, 480-949-8454.
Furio: The owners are so proud of the decor of their lounge that they openly give its designer credit. Judith Testani crafted the fabulous, violet-lighted bar furnished with chunky ottomans and a couch stacked with leopard-skin pillows. But real attention focuses on the handcrafted martinis, a boutique wine list and more than 15 specialty drinks like mojitos, an Italian ice-lemon (lemon gelato, Ketel One Citroen, Triple Sec, sweet and sour, and lemon juice in a sugared-rim martini glass), or a Bellini (champagne, peach purée, vodka and peach schnapps). Recorded music is inspired (Gipsy Kings, Sinatra, jazz, acoustic guitar), and the cuisine is, too (amazing dusted hearts of palm, calamari, osso buco).
Sun: Aria House music.
Mon: Martinis and manicures.
Thu: Flight night. 7210 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, 480-945-6600.
Kazimierz World Wine Bar: It's hard not to be happy sprawling back on cushy overstuffed armchairs and sofas amid candles and shrouded lights, enjoying a magical display as the sun sets behind an elaborate paper-and-gel stained glass window that comprises the bar's northern wall. This place has got it all, from funky music (jazz and techno, spiced up with big band, Irish and mariachi themes) to fashionable drinks (more than 800 bottles of wine, including two dozen themed flight selections) to fine food (gourmet antipasto, calamari and octopus salad, duck pâté with truffles). Get there early (before 7) for best seating.
Mon and Thu: Live jazz. 7137 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, 480-946-3004.
Moda Lounge: A luxury lounge in a strip mall? Who'da thunk it? But here it is, sitting right next to On the Rocks, with nary a sign in sight. The only identifier is the soft blue light, spilling out from behind window curtains. Moda is blue on the inside, too, filled with retro plush velvet couches and chairs. Couples of all ages grind it out to souped-up salsa music on the large dance floor, or chill on cushy couches in private alcoves, cordoned off by blue and gold drapes. 2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-429-0990.
Nixon's: This cozy hideaway, tucked alongside the escalators at the Esplanade, is as much like Cheers as any neighborhood bar in town. The difference: bartenders who won't bore you with Cliff Clavin-esque factoids, and a cool after-work crowd who know a good wine list when they see one (and here, they'll see one). They'll also see a huge painted mural featuring Marilyn Monroe, Sandra Day O'Connor, Madonna, and Jackie O -- among others -- a lot of warm wood, old framed magazine covers, and a mess of political memorabilia. Order the red pepper goat cheese dip and a Thomas Kemper draft, and position yourself near a window with a view of passing shoppers. 2501 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-852-0900.
Sapporo: Yes, the bar really is changing colors under your cocktail glass (neon lights, you know). But there are no kids lounging here; this spot is often favored by middle-aged professionals who eagerly crowd in to scan the scene while chatting on cell phones. Weather permitting, the back of the bar opens to a lovely patio with fountains bubbling out of rock walls. Service is smooth -- martinis come in silver shakers for self-pouring, with some creative choices like the Asian'tini garnished with octopus. Terrific sushi, too. 14344 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-607-1114.
Suede: Plush padded walls, sleek cherry wood, two lavish bars glam-lit with teardrop lights and neon ice strips -- no wonder this high-class lounge attracts so many beautiful, moneyed people. The sound is equally sophisticated, with DJ picks of jazz, disco and R&B. Everyone sports martinis in their manicured hands, with specialties like red-chocolate, the Bombay Sapphire Gin model, and Ketel One on tap, even. Plan on dinner, since Suede sends out truly tasty Euro-Asian fare like lobster pot stickers and spicy chicken spring rolls.
Sun: Hip-hop 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Mon: Closed.
Tue: House music, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.;
Wed: DJ old school and funk music, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Thu: DJ, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.;
Fri: DJ, house music and R&B, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-6969.
Zen 32: The fact that this trendy place serves sushi until midnight every day is enough cause to celebrate, but the late-night fish feasts are even more fun thanks to an upbeat, hip young crowd. The bar is separated from the restaurant by a glass wall, so guests can get loud, and they do. Japanese animation videos add extra pizzazz and commotion. Drinks are especially ambitious, featuring a dozen premium sakes, a groovy sake-rita (Momokawa sake, raspberry sake, Triple Sec, Chambourd, Sweet-n-Sour) and a sake-tini (Midori melon liqueur, Skyy vodka, cold sake). 3160 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-954-8700.