July 31, 2024
Arizona’s vast deserts are home to a boatload of watering holes. Across the state, more than 7,000 bars, breweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms and restaurants serve beer, wine, cider, seltzer and cocktails to thirsty customers.
Throughout the metro Phoenix sprawl, there’s never a shortage of bars to choose from. We’ve got everything from rusty saloons to swanky nightlife hotspots, cutting-edge cocktail bars and neighborhood dives. You can even enjoy a tipple inside a replica train car.
So it can be difficult to narrow down your options when you’re looking for a great place to stop and sip something cold. That’s where we come in.
Every year, we update our list of the Top 100 Bars in the Valley and our selections for 2024 are here.
Year after year, many bars continue to deserve their spots on this list. But new ones also make the cut. On the 2024 list, 21 bars are making their debut. And much like the entire list, these new additions range from longstanding dives to elegant cocktail lounges and everything in between. One thing is for sure at every spot on this list — the bartenders know their stuff.
So, next time you get thirsty, we’ve got a recommendation for you. Well, 100 recommendations really, with something to fit every mood. Out of the state’s 7,000-plus places to grab a drink, here’s where to start. Welcome to the 2024 list of the Top 100 Bars in Phoenix. Cheers!
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Sauvage Wine Bar & Shop
Geri Koeppel
In March, Sauvage Wine Bar and Shop evolved from a downtown Phoenix bottle shop in The Churchill into a full-blown bar and store located in the historic Helen Anderson House along McDowell Road. The charming, cozy decor pays homage to the cute cottage, with various seating areas featuring nailhead sofas, upholstered wooden chairs, rugs and potted plants. It sells and pours only natural wine, many from lesser-known regions, along with a few spirits, such as vermouth and amaro. Small-plate provisions include cheese and charcuterie plates, tinned fish, delightful specials such as crudo and burrata, and desserts. Owner Chris Lingua became smitten with natural wines in Europe and aims to raise their profile here, happily engaging customers in conversation about production methods and helping them find what they like. Natural wines tend to be quite different from most mainstream ones, so those who aren’t already fans should keep an open mind and let Lingua take them on a ride.
149 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Rose Garden
Nikki Charnstrom
The Rose Garden, housed in the U.S. Bank Center building in downtown Phoenix, is an elevated cocktail bar with a whimsical air. The space is decorated with vintage artwork, jewel-toned wallpaper and furnishings, flowers and a peacock — yes, a peacock! Cocktails are served on makeshift toadstools, while edible flowers and over-the-top garnishes add color, making every drink worthy of social media. Popular choices include the La Puesta del Sol, a concoction of Fresno chile- and hibiscus-infused sotol, rum, vermouth, lime, tamarind agave, mole bitters, chamoy and chile powder; and the Harvest Essence, a blend of El Güel mezcal, Ramazzotti, velvet falernum, lime, turmeric, grapefruit and sage. The drinks are complemented by small bites, such as pork belly sliders and prosciutto-wrapped dates.
101 N. First Ave., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Easy Tiger
Sara Crocker
Easy Tiger is what you might call a modern dive bar. It’s relatively young in the tooth yet feels like its own little time capsule. That’s intentional. The owners of Peoria’s Driftwood Coffee, Lance Linderman and Luke Bentley, set out to create a comfortable neighborhood spot on the west side of town that was reminiscent of bars from the 1980s or ’90s. Think wood paneling, vintage beer signs and Oasis blasting on the stereo while reruns of “Baywatch” play on TV. And cans of Hamm’s share space in the cooler with Wren House Brewing Co.’s Valley Beer. But the taut list of affordable cocktails and house shooters shows Easy Tiger does more than nostalgia well. Try The Priestess High for the bar’s mezcal-spiked take on a prickly pear margarita. If you’re feeling peckish, Easy Tiger also features snacks including tots, wings and tacos.
4725 W. Olive Ave., Glendale, 85302
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Melinda's Alley
Lauren Cusimano
Yes, Melinda’s Alley is hard to find, and it’s only open three nights a week, but this hidden spot is worth seeking out. Enter on the side of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel under the colorful mural, and head downstairs into a red-hued space. Seriously, it’s super red as the lights make any other color disappear. This spot is moody, intriguing and a feast for the senses. Check the chalk board for a rotating list of cocktail specials served in coupes, crystal-cut rocks glasses and other glamorous vessels. After securing your drink at the bar, wander around and explore the different seating arrangements, most of which comprise low coffee tables surrounded by vintage velvet- and fabric-upholstered chairs and settees.
50 E. Adams St., (Basement), Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The White Rabbit
Tirion Boan
Look for the red light on a side street in downtown Gilbert to find this stylish underground speakeasy in the historic Heritage Court Building. Sign up on the website to get the monthly password, then descend the staircase to start The White Rabbit adventure. A narrow hallway flanked with apothecary-inspired decor seems to dead end at a bookcase that’s actually the door leading to a dark, well-appointed lounge with sumptuous leather seating, Victorian-era details and locked cabinets holding prized spirits, including bottles of The White Rabbit’s private label made by Old Forester and Woodford Reserve. Here, it’s all about the cocktails, which range from the refreshing Crocodile Tears, made with Ketel One peach and orange blossom vodka, lychee, Bermutto, citric acid and sugar; to the spicy Smoke & Dagger, with Tanteo habanero tequila, lime, passionfruit, cherry and gentian root. The bar is housed in former office suites, and the restrooms reflect these origins with frosted glass on the doors, which adds to the vintage cool factor.
207 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, 85234
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Far Away Wine and Provisions
Tirion Boan
Far Away Wines and Provisions provides Phoenicians with an international dining experience right on Indian School Road. Travel the world through such diverse dishes as Moroccan spiced meatballs, Patagonia sofrito mussels and banh mi. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with tables and plush sofas that convey an intimate feel. The owners are knowledgeable and help customers navigate the wine list, which reflects several regions around the world, and pick nibbles to match. Menu highlights include carefully curated charcuterie boards and deviled eggs. If you find a wine that you particularly enjoy, you can take home a bottle from the well-stocked shelves and fridges. Fair warning: Once you visit Far Away once, you’ll quickly become a regular.
3031 E. Indian School Road #10, Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Buqui Bichi Brewing
Sara Crocker
The Sonora-born, award-winning craft brewery chain has brought not one but two taprooms to the Valley. In downtown Phoenix and Chandler, you’ll find Buqui Bichi’s Mexican-made brews, a full bar and a large menu of tacos, pizza, burgers and more. The spaces have an upbeat, energized vibe thanks to live DJs and warm glowing lights that feature the labels of their beers. The brewer’s year-round taps include Banquetera, a crisp, crushable Kolsch-style ale. In the summer months, you also can find a seasonal prickly pear-infused version that adds a hint of sweetness and a bright pink hue. Another Buqui Bichi standard that’s not to be missed is Talega, a warm, roasty coffee stout. The brewpub’s al pastor sopes are a standout among its food options — the perfect snack when enjoying a pint.
325 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85225
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
SK Lounge
Tirion Boan
Set among the suburban chain restaurant sprawl that fills much of Surprise and the West Valley is a swanky local cocktail bar that, while seemingly out of place, fills a need for area residents who otherwise would have to drive quite a distance to find something similar. SK Lounge is a neighbor and sister concept to Saigon Kitchen Vietnamese restaurant, but the bar takes a decidedly more loungey approach. Plush jewel-toned sofas surround low tables that are illuminated by overhead chandeliers, and on weekends, the space features live piano music. Martinis are made with lychee and passionfruit, while lowball cocktails showcase ingredients such as Shibui rice whisky and maple syrup.
14071 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, 85374
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Cobra Arcade Bar
Lauren Cusimano
Cobra Arcade Bar is pure nerdy fun with an arty bent. Vintage games operated by Cobra-stamped tokens line the interior and take up much of the space. Murals by local artists cover the walls. Valley DJs drop mixes every weekend and keep the energy level as frenetic as a Red Bull-fueled deathmatch while bartenders serve geeky signature cocktails like the Garbage Pail Kid and the Punch Out. When Cobra gets as crowded as a comic con (which is often), head a few doors down to Hi-Score Club, its anime-themed lounge. Hang out with the other gaijin, play Japanese import games, or quaff cocktails from mugs shaped like fugu. Kanpai!
801 N. 2nd St., #100, Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Night Owl
Tirion Boan
Who doesn’t love pizza and beer? The classic combination is the starting point and calling card for Night Owl in south Scottsdale. This is the sort of spot you wish would open in your neighborhood, and those who live nearby are lucky ducks. There’s a large, twinkle light-strung patio, a welcoming bar, plenty of booths to slide into and even some vintage pinball games to keep you occupied. This bar comes from the industry pros behind Little Woody and Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop, and the influences from both are obvious. Owls of all sizes and shapes decorate the space, including one big bird that rotates at the center of the bar. The grandpa’s basement vibe meets garage-chic with skateboards tacked to the walls. Beer may be the obvious choice here, but the cocktails are well balanced and worth a spin. Try the Skate Betty, made with Malfy rosa grapefruit gin, Aperol, guava and lemon; or the Darkslide with Ezra Brooks rye whiskey, blackberry, maple syrup, lemon and basil.
1645 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 85257
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
Tirion Boan
For a big-city feel and views filled with towering skyscrapers, head to the top of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Phoenix hotel. Here, a small indoor bar opens onto a spacious alfresco sundeck. Warning, this spot isn’t for those with acrophobia. You’re up high and surrounded by dizzying drop-off views. It also can be gusty at the top, so if there’s any hint of chill in the air, bring a sweater. The 10-drink cocktail menu leans into the theme. Try the Into Thin Air, made with citrus vodka, honeydew, kiwi, lime and sparkling wine. Wines served by the glass and are mostly from California, with a few international options in the mix, and beers range from local brews to national names. If all that height makes you hungry, munch on some bruschetta, pork belly tacos or charcuterie while you soar above the city.
15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Womack
Benjamin Leatherman
The Womack takes its cues from Phoenix’s past, paying tribute to one of the city’s most famed cocktail parlors. Opened in 2016 by local restaurateur Tucker Woodbury in the heart of Seventh Street’s upscale restaurant district, it's a stylish homage to downtown’s long-defunct Chez Nous lounge, mimicking the layout, ambiance and swanky look, right down to the gold-and-black flocked wallpaper and dimly lighted setting. The name itself is a reference to Chez Nous’ original owners, Andy and Maureen Womack. Other tips of the hat include the mirrored ceiling, vintage fixtures, tuck-and-roll vinyl booths, a parquet dance floor and a roster of local funk and R&B musicians performing on the regular. A cocktail menu with classics such as the sloe gin fizz, cobbler and mint julep also plays into the throwback theme, while a selection of small plates and shareable items such as bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or house-made French onion dip are a break from the past, proving you can teach an old lounge new tricks.
5749 N. 7th St., Phoenix, 85014
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Mr. Baan’s Bar and Mookata
Dominic Armato
What’s better than hanging out on a cozy patio with friends while someone grills tasty bites on the barbecue? Doing all of those things with a craft cocktail in hand. At Mr. Baan’s Bar and Mookata, the patio and tiny bar behind Lom Wong Thai restaurant, that’s exactly what to expect. You can visit for the whole mookata experience, which includes cooking your own meal on a tabletop grill set inside a vat of bubbling soup. Or you can just visit for drinks. We’re partial to the Village Gold Stash, a bourbon-forward tipple infused with the flavors of lapsang souchong tea.
218 E. Portland St., Suite B, Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Kid Sister
Sara Crocker
Some things are worth the wait. When we learned that two alumni of Progress would partner with their friends to open what they called a “neo-bistro” and wine bar inspired by their travels around Europe and the U.S., we were intrigued. After facing delays refreshing the former Whyld Ass Cafe on Seventh Street, the wine bar opened in May and has hit the ground running. The intimate spot is vibrant and airy, using an array of desert colors. A condensed wine list offers options available by the glass and bottle, but, like the food menu, it is evolving and often includes off-menu features. The bar also makes use of its collection of old and new world wines with a selection of spritzes. While you could be perfectly satisfied to just sip your wine and take in the aesthetic, we highly recommend pairing your drink with small bites crafted by chef Isaac Mendoza.
4810 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 85014
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Kitsune Brewing Co.
Sara Crocker
In less than two years, Kitsune Brewing Co. has cemented itself as a neighborhood staple and a draw for craft beer fans. Owner Tyler Smith and his brew team have stretched their offerings beyond the beers that they opened with — including Forager double dry hopped IPA and Fox Diver Brown — to include a regularly rotating sour program that leans into nostalgic flavors — both real and imagined — such as margarita sour and Princess Consuela, inspired by Phoebe's new name of choice on "Friends." You’ll often hear Smith before you see him. His infectious laugh bounces across the space as he chats with guests. While we’re still anxiously awaiting Kitsune’s upcoming and adjoining ramen bar, a rotation of on-site food trucks sates your hunger as you order another round.
3321 E. Bell Road, Suite B-5, Phoenix, 85032
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Goldwater Brewing Co.
Chris Malloy
What do you get when two brothers team up with their dad to brew some beer? Add a close family friend to the mix, and you get one of the Valley’s top local breweries. Now, a few years after opening their brewery and taproom in Scottsdale, Goldwater has expanded to include bars in east Mesa and south Tempe. All offer a selection of excellent beers, including the pink-hued prickly pear-infused Desert Rose kölsch and the Machine Gun Teddy American brown ale. Saddle up to the bar in the original Old Town spot for a cool reprieve from the crowds of visitors outside.
3608 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 85251
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Gypsy's Roadhouse
Lauren Cusimano
This kinda-biker bar, kinda-sports bar in the shadow of Papago Park has gone by many names over the years: Baja Red’s Cantina, Daisy Duke’s, The Lark. In 2014, Bill Voss, a Harley-Davidson enthusiast with a wife named Gypsy, took over. Gypsy's namesake roadhouse is a reliable pit stop for cold beer, burgers and perhaps a Steelers game. There's a sturdy crowd of day-drinking retirees at Gypsy’s, too. Stop in for a stiff drink and a plate of wings and find out if its toga night or a pirate party — anything's possible at Gypsy's.
5122 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 85008
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Lovecraft
Chris Malloy
Craft beer bars are pretty similar: large beer selection, local stuff, lots of taps. Lovecraft kicks that up a notch and injects a dose of personality to the Phoenix craft beer bar. Its theme is New Mexican. Fiery chiles lace the mac-n-cheese, lobster bisque and burritos, and a ristra dangles by the entrance. Its small glass chandeliers and mismatched mirrors and chairs make the place feel almost like an antique shop. Lovecraft’s beer menu is big, yes: more than 100 brews deep. Local favorites abound, including selections from Phantom Fox and Saddle Mountain Brewing. But co-owner Rebecca Golden also manages to snag hard-to-find regional offerings from favorites in Flagstaff, southern Arizona and beyond. The cider selection also contains some real gems, like the lauded Blueberry Spaceship Box from Superstition Meadery. Note: The rooftop bar, with its eye-catching oversize chandelier, is dog-friendly!
3128 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, 85032
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Greenwood Brewing
Natasha Yee
Greenwood Brewing, with its cheery, modern interior and cozy patios, has been a staple of Roosevelt Row since its opening in July 2020. Featuring globe pendant lights, brass and marble accents, vases of flowers and an airy feel, it’s the antithesis of the dark, brooding, bro-centric brewery — with good reason: It’s woman-owned. Megan Greenwood, a home brewer who started with a 5-gallon kit in her kitchen, developed the brand to entice more women to enjoy craft beer. The flagship brew, a pale ale, is called Herstory, and Greenwood also makes Rosemary IPA, among other core and rotating experimental brews. In addition to its inviting indoor space, the brewery offers two outdoor courtyards with misters in the summer and heaters in the winter, and you can conveniently order food from nearby establishments via a QR code on the tables. Greenwood Brewing also hosts events such as Sunday Funday with $10 flights and live music, and trivia on Tuesdays.
922 N. 5th St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Central Records
Tirion Boan
On a quiet stretch of Central Avenue, close to the bustling district of Roosevelt Row, Central Records has put down roots. This new space is a wine bar, record store, coffee shop and cafe all in one. Stop by for a coffee, and then work on your laptop until it’s time to order a bottle of wine to split with friends. In the evenings, DJs spin vinyl records while a giant disco ball casts sparkles across the warmly lit room. Sit near the window, at a table with raw wood banquette seating or at the low bar if you want to chat to the barista-cum-bartender about the latest offerings.
824 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Gracie's Tax Bar
Charles Barth
Gracie’s Tax Bar gets half its name from Grace Perry, the founder of the bar (and the former singer of the local metal group Landmine Marathon). The other half comes from Harold and Morda Abbey, the original owners of Abbey Tax Services, which once occupied the downtown Phoenix building where Gracie’s has been serving drinks since 2017. Inside, the lighting is kept low as are the prices. Snag a seat in one of the well-worn booths or at the lengthy wooden bar. Pop a credit on the jukebox, grab a community board game, or put in an order of the beloved fried pickles, tots or cheese curds made on the exposed flat grill right behind the bar. Most likely, though, you’ll take your beer to the patio, where you may find a DJ and dance party, a movie screening and often friendly dogs and/or neighborhood cats.
711 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 85007
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Bar 1
Matt Hennie
Far from the leather bars, rainbow-flagged saunas and diva-filled discotheques found elsewhere, Bar 1 is casual gay nightlife that still knows how to have fun. Established in 2008, its easygoing, candlelit atmosphere allows patrons to talk in their (gasp!) indoor voices whether relaxing in the lounge seating, playing pinball or unwinding on the outdoor patio. Daily specials rotate throughout the week, including beer busts on Monday, Long Island Wednesdays, 2-4-1 Thursdays and multiple happy hours. Menu options include a long list of craft cocktails to pair with bar snacks and specialty shots.
3702 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Devil’s Hideaway / Idle Hands
Sara Crocker
The former home of Mill Avenue staple Rula Bula has a new tenant with the addition of not one but two bars: Devil’s Hideaway and Idle Hands. The latest project from Julian Wright, the restaurateur behind Sake Haus, Lucky’s Indoor Outdoor and Pedal Haus Brewery, the duo of bars offers dueling experiences. Devil’s Hideaway is a casual spot ideal for popping into for a pregame beer and shot or whiling away an afternoon tucked into one of its horseshoe booths. The reservation-based Idle Hands takes the cocktail experience up a notch and aims to transport people to an enchanted greenhouse, with an evening scene in a forest projection mapped across the faux windows and vaulted ceilings. The drink menu features more than a dozen spirited options. Try Cocktail #401 for a tropical and nutty rum-based sipper. Though the experiences at the bars vary, their distinct personalities make each worthy of a visit.
401 S. Mill Ave., #101, Tempe, 85281
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, tucked in near a Holiday Inn Express along the north bank of Tempe Town Lake, Hundred Mile Brewing Co. is worth seeking out for its indoor/outdoor vibe that’s big enough for groups yet appropriate for an intimate date night. The operation, which opened in December 2022, is housed in a 10,000-square-foot white brick former print shop. A large patio with an awning in front includes a dog-friendly turf area and games, such as cornhole and giant Connect Four. Owner Sue Rigler and her team churn out quality brews that include IPAs, a hoppy pilsner, smooth amber ale, pale ale and more. The kitchen offers ramped-up bar food for almost any taste, including chimichurri nachos, a sesame-crusted ahi bowl, a vegan burger and miso-glazed salmon. There’s also a full bar with an impressive cocktail selection and a wine list that hits all the right notes.
690 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, 85281
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Captain's Cabin
Tirion Boan
Next to the entrance of the uptown location of Hula’s Modern Tiki, there’s a second door hiding in plain sight. It looks to be an employee entrance or maybe a storage room. But inside, you’ll find a dark space serving bright cocktails. Tiki drinks in shades of pink and blue come adorned with purple orchids and green pineapple fronds. Spotlights illuminate individual tables and seats along the bar causing the drinks to glow as customers sip them in the darkness. Wood paneling, seaside paintings and other nautical decor complete the vibe. Whether you’re headed to Hula’s for dinner or looking for a nightcap, this tropical hideaway is the perfect spot to stop for a while.
5114 N. Seventh St., #2, Phoenix, 85012
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Nu Towne Saloon
Benjamin Leatherman
Open since 1971, Nu Towne Saloon has earned landmark status as the Valley’s oldest gay bar still in operation. Located in east Phoenix across Van Buren Street from the equally historic Tovrea Castle, it's survived a lot over five decades: recessions, the fickleness of LGBT crowds and a massive fire in 2010 that completely gutted its interior. After the rebuild, the owners haven't changed much, keeping the narrow, rectangular building kitschy (there’s a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower on the roof) and its interior teeming with a 7-foot-tall plaster rooster statue (insert jokes here, if you must) and antiques and memorabilia straight outta grandma’s attic. The decor extends out to the back patio, which was upgraded during the pandemic with a canvas roof and other amenities to handle Nu Towne’s crowds during its popular weekly beer deal on Sunday (where 16-ounce cups of Budweiser or Bud Lite are $2). Regulars visit for a drink or two at the lengthy indoor bar, a game of pool on either of its two tables, or to drop quarters into the Merlin fortune-telling machine. You don’t need to be psychic to know this is a fun place, though.
5002 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 85008
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Wandering Tortoise
Chris Malloy
The best taprooms stretch drinkers to try something beyond their norm. The Wandering Tortoise has a regular rotation of unique craft beers from around the country that consistently are ahead of the drinking curve in the Valley. Its bar team makes those beers accessible, however, offering tastes and showcasing them during in-house festivals, on vinyl nights and as part of community-driven activities, such as a disc golf putting league. While beer is central to the Tortoise, the bar isn’t a one-trick pony. It also offers a selection of wines and meads. If you try something you like, you can grab some cans or bottles from the cold case to take home and enjoy later. Located next to Nelson’s Meat + Fish and home to container restaurant Sink or Swim, this breezy taproom has carved out a casual but serious culinary niche.
2417 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Maple House
Sara Crocker
When the team from downtown Chandler cocktail bar The Brickyard (plus nearby eateries The Hidden House and Elliott’s Steakhouse) set out to open Maple House in 2022, the goal wasn’t to open just another bar. Instead, Maple House is a spot primed for an aperitif or a nightcap, thanks to a selection of low- and no-ABV cocktails, craft beer, wine and coffee. High-proof spirits are replaced with options such as sherry, vermouth or a nonalcoholic version. These options range from familiar – like a low-ABV negroni or a spritz that trades traditional Aperol with the more herbal, bitter orange-flavored Cappelletti – to more out-of-the-box takes. Try the Before You Go-Go for a spicy, vermouth-based riff on a margarita. Maple House is located inside a house, so there are plenty of nooks inside and out to sink into and unwind.
198 W. Boston St., Chandler, 85225
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
George & Dragon: An English Pub
Benjamin Leatherman
Phoenix’s first English pub lives up to its pedigree: Portraits of Queen Elizabeth, photos of Buckingham Palace and other UK-related ephemera adorn every nook and cranny. Footy matches air on TVs above the bar, which is surrounded by jerseys and flags of beloved teams. And traditional selections like bangers and mash, pasties, and fish and chips are cranked out by the kitchen. Come on Sundays for roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Moving beyond the British Isles, G&D’s bar has an impressive selection of imported beer on tap, going beyond Guinness to include the likes of Smithwick's and Boddingtons. There’s also trivia on Thursdays hosted by owner (and native Englishman) David Wimberley, who got yelled at by Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer on a 2016 episode of the show. Catch Wimberley haunting the front patio, and he’ll tell you the tale himself, likely peppered with enough vulgarities to make the royals blush.
4240 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85012
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Brickyard Downtown
Tirion Boan
When visiting downtown Chandler, a stop at The Brickyard is a must. This cocktail bar and restaurant is located inside the former home of the Chandler Arizonan, a newspaper that dates back to 1912. But you’ll find more than just history here. Start with the cocktail menu, which is located inside the plastic DVD case dropped off at your table. The video game-themed booklet outlines your drink options by such creative categories as Arcade, Disc, Multiplayer and Next Gen. From the Console section, we love Save the Princess, a bright refresher with Ketel One peach and orange blossom vodka, Leblon cachaca, crème de pêche, orgeat, lemon and yuzu. While the cocktail menu shines, don’t forget about the food. The lamb chimichangas and pork belly skewers are winners.
85 W. Boston St., Chandler, 85225
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Yum Bar
Tirion Boan
One of the Melrose District's newest bars is one of its most fun and colorful. Pink flamingos adorn the bright green patio, a large multi-colored mural swirls around the interior walls and the cocktails are just as eye-catching. Stop in for dinner and a drink or grab a group of friends and head to Yum Bar for drag brunch. The bar is located inside The Royale, a collection of local small businesses that share a cozy courtyard. The bar is the collective's anchor restaurant and serves a full food menu along with beer, wine and cocktails. Pair a Yum Burger or couscous bowl with a specialty cocktail such as the herbaceous Bewitched or the mezcal-based Glenrosa Gaze.
635 W. Glenrosa Ave., #101, Phoenix, 85013
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Sidecar Social Club
Sidecar Social Club
Sidecar Social Club may be one of the Phoenix bar scene’s best kept secrets. Tucked behind Ocotillo and sharing the same palo verde-dotted, string-light adorned, swoony patio, the drinking establishment can be easy to breeze past. But it’s worth the stop. The cocktail bar serves classics, including its namesake shaken drink, along with fun, inventive “cocktails of the moment” that are developed in-house. Be sure to check the chalkboard inside for the latest creations. Belly up to the outdoor bar or settle into the dark, moody lounge — both are perfect after-sunset destinations. Because Sidecar shares a space with Ocotillo, guests can linger over tipples while enjoying food from the restaurant at dinnertime or during brunch.
3243 N. Third St., Suite A, Phoenix, 85012
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Roosters Country
Roosters Country
There’s a lot to crow about at Roosters. It’s been a cornerstone of the Valley’s country scene since 1972 with all the amenities you’d expect: a large stage and red-and-black checkered dance floor in the front, pool tables in the back, and rustic-wood ambiance and photos of Johnny Cash and other legendary recording artists throughout, and 12 tap handles built into a repurposed fire truck cab behind the bar. Roosters has hosted local country, rock and country-rock artists for more than five decades. Outdoor gigs are performed on the venue's giant smoking patio, which is equipped with a second stage, two grills and multiple beer tubs. The patrons here are as solid as the brick walls, friendly folk who say hello when you walk through the door, introduce you to their boozing buddies, razz the bartenders or sing along with the lyrics during its many live shows, open mics and karaoke nights.
3731 E. Main St., Mesa, 85205
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Butler's Easy
Sara Crocker
This north Phoenix bar is truly a neighborhood spot, but it serves up more than draft beers and two-ingredient cocktails. Instead, imbibers will find a large selection of craft cocktails, such as Indoor Smoking, a rye-based old fashioned infused with smoke. You’ll also find a solid selection of beer and wine, as well as a deep spirits list. Try one of Butler’s Easy’s splurgy curated flights to sample several at once, with the option to add a cigar. The Whistle Up a Storm flight, for example, features 10-, 12- and 15-year old WhistlePig whiskeys. The lounge is sleek and dark, perfect for a nightcap, and sun seekers will find a cozy patio in the back. There’s always something happening at the bar, with a number of events throughout the week, ranging from trivia and bingo nights to wine tastings and cocktail classes.
8375 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 85020
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
AZ/88
Allison Young
Did someone say martinis? At this off-the-beaten-path bar in Scottsdale, you can get a London favorite Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a shot of Champagne. If that’s too fruity for your taste, there are always the classics, such as the espresso martini and Manhattan. But AZ/88 is not your regular neighborhood spot. The people-watching here is outstanding, with crowds ranging from longtime Scottsdale locals to groups of friends celebrating 21st birthdays and bachelorette parties, from dates to businessmen holding lunch meetings, and much more. Rotating art installations also demand attention. Sometimes a cluster of disco balls dangle from the ceiling, casting specks of light around the bar; at other times, fluffy illuminated clouds fill the ceiling. During the holidays, Christmas trees made of anything other than wood and pine needles land smack in the center of the dining room. Meal options include burgers, salads, sandwiches and a small selection of plates. Insider tip: Make sure to visit the restrooms. You won’t be disappointed.
7353 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, 85251
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Bar 1912
Georgann Yara
Hidden behind the restaurant on Seventh Avenue, Valentine’s love letter to Arizona cuisine continues in drink form. The entry of Bar 1912 is marked only by a neon sign that reads “Cocktails.” Inside, Mission revival-style niches behind the bar frame bottles, but the space’s feeling, down to its staff-curated vinyl, is a nod to Japanese listening rooms. Bar 1912’s menu takes cues from Arizona, including a quintet of cocktails inspired by the state’s five Cs. Try Cotton or Cattle. Cotton packs a playful pistachio flavor that conjures thoughts of pistachio cotton candy, while Cattle riffs on a classic Manhattan, infusing rye whiskey and añejo tequila with bone marrow. The fat-washing results in a velvety spirit-forward drink without the bite. Chef Donald Hawk and his team crank out elevated bites inspired by classic bar snacks, such as foie gras-stuffed olives and whipped pimento-raclette cheese. This all makes Bar 1912 a solid standalone spot or a perfect part of a splurge-worthy night that includes dinner at Valentine.
4130 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 85013
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Little Rituals
Jackie Mercandetti Photo
At the ritzy, intimate Little Rituals on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, Aaron DeFeo executes intense, cocktail-geek-tickling drinks in a plush room with a view of Chase Field and distant mountains. Split spirit bases are the norm. Ingredients like Amari, house liqueurs and salty foam provide delicate edits, usually many in a single drink. A daiquiri, for example, gets fortified with curry and Sichuan pepper oil. Little Rituals is home to many award-winning bartenders and is widely regarded as a top-class cocktail bar nationwide.
132 S. Central Ave., 4th Floor, Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Trophy Room
TJ Perez Photography
Trophy Room and its connected restaurant Wren & Wolf are probably not the best concepts for plant-based diners or animal lovers. The vibe is more hunting lodge, complete with taxidermy and rifles. There’s even a bullet chandelier. But if that sits well with you, Trophy Room is a great place to find some exceptional cocktails. The speakeasy-style bar is located inside the restaurant and doesn’t allow any phones or photographs. It welcomes customers for 90-minute stints to enjoy a range of classic cocktails and creative spins. Follow the menu’s guidance, and let your preferred flavor profile — spicy, sweet, strong, bitter — dictate your selection.
2 N. Central Ave., Suite 101, Phoenix
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
J.T.'s Bar & Grill
Tirion Boan
The strip malls spread throughout the Arcadia area are some of the most dense in the Valley. They are jam-packed with all sorts of small businesses including JT's Bar & Grill. Inside the Indian School Road haunt, you'll find a mix of regulars chatting with the bartenders and groups of friends gathering to watch the game. Sports memorabilia and flags adorn the walls and ceiling in this shoebox-sized spot. Behind the bar, servers pour pints and craft simple cocktails while a team of cooks puts out baskets upon baskets of wings. JT's serves burgers, some Mexican food and other fried snacks. But the fried and grilled wings are the money maker. Customers can order two sauce flavors per basket, and if you truly can't decide, order The Works, a blend of teriyaki, Buffalo and barbecue that creates the perfect pairing for a cold beer.
4829 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Upstairs at Flint
Tirion Boan
A sophisticated vibe welcomes guests at Upstairs at Flint. Upon entry, your eyes will gravitate toward the desert landscape just beyond the glass-edged patio until the giant chandelier catches your attention. People-watching is at its finest here, with couples sipping on cocktails, groups of friends jamming to the music and everyone enjoying the rooftop bar. The booze-forward sips boast fun names such as Frontier Psychiatrist, The Adults are Talking and The Girl from Ipanema and are softened with flavors of vanilla, apricot, honey, elderflower, pamplemousse and tamarind. But you won’t feel left out if you simply want to relax with a beer. And if you get hungry, small bites and dinner are available, as well. Some menu highlights are the spicy lamb meatballs, Moroccan fried chicken, wood-grilled kebabs and chilled shrimp.
2425 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Starving Artist
Sara Crocker
When O.S.H.O. Brewing + Distillery took over the former location and brewing operations of Helton Brewing Co., the team opted to reimagine the space and create a neighborhood tavern that specializes in cocktails and globally inspired bites. The bar is vibrant and eclectic, with red lampshades, toile wallpaper, loungey leather couches and classic paintings refreshed with quirky street art style. The menu matches the space’s energy. Among the cocktails, the Hibiscus Spritz is a floral, lightly sweet sipper that uses Lo-Fi Aperitifs’ Gentian Amaro and is topped with bubbles, hibiscus and lemon. For craft beer nerds, there are also plenty of options, including O.H.S.O. standards such as its tropical IPA Boom Dynamite and the brewer’s rendition of Helton’s sweet-tart Boysenberry Sour. The array of small and shareable plates includes a bright honey-whipped ricotta with roasted zucchini as well as New York-style pizza by the slice or pie.
2144 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Swizzle Inn
Lauren Cusimano
The first rule of Swizzle Inn: no Starbucks parking. The parking lot in this plaza at the southeast corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home Road is tight, and the Swizz can’t be sharing spots with the multitudes of Starbucks fiends the intersection attracts. Opened in 1996, Swizzle's plain outside gives little indication of the fun within. Inside, there's a very specific theme of Christmas at the beach. It is one of finest neighborhood bars in uptown Phoenix, a low-key place with a couple of TVs; a pool table; a jukebox pumping out Queen, The B-52’s and Willie Nelson; and a half-circle bar behind which the bartender pours nothing particularly fancy — but that’s not why you’re here. Just about every square inch of the ceiling is dressed with tinsel and lights sure to bring anyone a little cheer.
5835 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Pecado
Sara Crocker
In Arcadia, tucked behind the bright, airy Santo lies the dark, sleek, sultry Pecado. The juxtaposition is intentional, with the two names translating to saint and sin in Spanish. The dual concepts were opened by Roberto Centeno, Nadia Holguin and Armando Hernandez in early 2024, with the drinks program led by beverage director Adrian Galindo. Much like his cocktail program at the vibey Mesa bar and restaurant Espiritu, the menu at Pecado is full of tongue-in-cheek jokes and pop culture references. But, the seven deadly sins are the primary inspiration for the menu. Pride is a showy tiki-style sipper with mezcal and rum that will make everyone at the bar stop and take notice. There’s also Gluttony, a fat-washed bacanora drink served with a side of pork rinds. But we like to roll the dice with Wrath – a choose-your-own-adventure option where you tell your mixologist your likes and let their creativity run wild.
4418 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Gabby's
Lauren Cusimano
Gabby’s Sports Bar & Grill has been around since 1983 along the Old 87, making it one of the closest bars to the grave of legendary Phoenix drinker-musician Waylon Jennings. Over the years, Gabby’s has stuck to its roadhouse-style roots. Expect karaoke nights, a lively patio, TVs and two pool tables. There's even a menu of fried bar food. If you’re looking for a full meal, go with the gigantic, excessively juicy burgers made on the open grill; for a snack, we like the mozzarella sticks. Gabby's got a face lift a few years ago, but despite the renovation, that great, old bar vibe remains.
635 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa, 85201
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Chopper John's
New Times Archives
Chopper John’s is primarily known as a biker bar, thanks to owner John McCormack’s taste for steel steeds and the open road. It’s also one of central Phoenix’s best small venues — a rip-roaring dive, neighborhood hang and low-key sports bar. Music fans have known about the place for years, as the former residence was home to a string of blues bars from the ’70s onward, including Louie’s, VJ’s, McGuires, Warsaw Wally’s and Bogie’s. Once McCormack took over in 2008, the multiroom establishment became a rock haven with framed T-shirts from local bands covering the walls, rowdy shows, cheap drinks and cheap thrills. Punks, tattoo artists and other rock ’n’ roll types hang out here even when there isn’t a show, and the turnout is big on Sundays when Chopper John’s whips up loaded Bloody Marys topped with impossible amounts of skewered food items (we’re talking full-sized cheeseburgers and and Sonoran hot dogs loaded with fixings). At only $5 a pop, they’re a steal and tend to go quickly. Rock on.
2547 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Seamus McCaffrey's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Jacob Tyler Dunn
A downtown staple for 33 years, Seamus McCaffrey’s attracts a crowd that reflects the changing neighborhood it inhabits: city and county employees, upwardly mobile loft-dwellers and service-industry workers. In fact, Seamus is your favorite downtown bartender’s favorite bar. It also has a tough-to-beat selection of Scotch and Irish whiskey, traditional Irish fare such as Shepherd’s Pie and fish chips, and live music on the weekends (when it can get crowded in here). And don’t miss the bar’s flagship festivity: its raucous annual St. Patrick’s Day street party, when Monroe is closed off and the sweet smell of Guinness wafts for blocks.
18 W. Monroe St., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Casey Moore's Oyster House
Jennifer Goldberg
Casey Moore's Oyster House is a Tempe mainstay, known for its sprawling patio surrounding the former home of William A. and Mary Moeur, built circa 1910. The bar itself is named after an Irish woman who was born even earlier, in 1886, and who was known for singing, playing the piano and hosting frequent gatherings. (She is said to still haunt the place.) The home was rehabilitated in 1973, and a few bars came and went in the space until 1986, when it became Casey’s. The bar attracts students from nearby ASU, as well as neighborhood regulars, cyclists, tourists and service industry types. Indoors, you’ll find neon décor, some seating and a cozy bar; on the patio, you may smoke, bring your dog till 5 p.m. or bend elbows at the always-packed outdoor bar. The beer selection features a mix of local, domestic and imported brews, and the pub fare is above average. Go with the oysters or the neighborhood favorite, French onion soup.
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, 85281
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Yucca Tap Room
Jennifer Goldberg
Yucca Tap Room is foremost a music venue — and a legendary one at that. It’s been around since the early 1970s and is known for offering a stage to the practitioners of the Tempe Sound, touring punk bands
and many other alternative acts. But this windowless, wood-paneled strip-mall tenant is also an excellent neighborhood tavern, frequented by regulars who sometimes arrive when the doors swing open at 6 a.m. to slap the bar and down bloody marys. Yucca has expanded in recent years, taking over neighboring suites in order to add the Electric Bat Arcade. The place boasts good food, too, from breakfast burritos to late night bites. There’s an impressive selection of craft beers and daily drink specials, as well as a busy dance floor most weekends.
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, 85282
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Hanny's
Lauren Cusimano
A chic restaurant, Hanny’s is also a popular downtown drinking destination for after-work drinks and post-game or theater cocktails. Housed in a former department store, the bar nods to the building’s midcentury roots — designer names such as Dior are still displayed on the walls, and you may encounter a classic mannequin — and its massive bar is staffed by servers in semiformal attire working beneath a high ceiling. Take a trip to the unisex restrooms even if you don’t have to go; you walk past a trippy house of mirrors with mood lighting. In a place like this, we always go with a classic cocktail: martini, Manhattan, mai tai, Old Fashioned, French 75 — and all are professionally made at Hanny’s.
40 N. 1st St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
LON's Last Drop
Lauren Cusimano
If you live in Phoenix, it's imperative that you take advantage of the desert climate, which often means finding an ideal outdoor happy hour spot to soak in the gentle sunshine. Many bars can serviceably accommodate this desire, but none beats LON’s Last Drop. Even the drive there is scenic, as it's located on the grounds of the historic (though not overly fancy) Hermosa Inn. The bar gets its name from a painting by Arizona artist Lon Megargee, who founded the Hermosa Inn in the 1930s. The painting is of a cowboy watering his horse from his Stetson hat, and LON’s exudes a similar cowboy energy, with outdoor fireplaces, lots of beer and whiskey and a wood-burning oven that turns out menu items such black Angus beef sliders. Try the house favorite cocktail, the namesake Last Drop, made with High West double rye whiskey, Luxardo apricot, sweet vermouth and blood orange.
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, 85253
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Coach House
Jennifer Goldberg
Coach House is a bit of homespun charm with heavy pours, two bars, an enormous patio with views of Camelback Mountain and a fun staff. It also looks like something straight off of a dude ranch, with its rustic, wood-heavy decor, but steers clear of country shtick beyond its name. Owned since its first pour in 1959 by the Brower family (who tout is as “Scottsdale’s oldest dive”), it's packed to the low-slung rafters most nights (even more so on the weekends) with crowds three-deep angling for space inside the tiny main bar. It serves up plenty of great barfly standards like boilermakers and screwdrivers starting at 6 a.m. sharp, 365 days a year. It’s also a must-see every holiday season – when every centimeter is draped with lights, wrapping paper, tinsel, bows, ribbons and ornaments – and a place to tip one back during the rest of the year.
7011 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, 85251
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
TCBC Beer
Lauren Cusimano
Litchfield Park is packed with history, which is obvious as you drive around its palm tree-lined streets and past the celebrated Wigwam Resort. But tucked into one of the Pueblo-style buildings across the street from the 4-star retreat is a rock ’n’ roll brewery that’s dialing up the volume on this otherwise sleepy destination. TCBC, which stands for Transplant City Brewing Co., started in a tiny space next door to its current digs. The bright and welcoming brewery showcases an industrial finish, with block walls and a cement floor, coupled with copious natural light and warm wood accents. Colorful portraits of musical greats line the walls. Beers on tap feature creative names such as Pickle Spear Sour, a pickle-packed collaboration with B&G Chicago Catering; Next Stop is the Westside Motel, a West Coast IPA; and Malts and Hops, Oh My!, a sweet American amber.
103 W. Honeysuckle St., Litchfield Park, 85340
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Rusty Spur Saloon
Rusty Spur Saloon
A genuine historic landmark, the Rusty Spur fits Old Town Scottsdale’s penchant for Western kitsch like a tasseled glove. The compact building started life as a circa-1920s savings and loan (the city’s first), later becoming a saloon in 1958. Back then, liquor was stored in the vault and cowboys and cowgirls slaked their thirsts. These days, Rusty Spur still serves the Wrangler-wearing crowd, as well as tourists, locals and the occasional celebrity. Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, and Post Malone have all been sighted here. It packs as much rustic charm and kitsch as ever, from the wagon-wheel chandelier overhead and cheeky bar stools shaped like the legs and posteriors of can-can girls to the license plate collection, mounted deer heads, dollar bills and antiques decorating every inch of space. Local country, Americana and rockabilly artists rip it up on a tiny corner stage daily and nightly, creating a party atmosphere where patrons dance if they can find room. Yee-haw.
7245 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 85251
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Little Woody
Luigi Richie
The Little Woody is a nesting ground for Arcadians or anyone else beckoned by the glowing owl-shaped neon sign outside. It also attracts with a wealth of upscale bar bites (the savory Grandma Woody’s Meatballs are a favorite) and an array of alcohol choices ranging from stylish (the Gun Shy Sour made with Larceny bourbon, lemon and locally sourced honey) to slummy (check out The Codger, a can of Old Style lager chased with Old Grand-Dad bourbon). Its wood-heavy and red-drenched interior is a mix of ski lodge, dive bar and a family rec room that’s filled with eclectic touches (dozens of tiny, ornamental owls are hidden throughout the bar) and also offers a pool table, dance floor and a game room where Skee-Ball, shuffleboard, board games and Foosball await. It’s a hoot, just like the rest of the Little Woody.
4228 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Bikini Lounge
Benjamin Leatherman
In a town as young as Phoenix, a bar that’s been around since 1947 certainly counts as a grande dame of the local drinking scene. Long before Interstate 10 connected us to California, The Bikini Lounge welcomed visitors from the west into town as they exited the U.S. 60. Today, there are divier dive bars and tiki-er tiki bars, but there’s no other establishment in the Valley with The Bikini’s exact flavor of lowbrow kitsch. The bar has no windows, so the place is always as dark as a confessional, conferring intimacy on the most casual of interactions. Thatched coverings, vintage paintings and tiki masks watch over the patrons, who are a mix of grizzled regulars and hipsters dropping in after First Fridays or a show at The Van Buren. Drinks aren’t fancy, but they’re strong and cheap — just how we like them (make sure you bring cash, though). Over the decades, The Bikini has seen plenty of growth around its Grand Avenue location, but we love it best because, despite the passing of the years, it never seems to change.
1502 Grand Ave., Phoenix, 85007
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant
Lauren Cusimano
Despite the name, this north central Phoenix pub isn’t for Joyce scholars. Here, you’re far more likely to encounter UFC fans shooting Jameson than bookish types sipping Beamish. But that’s not to say the place is lacking in history. Established in 1985 by Seamus McCaffrey (namesake of the popular downtown Phoenix pub), The Dubliner is said to be Phoenix’s first pub to serve Guinness on tap. It still does, of course, along with Harp and Smithwick’s. The food menu features Irish fare such as chicken with Guinness gravy and a side of soda bread, Irish beef stew, and — our favorite — Jameson chocolate bread pudding.
3841 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, 85032
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Quartz
Grace Stufkosky
This duo of bars is a one-two punch of cocktail excellence. Upon entering, you’ll first hit Quartz, a dark space with a black cave-like stone overhang lit by a neon rope. Here, you can go mining through the menu with drinks inspired by gemstones. Try the Dripping Diamonds for a refreshing and citrusy sip topped with a sticky and delicious marshmallow foam. The Sea of Aquamarine, described on the menu as “an ocean water for adults” is bright blue and tastes of the tropics. Quartz accepts walk-ins, but if you’ve made a reservation in advance, you can go deeper into The Cave. But contrary to what the name suggests, this space is bright and filled with mirrors creating an extremely photogenic illusion. In The Cave, the drinks get even more creative, featuring ingredients such as camel hump fat, medicinal rica rica herb and a fizzy olive.
341 W. Van Buren St., Suite B, Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Legends Never Die
Tirion Boan
Next door to Pretty Penny, a new restaurant from master mixology team Sam Olguin and Brenon Stuart, lives Legends Never Die. The speakeasy-style bar is the latest cocktail concept from the duo behind Killer Whale Sex Club, F.Y.P.M. and Disco Dragon. Upon entering, your eyes adjust to the blue and orange neon glow as you pick a seat on either side of the singular long table. There are 20 seats and 20 cocktails to choose from, and the unique decor signals that you’re about to embark on an adventure. Olguin and Stewart are fans of mixology techniques that straddle the line between science and sci-fi. Try a crystal-clear drink that tastes like a slice of carrot cake, cream cheese frosting included. Look out for ingredients such as fruit foams and savory oils, and make sure to taste your drink’s garnish, each painstakingly designed to enhance the drink and infuse more flavor. This bar is dark, loud and hard to find. But it’s unlike anything else along Roosevelt Row or beyond.
504 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Tell Your Friends
Jill McNamara
One of the newer bars on the list, Tell Your Friends has quickly made an impression. Located underneath The Americano in north Scottsdale, the speakeasy-style lounge is accessed through a descending staircase and a red mirrored hallway. Inside, red velvet drapes, floral decor and a shimmering gold ceiling and bar set the tone. Live musicians perform as expert mixologists shake and stir unusual cocktails behind the bar. Try a sweet and savory concoction made with bell peppers or opt for a banana-infused old fashioned. Small bites accompany the drinks, and there are plenty of opportunities for expensive upgrades to elevate your underground experience.
17797 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 85255
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Valley Bar
Benjamin Leatherman
Distinguished by nothing more than a glowing red sign above a back-alley door, and possibly a line, Valley Bar is an underground lounge and music venue run by the same team behind Crescent Ballroom. It sits in the basement of a building constructed in 1949 that was formerly home to Phoenix-famous businesses such as The Hub art galleries, Bickoff’s Deli, Theater Triad and Sub Cultural Arts Center. The latter hosted up-and-coming bands of yesteryear, including Green Day, Sound Garden and Bad Brains. Valley Bar does the same today; its calendar includes local DJ nights, trivia nights and performances by local and national touring acts. In addition to the stage and the main bar, there’s also the dimly lit Rose Room, a lounge area adorned with campy artwork where the bartenders serve up a sweet selection of draft beer, wine and specialty cocktails named after local politicians, including the Original Sinema, the McCain and Ground Control to Captain Kelly. This subterranean lair includes darts, billiards tables and Skee-Ball, as well.
130 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon
Lauren Cusimano
Pat O’s puts the “G” in the Melrose District’s LGBTQ scene. Its clientele is largely gay men, many of whom are unabashedly members or fans of the bear or leathermen subcultures. Former owner and namesake Pat Olivo — a fixture in the local gay scene for decades — died in March 2022, but his bar continues his legacy. Here, you may stumble into discussions of Phoenix’s LGBTQ history or trans rights, games of bingo or poker, or parties out on the ample fenced-in outdoor patio. And then there are the Sunday darts tournaments and daily drinks specials. Within its roomy interior — it’s a former home converted decades ago — a large bar, various tables and countertops, relics from now-defunct local gay bars and plenty of playful banter and flickering laughter are waiting. Pat O’s is a local institution.
4428 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 85013
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Platform 18 at Century Grand
Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment
Modeled after a Presidential Pullman train car, Platform 18 at Century Grand transports you to the glamorous world of the early 20th century. The wood-paneled walls and digital window screens that display stunning natural landscapes make it easy to forget you never actually left Phoenix. Recently named one of North America’s 50 best bars, Platform 18 offers a menu that showcases twists on classic Prohibition-era drinks and original cocktails inspired by New York in the Roaring 20s. Begin your journey with a glass of champagne; then try the Americana, made with Rémy Martin VSOP cognac, basil-infused gin, Busnel Calvados, bergamot, clear apple, lemon, Irish moss, close, cinnamon, Indian long pepper and lemon oils. Much like with a real train, you’ll want to book a ticket (aka a reservation) in advance.
3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Linger Longer Lounge
Lauren Cusimano
Many bars are trying to take us back in time. Some do a painfully obvious song and dance; others do it so well it feels like the cigarette machine’s been in that spot for decades. Linger Longer Lounge is in the latter camp, pairing modern amenities with comforts from decades past. Admire the vintage neon Silver Bullet Coors Light sign while ordering a White Claw. Flip through a jukebox of Queen and Willie Nelson (and Tenacious D) as you wait for a dog from Der Wurst Hot Dogs. Tack on a seasonal brunch offering, raucous dance nights, a soft-lit breezeway for smokers and a whole room dedicated to pool, and we hope Linger Longer lingers on for decades to come.
6522 N. 16th St., #6, Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Karamba
Karamba
The expansive, colorfully lit dance floor at this gay dance club is almost always packed with bodies, whether it's boys dancing with boys, gals getting down with other gals, or various other combinations. Although the crowd and the music here leans Latino, the welcoming space is home to a diverse crowd during frenzied weekend events, when folks dance until dawn. Monday night karaoke, rotating theme nights and drag shows keep the party going throughout the week.
1724 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 85006
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Luckys Indoor Outdoor
Luckys Indoor Outdoor
The name of this downtown Phoenix bar hints at the space, which functions really as two separate concepts: Luckys Indoor and Luckys Outdoor. Inside, the vibe is all college dive bar, complete with low lighting, pool tables, twinkle lights and Skee Ball. Outside, the huge patio space includes a large deck, a grassy area with picnic tables and swinging chairs, and a food truck slinging cheesy and delicious arepas. The unifying factor is the craft cocktails. They’re surprisingly complex; some have up to 10 different ingredients. For a simple yet trendy option, try the Spaghett made with Miller High Life, Aperol and lemon.
817 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Handlebar-J
Courtesy of Handlebar-J
Folks have been ambling into this honky-tonk hideout since the ’60s, back when Waylon Jennings was a regular, patrons hitched their horses outside and the place was called Wild Bill’s. Its corner of North Scottsdale has become a bit more ostentatious in the ensuing years (they didn’t have beauty bars or tanning salons back in Waylon’s day), but Handlebar J’s has stayed true to its old-school country pedigree. Inside, hundreds of cowboy hats hang from the rafters, Wild West ephemera is everywhere, and a full selection of brews and booze are available at its sprawling bar. There are wings, burgers and racks of ribs on the menu and both country and western coming from the sound system or stage. The historic bar is owned by members of the Herndon family, who have kept Handlebar J’s spirit going for decades now, and celebrity crooners such as Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson and Vince Gill have all drank and sang here.
7116 E. Becker Lane, Scottsdale, 85254
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Heather Hoch
A self-described “cocktailian,” Ross Simon of Bitter & Twisted is known for his tome-like illustrated menus that offer studied riffs on legions of classics, resulting in libations that are proudly “whimsical as fuck.” Among those is the coldest old-school martini in town, which can be sipped in expansive booths upholstered in red leather under sky-high ceilings. Whether you're in downtown Phoenix for a show, or you make a special trip, be sure to stop in at Bitter & Twisted. Pro tip: Join the wait list online to secure an earlier spot in the queue.
1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Bar Bianco
Sara Crocker
Bar Bianco may be the most and least Phoenix bar. It reaches peak-Phoenix because, if you’re there, you’re likely killing time while waiting to enjoy the pizza that in many ways put the Valley’s culinary scene, and its connection to incredible local ingredients, on the map. At the bar, you can enjoy curated wines, local craft beers and a handful of classic cocktails while you wait, or you can satiate your hunger with fresh, slightly charred bread and olive oil or a plate of soppressata with dried cranberries. So, what makes Bar Bianco feel so not Phoenix? Its location next to the flagship Pizzeria Bianco in Heritage Square in a home that — gasp — predates air conditioning is surrounded by mature trees and in a rare area reserved for pedestrians, not cars. As such, the bar is transportive and invites you to linger and maybe, just maybe, forget about that wait.
609 E. Adams St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Chupacabra Taproom
Charles Barth
Downtown Mesa’s Chupacabra Taproom boasts a global selection of 32 brews on tap, ranging from numerous styles of craft beer to hard seltzer and barleywine, but unlike many other taprooms, it also carries a decent stock of boutique wines from near and far. This makes Chupacabra an ideal stop for for those who want to expand their palate and groups with disparate tastes. But above all, similar to its namesake, it’s an almost mythical creature: a destination bar that retains its chill, neighborhood feel. Inside the 900-square-foot brick building dating back to 1949, patrons can strike up a conversation with the person in the next seat about what they’re drinking and what to order next. It’s also fun to snag a spot outside and grab a bite to share with friends from local food trucks. Live music is common, and board games are a given at this East Valley hangout.
14 N. Robson, Mesa, 85201
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Charlie's Phoenix
Matt Hennie
Charlie’s is a slice of Phoenix gay bar history that has huddled along Camelback Road just west of Seventh Avenue since its debut in 1984. In those days, the “lil bitty ol’ pissant country place” and dance hall opened by John King (co-founder of the International Gay Rodeo Association) was aimed at gay urban cowboys and country music fans. As times and interests changed (and competition increased), so did Charlie’s. Today, the place boasts a larger dance floor, an even bigger parking lot, a taco truck out front, an outdoor patio with two bars and bleacher seating in the back, and a wide cross-section of the entire LGBT community. Charlie’s events calendar is just as diverse. Drag performances, bingo games, Latin and country dance nights, and karaoke are some of its most popular activities. It's also famous for its after-hours weekend dance parties.
727 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 85013
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Tirion Boan
A visit to Outrider Rooftop Lounge feels like a cheat. Surely you have to be a hotel guest at the Canopy Scottsdale Old Town Hotel or at least a tourist visiting Scottsdale to access this rooftop bar, right? Wrong. The high-flying bar, complete with lounge chairs, fire pits and impressive views of Camelback Mountain, is open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome during the day, and reservations are recommended at night, but still, you don’t have to sneak in to see these stunning views. A short but well-rounded cocktail list includes refreshing options that are perfect for sipping in the sunshine. Try the Life Preserver, made with tequila, lime, coconut and aloe liqueur; or Duke’s Pearl, a tropical yet not sour tipple filled with passionfruit, rum and honey. Wine, beer, seltzer and nonalcoholic options fill out the drinks menu. Outrider also offers a well-stocked food menu featuring wings, pretzels, poke, spiced meatballs and mixed tapas to share.
7142 E. First St., Scottsdale, 85251
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Dirty Drummer
Lauren Cusimano
The wood-paneled walls, the open grill behind the bar, the jukebox packed with Merle, Willie, Waylon and the Hanks: There’s much to love about The Dirty Drummer. Maybe its most lovable quality, though, is its origin story. The first location of this sports bar, honky-tonk and music venue at 44th and Oak streets was opened in 1975 by Frank “Drummer” Armstrong and his partner, “Dirty Dave” Werner. Armstrong died in 2012, and the original Drummer closed in 2018. But the following year, the former owner’s daughter, Dana Armstrong, along with business partners Andrew Smith and Tom Bernard, reopened the spot with a strong nod to the Drummer of yesteryear. Armstrong is the creator of Valley Fever, a DJ night of Arizona country that started in 2005 at Yucca Tap Room. She’s brought much of that outlaw ambiance to The Drummer. Here, patrons are encouraged to play some George Jones, order a Drummer Burger and tip back a house beer — Miller Lite.
2303 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 85008
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
UnderTow
Tirion Boan
At its core, UnderTow is a tiki bar with a rum-forward menu and Polynesian-inspired decor. But simply calling it a tiki bar doesn’t do the concept justice. UnderTow is an experience — one that fully immerses you in the nautical world of a fictional spice trader. Located inside Century Grand, the bar’s interior trades grass huts for the belly of a clipper ship, complete with portholes that play video footage of adventurous voyages. The menu features a hefty collection of rums from around the world, plus a rotating selection of beer and wine. Expect to find a mix of tried-and-true classic tiki cocktails alongside original creations. For a true conversation starter, try In Honor of Nameless Days, a complex mix of extra anejo tequila, arrack, Mexican rum, pibil-spiced plantain, poblano pepper, coconut, pineapple, lime and Mayan gold — served in a colorful feathered jaguar skull.
3626 E. Indian School Rd. #100, Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Trevor's Liquor
Sara Crocker
Is Trevor’s a liquor store with a bar, or a bar with a liquor store? The answer to that semantic question is a “yes” to both. The luxe Scottsdale liquor shop continues to offer tastes and activities that invite guests to swing by for an evening, not just for an errand. Its sister locations, which opened in north Phoenix and Arcadia in 2023, sport fun extras such as golf simulators, pinball machines, pizzerias and a cigar lounge, while a fourth location is scheduled to open in the redeveloped Paradise Valley Mall complex in late 2024. Trevor’s expansive cocktail list ranges from refreshing spritzes that are best enjoyed on its large patio to sturdy stirred drinks. Try a traditional Bee's Knees, mojito or vieux carre, or choose the signature Whisky Apples, which plays with the classic flavor combination, bringing together Suntory Toki whisky, apple brandy, sherry and cinnamon.
7340 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, 85257
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Garage-East
Patricia Escarcega
Garage-East isn’t a bar in the traditional sense, but it is the perfect spot to sip away the afternoon. Located in the Barnone collection of shops at Agritopia, this wood-paneled bar serves wines by the glass to enjoy inside or on the Italy-meets-Gilbert-farm-style patio. And you won’t find these wines at any other bar. Garage-East works with Arizona growers to make its own blends and bottles. Unique offerings include the Garage East Breakfast Wine made with white wine and fruit juice and the Sonoran Spritz, an herbal, bitter and refreshing bright orange drink that helps combat the desert heat. On Sundays, this spot serves brunch, and at other times, food offerings include a cheese and meat board, soft pretzel and hot pressed sandwiches.
3000 E. Ray Rd. #7, Gilbert, 85926
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Barley & Smoke
Barley & Smoke
At Barley & Smoke, the team behind Peoria Artisan Brewing takes a chef’s table and speakeasy and mashes them together — with delightful results. The space, which is tucked behind the brewpub’s kitchen, is sleek and stylish, with the open kitchen and bar as the focal point. Plan to arrive stylish yourself; Barley & Smoke has a business casual dress code. Two outstanding sips from the craft cocktail list are the Blackberry Thyme-Out and El Hefe Grande. The former gin-based tipple finds a way to bring out the flavor of its two namesake ingredients. The latter is a fresh, balanced riff on a margarita, using bacanora in lieu of tequila and charred lemon juice instead of lime. Don’t skip the pork belly and cured watermelon to snack on while you sip. With only 30 seats, reservations are strongly encouraged.
10144 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway, #1130, Peoria, 85382
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Rips Bar
Lauren Cusimano
True story: Waylon Jennings and Charley Pride both bent elbows and sang songs at Rips a lifetime ago. (Don’t believe us? The owners have the photos to prove it.) That’s your first history lesson. Here’s another: The distinctive Googie-like angular architecture of the building and its Space Age-worthy sign underscore its midcentury origins as a neighborhood watering hole dating to the 1950s. The bar has undergone a dozen name changes since — Dutch Inn, Dodge City Saloon, Bourbon Street Blues and Paco Paco — each one bringing in drinkers from every background imaginable. It's still the case, as they keep coming for strong pours from the wraparound bar, plenty of brews on tap, dozens of canned craft beers, drink specials on the regular, rock and punk shows, DJ nights and thrice-weekly karaoke. The patio is equally popular, often packed with smokers conversing at tables over the clamor of music from inside.
3045 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 85016
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Rift Wine Bar & Taphouse
Sara Crocker
Rift has served a selection of craft beer and boutique wines from its Scottsdale taproom and bottle shop since 2020. Inside the comfortable industrial-style space, you’ll find knowledgeable staff who can help you choose from one of the 25 beers on tap and dozens of wines. On a recent visit, we saw local craft beer favorites and harder-to-find options from San Diego’s Pure Project and Colorado’s WeldWerks Brewing Co. You’ll also find mead, sake and cider available. Check Rift’s website or its social media to browse an excellent rotation of food trucks and events, including wine tastings and tap takeovers.
431 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 85257
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey
Mezcal and tequila fans, Ghost Donkey is your utopia. Boasting a lengthy menu of both agave-based spirits, this Mexico-inspired bar balances a darkly lit space with a canopy of string lights overhead, making for a kiss-of-disco party feel. Grab a bar seat or sit back and chill at any of the cozy booths on the perimeter. The food menu is succinct and made with snacking in mind — think nachos, tacos and chips and salsa. But, it’s really all about the 10 or so featured cocktails, almost entirely focused on tequila or mezcal, of course. Unlike its Vegas counterpart that, in true speakeasy style, requires a little search to find, this location has an entrance on a busy stretch of Second Street and is sandwiched between its showier sister restaurants Cham Pang Lanes and Palma. Just look for the humble door with the donkey on it, walk on in, raise a glass and say “Salud!”
903 N. Second St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Club DWNTWN
Benjamin Leatherman
DWNTWN has been a reliable drinking and dancing spot for the local Latinx crowd for going on 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Situated along the same Central Avenue strip of bars housing The Grand, it consists of multiple rooms, bars and amenities. Pay $10 and head left for access to the main room and its sizable dance floor and serpentine-shaped bar furnished with a towering supply of cerveza, many kinds of tequila (from well brands to high-end options) and other intoxicants. Pay $20 and head right for the VIP area with plush couches and bottle service. Elsewhere, there’s a michelada and taco bar. DWNTWN’s resident DJs spin a mix of Top 40, hip-hop and Latin dance genres — including reggaeton, cumbia, salsa, bachata and Norteña — as its patrons dance and party into the wee hours (the place stays open until 3 a.m. or later).
702 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Simple Machine Brewing Company
Sara Crocker
Simple Machine’s modern, bright, clean decor lives exemplifies the bar’s name — simple. But this north Phoenix brewery’s creations are anything but. Head brewer and co-owner Marshall Norris has a skill for taking simple ingredients and transforming them into flavor-packed beers, such as the aptly named Cucumber Crusher blonde ale, the cinammon-and-vanilla-infused Dulces Suenos nitro porter and fruit-packed Tangaroo Tangerine IPA. Grab a table inside, or snag a seat on the patio near the rotating selection of food trucks. While outside, you can watch the small planes landing at Deer Valley Airport across the street. If you’re looking to take home some beer for later, the brewery also sells many of its creations by the can.
701 W. Deer Valley Rd. #1, Phoenix, 85027
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Kobalt
Lauren Cusimano
Tucked away on the south end of Park Central, Kobalt is a long-standing tenant of the open air mall. Regular theme nights find the predominately LGBTQ patrons performing karaoke versions of show tunes and ’80s hits, howling at the big screen during a watch party of RuPaul’s Drag Race, prepping their singles for the next drag show number or happily ordering another drink. A large central stage offers plenty of opportunities for performers and customers, or both, to ham it up during a wild night at Kobalt. The drink menu offers a range of affordable tipples —$10 or less — as well as a decent selection of nonalcoholic options.
3110 N. Central Ave., #175, Phoenix, 85012
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
F.Y.P.M.
Sara Crocker
It can be easy to miss F.Y.P.M., the cocktail lounge tucked into Roosevelt Row’s Disco Dragon. But once inside, you may wonder how you ever skipped over the omnipresent glow of electric pink neon. The bar’s name is shorthand for “Fuck you, pay me,” a reference to the movie “Goodfellas,” and the phrase is emblazoned in neon-lit script above the bar. But don’t be put off by the mercenary statement. F.Y.P.M.’s team is both knowledgeable and fashionable in their pink Adidas tracksuits. The bartenders serve the innovative cocktails that landed the bar among the top 10 finalists for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar by Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards — accolades that are among the highest honors in the bar business. If you’re in need of a bite to soak up some of the booze, you’ll find comforting pan-Asian eats, such as bao buns, karaage chicken and gyoza. Reservations are recommended for this 90-minute bar experience, but at times it's doable to walk in.
509 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Oro Brewing Co.
Chris Malloy
Oro Brewing Co. has racked up an impressive list of awards for its beers, but you wouldn’t know it from the relaxed and welcoming taproom situated in an early 1900s building full of friendly servers and customers. The high-quality offerings and unpretentious attitude are two reasons it’s helped Mesa become a go-to for gregarious beer enthusiasts who love to gab about their favorites. It’s worth a visit just to try the 2022 Great American Beer Festival gold medal winner Café Oro, a coffee blonde ale. But Oro also pours an award-winning blonde ale called Inside the Park along with more award-winning IPAs, stouts, wheat beers and rotating and seasonal selections ranging from fruited sours to spiced ales. The taproom serves wine and cider, too, but there’s no kitchen. The good news, however, is you can grab anything from empanadas and tacos to burgers and fried chicken from nearby restaurants and bring it in. Many neighboring eateries also offer delivery.
210 W. Main St., Mesa, 85201
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Barcoa Agaveria
Tirion Boan
Food festival producer David Tyda says he never set out to be a bar owner. But when he opened Barcoa with Ryan Oberholtzer in 2020, the space quickly became a haven for agave spirit enthusiasts. And, you can choose just how far down the rabbit hole you’d like to go, as Barcoa houses not one bar but two. The cantina on the main level is energetic and connected to Latino and indigenous arts organization Xico. Browse artists’ work on First Fridays and sip on a Mezcalrita on the patio. There’s also a solid rotation of food trucks thanks to Tyda’s food festival connections. For a more intimate evening, make reservations for the basement bar. Choose from a wide selection of agave spirits, or have one of the bartenders make you a craft cocktail, such as the Leche de Pistachio, made with mezcal, pistachio milk and lime.
829 N. First Ave., Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Cider Corps
Cider Corps
Brothers Josh and Jason Duren live by the motto, “Out of bad comes good,” and it was this belief that created the foundation for Arizona’s widely loved and largest cidery, Cider Corps in Mesa. Jason served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a part of his healing and recovery from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, he decided to channel his energy into brewing craft cider with his brother. Little did the siblings know that their project would develop into a nationally known cidery. Much of the taproom’s decor commemorates veterans, while the ciders — blue-, red-, orange- and yellow-hued options blended with teas, hops and coffee — have names such as Mango Foxtrot and Private Palmer. Some of the sips are even barrel-aged or made into frozen slushies. Inside, the vibe is chill, and an expansive outdoor space is perfect for when the weather cooperates. If you’re looking for some gastronomic support in order to go for that third or fourth sample of cider, Myke’s Pizza is on hand and providing exceptional carbs.
31 S. Robson, #103, Mesa, 85210
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Phantom Fox Beer Co.
Sara Crocker
There was plenty to be excited about when the guys behind Chupacabra Taproom and Goat and Ram mobile pizza kitchen announced they would team up to open a dual brewery and pizzeria in downtown Mesa. With Valerie Adee, formerly of Hundred Mile Brewing Co., leading the brewhouse, Phantom Fox Beer Co. is one of the Valley’s most exciting new spots for craft beer. Choose from more than 20 brews on tap, including Slenderman, a pale ale that’s an easy-drinking citrusy brew. You’ll also find select cocktails, wine and cider from nearby Cider Corps. No visit to Phantom Fox is complete without pairing your pint with a pie from Goat and Ram. The crusts are bubbly and chewy, often with a nicely charred exterior. Be sure to order a side of smoked tomato sauce to dunk your crusts into.
150 W. Main St., Mesa, 85201
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Highball
Lauren Cusimano
Highball opened at the tail end of October 2020 in the former SideBar space. The concept is overseen by Libby Lingua and Mitch Lyons, formerly of Barter and Shake Hospitality, but the new, sleek establishment is gimmick-free. Expect an elegant copper bar, black leather couches and exposed brick walls at the top of those stairs. Highball offers an eclectic craft cocktail menu that the extremely helpful staff will happily help navigate. The menus change with the seasons, but the drinks are gorgeous, ready for their photo close-up and highly effective, hint hint. A small selection of bar snacks also are available to help take the edge off before you wobble back downstairs.
1514 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 85007
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Spirit House
Lauren Cusimano
When you walk into Spirit House, remember that it was once
neighboring SanTan Brewing Co,’s junk drawer. Not a drawer, exactly — more like a side room where SanTan folks stored random items such as old kegs, glassware and kitchen stuff. They’ve since converted it into a 49-seat cocktail lounge that’s proven popular among the crowds of downtown Chandler. As a 7-foot fan whirs above, bartenders create masterful cocktails using botanical spirits, adding aromatic textures to signature but simple drinks, such as the AZ Sunrise, made with orange vanilla vodka and orange pomegranate simple syrup, or the Cucumber Mule with limeleaf vodka, cucumber, mint and ginger beer.
8 S. San Marcos Pl., Suite 106, Chandler, 85225
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
The Ostrich
Lauren Cusimano
The Ostrich is located behind a wooden door at the bottom of a stairwell around the corner from Crust Chandler. The name of this basement bar could suggest an ostrich burying its head in the ground, but actually, this was the room where ostrich feathers were stored by city founder Dr. A.J. Chandler himself. A little more history about this bar: It’s housed in the historic tunnels that connected the golf course clubhouse of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos to the nearby railroad station. Today, the antique mugshots, decorative barrels, vintage books and life-size ostrich sculpture all pay tribute to this early Chandler era. The dark drinking lounge, opened in 2015, serves classic and complicated craft cocktails. We recommend the Vieux Carre, a New Orleans classic made with whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters.
10 N. San Marcos Place, #B1, Chandler, 85225
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Coabana
Coabana
Rum often gets short shrift, relegated to tiki bars and hasty two-ingredient cocktails. At Coabana, a celebration of Miami’s Little Havana and Cuba, the spirit’s complexity is on display throughout the bar’s well-edited drinks list. Here, you’ll find takes on the classics — the daiquiri, the piña colada and the mojito — as well a tropical tipples, such as the floral El Colibri, with MK Oaxacan rum, quinquina, Madiera, housemade hibiscus cordial and creme de flora; or the Midnight in Miami, a decadent take on an espresso martini, with brown butter-washed rum, coffee liqeuer, Fernet-Branca menta, fresh espresso, orange and mole bitters. The expertise on display should come as no surprise given that Coabana is from the same team behind Pigtails and Rough Rider. Coabana’s interior echoes the playfulness of the drinks, with soft pink tiles, a canopy of gold palm fronds shading the bar and cozy booths.
1 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Winston's Cigar Bar
Lauren Cusimano
Churchill’s Fine Cigars seeks to bring a taste of luxury to its east Phoenix strip mall locale — and it succeeds. Note the array of stately leather chairs as you walk in. But it’s hard to imagine a fine cigar without a decent drink, though, and as such the entire south wall of Winston’s, the cigar bar inside Churchill’s, is adorned with hundreds of well-organized bottles of spirits on well-lit shelves. Think of a brand of bourbon, rum or single-malt Scotch, and they probably have it. In addition to the slow-sippers, Winston’s also offers classic cocktails, craft beers, wines by the glass and even espresso. In the back, there’s a large walk-in humidor packed with cigars for sale and in-house smoking. The staff members know their stuff, too, so ask about where to start if you’re a beginner.
5041 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 85018
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Wren House Brewing Co.
Lauren Cusimano
Drew Pool and Preston Thoeny opened Wren House Brewing Co. in 2016 in a historic 1930s home in the Green Gables neighborhood. Inside the taproom, which still very much looks like a house, it’s easy to make friends at the large wooden community table after ordering off the chalkboard menu, which changes daily. You can also expect to see takeout brought in from nearby restaurants along with a host of food trucks that pull up out front. Grab a beer from the bar, and get a good look at the trinkets and plastic dinosaurs along the ledge before heading outside to a patio table. The beer hall is known for its award-winning Spellbinder hazy IPA, fruit-filled Las Frescas series and staple Valley Beer lager. Wren House has expanded, with a production facility and patio in Prescott and a European-style beer hall in Ahwatukee, but we're partial to the original, albeit tiny, digs.
2125 N. 24th St., Phoenix, 85008
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Catalyst Crafted Ales
Sara Crocker
Catalyst Crafted Ales is a paradise for craft beer heads who lean toward big, bold and sometimes irreverent styles and flavors. Inside the brewhouse, which opened in 2023 under brewer Will Walthereson, drinkers will find playful sours, hoppy IPAs and plenty of imperials of the beer and seltzer persuasion. There are more traditional beers on tap, too, such as Vesuvio, an Italian pilsner that drinkers can have poured from Catalyst's regular taps or via its side pull, a faucetlike tap that creates a European-style pour with a couple extra inches of foam. A pint goes well with an ahi tuna tostada from the in-house eatery S.A.L.T. (short for Sea and Land Tacos). Get comfortable inside at the bar or outside on Catalyst’s expansive patio. After you try one of the brewery’s unique tipples, you’ll already be pondering what to order for the next round.
1845 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 85282
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Stardust Pinbar
Benjamin Leatherman
Stardust Pinbar co-owner Ariel Bracamonte had one goal for the David Bowie-inspired pinball lounge he opened in 2019 next to the The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix: He wanted it to be big on fun — or, to paraphrase the late pop/rock icon as Ziggy Stardust, he promised it wouldn’t be boring. Mixing Bowie-esque glam with geek chic, the lounge is lined with pinball machines and features an illuminated disco dance floor, a fuzzy DJ booth and gig posters of Bowie as Aladdin Sane. A speakeasy-esque secret entrance is rigged up like a walk-up freezer in the pizza parlor next door, which went viral on TikTok after Bracamonte uploaded a video of it in 2020. There also are 8,000 pinballs encased in the glass bar top, cocktails inspired by songs and stools covered in glittering vinyl. Somewhere, Ziggy Stardust is watching on and smiling.
401 W. Van Buren St., Suite C, Phoenix, 85003
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
Jeff Zaruba
At 18 floors above the bustle of Mill Avenue, this buzzy spot atop The Westin Tempe flaunts the title of being the highest open-air rooftop bar in the Valley. Order your drink at the bar, the only covered space up there, and stroll around to soak up 360-degree views of downtown Tempe, iconic A Mountain, the Valley’s vast skyline and the Mill Avenue Bridge, which is stunning at night. The food menu shows an unexpected sophisticated side for poolside noshing. Duck carnitas nachos, grilled filet mignon and the signature burger are provided from the elegant ground-floor restaurant, Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits. There’s bottle service, Arizona beers are well represented, and the seasonal cocktail menu reflects the mood of the moment — whether the winter briskness calls for dark spirits and baking spices in a rocks glass or the summer heat begs for tropical fruit and vodka or tequila in a highball vessel. But, bottom line: It’s all about the view and a must-stop for any out-of-town visitors.
11 E. Seventh St., Tempe, 85281
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
First Draft Book Bar
Allison Young
Walk into First Draft Book Bar, and you’ll immediately know that you’re in a different kind of bar. Located inside Changing Hands Bookstore, it’s a place where you can grab a magazine before you slide up to the counter with your laptop and order wine or a craft beer. The vibe is chill but cerebral. Serious and fun conversations happen at the bar, where servers handle drink and food orders with ease. Find a seat at one of the high-top tables, wander the aisles and peruse books, or catch a talk by a visiting author in the open room behind the stacks. A chalkboard menu showcases a variety of Arizona wines and locally brewed beers. Alcohol flights are available, as are small bites such as hummus, pretzels with cheese dip, artichoke dip and cookies. First Draft Book Bar is the perfect place for chilling with friends, engaging in animated discussions or reading quietly with a glass of wine in hand.
300 W. Camelback Road #1, Phoenix, 85013
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Whining Pig Downtown
Lauren Cusimano
The Whining Pig has amassed a mini-empire of craft beer and wine bars across the Valley. But we're partial to stopping into the downtown location for a brew before catching a concert or game. Chalkboard-painted walls, funky lights and the voluminous list of hundreds of craft beers and wines available for purchase all add to the appeal. There are also board and card games within easy reach and a bar made entirely of pennies. If you're feeling peckish, check the freshest chalk for a list of the food specials. The gourmet grilled cheeses, stuffed with the likes of fig spread, pesto and goat cheese, are real winners.
201 E. Washington Street, #104, Phoenix, 85004
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Palo Verde Lounge
Jacob Tyler Dunn
A perplexing question is, "What’s the crowd like at Palo Verde Lounge?" All kinds park themselves at this dark, cash-only Tempe bar: construction workers in hi-vis gear at a prolonged happy hour, weekly regulars from the neighborhood, new drinkers from nearby ASU. Like the clientele, the atmosphere can be hard to predict. Some nights you may walk into a quiet bar filled with laid-back folks nursing beers, shooting pool and watching TV while “Neon Moon” plays serenely over the speakers. Other nights you’ll find a packed bike rack outside and a DJ presiding over a full dance floor inside. And then there are those evenings when you’ll have to squeeze past a metal band unloading gear in the parking lot in order to enter. The man who oversees it all, Chuck Marthaler, is a former patron turned bartender turned owner, and he retains a keen sense of what drinkers are looking for in their local bar: cheap drinks, poured strong, by a bartender who’s quick to commit a regular’s order to memory.
1015 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe, 85282
The Top 100 Phoenix Bars of 2024
Boycott Bar
Benjamin Leatherman
This lesbian-leaning Melrose District spot has cold beers, well-mixed cocktails, dancing, drag shows and good people. Boycott also maintains a varied and thoughtful event calendar: Patrons can expect everything from Pride-related events to Latin and country dance nights. It’s a solid stop while bar-hopping along the Melrose curve — and a sturdy local watering hole as well. Look for the pink light.
4301 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 85013
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