Rocco
If you’re traveling to the Grand Canyon State, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy great Mexican food and soak up the sun, but at the end of the day, you might be feeling the heat.
I can guarantee that each of the best bars in Phoenix, Arizona offers something special, from stellar drinks to a peaceful ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a hot night out on the town or a quieter evening, Phoenix has a place for everyone.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 340-1924
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The thing I love most about Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is the subtle irony of its location in an old prohibition building. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour has over 150 spirits ready to make your favorite drink! Try their Mezcals and Agave Spirits in any one of their delightful cocktails.
Little Rituals
132 S Central Ave 4th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 603-2050
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Located just off Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix, Little Rituals is a small cocktail bar in a hotel. They take pride in their cocktails, which combine elements from different drinks to produce new recipes with amazing results. Little Rituals is the perfect bar for anyone with a craft beer craving.
AZ/88
7353 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 994-5576
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Sometimes everyone needs a break from the big city, even when you’re on vacation. The last time I was in Phoenix, I checked out AZ/88, a gastropub located in downtown Scottsdale. Their signature cocktails have won awards, but I think the best menu options are their delectable meals.
Bar Bianco
609 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 528-3699
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Just off Washington Street near the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is Bar Bianco. Bar Bianco is the product of Chris Bianco, who opened multiple successful, high-end pizza restaurants. Bar Bianco, which is just down the street from Pizzeria Bianco, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail after your pizza.
BARCOA Agaveria
829 North 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 980-0788
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Located just down the street from the Japanese Friendship Garden, BARCOA Agaveria is the place to be if you want to experience real tequila and mezcal. Although the bar has a Mexican theme, it remains classy and you won’t be overwhelmed with options. In my opinion, however, the best drink on the menu is their signature margarita.
Century Grand
Phoenix, AZ, 85018
Phone: (602) 739-1388
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Century Grand is a relatively new cocktail bar, opened in 2019 and located about halfway between Scottsdale and Phoenix in Arcadia Lite. It’s one of the best bars in Phoenix because of the different atmospheres in each themed bar. Try their Lipstick and Earrings cocktail for something sweet as you travel back in time.
Garden Bar Phx
822 N 6th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 612-4438
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Located just north of downtown on 6th Street, Garden Bar is an oasis in the concrete jungle. Situated in a renovated home, the bar is the perfect place for an afternoon drink after a long day in the Phoenix heat. They have an award-winning drink menu—my favorite is the Frozen Irish Coffee.
Gracie’s Tax Bar
711 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 366-0111
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Gracie’s Tax bar is in an old tax office, but it has a lot more to offer. With its retro theme and affordable drinks, Gracie’s is the perfect bar for anyone on a budget. I loved the ambiance, retro interior, and board games. Try their Mini Beer Pitcher as you hang out with your friends and snack on their cheese curds or other bar eats.
Hanny’s
40 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 252-2285
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Hanny’s is a bar and restaurant located in downtown Phoenix, just a couple minutes’ walk from Washington/Central Ave. station. The building is an old department store, which makes the restaurant feel massive. Hanny’s is one of my favorite places to have a meal and a delicious Mai Tai before hitting the town.
Stardust Pinbar
401 W Van Buren St suite c, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 354-2931
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Located right beside the famous Van Buren music venue, Stardust Pinbar is a bar attached to an amazing restaurant called Ziggy’s. Located through a “secret entrance,” Stardust Pinbar is a retro-themed bar filled with psychedelic art and pinball machines. Try their signature Stardust Sling for a bubbly, whimsical drink.
The Wandering Tortoise
2417 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 441-3490
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The Wandering Tortoise is one of the best bars in Phoenix, Arizona for a simple reason—it has some of the best beer I’ve ever tasted. The bar prides itself on having a beer for everyone. So, whether you like a lager or an IPA, you’ll find your new favorite beer at The Wandering Tortoise!
Highball
1514 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 675-4244
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Located at the intersection of 7th Ave. and McDowell Road, Highball is a new bar that only opened in 2020. Since then, they’ve become known for their innovative cocktails and amazing service. The last time I was at Highball, I tried the Painted Sky cocktail, a mix of gin, raspberry liqueur, and citrus flavors.
Sidecar Social Club
3243 N 3rd Street Ac Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 842-7181
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North of Phoenix in Midtown is the Sidecar Social Club, a swanky cocktail bar where they’re constantly trying new recipes to come up with delicious cocktails. I loved their newest drink, “Purple Does Something Strange to Me.” They even have an outdoor area that allows dogs.
UnderTow Arcadia
3626 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 739-1388
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Have you ever wanted to enjoy a beautiful cocktail in the hulking interior of a pirate ship? Although the theme may ward off some, UnderTow Arcadia is a fantastically, fully immersive bar. Enjoy a Tropical Itch cocktail as you gaze out from the underbelly of their ship.
The Whining Pig Downtown
201 E Washington St #104, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 603-9987
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Located right downtown next to the Collier Center is The Whining Pig Downtown. It’s a neighborhood beer and wine spot perfect for a relaxing evening with your friends. The Whining Pig Downtown prides itself on having a constantly rotating stock. That way, even regulars get to experience something new on every trip!
Sazerac PHX – Cocktails and Craft – Indoor Outdoor
821 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 334-1626
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If you’re looking for a bar in the heart of Phoenix’s art district, Sazerac PHX is perfect for you! The bar prides itself on its upscale interior, but they also welcome all patronage, even from those dressed for relaxation. The last time I was there, I tried the Smokin’ Berries cocktail, which is a mouth-watering mix of mezcal, honey, lime, and blackberries.
The Mix Up Bar
5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 977-6458
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Although not in Phoenix proper, you have to try The Mix Up Bar if you’re in the area. Located in Arcadia about 5 minutes north of Arizona Falls, The Mix Up Bar is an upscale dining and drinking establishment. During my last visit, I enjoyed a Royal Collins, which features their housemade lemonade.
Thunderbird Lounge
710 W Montecito Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: (602) 283-4621
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Are you looking for a bar where you can let your hair down? The Thunderbird Lounge is a bar all about having fun. Located a 15-minute drive north of downtown in Midtown, the Thunderbird Lounge fills its bar with arcade games to entertain guests. If you’re a video game fanatic, try a Sigourney as you play against your friends.
Linger Longer Lounge
6522 N 16th St #6, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 694-0342
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As the name suggests, the Linger Longer Lounge wants its customers to stick around and have a good time. The bar is about 20 minutes north of downtown in the Uptown neighborhood. The last time I was there, I was shocked they weren’t busier. Their petit cocktail menu may not have many options, but their house cocktails, like the Rosie, are to die for.
Platform 18 at Century Grand
3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 739-1388
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Platform 18 is a bar within an old train car—which is also within a bar! You’ll be transported back in time when you enter this presidential inspired train-car. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy twists on classic cocktails and new ones too! You can even book a special “trip” through the Rocky Mountains as you sip on a Single Track South.
Bikini Lounge
1502 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 252-0472
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The Bikini Lounge is a mix between a tiki bar and a dive bar, but with the best elements of both. Not only can you get tropical drinks and a wide selection of beers, but you can also pass the time playing pool or listening to the live music that’s often on stage.
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