Rocco
Step into the shadowy realm of secrecy and sophistication, as we unveil the captivating world of Phoenix’s hidden gems: the speakeasies.
Amidst the bustling city, these clandestine establishments harken back to the Prohibition era with their concealed entrances and vintage allure.
Join us on a journey through the best speakeasies in Phoenix, where masterfully crafted cocktails and an air of exclusivity converge to offer a nightlife experience like no other.
UnderTow
3626 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 739-1388
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Located under the upscale homes and fine dining of the Arcadia neighborhood, you can find a swashbuckling speakeasy off the intersection of 36th and E Indian.
You can’t see it from the street—lest you be caught with your cocktail contraband—but instead have to enter via the Century Grand to find this underground recreation of a 19th-century clipper ship.
During your 90-minute seating, you’ll indulge in a treasure trove of tasty tipples, from tiki-style punches like Blue Hawaii to craft cocktails featuring top-shelf selections.
Rough Rider
1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 675-0439
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With a name inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s recruits for the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, you know you’re in for an old-school American speakeasy experience when you visit Rough Rider.
The location is perfect, just a short walk from the Roosevelt Historic District.
You can find it by heading down in the middle elevator of the Ten-0-One building.
It’s one of the best speakeasies in Phoenix because of its authenticity and throwback to a different time.
I couldn’t help but order from the jammy concoctions on the Cobbler menu, particularly the Potion Seller with Mount Gray Eclipse Rum and pineapple banana jam.
36 Below
3620 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (480) 336-8812
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Not far from UnderTow is another one of the best speakeasies in Phoenix called 36 Below.
The vibe here is entirely different from its neighbor, trading in the weathered planks and moody lighting for life and greenery, with vines and florals creeping over every surface.
I was eager to get my hands on their “Spiritual” menu, which paired natural, fresh flavors with molecular gastronomy for complementary yet contrasting cocktails.
I enjoyed the Hidden House, served inside of its little hobbit hole.
The White Rabbit
207 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
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Passwords and secret entrances under staircases were staples of Prohibition-era speakeasies, and The White Rabbit continues the tradition in downtown Gilbert, near the Heritage District.
The White Rabbit has a small wine and beer selection, including an unforgettably velvety and plush Juggernaut Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, this hidden wonderland pours much of their passion into an impressive cocktail menu.
If you need a recommendation, the Crocodile Tears, with its peachy-citrus base and refreshing hit of Japanese Bermutto, is my top pick.
Valley Bar
130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 368-3121
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There’s no better spot to enjoy a slice of Arizona living than Valley Bar, a speakeasy-style music venue near the ASU Downtown campus.
The Rose Room—named for Rose Moffard—is one of my most memorable Phoenix experiences, with its gallery wall of mismatched photos and a cocktail menu consisting of libations named after local politicians.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the Sandra Day Old Fashioned, but my favorite was That’s a Ducey with cinnamon-spiced Four Roses Bourbon and Sandeman Tawny Port Wine.
Platform 18 at Century Grand
3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 739-1388
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Named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023 by Perrier, Platform 18 at Century Grand is in the same building as UnderTow.
It’s one of the best speakeasies in Phoenix and a fun place to go out to feel like you’re in a different time.
This immersive cocktail bar is styled as a 36-seat Presidential Pullman train car, and once you’re aboard, you’ll be whisked away on a Prohibition-era journey with a bootlegging railway tycoon.
I loved diving into a gin-heavy selection of 30s and 40s cocktails, particularly the Always Quiet in the Graveyard.
The distinctive wormwood and quinine notes of Hendricks Orbium shine in this clarified milk punch with flavors of tamarind, ancho, guava, and creme de peche.
The Ostrich
10 N San Marcos Pl #B1, Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: (480) 917-4903
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Follow the red lights and head through the wooden door in the basement of the Crust Chandler to find an aptly named Phoenix speakeasy called The Ostrich, complete with a full-sized ostrich to keep you company on your cocktail adventure.
Once settled into one of the plush leather booths, I perused the cocktails menu and selected The Baker, with fig-infused bourbon and an egg white.
If you’re not feeling so adventurous, they also have a generous selection of beer and wine.
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