This is my home turf so of course it's at the top of my list. The food and drink scene in Phoenix has exploded in the last 10 years. When I first moved here I only had a couple of craft cocktail options, today I have dozens of places, Many of whom are regular nominees at Tales of the Cocktail for their inventive concepts, drinks, and menus. I’ve listed them by city/neighborhood including Phoenix, Arcadia, Biltmore, Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert.
Phoenix Downtown
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlor
It is housed inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters - who doesn't love a bit of irony? Bitter & Twisted is an award winning cocktail bar that has an extensive menu. By extensive I mean, 70+ inventive drinks with a tasting map to help you navigate. They also have great small bites, in my opinion the popcorn is life changing. They finally allowed reservations which helps, since it gets busy on weekends. This is a high-volume bar that never sacrifices quality, a must visit.
Little Rituals
This downtown darling opened on the same block as her big sister, Bitter & Twisted. Don’t let the inside-a-hotel location fool you (take the elevator to the 4th floor). This is a first class cocktail bar with some of the most sophisticated equipment on the market. Including a nitro system made by Ferrari that serves up the most heavenly coffee aperitif. The food here is just as solid as the cocktails so don’t hesitate to try their addictive umami fries, or anything else on the menu.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
Located inside the Hotel Palomar Blue Hound has an extensive spirits list and an inventive cocktail menu. It's also a great spot for a nibble before a concert or game at the local stadium.
The Trophy Room
Located inside the popular Wren & Wolf Restaurant this drinks-only secret bar has a no phones policy so you will have to trust me when I say both the drinks and decor are worth a visit. Reservations a must on weekends.
Coabana
Just around the corner from Trophy Room you will find this fabulous little Cuban joint called Coabana specializing in rum drinks and tapas the gorgeous decor takes you directly to Havana!
Pigtails
Next Door to Coabana is Pigtails Speakeasy. Don’t let the guys shucking oysters in the front window fool you. The bar is just beyond through the door. Cocktails appeal to tiki-ophiles and cocktail nerds as well as people stopping by before the game.
Valley Bar
If you love cocktails with your live music Valley Bar is for you, so long as you don't mind a crowd. The bar is downstairs and the entrance is hidden in a back alley with no signage so go around back once you find the right address. Cocktails are named after local politicians and the bar is topped by a macabre art installation depicting Phoenix's most famous murder. The Valley Bar also has two sister concert venues within walking distance check out their websites for shows. The Vanburen and The Crescent Ballroom.
Melinda's Alley
Melinda's Alley is a small speakeasy style basement bar in the Renaissance Hotel dimly lit and full of your grandmother's furniture. They have a fresh menu of 5-6 cocktails that changes frequently. It's open Thursday-Saturday nights starting at 9pm. There are no signs so look for the red light in the Alley entering from Central Ave.
Lom Wong & Khla
Directly next door to the Cambria hotel is Lom Wong. With authentic Regional Thai cuisine and drinks tucked into a lovely 1919 bungalow. For a nightcap sneak around back (or through the alley if you are just drinking) to Khla a tiny asian inspired bar in the back run by Phoenix Cocktail veterans.
Roughrider & Teddy’s Preserve
Roughrider and Teddy’s Preserve occupy two floors of the same building. The Teddy Roosevelt themed Roughrider restaurant is located in the basement giving off dark speakeasy vibes. It features a great raw bar along with hearty dinner fare. Teddy’s Preserve is in the atrium and patio on the ground floor. Light, bright with a menu all its own. You can get food from the food truck parked onsite.
Roosevelt Row Historic District
Garden Bar
Tucked into this quaint residential historic district you will find Garden Bar in a restored turn-of-the-century bungalow. Owned by respected industry veteran Kim Hassarud you you will love the vibe nearly as much as the drinks.
Garfield Historic District
The Garfield Historic District is home to two newer restaurants which reside across the street from each other. The revival in Garfield historic district is in full swing. And these two places are anchoring the neighborhood restoration. Gallo Blanco, features fresh local ingredients with a Mexican vibe. While Welcome Diner mixes the comfortable decor of an American diner with southern favorites, inventive cocktails and just a little bit of f*** you flair.
Phoenix - Midtown
Clever Koi
An Asian inspired kitchen and cocktail bar. Voted best cocktail and best Ramen in Phoenix more than once. Clever Koi is delicious executed with a sense of fun. Don't let the casual atmosphere fool you, these guys are seriously talented. They opened Across the Pond in the same complex. If you want to take your cocktails even more seriously than your ramen drink and sip here instead.
Phoenix - Biltmore
The Gladly
The Glady has the largest selection of whiskey in Phoenix. They post their whiskey menu online as well, although I believe they also have some off menu items as well. They also make great cocktails. If you love Manhattans theirs is one of my favorite twists. It includes maple syrup and tobacco bitters.
Wintson's Cigar Bar
It's no secret I love a good cigar with my cocktail. Which is not always easy to find when I leave my back porch. This bar is located inside of Churchill's Cigars. The cocktails are not going to blow your mind but they have a solid whiskey list and can make all the basics. Plus the ventilation is excellent.
Phoenix - Arcadia
Century Grand
A few years ago Phoenix was blessed with its first modern tiki bar, Undertow. Recently Undertow has been joined by two lovely sister bars in, what is now, a three venue location. Platform 18 built inside a fully restored pullman train car, and the Grey Hen RX a New Orleans style apothecary. What makes these places special (beyond the amazing drinks) are the details. Each is a self-contained full immersion experience. I am not the only one who thinks they are special. Platform 18 was recently named to 50 Best Bars North America, the first Arizona bar ever! Reservations a must (book early).
Glai Baan
Glai Baan specializes in street style Thai food that never disappoints. What makes this place so special though is the well curated cocktail menu. It regularly includes unusual asian spirits and ingredients. My favorite seats are always at the bar but it’s a very busy place, reservations recommended.
Crujiente Tacos
Okay technically this is a restaurant. But CRU deserves to be on the list. Their cocktails are great and they have a rotating cocktail of the month designed by a local cocktail celeb which is always fantastic. They also have arguable the best gourmet tacos and octopus in the city. Ask for Jason (one of the partners) and tell him I sent you.
Phoenix - Paradise Valley
Lon's Last Drop at the Hermosa Inn
I love this little mostly outdoor spot. It feels decidedly Arizona. Big fire places and nibbles with live music on the weekends with a Spanish flair to it all. The restaurant is great but the bar offers a less expensive and more casual alternative with the same feel.
Scottsdale
Straight Up
This little speakeasy is tucked away inside the Hotel Adeline it’s a hidden gem. They also have an attached cigar patio. Bring your own or buy one of theirs. Look for the phone booth and go inside. You’ll need a password though. So I encourage you to follow them on social media.
Virtú
If bitter is what you love Virtú is your kind of people. They have the best amaro selection in all of Arizona. Including vintage and rare Amari. Their Italian food is also incredible. All made from scratch with many ingredients imported from Italy. Post-COVID they are now pre-fixe dinners only, which makes your night a bit more expensive. But still worth it.