When the temperature in Arizona hits triple digits, it’s time to head inside and sip on something refreshing to help you cope with the endless heat. Lucky for us, the Phoenix bar scene is on point.
From venues with games and live music to places with great people watching to bars where mixology rules the scene, these 10 places should be on your list. Bonus: each also serves up tasty eats to go with those drinks.
Valley Bar
Locating this bar may be a bit of a challenge, but once the small door in the back alley is located, you’ll appreciate taking the leap. Head to the basement bar and take in a shadow art display, highlighted by the dim lighting and the venue’s industrial feel.
But where the vibe leans toward dark and mysterious, it’s actually a lively place complete with bands, a dance floor, and a room dedicated to shuffleboard and other games. Sip on drinks like the Rose Mofford, a combination of local vodka, rose, and lemon; as well as beers on draft and wines by the glass. Add on shareables like salsa and chips, quesadillas, and a veggie or chicken burrito. 130 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, valleybarphx.com
Platform 18
As soon as you walk into this bar’s train platform, complete with vintage luggage, you know the adventure will lean atypical. The menu draws inspiration from 1924 New York and relays the stories of the Prohibition Era. Cool off with a Texas and Her Mob, a drink that combines Lalo tequila, seabuckthorn, and grapefruit. Or, order the Miss Illinois, a blend of dill-infused Bombay Sapphire gin, yuzu, lemon, watermelon, and beet. The drinks are strong and are served with tiny bites, like a fortune cookie, marinated olives, or popcorn. 3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, bartershake.com
Lobby Bar
Considering it’s in The Global Ambassador hotel, the Lobby Bar is full of hustle, which makes it great for people watching while you cool off with a drink. Order an Adult Happy Meal, which comes with a choice of a vodka and gin martini and side of truffle fries. The vibe is chic and cool, just remember, while you observe the world around you, others are looking toward you as well. 4360 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, globalambassadorhotel.com
Isabella’s Kitchen
When suburbanites need a place of refuge from the sun and kids and all the things, Isabella’s Kitchen makes day drinking easy. After all, starting happy hour a little early is perfectly acceptable, especially when indulging at the Greyhawk Golf Club.
Pursue the Screw It! menu, which features margaritas, espresso martinis, and a variety of sours. Appetizers like charcuterie boards and flatbreads pair great with your favorite libation. Bonus: the property overlooks a golf course with scenic views. 8623 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, isabellaskitchen.com
Jade Bar
There’s nothing like a stunning view of Camelback Mountain to help take your mind off the heat. Add on the Negroni-San with Awayuki strawberry gin, strawberry-infused Campari, and Cocchi American Rosa or the Night Market with Belvedere vodka, lychee, lime, blackberry, and soda water, and you have a cooling refresher too.
Located inside the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, the bar feels elegant, though the vibe remains approachable. You can also pair your cocktails with a towering seafood platter, sushi, chicken wings, cheeseburgers, and the seasonal cheesecake. 5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, sanctuaryaz.com/dining
Hearsay Bar
Consider this first-hand information: Hearsay is a great place to relax and cool off with a drink in hand. In fact, the Hibiscus Heat, a blend of tequila, agave, and lemon, references the hot temperatures in the desert. Consider ordering the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup or the Blackened Fish Tacos. There are also several mocktails that can be just what you need to get some relief from the heat. 2501 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, hearsay-phx.com
AZ88
AZ88 has been a Phoenix staple since 1988, offering the city a contemporary martini bar. In fact, the menu has 18 martinis, such as the Starburst with pineapple and strawberry and the Summer Solstice with Cointreau, Smirnoff Raspberry, and cranberry, orange, and lime juices. Or, chill with a spritz, be that Hugo or Aperol.
On the food side, American comfort fare works with all palates, and a list of six epic burgers means you can come back to try them all. 7353 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, az88.com
The Little Woody
The charming owl theme of this chill place makes it the perfect backdrop for bar games and great drinks. The drinks line up runs the gamut from classic cocktails to dive-bar themed combos to craft tipples, with some wine and beer thrown into the mix. The food side runs just as eclectic with a variety of hot dogs, flatbreads, and bar snacks. Bonus: The Little Woody is open until 2 a.m. 4228 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, littlewoodyaz.com
UnderTow
You won’t forget walking into the UnderTow. It’s a tiki bar set inside a 19th-century clipper ship, complete with once-an-hour “thunderstorms.” Stick to the theme with one of the many umbrella-topped drinks, both in the classic tiki tipples and original cocktails. With each sip you’ll forget the summer heat and be lulled into the pirate-themed shenanigans at the UnderTow. 3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, and 3150 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, UnderTow.com
Palma
Palma is all about the vacation vibes, and gets touted as an oasis in the middle of the desert. Chill with drinks like a Frozen Blood Orange Margarita or a Glass Slipper, a blend of Gray Whale gin, Botanika Angelica, hibiscus, lemon, Thai basil, and prosecco. On the food side, the Sushi Nachos, Palma Smash Burger, Shrimp Tacos, and full sushi spread will have you set for a day “away from it all.” 903 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, palma.com
