Over the past decade notable bars have been establishing themselves across Phoenix, gaining national attention and winning plenty of awards. From high-end concept bars to immersive experiences to dimly lit speakeasies, these eight places pour some of the best drinks around.
Highball
Recognized in North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2025, Highball’s list of accolades continues to grow. Yet, this small hideaway, tucked just off Interstate 10, still feels like a comfortable, local haunt. Maybe it’s the copper-topped bar and exposed brick walls that give you that feeling, or the friendly bar staff ready to create each person who sidles up to the bar.
Choose from a meticulously crafted menu of drinks, which includes everything from stirred to shaken to clarified. There’s also the option to order a large format punch, perfect for sharing. 1514 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, highballphx.com
BARCOA Agaveria
Don’t be discouraged if trying to find BARCOA Agaveria, it’s not the easiest building to locate or access. In fact, look for specific directions on the website to learn how to get there. Once you do arrive, you’ll find the two-story altar to agave spirits worth the work.
Head to the cantina upstairs for the open-air patio and connected art gallery. Or, stay downstairs where an array of eye-catching artwork, cozy corner tables, and a large bar make drinking here feel cozy. Yes, you’ll find classic agave spirits like tequila and mezcal on the menu, but also lesser-known tipples such as bacanora, sotol, and raicilla. Behind the bar, bartenders are ready to whip up some of the most creative cocktails in town. 829 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix, barcoaphx.com
Carry On
Styled with the glamour of 1970s air travel in mind, Carry On is an immersive, 90-minute experience where passengers “board” with a paper ticket and enjoy an array of inventive cocktails. The bar’s layout calls to mind the interior of a plane, and visuals playing through the windows on the wall add to it. Snacks like wasabi peanuts are served during the “flight” and before “landing.” Be prepared to book ahead of time, ticket drops only happen once a week and you have to sign up for access. 2 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, carryonphx.com
Century Grand
Why choose one bar when you can get three at once? Century Grand offers three distinct bars, all under the same roof. Enter the dimly-lit space and head downstairs to get your tiki on in UnderTow. Or, moved upstairs for Grey Hen Rx, a 19th-century-style New Orleans apothecary. Finally, room number three brings you to Platform 18, modeled after a 1924 era Pullman train care. 3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, bartershake.com
Bitter & Twisted
Coincidentally, this hot downtown bar took up residence in the former headquarters of Arizona Prohibition. But since opening in May 2014, it quickly racked up the awards and became recognized nationally for the totally legal drink selection.
Once there, peruse the illustrated menu, which changes often. While each creation proves exciting, first-timers should start in the section labeled “Bitter Hall of Fame,” a collection of the bar’s biggest hits from the past decade. 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, bitterandtwistedaz.com
Bar 1912
Behind the lauded restaurant Valentine, Bar 1912 innocently resides, bathed in warm candlelight and packed with cozy tables. The menu here changes seasonally to reflect native Southwestern ingredients, and drinks often garner inspiration from local history. For example, Kino’s Garden, which references a Jesuit missionary who was critical to the development of southern Arizona. It’s the type of place where patrons can get a history lesson with an excellent cocktail. 4130 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 1912phx.com
The Trophy Room
Connected to Phoenix’s hip Wren & Wolf restaurant, The Trophy Room brings the area a speakeasy with a hunting lodge theme. That means you’ll see a chandelier made out of bullets, an array of rifles over the fireplace, and plenty of taxidermied animals.
The throwback continues with technology, or rather the lack of it. Phones and cameras are not allowed in the bar and must be locked up at the entrance. It’s a great idea, considering the cocktails served are worthy of your full time and attention. Follow the menu suggestions for drinks to fit your palate. 2 N. Central Ave. #101, Phoenix, bestcocktailbarphoenix.com
Butler’s Easy
Sometimes, simple is better and you want a cocktail bar focused on serving really great drinks. Enter Butler’s Easy, a neighborhood joint with a stellar menu of spirits and creations, all in a laidback atmosphere. A local favorite, there’s live music and trivia nights along with a comfortable patio for cool Arizona evenings.
Sip on a Sunnyslope Sour, made with whiskey, spiced pear liqueur, and a red wine float. Or, go for the clarified Lavender Fog, which features Earl Gray tea, lavender gin, honey, and vanilla. 8375 N. 7th St., Phoenix, butlerseasy.com
