Locations in Phoenix: DrinkHere

7353 E. Scottsdale Mall Central Scottsdale

480-994-5576

American, Contemporary, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

Did someone say martinis? At this off-the-beaten-path bar in Scottsdale, you can get a London favorite Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a shot of Champagne. If that’s too fruity for your taste, there are always the classics, such as the espresso martini and Manhattan. But AZ/88 is not your regular neighborhood spot. The people-watching here is outstanding, with crowds ranging from longtime Scottsdale locals to groups of friends celebrating 21st birthdays and bachelorette parties, from dates to businessmen holding lunch meetings, and much more. Rotating art installations also demand attention. Sometimes a cluster of disco balls dangle from the ceiling, casting specks of light around the bar; at other times, fluffy illuminated clouds fill the ceiling. During the holidays, Christmas trees made of anything other than wood and pine needles land smack in the center of the dining room. Meal options include burgers, salads, sandwiches and a small selection of plates. Insider tip: Make sure to visit the restrooms. You won’t be disappointed.

31 articles

Bar 1

3702 N. 16th St. East Phoenix

602-266-9001

Bars and Clubs, Gay Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Far from the leather bars, rainbow-flagged saunas and diva-filled discotheques found elsewhere, Bar 1 is casual gay nightlife that still knows how to have fun. Established in 2008, its easygoing, candlelit atmosphere allows patrons to talk in their (gasp!) indoor voices whether relaxing in the lounge seating, playing pinball or unwinding on the outdoor patio. Daily specials rotate throughout the week, including beer busts on Monday, Long Island Wednesdays, 2-4-1 Thursdays and multiple happy hours. Menu options include a long list of craft cocktails to pair with bar snacks and specialty shots.

3 articles

Bar 1912

4130 N. Seventh Ave. Central Phoenix

602-612-2961

Bar Food, Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

Hidden behind the restaurant on Seventh Avenue, Valentine’s love letter to Arizona cuisine continues in drink form. The entry of Bar 1912 is marked only by a neon sign that reads “Cocktails.” Inside, Mission revival-style niches behind the bar frame bottles, but the space’s feeling, down to its staff-curated vinyl, is a nod to Japanese listening rooms. Bar 1912’s menu takes cues from Arizona, including a quintet of cocktails inspired by the state’s five Cs. Try Cotton or Cattle. Cotton packs a playful pistachio flavor that conjures thoughts of pistachio cotton candy, while Cattle riffs on a classic Manhattan, infusing rye whiskey and añejo tequila with bone marrow. The fat-washing results in a velvety spirit-forward drink without the bite. Chef Donald Hawk and his team crank out elevated bites inspired by classic bar snacks, such as foie gras-stuffed olives and whipped pimento-raclette cheese. This all makes Bar 1912 a solid standalone spot or a perfect part of a splurge-worthy night that includes dinner at Valentine.

Bar Bianco

609 E. Adams St. Central Phoenix

602-528-3699

Bar Food, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Bar Bianco may be the most and least Phoenix bar. It reaches peak-Phoenix because, if you’re there, you’re likely killing time while waiting to enjoy the pizza that in many ways put the Valley’s culinary scene, and its connection to incredible local ingredients, on the map. At the bar, you can enjoy curated wines, local craft beers and a handful of classic cocktails while you wait, or you can satiate your hunger with fresh, slightly charred bread and olive oil or a plate of soppressata with dried cranberries. So, what makes Bar Bianco feel so not Phoenix? Its location next to the flagship Pizzeria Bianco in Heritage Square in a home that — gasp — predates air conditioning is surrounded by mature trees and in a rare area reserved for pedestrians, not cars. As such, the bar is transportive and invites you to linger and maybe, just maybe, forget about that wait.

12 articles

Barcoa Agaveria

829 N. First Ave. Downtown Phoenix

602-980-0788

Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Food festival producer David Tyda says he never set out to be a bar owner. But when he opened Barcoa with Ryan Oberholtzer in 2020, the space quickly became a haven for agave spirit enthusiasts. And, you can choose just how far down the rabbit hole you’d like to go, as Barcoa houses not one bar but two. The cantina on the main level is energetic and connected to Latino and indigenous arts organization Xico. Browse artists’ work on First Fridays and sip on a Mezcalrita on the patio. There’s also a solid rotation of food trucks thanks to Tyda’s food festival connections. For a more intimate evening, make reservations for the basement bar. Choose from a wide selection of agave spirits, or have one of the bartenders make you a craft cocktail, such as the Leche de Pistachio, made with mezcal, pistachio milk and lime.

3 articles

Bikini Lounge

1502 Grand Ave. Central Phoenix

602-252-0472

Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

In a town as young as Phoenix, a bar that’s been around since 1947 certainly counts as a grande dame of the local drinking scene. Long before Interstate 10 connected us to California, The Bikini Lounge welcomed visitors from the west into town as they exited the U.S. 60. Today, there are divier dive bars and tiki-er tiki bars, but there’s no other establishment in the Valley with The Bikini’s exact flavor of lowbrow kitsch. The bar has no windows, so the place is always as dark as a confessional, conferring intimacy on the most casual of interactions. Thatched coverings, vintage paintings and tiki masks watch over the patrons, who are a mix of grizzled regulars and hipsters dropping in after First Fridays or a show at The Van Buren. Drinks aren’t fancy, but they’re strong and cheap — just how we like them (make sure you bring cash, though). Over the decades, The Bikini has seen plenty of growth around its Grand Avenue location, but we love it best because, despite the passing of the years, it never seems to change.

64 articles

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

1 W. Jefferson St. Central Phoenix

602-340-1924

Bar Food, New American, Asian Fusion, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

A self-described “cocktailian,” Ross Simon of Bitter & Twisted is known for his tome-like illustrated menus that offer studied riffs on legions of classics, resulting in libations that are proudly “whimsical as fuck.” Among those is the coldest old-school martini in town, which can be sipped in expansive booths upholstered in red leather under sky-high ceilings. Whether you're in downtown Phoenix for a show, or you make a special trip, be sure to stop in at Bitter & Twisted. Pro tip: Join the wait list online to secure an earlier spot in the queue.

66 articles

Boycott Bar

4301 N. Seventh Ave. Central Phoenix

602-825-6240

Gay Bars and Clubs, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

This lesbian-leaning Melrose District spot has cold beers, well-mixed cocktails, dancing, drag shows and good people. Boycott also maintains a varied and thoughtful event calendar: Patrons can expect everything from Pride-related events to Latin and country dance nights. It’s a solid stop while bar-hopping along the Melrose curve — and a sturdy local watering hole as well. Look for the pink light.

8 articles

The Brickyard Downtown

85 W. Boston St. Chandler

480-963-1373

New American, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

When visiting downtown Chandler, a stop at The Brickyard is a must. This cocktail bar and restaurant is located inside the former home of the Chandler Arizonan, a newspaper that dates back to 1912. But you’ll find more than just history here. Start with the cocktail menu, which is located inside the plastic DVD case dropped off at your table. The video game-themed booklet outlines your drink options by such creative categories as Arcade, Disc, Multiplayer and Next Gen. From the Console section, we love Save the Princess, a bright refresher with Ketel One peach and orange blossom vodka, Leblon cachaca, crème de pêche, orgeat, lemon and yuzu. While the cocktail menu shines, don’t forget about the food. The lamb chimichangas and pork belly skewers are winners.

8 articles

Buqui Bichi Brewing

325 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler

480-410-4115

Tap Rooms, DrinkHere

The Sonora-born, award-winning craft brewery chain has brought not one but two taprooms to the Valley. In downtown Phoenix and Chandler, you’ll find Buqui Bichi’s Mexican-made brews, a full bar and a large menu of tacos, pizza, burgers and more. The spaces have an upbeat, energized vibe thanks to live DJs and warm glowing lights that feature the labels of their beers. The brewer’s year-round taps include Banquetera, a crisp, crushable Kolsch-style ale. In the summer months, you also can find a seasonal prickly pear-infused version that adds a hint of sweetness and a bright pink hue. Another Buqui Bichi standard that’s not to be missed is Talega, a warm, roasty coffee stout. The brewpub’s al pastor sopes are a standout among its food options — the perfect snack when enjoying a pint.

1 article

Butler's Easy

8375 N. Seventh St. North Phoenix

602-314-4484

Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

This north Phoenix bar is truly a neighborhood spot, but it serves up more than draft beers and two-ingredient cocktails. Instead, imbibers will find a large selection of craft cocktails, such as Indoor Smoking, a rye-based old fashioned infused with smoke. You’ll also find a solid selection of beer and wine, as well as a deep spirits list. Try one of Butler’s Easy’s splurgy curated flights to sample several at once, with the option to add a cigar. The Whistle Up a Storm flight, for example, features 10-, 12- and 15-year old WhistlePig whiskeys. The lounge is sleek and dark, perfect for a nightcap, and sun seekers will find a cozy patio in the back. There’s always something happening at the bar, with a number of events throughout the week, ranging from trivia and bingo nights to wine tastings and cocktail classes.

Captain's Cabin

5114 N. Seventh St., #2 Central Phoenix

602-265-8454

Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

Next to the entrance of the uptown location of Hula’s Modern Tiki, there’s a second door hiding in plain sight. It looks to be an employee entrance or maybe a storage room. But inside, you’ll find a dark space serving bright cocktails. Tiki drinks in shades of pink and blue come adorned with purple orchids and green pineapple fronds. Spotlights illuminate individual tables and seats along the bar causing the drinks to glow as customers sip them in the darkness. Wood paneling, seaside paintings and other nautical decor complete the vibe. Whether you’re headed to Hula’s for dinner or looking for a nightcap, this tropical hideaway is the perfect spot to stop for a while.

Casey Moore's Oyster House

850 S. Ash Ave. Tempe

480-968-9935

Irish, Oysters, Bar Food, American, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Casey Moore's Oyster House is a Tempe mainstay, known for its sprawling patio surrounding the former home of William A. and Mary Moeur, built circa 1910. The bar itself is named after an Irish woman who was born even earlier, in 1886, and who was known for singing, playing the piano and hosting frequent gatherings. (She is said to still haunt the place.) The home was rehabilitated in 1973, and a few bars came and went in the space until 1986, when it became Casey’s. The bar attracts students from nearby ASU, as well as neighborhood regulars, cyclists, tourists and service industry types. Indoors, you’ll find neon décor, some seating and a cozy bar; on the patio, you may smoke, bring your dog till 5 p.m. or bend elbows at the always-packed outdoor bar. The beer selection features a mix of local, domestic and imported brews, and the pub fare is above average. Go with the oysters or the neighborhood favorite, French onion soup.

51 articles

Catalyst Crafted Ales

1845 E. Broadway Rd. Tempe

Tap Rooms, DrinkHere

Catalyst Crafted Ales is a paradise for craft beer heads who lean toward big, bold and sometimes irreverent styles and flavors. Inside the brewhouse, which opened in 2023 under brewer Will Walthereson, drinkers will find playful sours, hoppy IPAs and plenty of imperials of the beer and seltzer persuasion. There are more traditional beers on tap, too, such as Vesuvio, an Italian pilsner that drinkers can have poured from Catalyst's regular taps or via its side pull, a faucetlike tap that creates a European-style pour with a couple extra inches of foam. A pint goes well with an ahi tuna tostada from the in-house eatery S.A.L.T. (short for Sea and Land Tacos). Get comfortable inside at the bar or outside on Catalyst’s expansive patio. After you try one of the brewery’s unique tipples, you’ll already be pondering what to order for the next round.

1 article

Central Records

824 N. Central Ave. Downtown Phoenix

602-638-0433

Wine Bar, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

On a quiet stretch of Central Avenue, close to the bustling district of Roosevelt Row, Central Records has put down roots. This new space is a wine bar, record store, coffee shop and cafe all in one. Stop by for a coffee, and then work on your laptop until it’s time to order a bottle of wine to split with friends. In the evenings, DJs spin vinyl records while a giant disco ball casts sparkles across the warmly lit room. Sit near the window, at a table with raw wood banquette seating or at the low bar if you want to chat to the barista-cum-bartender about the latest offerings.

1 article

Charlie's Phoenix

727 W. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

602-265-0224

Bars and Clubs, Dance Clubs, Gay Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Charlie’s is a slice of Phoenix gay bar history that has huddled along Camelback Road just west of Seventh Avenue since its debut in 1984. In those days, the “lil bitty ol’ pissant country place” and dance hall opened by John King (co-founder of the International Gay Rodeo Association) was aimed at gay urban cowboys and country music fans. As times and interests changed (and competition increased), so did Charlie’s. Today, the place boasts a larger dance floor, an even bigger parking lot, a taco truck out front, an outdoor patio with two bars and bleacher seating in the back, and a wide cross-section of the entire LGBT community. Charlie’s events calendar is just as diverse. Drag performances, bingo games, Latin and country dance nights, and karaoke are some of its most popular activities. It's also famous for its after-hours weekend dance parties.

46 articles

Chopper John's

2547 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-955-0881

Bars and Clubs, Music Venues, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

Chopper John’s is primarily known as a biker bar, thanks to owner John McCormack’s taste for steel steeds and the open road. It’s also one of central Phoenix’s best small venues — a rip-roaring dive, neighborhood hang and low-key sports bar. Music fans have known about the place for years, as the former residence was home to a string of blues bars from the ’70s onward, including Louie’s, VJ’s, McGuires, Warsaw Wally’s and Bogie’s. Once McCormack took over in 2008, the multiroom establishment became a rock haven with framed T-shirts from local bands covering the walls, rowdy shows, cheap drinks and cheap thrills. Punks, tattoo artists and other rock ’n’ roll types hang out here even when there isn’t a show, and the turnout is big on Sundays when Chopper John’s whips up loaded Bloody Marys topped with impossible amounts of skewered food items (we’re talking full-sized cheeseburgers and and Sonoran hot dogs loaded with fixings). At only $5 a pop, they’re a steal and tend to go quickly. Rock on.

17 articles

Chupacabra Taproom

14 N. Robson Mesa

480-751-5566

Tap Rooms, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Downtown Mesa’s Chupacabra Taproom boasts a global selection of 32 brews on tap, ranging from numerous styles of craft beer to hard seltzer and barleywine, but unlike many other taprooms, it also carries a decent stock of boutique wines from near and far. This makes Chupacabra an ideal stop for for those who want to expand their palate and groups with disparate tastes. But above all, similar to its namesake, it’s an almost mythical creature: a destination bar that retains its chill, neighborhood feel. Inside the 900-square-foot brick building dating back to 1949, patrons can strike up a conversation with the person in the next seat about what they’re drinking and what to order next. It’s also fun to snag a spot outside and grab a bite to share with friends from local food trucks. Live music is common, and board games are a given at this East Valley hangout.

1 article

Cider Corps

31 S. Robson, #103 Mesa

480-993-3164

Breweries and Wineries, Best Of, DrinkHere

Brothers Josh and Jason Duren live by the motto, “Out of bad comes good,” and it was this belief that created the foundation for Arizona’s widely loved and largest cidery, Cider Corps in Mesa. Jason served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a part of his healing and recovery from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, he decided to channel his energy into brewing craft cider with his brother. Little did the siblings know that their project would develop into a nationally known cidery. Much of the taproom’s decor commemorates veterans, while the ciders — blue-, red-, orange- and yellow-hued options blended with teas, hops and coffee — have names such as Mango Foxtrot and Private Palmer. Some of the sips are even barrel-aged or made into frozen slushies. Inside, the vibe is chill, and an expansive outdoor space is perfect for when the weather cooperates. If you’re looking for some gastronomic support in order to go for that third or fourth sample of cider, Myke’s Pizza is on hand and providing exceptional carbs.

10 articles

Club DWNTWN

702 N. Central Ave. Central Phoenix

Music Venues, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

DWNTWN has been a reliable drinking and dancing spot for the local Latinx crowd for going on 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Situated along the same Central Avenue strip of bars housing The Grand, it consists of multiple rooms, bars and amenities. Pay $10 and head left for access to the main room and its sizable dance floor and serpentine-shaped bar furnished with a towering supply of cerveza, many kinds of tequila (from well brands to high-end options) and other intoxicants. Pay $20 and head right for the VIP area with plush couches and bottle service. Elsewhere, there’s a michelada and taco bar. DWNTWN’s resident DJs spin a mix of Top 40, hip-hop and Latin dance genres — including reggaeton, cumbia, salsa, bachata and Norteña — as its patrons dance and party into the wee hours (the place stays open until 3 a.m. or later).

17 articles

Coabana

1 E. Washington St. Downtown Phoenix

602-529-2630

Bar Food, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

Rum often gets short shrift, relegated to tiki bars and hasty two-ingredient cocktails. At Coabana, a celebration of Miami’s Little Havana and Cuba, the spirit’s complexity is on display throughout the bar’s well-edited drinks list. Here, you’ll find takes on the classics — the daiquiri, the piña colada and the mojito — as well a tropical tipples, such as the floral El Colibri, with MK Oaxacan rum, quinquina, Madiera, housemade hibiscus cordial and creme de flora; or the Midnight in Miami, a decadent take on an espresso martini, with brown butter-washed rum, coffee liqeuer, Fernet-Branca menta, fresh espresso, orange and mole bitters. The expertise on display should come as no surprise given that Coabana is from the same team behind Pigtails and Rough Rider. Coabana’s interior echoes the playfulness of the drinks, with soft pink tiles, a canopy of gold palm fronds shading the bar and cozy booths.

1 article

Coach House

7011 E. Indian School Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-990-3433

Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

Coach House is a bit of homespun charm with heavy pours, two bars, an enormous patio with views of Camelback Mountain and a fun staff. It also looks like something straight off of a dude ranch, with its rustic, wood-heavy decor, but steers clear of country shtick beyond its name. Owned since its first pour in 1959 by the Brower family (who tout is as “Scottsdale’s oldest dive”), it's packed to the low-slung rafters most nights (even more so on the weekends) with crowds three-deep angling for space inside the tiny main bar. It serves up plenty of great barfly standards like boilermakers and screwdrivers starting at 6 a.m. sharp, 365 days a year. It’s also a must-see every holiday season – when every centimeter is draped with lights, wrapping paper, tinsel, bows, ribbons and ornaments – and a place to tip one back during the rest of the year.

18 articles

Cobra Arcade Bar

801 N. 2nd St., #100 Central Phoenix

602-595-5873

Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Cobra Arcade Bar is pure nerdy fun with an arty bent. Vintage games operated by Cobra-stamped tokens line the interior and take up much of the space. Murals by local artists cover the walls. Valley DJs drop mixes every weekend and keep the energy level as frenetic as a Red Bull-fueled deathmatch while bartenders serve geeky signature cocktails like the Garbage Pail Kid and the Punch Out. When Cobra gets as crowded as a comic con (which is often), head a few doors down to Hi-Score Club, its anime-themed lounge. Hang out with the other gaijin, play Japanese import games, or quaff cocktails from mugs shaped like fugu. Kanpai!

39 articles

Devil’s Hideaway / Idle Hands

401 S. Mill Ave., #101 Tempe

480-698-6646

Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

The former home of Mill Avenue staple Rula Bula has a new tenant with the addition of not one but two bars: Devil’s Hideaway and Idle Hands. The latest project from Julian Wright, the restaurateur behind Sake Haus, Lucky’s Indoor Outdoor and Pedal Haus Brewery, the duo of bars offers dueling experiences. Devil’s Hideaway is a casual spot ideal for popping into for a pregame beer and shot or whiling away an afternoon tucked into one of its horseshoe booths. The reservation-based Idle Hands takes the cocktail experience up a notch and aims to transport people to an enchanted greenhouse, with an evening scene in a forest projection mapped across the faux windows and vaulted ceilings. The drink menu features more than a dozen spirited options. Try Cocktail #401 for a tropical and nutty rum-based sipper. Though the experiences at the bars vary, their distinct personalities make each worthy of a visit.

The Dirty Drummer

2303 N. 44th St. East Phoenix

602-840-2726

Bar Food, Burgers, American, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

The wood-paneled walls, the open grill behind the bar, the jukebox packed with Merle, Willie, Waylon and the Hanks: There’s much to love about The Dirty Drummer. Maybe its most lovable quality, though, is its origin story. The first location of this sports bar, honky-tonk and music venue at 44th and Oak streets was opened in 1975 by Frank “Drummer” Armstrong and his partner, “Dirty Dave” Werner. Armstrong died in 2012, and the original Drummer closed in 2018. But the following year, the former owner’s daughter, Dana Armstrong, along with business partners Andrew Smith and Tom Bernard, reopened the spot with a strong nod to the Drummer of yesteryear. Armstrong is the creator of Valley Fever, a DJ night of Arizona country that started in 2005 at Yucca Tap Room. She’s brought much of that outlaw ambiance to The Drummer. Here, patrons are encouraged to play some George Jones, order a Drummer Burger and tip back a house beer — Miller Lite.

3 events 9 articles

The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant

3841 E. Thunderbird Rd. North Phoenix

602-867-0984

Bar Food, Irish, European, Bars and Clubs, Music Venues, Best Of, Slideshow, DrinkHere

Despite the name, this north central Phoenix pub isn’t for Joyce scholars. Here, you’re far more likely to encounter UFC fans shooting Jameson than bookish types sipping Beamish. But that’s not to say the place is lacking in history. Established in 1985 by Seamus McCaffrey (namesake of the popular downtown Phoenix pub), The Dubliner is said to be Phoenix’s first pub to serve Guinness on tap. It still does, of course, along with Harp and Smithwick’s. The food menu features Irish fare such as chicken with Guinness gravy and a side of soda bread, Irish beef stew, and — our favorite — Jameson chocolate bread pudding.

9 articles

Easy Tiger

4725 W. Olive Ave. Glendale

602-756-9017

Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

Easy Tiger is what you might call a modern dive bar. It’s relatively young in the tooth yet feels like its own little time capsule. That’s intentional. The owners of Peoria’s Driftwood Coffee, Lance Linderman and Luke Bentley, set out to create a comfortable neighborhood spot on the west side of town that was reminiscent of bars from the 1980s or ’90s. Think wood paneling, vintage beer signs and Oasis blasting on the stereo while reruns of “Baywatch” play on TV. And cans of Hamm’s share space in the cooler with Wren House Brewing Co.’s Valley Beer. But the taut list of affordable cocktails and house shooters shows Easy Tiger does more than nostalgia well. Try The Priestess High for the bar’s mezcal-spiked take on a prickly pear margarita. If you’re feeling peckish, Easy Tiger also features snacks including tots, wings and tacos.

Far Away Wine and Provisions

3031 E. Indian School Road #10 East Phoenix

602-314-6612

Wine Bar, Best Of, DrinkHere

Far Away Wines and Provisions provides Phoenicians with an international dining experience right on Indian School Road. Travel the world through such diverse dishes as Moroccan spiced meatballs, Patagonia sofrito mussels and banh mi. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with tables and plush sofas that convey an intimate feel. The owners are knowledgeable and help customers navigate the wine list, which reflects several regions around the world, and pick nibbles to match. Menu highlights include carefully curated charcuterie boards and deviled eggs. If you find a wine that you particularly enjoy, you can take home a bottle from the well-stocked shelves and fridges. Fair warning: Once you visit Far Away once, you’ll quickly become a regular.

1 article

First Draft Book Bar

300 W. Camelback Road #1 Central Phoenix

602-274-0067

Wine Bar, Retail, DrinkHere

Walk into First Draft Book Bar, and you’ll immediately know that you’re in a different kind of bar. Located inside Changing Hands Bookstore, it’s a place where you can grab a magazine before you slide up to the counter with your laptop and order wine or a craft beer. The vibe is chill but cerebral. Serious and fun conversations happen at the bar, where servers handle drink and food orders with ease. Find a seat at one of the high-top tables, wander the aisles and peruse books, or catch a talk by a visiting author in the open room behind the stacks. A chalkboard menu showcases a variety of Arizona wines and locally brewed beers. Alcohol flights are available, as are small bites such as hummus, pretzels with cheese dip, artichoke dip and cookies. First Draft Book Bar is the perfect place for chilling with friends, engaging in animated discussions or reading quietly with a glass of wine in hand.

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar

15 E. Monroe St. Downtown Phoenix

602-396-7168

Bars and Clubs, Best Of, DrinkHere

For a big-city feel and views filled with towering skyscrapers, head to the top of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Phoenix hotel. Here, a small indoor bar opens onto a spacious alfresco sundeck. Warning, this spot isn’t for those with acrophobia. You’re up high and surrounded by dizzying drop-off views. It also can be gusty at the top, so if there’s any hint of chill in the air, bring a sweater. The 10-drink cocktail menu leans into the theme. Try the Into Thin Air, made with citrus vodka, honeydew, kiwi, lime and sparkling wine. Wines served by the glass and are mostly from California, with a few international options in the mix, and beers range from local brews to national names. If all that height makes you hungry, munch on some bruschetta, pork belly tacos or charcuterie while you soar above the city.

6 articles

F.Y.P.M.

509 E. Roosevelt St. Downtown Phoenix

Bars and Clubs, DrinkHere

It can be easy to miss F.Y.P.M., the cocktail lounge tucked into Roosevelt Row’s Disco Dragon. But once inside, you may wonder how you ever skipped over the omnipresent glow of electric pink neon. The bar’s name is shorthand for “Fuck you, pay me,” a reference to the movie “Goodfellas,” and the phrase is emblazoned in neon-lit script above the bar. But don’t be put off by the mercenary statement. F.Y.P.M.’s team is both knowledgeable and fashionable in their pink Adidas tracksuits. The bartenders serve the innovative cocktails that landed the bar among the top 10 finalists for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar by Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards — accolades that are among the highest honors in the bar business. If you’re in need of a bite to soak up some of the booze, you’ll find comforting pan-Asian eats, such as bao buns, karaage chicken and gyoza. Reservations are recommended for this 90-minute bar experience, but at times it's doable to walk in.

1 article

Gabby's

635 N. Country Club Dr. Mesa

480-827-9776

Bars and Clubs, Menu, DrinkHere

Gabby’s Sports Bar & Grill has been around since 1983 along the Old 87, making it one of the closest bars to the grave of legendary Phoenix drinker-musician Waylon Jennings. Over the years, Gabby’s has stuck to its roadhouse-style roots. Expect karaoke nights, a lively patio, TVs and two pool tables. There's even a menu of fried bar food. If you’re looking for a full meal, go with the gigantic, excessively juicy burgers made on the open grill; for a snack, we like the mozzarella sticks. Gabby's got a face lift a few years ago, but despite the renovation, that great, old bar vibe remains.

2 articles

Garage-East

3000 E. Ray Rd. #7 Gilbert

480-493-7151

Breweries and Wineries, Community Venues, Wine Bar, Best Of, DrinkHere

Garage-East isn’t a bar in the traditional sense, but it is the perfect spot to sip away the afternoon. Located in the Barnone collection of shops at Agritopia, this wood-paneled bar serves wines by the glass to enjoy inside or on the Italy-meets-Gilbert-farm-style patio. And you won’t find these wines at any other bar. Garage-East works with Arizona growers to make its own blends and bottles. Unique offerings include the Garage East Breakfast Wine made with white wine and fruit juice and the Sonoran Spritz, an herbal, bitter and refreshing bright orange drink that helps combat the desert heat. On Sundays, this spot serves brunch, and at other times, food offerings include a cheese and meat board, soft pretzel and hot pressed sandwiches.

1 article

Locations in Phoenix: DrinkHere

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