Phoenix may be known for its sunshine, but let me tell you, this city knows how to turn up the fun after dark! The real question is, where do you even begin with the fantastic selection of bars? 

If you’re looking for the best bars, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been exploring Phoenix’s nightlife scene to uncover the hottest spots for a great night out. 

So gather your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and explore Phoenix’s best bars!

How much do drinks cost in bars in Phoenix? The price of a cocktail drink at a bar in Phoenix is $12. Domestic beers cost $5 to $8, craft beers cost $7 to $12, and cocktails cost $8 to $15 at Phoenix bars.

1. Valley Bar

Address: 130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Contact Details: +16023683121

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM

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Valley Bar in Downtown Phoenix has a relaxed underground vibe with a dimly lit main area and a stage for live music. They also have a separate Rose Room with a speakeasy feel featuring games like darts and billiards. 

It’s a great spot for a night out with friends, but maybe not the ideal for a romantic first date. They offer a good selection of draft beers, wines, and creative cocktails, some named after local Phoenix figures, so they’ve put thought into their drink menu.

Since it’s in Downtown Phoenix, it’s right in the heart of the action, but there might be limited parking, so public transportation or ride-sharing is a better option.

The staff is a bit hit or miss, though. Some people mention friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, while others find the security staff rude. 

Fast-paced bartenders crafting excellent cocktails

“This is my kinda place: busy, edgy; my kids would call it “grimy” as a compliment! Fast

Moving bartenders serve excellent cocktails at a rapid pace. We saw no live acts, but the DJs were fantastic. It started with a dressed-up crowd from the science convention & changed to trendy mixed urban youth. We were visiting from out of town and liked it so much that we came next night again, only this time, we were surrounded by a primarily queer African American crowd that came to dance & support the DJ: it was fun to watch. If you want it real, you have to go here! BTW, 5 ⭐️ for food is given for drinks here!”

– Yevgeniy Isayev, Google Reviews

Speakeasy vibe with great drinks

“Went here for a concert, so not the usual “bar experience.” However, it was super fun and unique and reminded me of an underground speakeasy with lots of industrial styling and interesting items. It was very dark and cool, a respite for the long, hot Arizona summer days. It’s a little difficult to find, as the main entrance is a service door in an alley behind a bakery, but I think that’s the idea. Overall, good drinks, service, and music if you’re there for a concert!”

– Michael Isaksen, Google Reviews

2. Rough Rider

Address: 1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Contact Details: +16026750439

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

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Rough Rider is a basement bar located in downtown Phoenix with a turn-of-the-century Wild West vibe. The dim lighting, ornate woodwork, and ambiance reminiscent of Teddy Roosevelt’s era make it a great spot for intimate conversations. 

Rough Rider prides itself on its creative cocktail menu featuring punches, cobblers, and classic options, all crafted with quality ingredients. 

The bar is located in the basement of the Ten-O-One building, so it’s easily accessible if you’re already in the downtown area. However, parking might be challenging, so ride-sharing or public transport could be good alternatives.

One of the highlights of Rough Rider is its friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, who can recommend drinks based on your preferences. This is great for those who want to explore the unique cocktail menu with some guidance.

Dark, historical, cozy, intimate

“Dark, historical, cozy, intimate, delicious! I must believe it’s precisely the kind of haunt Teddy would frequent for a strong libation, neat, after an all-day ride. It has a gorgeous ambiance, the perfect mix of all the best. The cocktail menu is above and beyond. Such interesting options! I went with Mother of pearl and port to port. Both had complex flavors, aesthetics and, of course, elegant drinkware. We sat at the bar, and the service was perfect. They have a team behind the bar! We got the crab dip (obviously), the pasta, and the mussels. The crab dip was creamy, flavorful, and absolutely on point, but the show’s star may have been the sauce that accompanied the mussels. Tomato base, sharp fennel, all a yummy bowl you could cozy up to. Both crab dip and mussels were served with the yummiest, moistest, noble sourdough bread. I loved all the history on the walls and the dark ambiance. It was so intimate and perfect! I would love to go back to try the entire menu.”

– Alexis, Google Reviews

Speakeasy vibes

“Hands down, one of Arizona’s best Speakeasy Style bars and restaurants! Starting at Rough Rider is fun and adventurous, with knowing exactly what elevator to take down to the lower-level restaurant! The vibe inside is fun and sophisticated, and the food is incredible! The drinks are some of the tastiest around! Their curated libations are constantly updating, and new cocktails are always being released, which makes coming back often a new experience each time! I’ve never had a bad cocktail here; in fact, they have been some of the best that I’ve had! You cannot go wrong with the food either! Make this the perfect spot for an end-of-the-day solo nightcap, an intimate date spot, or a place to grab dinner and drinks with friends!”

– Christopher Owens, Google Reviews

3. Crown Public House

Address: 333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Contact Details: +16023684344

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM

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Crown Public House is a cozy pub in downtown Phoenix. It’s perfect for catching a game before or after an event at the nearby stadiums or convention center. 

Although it doesn’t have a rooftop, it has a comfortable atmosphere and a patio for fresh air. The pub also offers a wide selection of beers, including local craft brews and classic cocktails. 

Locals love the lively but not overwhelming atmosphere during games, making it a great spot to enjoy a game day. One thing to note is that parking might be tricky during events, but it’s easily accessible by public transport. 

The reviews consistently praise the friendly and attentive service. The bartenders are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences. 

Extensive drink selection

“​​If I could give more, I definitely would have. Great personal, great atmosphere, great food. The staff is more than friendly, and every guest in the bar is easy to talk to. They can put on any sports event you can imagine. No matter the time of the day. And they have a beer that tastes like Skittles.”

– Ondra Hermanek, Google Reviews

Perfect spot for watching Sunday football 

“Super place to watch a game, grab a bite to eat and a drink.  Excellent choices for food and drink. Recommend the breakfast items for a Sunday morning football game.  Cheese curds were the best!!!! Amiable staff and all the football games on many televisions.  Super fun.”

– James Taite, Google Reviews

4. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Address: 1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

Contact Details: +16023401924

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM

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Bitter & Twisted is a fantastic cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. The dimly lit interior creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for conversations, although it sometimes gets lively. 

The bar is known for its extensive menu of creative and unique cocktails and classic options. 

The service at Bitter & Twisted is exceptional. Knowledgeable and passionate bartenders make excellent recommendations based on your preferences.

The location is excellent for bar hopping or exploring other nightlife options, but parking can be challenging. However, it’s easily accessible by public transport. 

Creative cocktails

“The drink menu here is probably the best we’ve seen. The menu’s creative design and the drinks’ quality are superb. I asked about the menu design, and the server said they are a husband and wife team, and she does the menu design. It was Lord of the Rings style and monster horror-themed when we were here, which was cool. The drinks don’t come out theme-related but are still presented well.  You can check their website for a playable video of their current menu, which I believe gets updated throughout the year.”

– Keith, Google Reviews

Hospitable staff and expert bartenders

“​​First off, this place is an absolute must-visit! I have not been to a restaurant/bar with this amazing level of service in a long time. I was traveling for work solo and got seated at the bar. Immediately, Sam, the bartender, made me feel welcomed and attended to. He listened to my drink preferences and returned with an amazing cocktail he made. He never let my water glass go empty. It’s also fun to watch the bartenders create beautiful cocktails. Will be back.”

– Jacquelyn A., Google Reviews

5. Yard House

Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

Contact Details: +14805639273

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

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Yard House is not your typical speakeasy or rooftop bar — it’s more of a fun and casual sports bar with a lively atmosphere. They always play classic rock music and have big screens for watching games. 

What sets them apart is their vast selection of draft beers — they have over 250 taps! But if beer’s not your thing, they also have a variety of creative cocktails and classic drinks to choose from.

The Yard House is located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a popular spot for shopping and dining. There’s plenty of parking, but it can get busy on weekends, and public transport options might be limited.

However, opinions about customer service are mixed. Some praise the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, while others find them inattentive. 

Perfect for date night

“Love coming to Yard House for date night. They always have fantastic drinks. I got the salted watermelon margarita and Long Beach tea. My partner always gets a new beer to try. They have so many! The food was amazing and came out fast. I recommend the onion rings while you wait. They’re open late until 12, so it’s night to have a late evening without a crowd around. I got the Mac and cheese, so I had two more meals from it, and we also got the new truffle burger, to which he added bacon. He said it was made well and finished the whole thing. For an appetizer, two entrées, and four drinks, the bill was around $80 without tip, which was super reasonably priced. And please remember to tip your server! They do an amazing job of ensuring you’re taken care of.”

– Breana Bethany, Google Reviews

Great beer selection with happy hour deals

“Fantastic spot. The beer selection is extensive. Cocktails are okay, but beer is their strength. Happy hour is full of great options, so do not spend too much time having a great time. It’s a fun place to have a drink after a movie or to catch an appetizer and drinks on the way home. The chicken nachos were super delicious.”

– Rodrigo Jimenez, Google Reviews