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21 Epic Spots to Hang Out With Friends in Phoenix

21 Epic Spots to Hang Out With Friends in Phoenix 

| Last Updated: January 2024

More than the scorching deserts and saguaro cacti, Phoenix is a vibrant city where you can have epic night outs with your friends. Whether your group wants game nights, Insta-worthy backdrops, or chill vibes, Phoenix has something for everyone.

Here’s our ultimate guide to the 21 best spots to hang out with your friends in Phoenix!

1. Yard House

Website: https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/az/glendale/glendale-westgate-entertainment-district/8315 

Address: 9401 W Westgate Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305

Contact: 480-563-9273

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM

Yard House is known for its impressive selection of over 100 draft beers on tap, so it’s undoubtedly a paradise for beer lovers. They also offer New American fare, including pizzas, pasta, burgers, steaks, and seafood dishes. 

The Ahi tuna poke nachos is a great sharing meal since it’s piled high with fresh ahi tuna, avocado, wonton, and poke sauce. We recommend their parmesan-crusted chicken sandwich and grilled salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts.

Pro tip:
Make a reservation, especially if you’re going on a weekend. Yard House is a popular spot, so making a reservation in advance is always a good idea, especially if you have a large group.

2. The Gaming Zone

Website: https://thegamingzone.bigcartel.com/

Address: 930 W Broadway Rd #5, Tempe, AZ 85282

Contact: 480-245-6357

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday and Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

If you want the ultimate game night experience, head to the Gaming Zone with your friends. It’s a one-stop shop for all things gaming where you can buy and sell video games, participate in tournaments, and relax in a lounge with TVs. 

The Gaming Zone has many retro games and hosts tournaments for all skill levels. There are also regular board game nights, which are a great way to meet new people and have some fun.

Pro tip:
Check their social media for events so you’ll know what game, tournament or activity will be happening throughout the week and plan your visit with friends accordingly.

3. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Website: https://bitterandtwistedaz.com/

Address: 1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Contact: 602-340-1924

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM

The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is a local favorite in Phoenix for its stylish ambiance, innovative cocktails, and delicious bites. They have a dimly lit interior, plush seating, and vintage decor, perfect for a sophisticated evening out.

Their bartenders are mixologists, crafting flavorful drinks using fresh ingredients and house-made infusions. If you’re adventurous, try the “Penicillin,” but if you’re feeling spicy, go for the “Jalapeño Margarita.”

Pro tip:
We suggest you order their truffle fries, pork belly buns and roasted bone marrow because of their large servings you can share with your friends.

4. Vines & Hops

Website: vinesandhopsbar.com

Address: 4216 N. Brown Ave, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Contact: 480-748-4460

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM 

Vines & Hops is a staple in the Arizona wine scene, offering a unique blend of vino, funky vibes, and family-friendly fun. They specialize in creative blends and unexpected varietals, like their Prickly Pear Wine or the Jalapeno Infused Rosé. 

We recommend you try their “Wine Flight & Fright Bite” pairing, a sample of four unique wines paired with playful snacks like Cheetos and Pop Rocks. You should also taste their prickly pear wine, a sweet wine with a hint of cactus fruit flavor. 

Pro tip:
Don’t forget to order their charcuterie board, filled with local meats, cheeses, olives, and fresh bread. It’s a great way to share and enjoy a taste of Arizona.

5. The Mix Up Bar

Website: http://royalpalmshotel.com/eat-drink/mix-up/

Address: 5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 

Contact: 602-808-0766

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 1:30 PM to 10 PM 
  • Friday to Saturday – 1:30 PM to 11 PM 

The Mix Up Bar is another popular spot for locals and tourists because of their stylish ambiance, extensive drink menu, and delicious New American cuisine. It boasts a modern and inviting atmosphere, with plush seating, trendy decor, and a vibrant energy. 

The bar offers a wide selection of signature cocktails, local beers, and wines. They’re known for their creative and innovative mixology, such as the “Mix Up Margarita,” a cocktail made with tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a tajin rim. 

Pro tip:
A night out won’t be complete without greasy food on the side, so order their truffle fries and the cowboy burger, which are great hearty meals to share with friends.

6. Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen

Website: https://copperblueslive.com/

Address: 50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Contact: 480-719-5005

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM

The Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen is an upscale brewpub that boasts over 60 beers on tap. They also feature live music every night, from rock and blues to country, so you can grab a pint, enjoy some tunes, and have a great time with friends.

You’ll be impressed by Copper Blues’ extensive whiskey library, with over 200 different whiskeys. We recommend you try their Copper Blues burger, mac and cheese and whiskey wings as excellent appetizers to share with your friends.

Pro tip:
During the warmer months, Copper Blues offers blues cruises on the Salt River, so make sure to plan your visit around that time and join the cruise.

7. Little Rituals

Website: https://littleritualsbar.com/

Address: 4th Floor, Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, 132 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-603-2050

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM

Little Rituals is known for its innovative and delicious cocktails, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They have a sleek and stylish setting with dim lighting, plush seating, and curated music, perfect for a relaxed and sophisticated evening. 

Their white cocktails are the show’s stars, and they’re best paired with the global bar snacks. For instance, their dates and manchego skewers are sweet and salty, as plump dates are wrapped in smoky bacon with Manchego cheese.

Pro tip:
The “Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma” and “Smoked Old Fashioned” are must-tries on their menu.

8. Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails 

Website: https://bluehoundkitchen.com/

Address: 2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-258-0231

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM

The Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails is a gastropub with a sleek and urban design. Their menu features seasonal, locally sourced dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon marmalade or grilled octopus with chorizo and romesco sauce.

Local musicians play in the pub on the weekends. They also celebrate Whiskey Wednesdays, where various bourbons and whiskeys are at special prices and weekend brunches with bottomless mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pro tip:
You can request seating and cozy up inside by the fireplace for an intimate evening to reconnect with friends.

9. Whining Pig 

Website: https://whiningpigphoenix.com/

Address: 1612 E Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Contact: 602-633-1244

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 3 PM to 11 PM
  • Friday – 3 PM to 1 AM
  • Saturday – 1 PM to 1 AM

The Whining Pig will transport you and your friends into a culinary adventure where Mexican influences tango with classic American comfort food. For instance, you’ll find chipotle-kissed pulled pork tacos alongside crispy onion rings here.

Whining Pig is also known for their melt-in-your-mouth ribeyes charred to perfection and flavorful skirt steak fajitas. Other must-try menu delights include “Green Chile Queso Burger,” “Mesquite-Grilled Chicken Salad,” and “Prickly Pear Margarita.”

Pro tip:
Whining Pig gets lively, especially on weekends, because of performances from local bands. If you want a quieter experience, head there for lunch or early dinner.

10. Matt’s Big Breakfast 

Website: https://mattsbigbreakfast.com/

Address: 825 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-254-1074

Operating hours: 7 AM to 2 PM every other day

Matt’s Big Breakfast is a beloved Arizona institution where locals and travelers enjoy their favorite comfort food in vintage diner booths, mismatched chairs, and walls adorned with kitschy knick-knacks. 

The menu celebrates breakfast, from classic eggs and bacon to creative concoctions like the “Chop & Chick” and the “Five Spot Platter” you should try. The good news is they use only fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Pro tip:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their homemade cinnamon rolls, “Matt’s Mess,” “Hog & Chick,” and “Southwest Scramble.” 

11. Taco Chelo

Website: http://tacochelo.com/

Address: 501 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-368-5316

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM

Taco Chelo is a taqueria and an artistic haven. This taco joint is a fusion of Chef Sunny Santana’s family recipes and Gennaro Garcia’s creative touch, so every dish is a unique masterpiece.

All their tortillas are freshly pressed and handmade. Must-tries on their menu are the carnitas, fish tacos with chile Morita crema, and sides like chicharrones with guacamole and lime or the refreshing agua frescas.

Pro tip:
Visit Taco Chelo for Taco Tuesdays and grab a trio of tacos for a special price.

12. Trapp Haus BBQ

Address: 511 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-466-5462

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM

Trapp Haus BBQ is known for its mouthwatering smoked meats, particularly the pork belly biscuit and jam, Philly crack wings, and St. Louis ribs. They use a unique blend of spices and slow-cooking techniques to create tender, flavorful barbecue sauce. 

The restaurant has a warm, inviting, rustic, industrial atmosphere with exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and vintage decor. Must-try menu items are the pork belly biscuit and jam, Philly crack wings and St. Louis ribs.

Pro tip:
Trapp Haus BBQ gets busy, especially on weekends. Try going for an early lunch or dinner to make sure you get a table or order takeout or delivery online.

13. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.

Website: http://azwbeer.com/

Address: 201 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 480-497-2739

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM

The Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. is a European-style beer garden with the city’s best patio and a full, locally-focused beer and food menu. They’re passionate about using Arizona-grown ingredients in their beers and food.

They’ve got a wide selection of creative and flavorful beers, from IPAs and sours to lagers and stouts. They also have a mouthwatering menu such as duck fat fries, the “Regen Pretzel,” or the green chili pulled pork sliders for a taste of Arizona.

Pro tip:
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, grab a spot on their spacious patio and soak up the Arizona sunshine.

14. Pizzeria Bianco

Website: https://www.pizzeriabianco.com/

Address: 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-258-8300

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM

Pizzeria Bianco boasts a warm and inviting ambiance with their iconic exposed brick walls, wood-fired ovens, and communal tables. The show’s star is their pizzas, made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked in a blazing wood-fired oven. 

Their menu features seasonal pizzas, like the “Bianca” with caramelized onions, mozzarella, and rosemary, or the “Margherita DOP” with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, and basil. They also have antipasti, salads, and desserts to round your meal.

Pro tip:
End your meal in Pizzeria Bianco with their “Panna Cotta,” a light, refreshing, creamy dessert topped with fresh fruit compote.

15. Valley Bar

Website: https://valleybarphx.com/

Address:  130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-368-3121

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 6 PM to 2 AM

The Valley Bar is known for playing diverse tunes, from indie bands to comedy acts, in the intimate 250-capacity Music Hall. They also have a Rose Room where you’ll enjoy vintage cocktails, sultry lighting, and velvet accents. 

There’s also their Game Room, where you play vintage arcade games, pool tables, and pinball machines beckon with your friends. Valley Bar is renowned for its innovative and seasonal cocktails like the “Desert Bloom” or the “Spicy Paloma.”

Pro tip:
The Valley Bar gets packed, especially on weekends, so arrive early to grab a good spot, particularly if you’re eyeing the Rose Room’s intimate ambiance.

16. Superstition Meadery 

Website: https://superstitionmeadery.com/superstition-downtown-phoenix/

Address:  1110 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Contact: 602-368-3257

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM

Superstition Meadery Downtown has an industrial atmosphere with a spacious patio, perfect for enjoying their award-winning meads and delicious food pairings. They offer mead tastings from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, catering to all palates. 

They boast award-winning meads and ciders using only the finest local honey and fruits. Must-try menu items are their “Superstition Dry,” “Black Currant,” “Prickly Pear Cider,” “Superstition Burger,” and honey cake.

Pro tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the tasting. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff love to share their expertise with guests.

17. Khla

Website: https://khlaphx.com/

Address: Alley Entrance, 218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM

Khla offers a menu of delicious adventures worldwide, from wood-fired pizzas with unexpected toppings like chipotle chicken and kimchi alongside Moroccan tagines and melt-in-your-mouth bao buns. 

They host live music nights, open mic evenings, and even yoga classes in the courtyard, so it’s a great place to catch up with friends. We recommend trying their crispy okra fries, Korean BBQ short rib tacos, chocolate, and olive oil cake.

Pro tip:
Book a table in advance, especially if you’re coming on a weekend. If the weather permits, ask for a seat in the courtyard to enjoy the local vibe.

18. Barcoa Agaveria

Website: https://barcoaphx.com/

Address: 829 N. 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85003

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday – 8 PM to 12 AM

Barcoa Agaveria is a two-level gem. Upstairs, the cantina offers a lively atmosphere with street tacos and classic cocktails, while downstairs, the basement lounge exudes a speakeasy feel, perfect for sipping on craft agave concoctions.

Barcoa Agaveria also has a collection of agave spirits like mezcal, bacanora, raicilla, and sotol, all carefully curated by small, artisanal producers. Make sure to try their “Flight to Oaxaca,” “Phoenix Rising,” and the “Desert Paloma.”

Pro tip:
Visit Barcoa Agaveria from Wednesday to Saturday between 4 and 5 PM for their cantina happy hour, where you’ll get discounted tacos and cocktails.

19. Bar 1912

Website: http://www.1912phx.com/

Address: 4130 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Contact: 602-612-2961

Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 6 PM to 2 AM

Bar 1912 is a cocktail bar with a modern-meets-minimalist vibe. The bar is known for Arizona-inspired cocktails and surprise twists on classics like the Manhattan, including bone marrow.

Bar 1912 is known for crafting the citrusy and refreshing “Chaparral,” reminiscent of Sedona’s beauty, to the smoky and complex “Copper Queen,” paying homage to Arizona’s mining heritage.

Pro tip:
Ask the bartender for their off-menu creation inspired by your mood or favorite spirit. You might just discover your new go-to cocktail!

20. Rough Rider

Website: http://www.roughrideraz.com/

Address: 1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 3 PM to 11 PM 
  • Friday to Saturday – 3 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM

Rough Rider is a restaurant with retro-style surroundings, plush leather booths, and vintage furnishings. It is renowned for its innovative and delicious cocktails that take inspiration from the late 19th century.

Make sure to try their signature punch cocktails, like the “Montezuma’s Castle” or the “President’s Julep.” Their menu also takes New American cuisine with a twist, like bone marrow mac and cheese and grilled octopus with chorizo vinaigrette. 

Pro tip:
Visit Rough Rider during happy hour every Tuesday to Sunday from 3 to 5 PM for discounted drinks and bites. 

21. The Arrogant Butcher

Website: https://www.thearrogantbutcher.com/locations/phoenix-az/

Address: 2 E Jefferson St #150, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact: 602-324-8502

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday and Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM

The Arrogant Butcher is a steakhouse turning out upscale New American comfort food in a stylish setting. They have your dry-aged rib-eyes and bone-in tomahawks with playful twists on classics like lamb lollipops and bacon-wrapped scallops. 

The Arrogant Butcher also caters to all appetites with fresh salads and creative plant-based dishes. Their cocktail games are also a must-try for you and your friends because of their barrel-aged concoctions, muddled fruits, and herbs for drinks. 

Pro tip:
Be sure to catch the raw bar because the oysters are always fresh, and the crudo selection changes with the seasons, showcasing the bounty of the Pacific.
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