With nearly 2 million residents in the city, everything in Arizona\u2019s capital is growing fast\u2014including its bar scene. \u201cCocktail culture is strong, and is probably about as strong as it\u2019s been in the last 10 years,\u201d says Mat Snapp, a partner in Barter and Shake, the consultancy behind Phoenix\u2019s award-winning concept bar, Century Grand. Snapp moved to Phoenix as a student in the 1990s, began to work in bars and restaurants in the early aughts, and is thrilled to see the level of talent now shaping the city\u2019s evolving cocktail scene. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m impressed every day by the knowledge and the thirst for knowledge that bartenders have across the city,\u201d he says. That free-wheeling creativity behind the stick sometimes outpaces locals\u2019 appetites for adventure, Snapp says. As a positive offshoot, many cutting-edge bars have judgment-free vibes and menus that give crowd-pleasing Margaritas just as much care and attention as lacto-fermented mushroom infusions. \u201cYou need to have Metallica\u2019s greatest hits in your front pocket and Bob Dylan\u2019s B-sides in your back pocket,\u201d he says. It\u2019s a promising playlist.<\/p>\n
Century Grand<\/a><\/h4>\n\u201cThere are three very specific and elaborate experiences at Century Grand,\u201d Snapp says. UnderTow<\/a> is a tiki bar with tropical drinks. Modeled after a 1920s train car, Platform 18<\/a> serves cocktails like The Gibson Girl (gin or vodka, dry vermouth, sake, orange bitters, and lemon oil) and 54th Street Club (popcorn-infused reposado tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, togarashi, and pandan). Grey Hen<\/a> takes cues from Prohibition-era Chinatown. Its menu, designed to look like a 1920s New York City newspaper, riffs on everything from burlesque (the Stars and Garters cocktail features cardamom-infused tequila and hibiscus liqueur) to wonton soup (gin, bourbon, yellow Chartreuse, wonton broth, and toasted sesame). \u201cWe\u2019re having way too much fun out here,\u201d Snapp says. Since opening in 2019, Century Grand has been ranked among The World\u2019s 50 Best Bars and was named Bar of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail\u2019s 2023 Spirited Awards.<\/p>\n![\"Tropical](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMDQ4IDE0MTAiIHdpZHRoPSIyMDQ4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE0MTAiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbWJpYmVtYWdhemluZS5jb20lMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjMlMkYxMCUyRnVuZGVydG93ZmlyZXNpZGUtY3JkdC1HcmFjZS1TdHVma29za3ktMjA0OHgxNDEwLmpwZyIgZGF0YS13PSIyMDQ4IiBkYXRhLWg9IjE0MTAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/a>UnderTow\u2019s Fireside cocktail.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBarcoa Agaveria<\/a><\/h4>\nAn extensive selection of agave spirits headlines Barcoa, a bi-level bar located behind XICO, a Latin and Indigenous art gallery, in a 1928 former hardware store in the National Register of Historic Places. The sleek, dimly lit lower level offers elegant cocktails like Ellas Caminaron en Fila (mezcal, coffee liqueur, house-made grenadine<\/span>, pineapple and lime juices, and Angostura) alongside a 40-odd-page menu of tequila, mezcal<\/a>, sotol<\/a>, raicilla, and other Mexican spirits.<\/p>\nThe more casual first floor serves typical cantina cocktails like Margaritas, Carajillos, and the Batanga (blanco tequila, lime juice, and Mexican Coca-Cola), all for $7 during the weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. There\u2019s also a patio with a food truck with quesadillas, chips and guacamole, and churros; and the space hosts events including DJs spinning Latin dance music, free Spanish classes, bachata lessons, and karaoke Sundays. \u201cThey\u2019ve helped build an incredible community, especially among Latin bar pros,\u201d says Snapp.<\/p>\n
Greenwood Brewing<\/a><\/h4>\n\u201cMegan Greenwood is a local who is making unbelievable beer,\u201d Snapp says of this woman-owned downtown brewery. In 2020, after three years of contract brewing, Greenwood opened the lively space that includes a dog-friendly patio, year-round beer garden, and an array of award-winning beers. Flagships include the easy-drinking Herstory Pale Ale, which is made with Mosaic, Falconer\u2019s Flight, and Warrior hops; as well as a dry-hopped Rosemary IPA, and Purpose Pilsner, a bright, Bohemian-style pilsner made with 100 percent Saaz hops. Experimental beers change frequently and include a blueberry wheat ale and gose-style sour made with seasonal fruit. The welcoming space hosts live music and trivia nights, and displays exhibitions by female-identifying artists. Greenwood also organizes fundraisers and donates approximately 20 percent of its annual profits to organizations like Fresh Start Women\u2019s Foundation<\/a>, UMOM<\/a>, and Girls on the Run<\/a>.<\/p>\nHighball<\/a><\/h4>\nEver since two Barter and Shake alums opened this cozy, low-lit cocktail bar in 2020, it\u2019s racked up a stack of local and national awards, including Phoenix New Times<\/em>\u2019 Best New Bar in 2021 and several Spirited Awards nods at Tales of the Cocktail. The annually rotating cocktail menu includes riffs on classics, like a Nitro Espresso Martini and a Garibaldi made with a coconut fat\u2013washed house aperitivo blend, as well as inventive creations like the Saturday Night Special, a boozy number featuring Lapsang Souchong\u2013infused rye alongside sherry, bourbon, scotch, and herbal liqueur. \u201cTheir menu is a very strong representation of the capabilities of bar people in Phoenix,\u201d Snapp says. He tends to order off-menu \u201cand ask for an Angostura-forward Gin & Tonic,\u201d especially when the Highball team has one of their unique gin infusions available, made with ingredients like tea, herbs, or dehydrated mushrooms.<\/p>\nLux Central<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 2020, after functioning as a traditional coffee shop for nearly a decade, Lux expanded its footprint and operations to open an interior cocktail bar, dubbed Lux Salon, in the rear of its Uptown building. Psychedelic-looking Tom Dixon light fixtures, vibrant wall art, and a canary-yellow tufted sofa brighten the cavernous space. The sleek wood bar serves creative cocktails like a Last Word riff made with mezcal, crisp white Sangria with rum and sliced peaches, and a daily rotating punch (previous iterations include gin and Champagne, or bourbon plus Aperol, strawberries, grapefruit, and thyme). The kitchen serves not-to-be-missed comfort food classics, Snapp says. \u201cThey have one of the world\u2019s best BLT sandwiches in the history of time. You think you know what a BLT is, but this one will change your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gracie\u2019s Tax Bar<\/a><\/h4>\nGrace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\nJump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n\n![\"Solero\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MzkgMTE3MyIgd2lkdGg9IjkzOSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMTczIiBkYXRhLXU9Imh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGaW1iaWJlbWFnYXppbmUuY29tJTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDI1JTJGMDIlMkZzb2xlcm9jcm9wLmpwZyIgZGF0YS13PSI5MzkiIGRhdGEtaD0iMTE3MyIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+\")
<\/a>Bitter & Twisted\u2019s Solero<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"melon](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA3NjAgMTAwMCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc2MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAwIiBkYXRhLXU9Imh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGaW1iaWJlbWFnYXppbmUuY29tJTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkYyMDI1JTJGMDIlMkZwaG9lbml4LW1lbG9uLWRhaXF1aXJpLWNyZHQtS3lsZS1MZWRlYm9lci5qcGciIGRhdGEtdz0iNzYwIiBkYXRhLWg9IjEwMDAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/a>Highball\u2019s Land of Mountains<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nBitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\nFYPM<\/a><\/h4>\nAlthough this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\nRough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\nDespite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Barcoa Agaveria<\/a><\/h4>\nAn extensive selection of agave spirits headlines Barcoa, a bi-level bar located behind XICO, a Latin and Indigenous art gallery, in a 1928 former hardware store in the National Register of Historic Places. The sleek, dimly lit lower level offers elegant cocktails like Ellas Caminaron en Fila (mezcal, coffee liqueur, house-made grenadine<\/span>, pineapple and lime juices, and Angostura) alongside a 40-odd-page menu of tequila, mezcal<\/a>, sotol<\/a>, raicilla, and other Mexican spirits.<\/p>\nThe more casual first floor serves typical cantina cocktails like Margaritas, Carajillos, and the Batanga (blanco tequila, lime juice, and Mexican Coca-Cola), all for $7 during the weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. There\u2019s also a patio with a food truck with quesadillas, chips and guacamole, and churros; and the space hosts events including DJs spinning Latin dance music, free Spanish classes, bachata lessons, and karaoke Sundays. \u201cThey\u2019ve helped build an incredible community, especially among Latin bar pros,\u201d says Snapp.<\/p>\n
Greenwood Brewing<\/a><\/h4>\n\u201cMegan Greenwood is a local who is making unbelievable beer,\u201d Snapp says of this woman-owned downtown brewery. In 2020, after three years of contract brewing, Greenwood opened the lively space that includes a dog-friendly patio, year-round beer garden, and an array of award-winning beers. Flagships include the easy-drinking Herstory Pale Ale, which is made with Mosaic, Falconer\u2019s Flight, and Warrior hops; as well as a dry-hopped Rosemary IPA, and Purpose Pilsner, a bright, Bohemian-style pilsner made with 100 percent Saaz hops. Experimental beers change frequently and include a blueberry wheat ale and gose-style sour made with seasonal fruit. The welcoming space hosts live music and trivia nights, and displays exhibitions by female-identifying artists. Greenwood also organizes fundraisers and donates approximately 20 percent of its annual profits to organizations like Fresh Start Women\u2019s Foundation<\/a>, UMOM<\/a>, and Girls on the Run<\/a>.<\/p>\nHighball<\/a><\/h4>\nEver since two Barter and Shake alums opened this cozy, low-lit cocktail bar in 2020, it\u2019s racked up a stack of local and national awards, including Phoenix New Times<\/em>\u2019 Best New Bar in 2021 and several Spirited Awards nods at Tales of the Cocktail. The annually rotating cocktail menu includes riffs on classics, like a Nitro Espresso Martini and a Garibaldi made with a coconut fat\u2013washed house aperitivo blend, as well as inventive creations like the Saturday Night Special, a boozy number featuring Lapsang Souchong\u2013infused rye alongside sherry, bourbon, scotch, and herbal liqueur. \u201cTheir menu is a very strong representation of the capabilities of bar people in Phoenix,\u201d Snapp says. He tends to order off-menu \u201cand ask for an Angostura-forward Gin & Tonic,\u201d especially when the Highball team has one of their unique gin infusions available, made with ingredients like tea, herbs, or dehydrated mushrooms.<\/p>\nLux Central<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 2020, after functioning as a traditional coffee shop for nearly a decade, Lux expanded its footprint and operations to open an interior cocktail bar, dubbed Lux Salon, in the rear of its Uptown building. Psychedelic-looking Tom Dixon light fixtures, vibrant wall art, and a canary-yellow tufted sofa brighten the cavernous space. The sleek wood bar serves creative cocktails like a Last Word riff made with mezcal, crisp white Sangria with rum and sliced peaches, and a daily rotating punch (previous iterations include gin and Champagne, or bourbon plus Aperol, strawberries, grapefruit, and thyme). The kitchen serves not-to-be-missed comfort food classics, Snapp says. \u201cThey have one of the world\u2019s best BLT sandwiches in the history of time. You think you know what a BLT is, but this one will change your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gracie\u2019s Tax Bar<\/a><\/h4>\nGrace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\nJump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Bitter & Twisted\u2019s Solero<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>Highball\u2019s Land of Mountains<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nBitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\nFYPM<\/a><\/h4>\nAlthough this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\nRough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\nDespite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The more casual first floor serves typical cantina cocktails like Margaritas, Carajillos, and the Batanga (blanco tequila, lime juice, and Mexican Coca-Cola), all for $7 during the weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. There\u2019s also a patio with a food truck with quesadillas, chips and guacamole, and churros; and the space hosts events including DJs spinning Latin dance music, free Spanish classes, bachata lessons, and karaoke Sundays. \u201cThey\u2019ve helped build an incredible community, especially among Latin bar pros,\u201d says Snapp.<\/p>\n
Greenwood Brewing<\/a><\/h4>\n\u201cMegan Greenwood is a local who is making unbelievable beer,\u201d Snapp says of this woman-owned downtown brewery. In 2020, after three years of contract brewing, Greenwood opened the lively space that includes a dog-friendly patio, year-round beer garden, and an array of award-winning beers. Flagships include the easy-drinking Herstory Pale Ale, which is made with Mosaic, Falconer\u2019s Flight, and Warrior hops; as well as a dry-hopped Rosemary IPA, and Purpose Pilsner, a bright, Bohemian-style pilsner made with 100 percent Saaz hops. Experimental beers change frequently and include a blueberry wheat ale and gose-style sour made with seasonal fruit. The welcoming space hosts live music and trivia nights, and displays exhibitions by female-identifying artists. Greenwood also organizes fundraisers and donates approximately 20 percent of its annual profits to organizations like Fresh Start Women\u2019s Foundation<\/a>, UMOM<\/a>, and Girls on the Run<\/a>.<\/p>\nHighball<\/a><\/h4>\nEver since two Barter and Shake alums opened this cozy, low-lit cocktail bar in 2020, it\u2019s racked up a stack of local and national awards, including Phoenix New Times<\/em>\u2019 Best New Bar in 2021 and several Spirited Awards nods at Tales of the Cocktail. The annually rotating cocktail menu includes riffs on classics, like a Nitro Espresso Martini and a Garibaldi made with a coconut fat\u2013washed house aperitivo blend, as well as inventive creations like the Saturday Night Special, a boozy number featuring Lapsang Souchong\u2013infused rye alongside sherry, bourbon, scotch, and herbal liqueur. \u201cTheir menu is a very strong representation of the capabilities of bar people in Phoenix,\u201d Snapp says. He tends to order off-menu \u201cand ask for an Angostura-forward Gin & Tonic,\u201d especially when the Highball team has one of their unique gin infusions available, made with ingredients like tea, herbs, or dehydrated mushrooms.<\/p>\nLux Central<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 2020, after functioning as a traditional coffee shop for nearly a decade, Lux expanded its footprint and operations to open an interior cocktail bar, dubbed Lux Salon, in the rear of its Uptown building. Psychedelic-looking Tom Dixon light fixtures, vibrant wall art, and a canary-yellow tufted sofa brighten the cavernous space. The sleek wood bar serves creative cocktails like a Last Word riff made with mezcal, crisp white Sangria with rum and sliced peaches, and a daily rotating punch (previous iterations include gin and Champagne, or bourbon plus Aperol, strawberries, grapefruit, and thyme). The kitchen serves not-to-be-missed comfort food classics, Snapp says. \u201cThey have one of the world\u2019s best BLT sandwiches in the history of time. You think you know what a BLT is, but this one will change your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gracie\u2019s Tax Bar<\/a><\/h4>\nGrace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\nJump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Bitter & Twisted\u2019s Solero<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>Highball\u2019s Land of Mountains<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nBitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\nFYPM<\/a><\/h4>\nAlthough this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\nRough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\nDespite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Highball<\/a><\/h4>\nEver since two Barter and Shake alums opened this cozy, low-lit cocktail bar in 2020, it\u2019s racked up a stack of local and national awards, including Phoenix New Times<\/em>\u2019 Best New Bar in 2021 and several Spirited Awards nods at Tales of the Cocktail. The annually rotating cocktail menu includes riffs on classics, like a Nitro Espresso Martini and a Garibaldi made with a coconut fat\u2013washed house aperitivo blend, as well as inventive creations like the Saturday Night Special, a boozy number featuring Lapsang Souchong\u2013infused rye alongside sherry, bourbon, scotch, and herbal liqueur. \u201cTheir menu is a very strong representation of the capabilities of bar people in Phoenix,\u201d Snapp says. He tends to order off-menu \u201cand ask for an Angostura-forward Gin & Tonic,\u201d especially when the Highball team has one of their unique gin infusions available, made with ingredients like tea, herbs, or dehydrated mushrooms.<\/p>\nLux Central<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 2020, after functioning as a traditional coffee shop for nearly a decade, Lux expanded its footprint and operations to open an interior cocktail bar, dubbed Lux Salon, in the rear of its Uptown building. Psychedelic-looking Tom Dixon light fixtures, vibrant wall art, and a canary-yellow tufted sofa brighten the cavernous space. The sleek wood bar serves creative cocktails like a Last Word riff made with mezcal, crisp white Sangria with rum and sliced peaches, and a daily rotating punch (previous iterations include gin and Champagne, or bourbon plus Aperol, strawberries, grapefruit, and thyme). The kitchen serves not-to-be-missed comfort food classics, Snapp says. \u201cThey have one of the world\u2019s best BLT sandwiches in the history of time. You think you know what a BLT is, but this one will change your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gracie\u2019s Tax Bar<\/a><\/h4>\nGrace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\nJump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Bitter & Twisted\u2019s Solero<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>Highball\u2019s Land of Mountains<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nBitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\nFYPM<\/a><\/h4>\nAlthough this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\nRough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\nDespite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Lux Central<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 2020, after functioning as a traditional coffee shop for nearly a decade, Lux expanded its footprint and operations to open an interior cocktail bar, dubbed Lux Salon, in the rear of its Uptown building. Psychedelic-looking Tom Dixon light fixtures, vibrant wall art, and a canary-yellow tufted sofa brighten the cavernous space. The sleek wood bar serves creative cocktails like a Last Word riff made with mezcal, crisp white Sangria with rum and sliced peaches, and a daily rotating punch (previous iterations include gin and Champagne, or bourbon plus Aperol, strawberries, grapefruit, and thyme). The kitchen serves not-to-be-missed comfort food classics, Snapp says. \u201cThey have one of the world\u2019s best BLT sandwiches in the history of time. You think you know what a BLT is, but this one will change your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gracie\u2019s Tax Bar<\/a><\/h4>\nGrace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\nJump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n\n<\/a>Bitter & Twisted\u2019s Solero<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/a>Highball\u2019s Land of Mountains<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nBitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\nIn 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\nFYPM<\/a><\/h4>\nAlthough this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\nRough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\nDespite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Grace Perry sang with Phoenix metal band Landmine Marathon before she opened this low-key neighborhood joint in what used to be Abbey Tax Services in downtown Phoenix in 2017. \u201cIt\u2019s a hole in the wall,\u201d says Snapp, and a great place to go for a shot and a beer\u2014his duo of choice is Maker\u2019s on the rocks plus an ice-cold Coors Original. In addition to a daily, 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour that includes $5 well drinks and $7-9 mini beer pitchers, Gracie\u2019s serves crowd-favorite fried pickles, tater tots, and traditional and vegetarian chopped cheese sandwiches. The pet-friendly outdoor patio hosts DJ sets and movie screenings; other events include craft nights, pop-ups with local restaurants and wineries, and fundraisers with nonprofits like AZ Hugs<\/a>, which serves unhoused communities in the area. \u201cYou always have a great time at Gracie\u2019s,\u201d Snapp says.<\/p>\n Jump on a first-class flight in this 1970s airplane-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. Carry On takes its bar-goers back to the days when flying was a luxurious experience, complete with plenty of legroom, a cocktail bar cart, and a view out the portholes (think: the train ride in Century Grand<\/a>). In one 90-minute sitting, you depart from Phoenix, enjoy classic cocktails and in-flight snacks, navigate through thunderstorms and flying penguins, and then touch down in some far-off destination. The destination colors the cocktail menu, such as a G&T with white wine for San Francisco and a mezcal Negroni for Mexico City. For those looking for an even more premium experience, the bar offers the Captain\u2019s Club boarding pass with a welcome cocktail and snacks, three cocktails, and a four-course light bite menu.<\/p>\n In 10 years, this downtown Phoenix cocktail bar located in the Luhrs Building<\/a>, the city\u2019s first-ever high rise, has racked up impressive accolades<\/a>, ranging from a spot on North America\u2019s 50 Best Bars to two \u201cOutstanding\u201d pins on the Pinnacle Guide. Friendly vibes and an extensive menu of cocktails created by a team lead by owner Ross Simon (formerly of LAB Bar in London) make this a destination for locals and cocktail tourists. Order the Solero<\/a>, a popsicle-inspired cocktail made with vodka, half and half, vanilla liqueur, and passion fruit pur\u00e9e, syrup, and liqueur. The longtime bar favorite has been on the menu since the doors first opened.<\/p>\n Although this hidden Roosevelt Row cocktail bar, whose name stands for \u201cFuck You Pay Me,\u201d does take walk-ins, it\u2019s best to make a reservation that will secure a 90-minute slot where you can partake of innovative, well-crafted batched cocktails by co-owner Sam Olguin. Awash in a hot pink neon glow, the open-concept bar with fluffy pink cloud lamps, black subway tiled walls, and pink fringed stools serves up innovative cocktails to match. Swoon-worthy presentations involve unique glassware and edible garnishes such as sesame mochi and a wafer cookie drizzled with honey. For those craving something more substantial to nosh on, order a bite off the menu from adjacent restaurant Pretty Penny<\/a>.<\/p>\n Despite being named after U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s volunteer cavalry regiment and located on Roosevelt Row, this basement speakeasy goes light on the Teddy theme, instead opting for subtle and tasteful nods with wood paneled walls, Edison bulbs, and embedded gold bullets. It\u2019s a dark and moody space to step into after taking the elevator down from the bright, all-white lobby of the Ten-O-One building. Naturally, there are Victorian-era drinks inspired by Jerry Thomas\u2019 The Bar-Tender\u2019s Guide<\/em><\/a> but also adventurous cocktails featuring ingredients like porcini-infused bourbon, goat milk foam, and apple agave shrub.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nCarry On<\/a><\/h4>\n
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Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour<\/a><\/h4>\n
FYPM<\/a><\/h4>\n
Rough Rider<\/a><\/h4>\n