Top Bars in Phoenix – Most Viewed (2025)

Beneath the bustle of Arcadia, UnderTow drops you into an immersive world—an artisanal tropical speakeasy built within the hull of a 19th-century clipper ship. Designed by Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality, the decor features creaking timbers, portholes with animated ocean views, custom thunderstorm sound effects, and cargo‑crate accents that awaken your sense of adventure. Cocktails weave seamlessly into storytelling; menus aren’t just drink lists—they're chapters in a voyage, featuring rum-heavy classics, original, bold riffs in elaborate glassware, and multi-sensory presentations like the flaming Scorpion Bowl. The menu evolves like the sea—each iteration brings new narratives and flavors. Patrons can even join the Captain’s Keep program for rare rum allocations. UnderTow is compact—with just 44 seats—and operates in 90-minute reservation blocks, encouraging focused, theatrical enjoyment. It merges tiki tradition with theatrical sophistication: sound, visuals, cocktails, and space combine to make the bar feel like a scene lifted from a maritime fable. Critics and fans alike acclaim its immersive design and drink quality—some liken it to a Broadway-level experience. Even mocktail seekers get themed options like the nautically inspired “Starboard and Steady.”

Tucked away on the 4th floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott in bustling downtown Phoenix, Little Rituals invites you to reimagine what a hotel bar experience can be. Behind a velvet curtain lies a plush, intimate lounge where creative mixology meets genuine hospitality. Awarded and celebrated—semifinalist for Best Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation (2020, 2024) and a repeated Spirited Awards finalist—this place balances playful technique with regional flair. Expect cocktails built on house-made syrups, tinctures, and seasonal ingredients, crafted by passionate alchemists of flavor. Inside, plush seating, dim lighting, and artful details like a dazzling chandelier and panoramic Downtown views set the stage for evenings that feel both intimate and lively. Think: velvet banquettes, firework-like lights, and an ambiance that’s cozy, classy, and quietly electric. Complementing the cocktails is a playful menu of elevated bar fare—disco fries, spicy bao buns, clay-pot wings, carbonated grapes, and more—all perfectly tailored to the mood and your drink. Guests rave about both flavor and detail. Despite its grandeur, Little Rituals maintains a welcoming spirit. With limited capacity, reservations—strongly recommended—are available up to 21 days in advance, or you can join the walk-in waitlist. Larger parties may incur service charges or deposits. Whether you're chasing accolades or looking for a stylish night out, Little Rituals delivers—with creativity, comfort, and charm in every sip and bite.

Platform 18, Phoenix’s acclaimed cocktail carriage, delivers an immersive journey into 1920s New York and locomotive luxury. Hidden within Century Grand at 3626 East Indian School Rd, this reservation-only venue seats ~36 guests inside a richly appointed, replica Pullman train car. Digital “windows” simulate a moving landscape—featuring Prohibition-era New York cityscapes—to transform every sip into a story. Curated by cocktail artisans Jason Asher and Jax Donahue, supported by Barter & Shake’s operations network, the menu is theatrical and inventive. Highlights include “Blame the Dutch” (coconut-washed gin, lemongrass, chili oil), funky classics, boozy ice creams, and seasonal creations priced around US $16‑18 each. Signature drinks are complemented by elevated snacks like popcorn, beef jerky, rye crackers with Campari butter, and ice cream garnishes. The experience begins with a “boarding” process, featuring mossy oak trees at the platform, followed by a 90-minute seating in the carriage—complete with ambient sound, theatrical lighting, and a sense of transportation. It has earned acclaim as one of North America’s 50 Best Bars (#36 in 2024, #48 in 2023) and has collected numerous Spirited Awards and local honors. Booked in advance through Century Grand’s reservation system (7 days out), Platform 18 fills quickly. It’s open Tuesday–Sunday (afternoon/evening), with reduced hours on weekdays and longer window on weekends.

Located in Downtown Phoenix inside Wren & Wolf (2 N Central Ave, Suite 101), Carry On is a groundbreaking, ticketed cocktail concept from Pretty Decent Concepts that recreates the luxury and spectacle of mid‑20th‑century air travel. Guests “board” a meticulously designed 1970s jumbo jet cabin, complete with steward‑pilots in period uniforms, leather captain’s chairs, chrome accents, and window‑screen projections of flight routes—from San Francisco to Mexico City at launch . The immersive journey includes seat‑vibrations during "takeoff" and "turbulence," overhead captain announcements, snack service (spiced nuts, shortbread), and a scripted 90‑minute timeline that unfolds like a theatre performance . Cocktail offerings begin with a complimentary welcome drink, followed by rounds of elevated classics, such as a brown-butter Old Fashioned with wormwood‑balsamic syrup, and signature themed drinks like mezcal‑mezmorizing San Francisco "Terroir" or Mexico City‑inspired “Woody” . Mid-flight, a martini cart rolls through the cabin for personalized martinis mixed tableside in playful penguin shakers—referencing the bar’s mascot. The flight concludes with a final snack of shortbread cookies upon "landing." This theatrical concept has earned notable praise, including a James Beard semifinal nod for cocktail service and recognition as one of North America’s most stylish new bars. With seatings every two hours (plus an additional weekend matinee), Carry On blends nostalgic glamour with expert mixology, delivering an unforgettable, playful take on cocktail culture.

Highball is a standout cocktail lounge in downtown Phoenix that leans toward refinement without pretension. The bar is located on the second floor of a historic 1930s building, accessible via stairs (no elevator), giving it a slightly hidden, intimate feel. Inside, the décor blends exposed brick, leather seating, warm lighting, a gleaming copper bar, and vintage touches. The vibe is cozy but polished — it doesn’t lean hard into spectacle or theming, instead choosing subtle elegance and letting the drinks be the focal point. The cocktail menu is broad and well-curated. It’s arranged from lighter to full-bodied flavors, with options ranging from stirred, clarified, and experimental cocktails to large-format sharing punches. Bartenders Libby Lingua and Mitch Lyons (formerly of Barter & Shake Hospitality) lead the program, incorporating unexpected ingredients and house-made elements (such as Asian influences, coconut matcha, togarashi, etc.). One of the signature features is their large-format punch option, which invites guests to choose a base spirit and flavor profiles, optionally topped with champagne — ideal for group settings. Though the focus is clearly on drinks, they also offer wine, beer, and a small food/snack menu. Reservation is required or strongly recommended (especially for evenings). Their policies include 2-hour seating slots, a deposit for larger groups, and a no-show charge if canceled after opening. Highball is 21+ only (no minors), reinforcing a mature cocktail lounge atmosphere. Over time, Highball has collected recognition in Phoenix’s bar scene, and it tends to draw a mix of date nights, cocktail aficionados, and locals looking for a refined but welcoming bar experience.

Killer Whale Sex Club (KWSC) is a provocative, ambient cocktail bar on Roosevelt Row (Downtown Phoenix) that leans into theatricality and contrast. Though its name might raise eyebrows, it’s not a literal sex club — the concept is more playful, edgy, and tongue-in-cheek than literal. The exterior is striking: a bungalow-style building decorated in vivid murals (teal, magenta, orange) and a rearing Pegasus. Once inside, the atmosphere is moody and intimate — low lighting, lots of black & gold, candles, cozy couches, walls collage-clad with magazine cutouts, and unexpected art (shunga prints, Polaroids). The drink program blends humor and craftsmanship. Cocktails range from classics (Paloma, Cosmopolitan) to more adventurous house creations. One signature is The Hot Seat, a hibiscus-infused bourbon cherry sour. Another is Pornstar Punch (passionfruit, elderflower, yuzu). Though it’s primarily a cocktail bar, KWSC also offers food options: examples include Thai fried chicken buns, pork belly adobo fried rice, and occasionally black-bunned sandwiches. Because of its compact footprint, KWSC uses reservation policies to manage flow. They have a 90-minute seating slot, allow walk-ins when possible, and on Fridays/Saturdays there is a booking fee (which includes a welcome shot). The music is often loud, contributing to a high energy environment. Many reviews mention that it takes some time to “warm up” to the bar’s style and ethos. In summary: KWSC is for those who enjoy personality, edge, and surprise in their bar experiences. It’s not shy, it’s concept-driven, but the cocktails are taken seriously underneath the bold façade.

Grey Hen Rx sits as one of three themed cocktail destinations inside Century Grand, the ambitious multi-concept bar complex in Phoenix. It embraces a narrative steeped in 1920s New York Chinatown and vintage apothecary sensibility, combining old-world intrigue with bold, modern cocktail craft. The interior is moody and immersive: you’ll see subtle nods to Chinatown alleyways, apothecary aesthetic touches, dim lighting, dark wood, and intimate seating. The cocktail menu plays with evocative names and cross-cultural inspirations — for instance, “The Chop Suey,” “Wonton Soup” (yes, a cocktail), “Good Fortunes,” “Tom Kha,” and “Emperor Tea” are among the offerings. Grey Hen Rx doesn’t just lean cocktail — there’s a small plates / snack dimension, with shareable bites to accompany the drinks. It’s less about full meals and more about complementing the bar experience. In terms of flow and energy, Grey Hen is more relaxed (walk-ins accepted) compared to the reservation-intensive experiences at its sibling bars in Century Grand (like Platform 18). The concept is evocative and playful. For example, they sell curated bottles of whiskey & scotch “retail style” (i.e. bottles to take home) and sometimes frame the venue as a clandestine import shop or a hidden corner in the alleys of Chinatown. Grey Hen Rx’s hours vary: typically closed Mondays, open Tue–Thu from 4:00 PM to midnight, and Fri–Sun from ~2:30 PM to midnight. Because it’s inside the Century Grand umbrella, the bar benefits from shared creative direction and high production values (sound, lighting, theming) while maintaining its own identity. In short: Grey Hen Rx is for people who love narrative, concept bars, cocktail originality, and immersive environments — not just a place for a casual drink, but a place to let the story engage you.

Nestled behind curtains inside Wren & Wolf in downtown Phoenix, Trophy Room is not just a bar — it's a theatrical, immersive cocktail experience designed to engage all your senses. Enter via a dimly lit hallway, surrender your phone (it’s locked in a vintage card catalog), and step into a world where décor dominates: animal trophies, rifles, mounted antlers, and a chandelier fashioned from brass ammo casings all set the stage. Seats are limited (the bar holds around 30–40 guests per seating), and each reservation lasts 90 minutes — you’re invited into an episodic journey rather than just a night out. The cocktail menu is crafted to match the dramatic setting: expect bold, theatrical drinks with visual flair. Phones and cameras are strictly not allowed inside the main cocktail room — you’ll check them at the entrance, but the hallway before entry is photo-friendly so guests can capture the surroundings before the “unplugged” experience begins. Because no food is served inside Trophy Room, many guests dine at Wren & Wolf (the restaurant entrance) either before or after their cocktail session. The narrative theme leans into an animal kingdom / trophy lodge motif (rifles, mounted creatures, trophy cups) — matched by theatrical lighting, moody ambiance, and emphasis on decor as storytelling. Expect it to feel like a decadent, sensory escape: every corner, every drink, every artifact contributes to an overarching concept. If you’re in the mood for something beyond casual bar outings — something more immersive and artful — Trophy Room delivers.