Sip & Seek: 12 Arizona Bars Off the Beaten Path


Hi there! I’m Aiesha, and I’ve been a content creator for over eight years. I’m an Arizona native who loves exploring the state’s hidden gems. I’m here to inspire you to discover your own, and to share the ones I find with people who love Arizona as much as I do!


Here are 12 bars in Phoenix, Arizona you need to try:

1. Killer Whale S*x Club

Click here to watch video

Address: 922 N 6th St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 – Look for the house with teal and magenta Mandalas. Enter through the door on 6th street. Ride sharing is strongly encouraged but street parking is available along 6th street and metered parking along Roosevelt.
Hours: Open everyday from 6pm to 2am
Reservations HIGHLY encouraged.

Starting off strong! Killer Whale S*x Club is a Phoenix staple and before you scroll to the next bar this is not an actual sex bar. This bar is known for its dark, edgy, moody, and sexy theme! Prepare for amazing cocktails, delicious bites, great music and vibes! If you’re not a fan of crowded places you can skip this one.

2. 36 Below

Click here to watch video

Address: 3620 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 – Located inside Sip Coffee and Beer Garage.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 3pm to 12am, Friday 3pm to 1am, Saturday 2pm to 1am, Sunday 2pm to 12am
Reservations encouraged

You’ve found your escape.

36 Below is a speakeasy, hidden in plain sight. The creation of 36 Below drew its inspiration from the 36th verse in Genesis, which details the creation story. Indulge your senses and escape reality with unique and enticing cocktails, wine and beer—and non-alcoholic beverages! Small bites like charcuterie board, mixed olives, and nut medley will tantalize your taste buds as you sip from one of our many custom drink creations.

3. UnderTow

Click here to watch video

Address: 3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 – Located inside Century Grand
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm to 12am
Reservations encouraged

Undertow is a nautical-inspired craft cocktail bar serving tiki-style drinks. They don’t offer food service or dining experience, but you can grab a meal from one of the nearby restaurants before or after your visit. Two locations: one in Gilbert and one in Phoenix. This place is truly an immersive experience!

4. 50 Shades of Rose

Click here to watch video

Address: 7419 E Indian Plaza Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Hours: Monday 8pm to 2am, Wednesday through Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday 12pm to 2am, Sunday 12pm to 12am
Reservations encouraged

50 Shades of Rose is a fun and flirty cocktail bar that’s perfect for both day and night. From a daytime party atmosphere with floral cocktails and delicious chef-driven menu, to a nighttime intimate nightclub that features neon lights and expertly mixed cocktails, 50 Shades of Rose is the perfect place for an instagram-worthy glam shot.

5. Stardust Pinbar

Click here to watch video

Stardust Pinbar is a speakeasy hidden inside Ziggy’s Pizza place. Walk through the walk-in fridge and into the bar, where you’ll find pinball machines, crazy neon colored walls, a color-changing disco floor, and vintage movies playing on the wall behind the bar. The atmosphere is casual and chill—you can eat inside or chill outside in their patio area. There is no better combination than a drink and pizza!

6. The Pemberton PHX

Click here to watch video

Address: 1121 N 2nd St Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Hours: Wednesday + Thursday 5pm to 11pm, Friday 5pm to 1am, Saturday 12pm to 1am, Sunday 12 to 11pm (Closed Monday + Tuesday)
No reservation required.

This Phoenix destination has to be the coolest! The Pemberton is an outdoor food, beverage, retail, and art collective located at the historical Sara H. Pemberton House. You can try different drinks from more than one vendor and check out try different bites. When you visit the Pemberton I highly encourage you to simply wander, explore, and discover all its hidden treasures! You can also check their website for upcoming community events.

7. Pigtails

Click here to watch video

Address: 1 E Washington St, Ste 128, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
Hours: Monday through Thursday 4pm to 12am, Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday 2pm to 2am, Sunday 2pm to 10pm`
No reservations required.

Pigtails is a locally-owned speakeasy hidden throughout the greater Phoenix area. This small gem offers classic and creative cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages that don’t taste like apple juice. Don’t skip out on the food! They’ve got a raw bar and other tasty dishes like their popular spinach & artichoke dip, taquitos, and charcuterie board! The atmosphere at Pigtails is more on the relax side but it does tend to get packed on the weekends.

8. Platform 18

Click here to watch video

Address: 3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 – Located inside Century Grand
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm to 12am
Reservations highly recommended, walk-ins welcome.

Enjoy elevated cocktails and an experience like no other—ride in a presidential pullman train car inspired by the early 20th Century. This is not your typical bar experience; this is a 90 minute immersive journey that will transport you through the Rocky Mountains. You’ll be able to chose from over 45 different elevated cocktails. Friendly reminder Platform 18 does not serve food.

9. Winegirl Scottsdale

Click here to watch video

Address: 4205 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 3:30pm to 9:30pm, Thursday 11:30am to 10pm, Friday + Saturday from 11:30pm to 12am, Sunday 11:30pm to 9pm
Reservations recommended.

This locally-owned and operated bar is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of your favorite red or white. At Winegirl, you’ll find light and boho vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion—including bachelorette parties, birthdays, bridal showers, or just about any other excuse to drink wine with friends. Winegirl offers locally sourced small bites including flatbreads and charcuterie boards, as well as wine on tap and beer so you can enjoy both at once. It’s more of a girls place than anything else—so if you’re looking for a spot where only women will be hanging out, this might be the place for you!

10. Champang Lanes

Click here to watch video

Address: 903 N 2nd St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 4pm to 12am, Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday 11am to 2am, Sunday 11am to 12am
No reservations required.

Champang Lanes is a fun, 70’s inspired restaurant and bar with a delicious Asian-inspired menu and variety of fresh cocktail drinks. The atmosphere is very vibrant and colorful with a disco ball chandelier hanging above the bar area. There are even bowling lanes, pinball machines, and pool tables available! Champang Lanes also has brunch (Sat-Sun 11am-2pm) and drag brunch shows. Such a fun spot to go out with friends and family or if you’re celebrating a special occasion!

11. Grey Hen Rx

Click here to watch video

Address: 3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 – Located inside Century Grand
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm to 12am
Reservations recommend, walk-ins welcome.

If you’re looking for an apothecary cocktail bar, look no further than Grey Hen Rx. When you walk into Grey Hen Rx, you’ll be transported back to the 19th century with its cozy decor and impeccable vibes. But don’t let the quaint atmosphere fool you: their drinks are deceptively smooth, so make sure to plan a Lyft or Uber! The mixologists were extremely knowledgeable about their menu and happy to chat with us about all of the ingredients in each drink.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy some of the best cocktails in town with friends or just by yourself (we won’t judge), this is the spot! Just remember that these drinks are strong and pack quite a punch—so plan ahead!

12. Palma

Click here to watch video

Address: 903 N 2nd St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11am to 12am, Thursday 11am to 1am, Friday 11am to 1am, Saturday + Sunday 10am to 12am
Reservations recommended.

It’s a little bit of paradise, right in the middle of downtown Phoenix. The cocktail bar that feels like a private oasis, Palma, is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a relaxing drink. This Japanese-inspired bar has Palm Springs beach vibes, with its lush decor and cool ambience.

The staff goes above and beyond to make sure your experience at Palma is top-notch—from pouring your drinks with care to helping you find just the right dish for your taste buds (and maybe even making some recommendations).

Leave a Reply

Scroll to Top

Discover more from Aiesha Beasley

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading