Searching for Bars near me in Phoenix? Phoenix bars range from award-winning speakeasies and immersive tiki lounges to late-night dive bars and downtown rooftops. Cocktail-focused spots cluster along Central Avenue and Indian School Road, while live music anchors the Van Buren corridor. Most downtown venues are walkable from the light rail.
What are you looking for?
Choose by need or distance.
See the best nearby match
Share your location to sort the featured places by straight-line distance. Your location stays in this browser and is not saved.
Prefer not to share location? Choose a starting point
Three standout options
Choose by more than stars
Ratings provide context. The ranking also compares the decisions that matter for bars.
Compare the top 10
Compare the best-supported service details, then open a place for the full trade-offs.
| # | Place | Best for | Drinks | Atmosphere | Noise | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Grand | Big-group nights out | Cocktails, coffee, and light fare menu | Group and party fit with varied spaces | Lively to loud on weekend nights | 4.3 (1,667) |
| 2 | Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour | Craft-cocktail deep dive | Extensive craft cocktails, premium spirits, craft beers, wines, plus bar bites | Date or small-group cocktail exploration | Moderate parlour atmosphere | 4.5 (1,892) |
| 3 | Valley Bar | Underground live music | Cocktail lounge with full bar | Local and lively music-lover crowd | Loud during performances, moderate in lounge | 4.4 (3,060) |
| 4 | 36 Below | Immersive date-night speakeasy | Avant-garde themed cocktails, seasonal menus | Date night or small celebration | — | 4.6 (1,035) |
| 5 | Rips Bar | All-day dive-bar hangout | Mixed drinks at dive-bar prices | Casual local dive with art-filled walls | Lively to loud during events | 4.4 (1,299) |
| 6 | Diablo Rooftop | Downtown rooftop views | Full bar; cocktail-focused rooftop menu | Open-air rooftop setting | — | 4.4 (1,057) |
| 7 | Gracie’s Tax Bar | Budget-friendly local hangout | Affordable mixed drinks and beer | Relaxed local hangout with games | — | 4.6 (1,012) |
| 8 | Crescent Ballroom | Touring-act concert nights | Lounge bar available during shows | Concert-goer and music-lover crowd | Loud during performances | 4.6 (3,991) |
| 9 | Eden Rooftop Bar | Daytime rooftop cocktails | Rooftop cocktail bar with full menu | Desert-inspired rooftop escape | — | 4.6 (659) |
| 10 | Highball | Award-winning cocktail craft | Avant-garde cocktails, deep spirits list | Cocktail-forward crowd, industry professionals welcome | Described as cozy lounge environment | 4.8 (421) |
Top 10 explained
1The Grand
Big-group nights outPart bar, part nightclub, The Grand offers multiple zones indoors and out, two hidden speakeasies, weekly themed nights (karaoke Wednesday, Latin Thursday), and small bites—all with no cover. The official site describes the space as living ‘somewhere in between’ a bar and nightclub.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- The Grand – Phoenix — official page; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- The Grand (@thegrandaz) • Instagram photos and videos — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- The Grand – Phoenix, AZ — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
2Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Craft-cocktail deep diveBitter & Twisted occupies the historic Luhrs Building—once Arizona’s Prohibition headquarters—with an extensive craft-cocktail menu and innovative bar bites. The bar lists accolades including placement on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2022, a Pinnacle Guide 2-Pin rating, and Tales of the Cocktail recognition.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour: Award-winning Hospitality … — official page; business general; checked 2026-09-04
- Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour – Bars — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour | Downtown Phoenix — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
3Valley Bar
Underground live musicValley Bar is a basement venue showcasing live music, comedy, spoken word, and film alongside a cocktail lounge and game room. The official site and listing confirm a regular calendar of touring and local acts. Capacity is roughly 250 in the Music Hall.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Valley Bar | Downtown Phoenix, AZ – Live Music Venue & Night Club in … — official page; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- VALLEY BAR – Updated September 2026 – 487 Photos & 514 Reviews — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- FAQ – Valley Bar | Downtown Phoenix, AZ — search snippet; business general; checked 2026-09-04
436 Below
Immersive date-night speakeasyHidden beneath Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, 36 Below is an underground speakeasy with themed seasonal cocktails and an intimate private room seating up to 12. The venue describes itself as a ‘Walipini-style lounge’ with seasonal immersive transformations. Reservations via OpenTable are strongly recommended given the small footprint.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- 36 Below – Must-Try Cocktail Bar in Phoenix, AZ — official page; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- 36 BELOW – Updated September 2026 – 1147 Photos & 450 Reviews — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- 36 Below – Phoenix, AZ – OpenTable — search snippet; unverified branch; checked 2026-09-04
5Rips Bar
All-day dive-bar hangoutRips Bar opens at 8 AM and runs until 2 AM seven days a week, making it one of the most accessible options on this list. The art-filled old-school dive features DJs and a $10–20 price range that undercuts most downtown spots.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- RIPS BAR – Updated September 2026 – 92 Photos & 143 … — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- RIPs BAR – HOME — search snippet; business general; checked 2026-09-04
- Rips Bar, 3045 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, US — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
6Diablo Rooftop
Downtown rooftop viewsDiablo Rooftop delivers open-air drinking with downtown Phoenix views, open seven nights a week. At $20–30, pricing is mid-range for a rooftop. The venue is part of a two-level location with Diablo Phoenix below.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Diablo Rooftop – Cocktail Bars — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Diablo Phoenix – Food & Alcoholic Beverages — search snippet; unverified branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Diablo From the Roof Top (@diablorooftop) — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
7Gracie’s Tax Bar
Budget-friendly local hangoutA former tax office turned neighborhood bar, Gracie’s Tax Bar keeps things affordable at $10–20, with a jukebox, board games, finger foods, and sandwiches. The venue states it is open 362 days a year until 2 AM.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- GRACIE’S TAX BAR — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Gracie’s Tax Bar – Yelp — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Gracie’s Tax Bar in Phoenix, AZ United States – Apple Maps — search snippet; unverified branch; checked 2026-09-04
8Crescent Ballroom
Touring-act concert nightsCrescent Ballroom is a dedicated live-music venue hosting touring indie, rock, and alternative acts alongside a lounge bar. Its official site shows a regular calendar of announced shows. Hours vary by show; check the calendar for door times and ticket requirements.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Upcoming Shows – Crescent Ballroom PHX — official page; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Crescent Ballroom menu photos – Music Venues — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Crescent Ballroom | Phoenix AZ — search snippet; unverified branch; checked 2026-09-04
9Eden Rooftop Bar
Daytime rooftop cocktailsEden Rooftop Bar opens as early as 10 AM on weekends, offering a desert-inspired setting above downtown Phoenix. The venue describes itself as inspired by the Verde River and Arizona desert colors, with private event capabilities and skyline views. Reservations are available by phone.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Bars in Phoenix AZ – Eden Bar — official page; business general; checked 2026-09-04
- Eden Rooftop Bar menu photos — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Rooftop Restaurants Phoenix – Eden Bar — search snippet; business general; checked 2026-09-04
10Highball
Award-winning cocktail craftHighball describes itself as a cozy, elevated neighborhood cocktail bar led by veteran bartenders. The venue’s site lists multiple Tales of the Cocktail regional honors including Best U.S. Cocktail Bar – West (2024, 2025) and Best U.S. Bar Team – West (2023–2025). Reservations are recommended.
Sources and verification
Public-source research, not an on-site visit. Branch-specific policies should be confirmed with the venue.
- Highball: Must-Try Bar in Phoenix, AZ — official page; business general; checked 2026-09-04
- HIGHBALL – Updated September 2026 – 517 Photos & 170 Reviews — search snippet; branch; checked 2026-09-04
- Highball – Phoenix, AZ – OpenTable — search snippet; unverified branch; checked 2026-09-04
Ranks 11–20
Show 24 more local optionsAdditional qualified places · tap to expand+
Frequently asked questions
Do Phoenix bars require reservations, or can I walk in?
It depends on the venue. Smaller cocktail bars like Highball, 36 Below, and Little Rituals strongly recommend reservations due to limited seating. Larger spots like The Grand, Rips Bar, and Gracie’s Tax Bar generally welcome walk-ins.
Which Phoenix bars stay open latest on weekends?
Rips Bar is open daily until 2 AM starting at 8 AM. The Grand’s official site lists hours until 2 AM on Friday through Sunday. Valley Bar, Gracie’s Tax Bar, and Diablo Rooftop list hours until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday. Always check holiday schedules before visiting.
Are there affordable bars in Phoenix, or are cocktails always expensive?
Several spots keep prices at $10–20 per person, including Gracie’s Tax Bar, Rips Bar, and The Little Woody. The Dirty Drummer runs weekday happy-hour specials with $5 well drinks and discounted beer and wine from 2–6 PM Monday through Friday.
