Phoenix is home to one of the best nightlife cities in the US. Arizona itself is more than just the stereotypical desert landscape. Its history, culture, and geography span various interests, including Arizona road trip destinations and tourist attractions like the Musical Instrument Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Bright Angel Trail, and more. Here we’ve enlisted 15 best nightlife experiences in Phoenix, Arizona for a fun-filled night out while keeping safety in mind.
You get to define how your nightlife is going to be. There are relaxing and laidback experiences without the noisy crowd, and then there are events you can attend with a group. So come to Phoenix and immerse yourself in all that it has to offer.
Best Nightlife Experiences in Phoenix
Phoenix’s blistering heat and desert climate make it one of the most unique in the world, which also is a great description of the nightlife. We have compiled a list of some of the recommended nightlife destinations in Phoenix that will give you an incredible experience you don’t want to miss out on.
How about a quick peek into the top Arizona nightlife? Check out the slides below before you read on:
1. Crescent Ballroom
Take your nightlife experience in Phoenix to the next level by visiting the Crescent Ballroom; a mix of a concert hall, bar, and a gourmet kitchen. Located in downtown Phoenix, this venue hosts nightly music performances for free, with the ballroom hosting the nation’s best touring acts in a very intimate setting. The hardwood floors and vaulted brick ceilings add to its distinct ambiance. Order some delicious food and spend the evening enjoying the performances.
2. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
When the night falls, head over to Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour on W. Jefferson Street. Located within the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters at the famed Luhrs Building, this nightlife venue is a hip drinking spot and a stylish eatery with highly innovative cocktail programs and bar bites known across the globe. It boasts an impressive list of awards such as “Best Beverage Program” by the Arizona Restaurant Association, voted in the top 10 in “World’s Best Cocktail Menu” by Tales of the Cocktail, and “Best Cocktail Bar” by Phoenix Magazine.
3. The Womack
First-time travelers to Phoenix need to spend a night at The Womack, a bar that resembles a lounge from the 1960s, known for its classic cocktails and soulful music. The Womack was originally opened in 1963 by Andy Womack and Maureen Womack, formerly naming it Chez Nous Cocktail Lounge. Despite the changing of the name, it maintains the vibe of a 60s bar. Some come and enjoy an evening of live music paired with great drinks and food. Thus the Womack has become one of the best nightlife experiences in Phoenix.
4. Santisi Brothers Pizzeria & Sports Grill
Come here with a group of friends and catch the game while enjoying great food and drinks. They serve pre-game starters that will warm up your appetite, with selections like cheesy garlic bread, five cheese spinach artichoke dip, and Italian nachos, among many others. Their menu features authentic New York pizza, Buffalo wings, Boar’s Head deli dubs, calzones, strombolis, among many other incredible choices. All their food is designed and cooked to perfection by their talented cooking team. Enjoy this amazing food while watching the game on one of their 100 TVs. Check out what sporting events are on while in Phoenix, and come spend an evening here.
5. The Nash
Named after legendary Phoenix native Lewis Nash, The Nash has been voted by Downbeat Magazine as one of the top jazz venues in the United States. Hosting jazz performances year-round, they make it their goal to celebrate the rich history of jazz through performances and educational programs. So if you’re a jazz lover, come and catch a show and one of their masterclasses or clinics.
6. UnderTow
Undertow puts up a strong argument to be the top nightlife destination for anyone headed to Phoenix. This nautical adventure bar opened in August 2016 and has already made its mark as one of the best cocktail bars in the US, let alone Phoenix. Winner of “Best Cocktail Bar” by Phoenix Magazine, “Best Cocktail” by Arizona Restaurant Association. But their drinks aren’t just what set it apart, it’s the environment. The bar takes you on a journey through a spice trader’s Clipper ship as you follow the adventures of their Captain John Mallory. So come for an evening of adventure as you enjoy their world-class cocktails and rare rums from around the world.
7. Cobra Arcade Bar
If you love vintage arcade games, then come check out Cobra Arcade Bar. With a vast selection of retro games, including classics such as Mortal Kombat, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, and NBA Jam. It’s perfect for those who want to have a relaxing evening playing some games and drinking a nice cocktail or beer. Not only that, you can grab a bite to eat at one of their food trucks on location.
8. Angels Trumpet Ale House
Phoenix’s Angels Trumpet Ale House is the perfect evening destination for those who love craft beers. Offering one the best beer selections in the valley, including microbrews you won’t find anywhere else. They also provide a great food menu that includes crispy fried pork riblets, crispy spam sliders, BBQ brisket grilled cheese, house-made pop-tarts, and much more. They also have an outside patio, which is the perfect spot to have a laid-back evening.
9. Lustre Bar
Spend an evening at the only rooftop lounge in downtown Phoenix, Lustre. Beautifully designed, this bar offers a wide array of drinks crafted by their specialists. Paired with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, along with beautiful views of the city, you will be on cloud nine. Named among the “Top 50 Rooftop Bars Around the World” by U.S. News, this is a must- visit location.
10. Highball
Opening less than a year ago, Highball is making a name for itself, being featured in Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley 2021 July issue as “Best New Cocktail Bar.” Opened by the former mixologist of Undertow, who is now crafting some of the best cocktails at Highball. So spend a night here and enjoy their selection of delicious and unique cocktails and see what is making it such a hot new destination.
11. Arizona Party Bike
If you are looking for something fun and unique, book a spot on Arizona’s Party Bike. Arizona’s number one pedal pub crawl experience, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with a group of friends, birthday, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Enjoy the music, lights, and drinks as your guide will take you to three of the best downtown pubs in Phoenix. You can book individual seats or groups of up to 15.
12. Bar Smith
Bar Smith is a two-level nightclub and rooftop bar in Phoenix. The DJs create an exciting atmosphere as you enjoy the music and beautiful views of the city from the rooftop. So stop by Bar Smith and grab a drink and make sure you’re ready to dance.
13. The Duce
Oddly designed for some, beautiful for the rest. The Duce has turned a warehouse in downtown Phoenix into a jazz-inspired lounge, hosting incredible shows and offering delicious food. Inside you will find a restaurant, gym, full bar, coffee bar, old-fashioned soda fountain, and shopping space for fresh organic products. An excellent spot to hang out for the night and enjoy all that it has to offer.
14. Bikini Lounge
One of the oldest bars in Phoenix, opening in 1947, this Tiki-themed lounge maintains its Polynesian vibe and boasts drink prices that have barely changed since its opening. It takes pride in its history and claims itself as the best bar in town. The ambiance is funky, fun, and friendly, with DJs each night. If you’re looking for a more intimate crowd, this is the perfect spot because it is a smaller bar when compared to the rest.
15. Valley Bar
The last of our 15 best nightlife experiences in Phoenix is Valley Bar. In downtown Phoenix, you can find Valley Bar, located in the basement of a notable downtown building that was constructed in 1949. The perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, live shows, and vintage arcade games.
Don’t Forget Accommodation
While caught up in searching for the best nightlife options in Phoenix, you can forget to figure out where you’re going to stay. Our platform Rental Trader makes it easy for you to find the perfect accommodation so that while you’re here, you can enjoy Phoenix to the fullest. We offer accommodations across the U.S., so to get started, head over to Rental Trader. If you want to know more, you can contact us with any questions you may have.
