Nightlife
The Valley has its share of posh dance clubs in Scottsdale, dive bars in Tempe, and gritty downtown pubs in Phoenix. As in any metro area, there is something for everyone.
Locals tend to switch it up: a wine bar one night, belly up to the neighborhood bar the next. There’s enough diversity of late-night hangouts in most communities for even the pickiest drinker. Major entertainment venues are also spread throughout the Valley, so driving to shows never seems to take that long.
Phoenix has been knocked in past years for being soft on live music. Smaller cities like Austin, Nashville, and Cleveland get far more recognition. However, the Valley has its share of concert venues. You can catch national acts at places as small as the hole-in-wall Rhythm Room or as massive as Jobing.com Arena in Glendale. The big acts find their way here, and on any given week you could have your choice of Lady Gaga, the Black Keys, Roger Waters, or Alison Krauss. Major comedy acts are the same way. Huge stars like Jay Mohr, Jimmy Kimmel, David Spade, and Frank Caliendo all have ties to Phoenix.
Some places charge a cover. But so many wouldn’t dare. You have options here. It’s worth getting away from the major thoroughfares like Scottsdale Road and Mill Avenue once in a while to explore some lesser-known bars. Popular bars and nightclubs are packed for a reason, but going to one doesn’t necessarily make for a unique night in Phoenix. If you’re single, this is a great area to meet someone on romantic nights out. There are so many young professionals from other parts of the country.
Our recommendations for clubs, bars, live music spots, comedy clubs, breweries, and other hangouts are just a starting point. It’s a mix of the trendy and more obscure, from local favorites to places that please Valley rookies. So, cheers. Here’s to your night out.
1. Armadillo Grill
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 287-0700
Address: 1904 E. Camelback Rd.
Description: The food is outstanding at this neighborhood bar known for its solid service, great drink specials, and off-track horserace betting windows. “The Dillo” also has 34 TVs, pool tables, and other games to keep you occupied. The cool misters around the patio facing Camelback Road help in the summer if you want to drink outside. Half-price appetizers like calamari, Armadillo Gold chicken wings, and the bar’s excellent Cajun fried pickles are available during happy hour, 4 to 7 p.m. and again 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Each night features different specials, like Mexican Hump Day on Wednesday, with $3 margaritas and $2.50 Mexican beers.
2. District American Kitchen & Wine Bar
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 817-5400
Address: 320 N. 3rd St.
Description: In most cities, the hotel bar isn’t known as the most happening place. The District is different. It’s a local hangout, but always filled with visitors from out of town. The drink specials and menu are excellent. You won’t spend much money during happy hour, 3 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Mon to Sat, when snacks like buffalo sloppy joe sliders and mac-n-cheese with local Schreiner’s sausage beer hots are less than $6. There’s usually a band or disc jockey playing live in the corner of the modern bar, located right near Arizona Center. Forget the Bud Light when beers like Nimbus oatmeal stout and Oak Creek nut brown ale are $3.
3. Film Bar
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 595-9187
Address: 815 N. 2nd St.
Insider Pick:
Description: This might be the most innovative bar in Phoenix. Film Bar screens independent movies as you sample 30 different craft beers and 15 different wines. Tickets are $7, matinees $5, and $3 Monday. The bar is separate from the soundproof auditorium, which seats 85. The film house opened in February 2011 to wild acclaim in downtown Phoenix, adding to the cultural scene in the walkable urban area near the Roosevelt art galleries. If sitting at the bar and staring at a ballgame bores you, check out this place for art films and cult classics.
4. Char’S Has The Blues
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 230-0205
Address: 4631 N. 7th Ave.
Description: Char’s is a friendly, crowded, smoky nightspot where the blues make you sweat and the brews cool you off. Local journalists have voted it “Best Blues R&B Bar” for years. Arrive early to get a good seat. You’re not here to see concerts, but to dance on the postage-stamp-size dance floor when one of the local bands gets really hot. There’s live music 7 nights a week. When the bands take a break, the atmosphere is conducive to conversation as in a regular corner bar with a pool table, darts, and TVs.
5. Rhythm Room
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 265-4842
Address: 1019 E. Indian School Rd.
Description: As its name suggests, this is the place for rhythm and blues. The dive bar, located in what appears to be an old house/office in a less than desirable neighborhood north of downtown, features national acts and popular local musicians. There’s lots of seating and no fighting for a parking place either. Live music is scheduled almost every night, with shows starting around 8 or 9 p.m. Some shows are free, and those that aren’t cost around $10. Drinks are also cheap.
6. The Merc Bar
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 508-9449
Address: 2525 E. Camelback Rd.
Description: They don’t advertise, but look for the Merc at the back of Camelback Esplanade beside Hillstone restaurant. A funky little neon sign with a flashing martini glass lets you know you’ve arrived. Inside are plush leather sofas and a dark ambience with candlelit tables perfect for intimate conversation. Choose from a long list of specialty martinis. The Merc Bar doesn’t exactly have a dress code, but business casual should make you feel at home.
7. Ashley Furniture Homestore Pavilion
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 254-7200
Address: 2121 N. 83rd Ave.
Description: And you thought Jobing.com Arena or University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale were funky names. The former Cricket Wireless Pavilion remains a major draw for national rock acts. When it opened in 1990, this amphitheater (first called Desert Sky Pavilion) was touted as a year-round venue. After all, the Valley’s weather would make outdoor wintertime concerts viable. The pavilion holds 22,000 people at capacity. The sound is pretty good, especially at dead center in the covered seats. The Allman Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, and Kings of Leon have all rocked the crowd here.
8. Celebrity Theatre
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 267-1600
Address: 440 N. 32nd St.
Description: When it opened as the Star Theatre in the 1960s, this venue was the height of chic, a theater-in-the-round setup with a stage that rotates on a turntable (though some acts opt not to have it turn). For many years it was the premier small hall (about 2,500 seats) in Phoenix, especially for acts that could take advantage of its intimacy. The sound system strains when a heavy act plays here, but when the act is more mellow, the effect is absolute magic. Celebrity isn’t as well known as other top music venues, but it draws its share of major acts. Catch artists like Lyle Lovett, comedian Mike Epps, or bands like Muse on the cheap.
9. Orpheum Theater
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 262-7272
Address: 203 W. Adams St.
Description: The city of Phoenix bought this ancient (in Valley terms) movie theater in 1984 and reopened it in 1997 after $14 million in cleaning and refurbishing. Originally opened in 1929, the theater has furnishings and decor that hark back to the era when movie-going was meant to be an experience. The 1,364-seat theater is now home to a variety of theatrical and dance events and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It even shows the occasional old-time silent film. But the main stage has emerged as an excellent place for low-key national music acts like David Byrne and Monsters of Folk.
10. Us Airways Center
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 379-7800
Address: 201 E. Jefferson St.
Description: Built as the home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury basketball teams, the US Airways Center can hold about 19,000 people in the basketball configuration and a few thousand fewer for concerts, depending on the size of the performers’ stage. For the best views and sound, you’ll want to avoid the floor and the upper bowl. Big shows have included Roger Waters’ latest performance of “The Wall,” Lady Gaga, and pro wrestling. This is the arena of all arenas in the Valley. There are 3 lounges inside for cocktails.
11. The Compound Grill
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (480) 585-5483
Address: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd.
Description: Run by the same folks who run McDowell Mountain Music Festival, this north Scottsdale bar hosts some of the most intimate concerts in town. You’re able to stand with a pint of beer right in front of the tiny stage, watching top performers up close. After the show performers tend to hang around the bar and mingle with guests. Acts range from Grateful Dead tribute bands to more nationally recognized rock bands. The food and drink selection is also outstanding. The seating and decor are modern, but the place still has a classic bohemian vibe, especially with the acts it books.
12. Armadillo Grill
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 287-0700
Address: 1904 E. Camelback Rd.
Description: The food is outstanding at this neighborhood bar known for its solid service, great drink specials, and off-track horserace betting windows. “The Dillo” also has 34 TVs, pool tables, and other games to keep you occupied. The cool misters around the patio facing Camelback Road help in the summer if you want to drink outside. Half-price appetizers like calamari, Armadillo Gold chicken wings, and the bar’s excellent Cajun fried pickles are available during happy hour, 4 to 7 p.m. and again 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Each night features different specials, like Mexican Hump Day on Wednesday, with $3 margaritas and $2.50 Mexican beers.
13. District American Kitchen & Wine Bar
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 817-5400
Address: 320 N. 3rd St.
Description: In most cities, the hotel bar isn’t known as the most happening place. The District is different. It’s a local hangout, but always filled with visitors from out of town. The drink specials and menu are excellent. You won’t spend much money during happy hour, 3 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Mon to Sat, when snacks like buffalo sloppy joe sliders and mac-n-cheese with local Schreiner’s sausage beer hots are less than $6. There’s usually a band or disc jockey playing live in the corner of the modern bar, located right near Arizona Center. Forget the Bud Light when beers like Nimbus oatmeal stout and Oak Creek nut brown ale are $3.
14. Film Bar
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 595-9187
Address: 815 N. 2nd St.
Insider Pick:
Description: This might be the most innovative bar in Phoenix. Film Bar screens independent movies as you sample 30 different craft beers and 15 different wines. Tickets are $7, matinees $5, and $3 Monday. The bar is separate from the soundproof auditorium, which seats 85. The film house opened in February 2011 to wild acclaim in downtown Phoenix, adding to the cultural scene in the walkable urban area near the Roosevelt art galleries. If sitting at the bar and staring at a ballgame bores you, check out this place for art films and cult classics.
15. Char’S Has The Blues
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (602) 230-0205
Address: 4631 N. 7th Ave.
Description: Char’s is a friendly, crowded, smoky nightspot where the blues make you sweat and the brews cool you off. Local journalists have voted it “Best Blues R&B Bar” for years. Arrive early to get a good seat. You’re not here to see concerts, but to dance on the postage-stamp-size dance floor when one of the local bands gets really hot. There’s live music 7 nights a week. When the bands take a break, the atmosphere is conducive to conversation as in a regular corner bar with a pool table, darts, and TVs.