Where are the best nightlife spots in Phoenix? Although most of the city’s thumping dance floors are heavily concentrated in the Scottsdale and Tempe areas, there are plenty of places to enjoy the nightlife in Phoenix. The choices are endless, and all you have to do is choose a location that will give you a heavenly experience. Whether you want to listen to music while relaxing, dance the whole night or drink until morning, the choice is yours. Here are some of the top-rated options in no given order of preference. Learn more here.
The Nash
The Nash is Phoenix’s only live music venue dedicated exclusively to jazz. Named after legendary Phoenix jazz drummer Lewis Nash, this intimate performance space hosts regular evening performances. You might hear everything from swing to experimental avant-garde jazz performances on a given night. The venue is owned and run by Jazz in AZ, a nonprofit organization with a mission to raise the profile of jazz music in Arizona. It looks like their mission is working, too, judging from the crowds of toe-tappers at this new and exciting new music venue. The Nash also hosts regular community events and educational programs. Learn more about Phoenix, AZ; The Home to Fine Dining Destination.
Cobra Arcade Bar
If vintage arcade games, craft beers, and cleverly-named cocktails sound like a great combination to you, plan a visit to Cobra Arcade Bar. As its name implies, this hybrid arcade and bar are situated in the Roosevelt Arts District in downtown Phoenix. Not only will you find dozens of vintage arcade games, including popular games like The Simpsons, Donkey Kong, and Double Dragon, but you’ll also find a bar serving up stiff cocktails with names like Crazy Kong and Game Over. Although the bar does not serve food, you can reboot with the gourmet food truck parked in front of the bar.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Bitter & Twisted is a welcome addition to the downtown Phoenix scene. This cocktail parlor, tucked away in the historic Luhrs building, promises to deliver hand-crafted cocktails made from scratch using the finest house-infused spirits. Stop in for globally inspired bar bites, live music, and an extensive cocktail selection featuring locally grown fruits and produce. Not sure what to order? Check out the handy bar guide on the menu, which will guide you to the perfect sweet, savory, or tangy drink. The stylish venue offers an intimate place to enjoy a nightcap with friends.
Valley Bar
Valley Bar is a rarity in Phoenix: a hip downtown bar that happens to be located in a basement. Basements are uncommon in the southwest, so it’s a treat to escape to the relaxed surroundings of a well-finished basement space – especially in the summer heat. The bar is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, just off Monroe and Central Avenue, and features lots of original woodwork and clean, hip decor. There is a game area with two Skeeball machines, vintage arcade video games, and board games, along with a performance space and separate lounge, The Rose Room. Come here for great hand-crafted cocktails, live music, and game nights with friends.
