Ever get the feeling that there are so many cool Phoenix bars you just don't know about? Well, we're here to help! These speakeasies in Phoenix are usually only frequented by locals, but if you know, you know.
The Valley can sometimes feel like a ghost town because so many of the coolest bars are tucked away, so wandering the streets provides little to no help in finding a cool spot for a cocktail.
Some of these bars are such well-kept secrets that you need detailed directions in order to even find them. Others have such small spaces that you'll likely want a reservation before going because it can be so difficult to find seating.
These Phoenix speakeasy-style bars are well worth the visit, though. From the incredible cocktails to the impeccable atmosphere, you'll likely want to keep these secret bars to yourself.
Don't worry if you can't find some of these hidden gems immediately — they're supposed to be difficult to locate. You've got this!
Valley Bar
Price: 💸💸
Address: 130 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: This alley bar is half nightclub and half chill speakeasy. You can't miss the bright red glowing neon sign in the alley. Head through the door and down a steep set of stairs and you'll arrive at the underground bar.
The Rose Room is a cozy spot with sofas backed by shelves full of books and board games. There are eight beers on tap and a comprehensive cocktail menu with interesting concoctions and tons of wines.
The Valley Bar also has a games area where you can play pinball, billiards and skeeball. It's also home to a music hall that hosts concerts, stand-up comedy shows and spoken word sessions.
Melinda's Alley
Price: 💸💸
Address: Renaissance Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: This hidden hotel bar is steeped in history. It's located in the basement of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, amid the concrete foundation of the original Adams Hotel that opened in 1896. It's named after Malinda Curtis, an interesting character who lived in the area in the early 1900s.
To find the entrance, look for the huge mural of Malinda in the alley between North Central Avenue and North First Street. Enter the door lit by a single red light bulb and follow the stairs down to the bar. Inside you'll find vintage couches and a bar awash in dim red light.
Melinda's Alley has a rotating menu of four cocktails each week, plus the staple old fashioned that's always available. The cocktails are rarely repeated on the menu, so you can try something new every time you go.
The Little Woody
Price: 💸💸
Address: 4228 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: This tucked-away bar is located in one of the oldest continuously operated bar spaces in Phoenix. There's no signage to speak of — just an owl head sign in the window beside a nondescript door.
Step inside and you'll find yourself in a room with tons of wood, low lights and furniture you might expect to see in someone's basement. The space also has pool tables, games and TVs that display sports games.
There's a huge whiskey list, plus plenty of beers and seltzers to choose from. They also serve bar bites like spicy corn nuts, meatballs and mac 'n' cheese.
UnderTow Arcadia
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: Suite 100, 3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: Located inside the Century Grand in Arcadia, this speakeasy goes above and beyond just slinging drinks. It offers an entirely immersive experience where you feel like you're on an old ship. Videos and sound add to the experience.
The menu focuses on rare rums, tropical drinks and contemporary concoctions that go along with the bar's theme of Captain Mallory's adventures at sea.
UnderTow does not take walk-ins, so you'll have to book in advance. There's a $20 prepaid beverage minimum that will be applied to your bill. Seatings are for 90 minutes only.
Pigtails
Price: 💸💸
Address: #128, 1 E. Washington St. & Suite 46-1405, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: There are two Pigtails locations in Phoenix, and both of them are hidden speakeasy bars that can be tricky to find. The Downtown location is squirreled away in CityScape behind a small seafood bar on Central Avenue. The other is in Desert Ridge Marketplace and has a secret exit that looks like a bookshelf.
Both locations have living plant walls, soft lighting and tons of drinks on offer. Whether you're into light and refreshing or bold and boozy, they have something to suit all tastes.
The drinks are the main stars at Pigtails, but there are also bites to go with the beverages. Guests can snack on small plates like fresh oysters and Korean-style chicken wings.
Sanctum
Price: 💸💸
Address: 718 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ
Why You Need To Go: Only open six hours a week, this speakeasy asks that you enter their Prohibition-era themed space "with an open mind." It's located on the top floor of The Grand and primarily functions as a private rental space. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, they open the doors to the public from 9 p.m. to midnight if it isn't already booked as a private rental.
To get to Sanctum, you'll have to enter The Grand and find the flight of stairs in the back that leads to the tiny bar decked out in velvet walls and vintage furnishings. Slide up to the bar and have the bartender whip you up a custom creation.
Sanctum does not take reservations, so you'll want to get there early to ensure you can snag a spot. There is a two-drink minimum spend per person.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on February 28, 2020.
