The bartender told our group that they are not set up to be a tiki bar and can't make any tiki drinks. There was in total maybe about 10 people in the bar. What is the point of coming to a tiki bar that can only pour beers? Would not recommended read more

This is a cool bar but the drinks are horrible, if your going to drink stick to straight shots and beer. We asked if they had signature cocktail's the bartender said no but then handed us a menu with different drinks on it Anya's m anyway, I was there to secret shop the service and it was awful, when we ordered one of the drinks from the menu he handed us he looked frustrated this was About a 20 oz drink it was so sweet you could hardly drink it, he added less than an oz of alcohol then filled it with juice and stuff from the gun. I ordered a vodka Red Bull again poured less than an oz of alcohol filled it with redbull then added ice they were so overpriced and not worth the money unbalanced weak and overpriced I asked about green tea shots so we tried those it was so sour again hard to drink I'm not sure he put any alcohol in those. When asked if they had food or a kitchen he rudely said no. We weren't Id'd at the door or the bar Cool venue very very poor service and awful drinks. Wouldn't recommend it unless you want to just drink beer. read more

Good drinks, fun bartenders, and nice location. Tiki themed. It was reasonably priced. Note that they're cash only!

Originally went to this place after reading a Yelp review from 2010 that was so funny it made me both cry and pee my pants. Once I had visited Bikini Lounge, I Loved everything about it! Here are some tips: Watch out for the homeless guys eyeballing you, your car and your girlfriend in and around the "parking lot" -- They'll murder you and your date for fun, leaving your bodies in the abandoned motel across the street, then steal your car, eventually picking up hookers and blow with the spare cash you left in the console before selling your jacked stereo system to an undercover cop, fleeing the scene while being pursued by and opening fire on a police helicopter, eventually crashing your car into the Salt River, being arrested, and telling the cops that you're a demon and that you made them do it. Try to keep your hands off of the fucked up rusty ass metal front door that you'll probably cut yourself on. I'm certain there's MERSA, SARS, Ebola and Bird Flu all over that thing. Let your eyes adjust before getting too far inside. I'm pretty sure there are only two lights in the whole place, one of which illuminates the front of the coin operated porn photo dispenser in the men's room (another story). Do NOT ask if they take credit, unless you like to get punched in the mouth by your bartenders. That lady will sucker punch you, then jump over the bar like some kind of quadruple black belt, flying round house kick you in the junk and then just throw you a beating until you die from it (see above thoughts about bodies being disposed of in nearby abandoned motel). That said, DO sit at the bar and leave your change for a $20 in front of you while you're drinking directly from small pitchers of sweet sweet PBR. The non-bikini clad bartender will be more likely to keep your beer coming. If you snag a booth, don't concern yourself too much with what that greasy feeling stuff is on the upholstery. The light is too dim for you to see what it looks like, no matter how hard you try. DO NOT get your phone out and turn on the flashlight app! DO NOT DO IT. You will regret it. Also, I advise against trying to determine what it is by smell. Try not to touch it either and, if you accidentally do, get to the cesspool (see below) as quickly as possible to try and wash it off your hands. Or pour straight Everclear from the bar on the affected area (do a shot while you're at it) to sanitize it. If the greasy stuff gets on your clothes, just burn them later. It will be best for all of us that you NOT take them back to Goodwill. If the TV is on some garbage show and there's no music, DO NOT ask to change the channel. You will not easily receive further sweet sweet PBRs. Just go over to the BOMB ASS jukebox which has every fucking song ever made by every artist (except Bieber, they deleted that shit thankfully) and feed it dolla dolla bills y'all to drown out the shitty TV that's as old as some of the patrons. Nothing like pissing off the natives! If you happen to sit next to Santa (well, the older, sadder version at least), make an effort to chat him up. Anybody who refuses to let a wheelchair and an oxygen tank deter him from getting shit faced has to be an interesting guy, right? Yes, when visiting the men's room, you can put money in a box on the wall, and instead of getting ribbed for her pleasure XXL sized condoms or a nice fake tat or a bouncy ball, you'll receive a photo with porn on it. Fantastic! Who replenishes the supply of porn photos? Is this shit printed by somebody at home and cut into little cards to go into the dispenser? Who the fuck knows, just do it. After taking a moment to enjoy your wallet sized porn, BE CAREFUL. When navigating the disgusting, vomit spattered, bacteria infested cesspool of a "bathroom", watch out for the drain in the floor. I SWEAR TO GOD that accidentally stepping in that hole will cause you to fall A) to your death, B) straight to hell or C) to China. And while you're on your way you'll pick up about 30 diseases and probably get shit on you. Literally shit. IMHO, all of the above makes this a dive bar worth checking out. I mean, let's face it, there are not a lot of bars in town where you can be surprised at the stark lack of bikinis anywhere in the vicinity, easily be injured, infected, die and get your car stolen or molested all in the same night. Add on top of that the approximately $3 PITCHERS of sweet sweet PBR that you just pick up and drink straight out of, that their 1940's era liquor license allows them to sell you booze to go (yes you can buy an entire bottle of booze there and take it with you) and the fact that the building is probably one microburst away from falling down, and you've got a winner in your hands. BIKINI LOUNGE FTW! read more

Reading your reviews, I expected a smelly, run-down dive that was all sorts of crazy. I saw nothing of the sort. It looked pretty clean for a dive, had some awesome seating, and a decent tap selection. It's such a small bar, but they do a great job of utilizing that space. The crowd is pretty cool, too. If only it weren't so inaccessible, right in the middle of an ugly part of town, with very little parking. I won't count the horrors of CenPho against it. Chug some PBR and wait for all the hipsters to migrate from Trunk Space. read more

1.) 2$ Small Pitchers of PBR. 2.) REAL artists hang out here. 3.) Pablo Luna, William Fucking Reed, Alex, occasionally spin here. 4.) Tuesday Night after midnight don't think that everyone in the room isn't going to be your most intimate friend because the dance floor is skin deep in groovy peeps -oh wait, they DON"T HAVE a dance floor, thats why there are four people pressed up against you because this joint gets hoppin'! 5.) If you are broke, there is always PBR, or someone elses PBR -everyone here knows you here anyway and we'd be glad to share! 6.) Trunk Space is next door. The first place I ever saw Thee Oh No's was at Trunk Space! 7.) Yuppies never come here. 8.) You can be yourself here. 9.) Get here early and be prepared to make new friends because everybody shares booths and pitchers at the end of the night. 10) The Bikini Lounge employs an actual Hawaiian ;-) oh yeah, and this place is open in the daytime, but nobody ever comes here in groups until after ten, so you can have the pool table allllll to yourselves!!! No waiting for somebody to get out of your way so that you can make your shot (pool is out on Tuesdays, buddy!) Don't wear anything that you mind getting martini and someone elses perfume on if you come Tuesday night! Update: I just read another review and WTF! They painted over Mike Little's Murals? Grrrrrrrrrrr! read more

What's not to love about a real deal dive bar! Ran into this bar by accident--going to event nearby, stumbled upon this spot and had to give it a try. Total tiki/tropical theme. Enjoyed a couple of tropical cocktails--umbrellas and all. Loud jukebox playing jams. All that was missing was a white sandy beach and ocean waves. Reasonably priced, friendly service. Will definitely be coming back. If you're anywhere even close and looking to grab a drink, do yourself a favor and come through. read more

Bikini Lounge - Island mon - Dive Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Bikini Longe has a lot to offer whether you're coming in for a quick drink before a meeting or chilling with your homies on a Saturday. Will expand this review later ;-) read more

Bikini Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

My dream is to one day ride the bus to Bikini Lounge, get rip-roaring drunk, throw up all over myself and take the bus back home. Okay, so maybe this fantasia will never come to fruition, but a boy can dream. Right? Bikini Lounge epitomizes dive bar in a way that is beyond compare. On the one hand, there's something priceless about a bar where there's an over abundance of tackiness (Christmas lights let on all year long, wobbly bar stools, sticky floors, mini-porn photos in the toilet dispensers). But on the other hand, there's something to be said about its less than finer moments (urine reeking bathrooms--come on guys, hit your mark and not the floor, and some particularly odoriferous customers). Yeah, I'm a fan of Bikini Lounge. FWIW, the last time we were here there was a sign indicating the bar was up for sale. Hopefully, the new owners won't change a thing and perhaps one day you'll see me step off the 15 bus with a wad of money and a devious grin on my face. If such is the case, don't stand too close and don't offer me a ride home. Just push me back on the bus if I'm passed out and sticking to the floor in the men's john. read more

This place is too cool for you. $1.00 flaming hot Funyuns, need I say more... Cheap drinks, indoor/outdoor space. read more

Stopped in here to visit friends who were listening to a soul music DJ one night after midnight. I wasn't drinking, which apparently bewilders some venues and they offer nothing but soda, which sucks. :/ However, when I explained to the bartender here that I was looking for something fun and fruity with no booze, she actually got excited and started pitching ideas even though they don't have a non-alcoholic menu. I gave her creative domain over the drinks and she whipped up something wonderful with pineapple and mango. She also asked if I wanted them to look like they were traditional alcoholic cocktails or not, which I think is an especially mindful touch, as I'm certain she was asking so I could still fit in socially even if not drinking. I told her it was fine either way, and she opted to dress them up- all the way to the fun umbrella on top. I cannot even begin to express how awesome this was. The drinks alone were wonderful, but it was really her willingness to go out of her way to help that touched me. Not even willingness- she was actually excited. That is insanely rare. It made my whole night. A for the bar itself, yes... it is a dive bar. It has a tiki theme and is a little worse for the wear, but clearly a much-beloved place. The DJ was good and there's a pool table. We just chatted in a booth and didn't explore much. It is cash only, but they do have an ATM on site and the drinks are reasonably-priced. Overall, I'd consider it a good place to go for the vibe and to catch up with friends. read more

We came to check out the bar because our friend's dad owned it back in the '60-70s. True dive bar. No food except the chips for sale on the wall. The drinks were okay. We ordered off the cocktail menu. The music was a bit heavy for my taste, especially on a Sunday afternoon. The bartender was efficient but not very engaging. It was empty at 4pm with only a couple pool players but I could see how it could be lively on a weekend night. read more

Great place with scenery. Staff was friendly and nice if you are in the area stop and get I picture and check out all the art.

Great little dive bar in PHX!! Cool vibe on everything tiki with a bunch of classic cocktails. All cash bar which makes you feel even more like the old school bar it is. Bumping sound system and pool table top off everything! read more

I first stumbled upon this place during a First Friday excursion and went back again in the middle of the week. Both nights were completely different, but neither sucked. Just a great old tiki bar off by itself with drinks that practically cost pennies. Can anyone argue with that? So a lady owns the joint? During First Friday, an old guy told me that he owned the Bikini Lounge after patronizing it since the early 70's. He gave me the whole history of the place and the surrounding neighborhood, and how everything changed once Interstate 10 was opened and Grand Ave. went through a long period of decline, before more recently going back on the upswing thanks to the artists moving in. But through all of the neighborhood's phases, the Bikini Lounge has stuck around as Phoenix's premiere dive. And that alone kicks ass. read more

Bikini Lounge - The mellow scene inside the Bikini Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Cheap drinks great vibe and who doesn't love a welcoming bartender. It's a little bar him with great energy.

I love the Bikini! It is my favorite bar in the world. The music is always way too loud, and the crowd is the best of any bar I've ever been to. The beer is super cheap, so make sure you just buy a pitcher...no one will judge you for drinking straight from the pitcher! It gets really busy on Tuesday and Saturday nights, so wear your dancing shoes, since you probably won't be able to find a seat anyways! And don't forget to bring cash! They are cash only! read more

Bikini Lounge - Black light art - Dive Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

GREAT Dive bar! Came here after an event one day with my husband and we ended up being 2 out of 5 people in the bar. It was early, about 5:00PM on a Saturday. We ended up really enjoying our time here talking to the bartender and just relaxing sipping on some delicious drinks. This place is definitely not for everyone. But if you enjoy a dark and dirty dive bar with some pazazz this place is for you! read more

My friend and I often throw around the statement "Tuesday is the new Friday." And it's usually when we're hanging out on the patio of this bar on a Tuesday night. If you're looking for a dive bar in the best sense of that denotation, look no farther. This place has a very peculiar atmosphere, since it's Phoenix's oldest tiki bar according to local lore. You're going to be treated to a dark, small, Hawaiian themed vibe when you first walk in. Once you sit down and order, what you're going to get is some of the best drink prices in the neighborhood. $2 PBR drafts on tuesdays is a godsend, and drink prices are exceedingly reasonable the rest of the week. I want to specifically highlight their weekly 60Tuesday, which seems to be the biggest draw. Other nights of the week that I've been here don't seem to attract the biggest crowd, but if your schedule allows you to be here that night there isn't any better option. They have DJentrification every week, who is the most forward thinking DJ in Phoenix. He spins this mind melting mixture of music from all around the world that is insanely fun to dance to. Granted, there isn't a lot of room to dance, but the crowd has definitely found a way to make it work. Some caveats to the experience are that they offer zero food options at the bar outside of bags of chips, and they're cash only. They have an ATM by the door, so you can solve one of those problems very easily. As for the other one, there's an excellent Navajo taco stand that sets up right outside on Tuesday nights, so the food problem is partially solved. If anything, Grand Ave. Pizza Co. is a short walk away, so you aren't devoid of options. Ultimately, if you have Tuesdays free, this is the spot. If you come here other days, it's not as much of a slam dunk. You're going to experience a stellar atmosphere with an interesting clientele, so it's definitely a spot to check out if you're local or visiting from out of town. read more

The bar is a solid 4- 4 1/2 stars. Gotta love how everyone can just fit right in no matter what their outfit. As long as you're willing to have a good time Bikini is willing to welcome you. An absolute 2 extra stars for their DJ! When we went on Friday, we were jamming to some awesome old school, 80's metal power ballads, blues, independent "chic" music and some imported editions. All of this together blended perfectly to create the perfect background music - as diverse as it's clientele. We went up to ask the artists behind a few of the songs because they were so good and he was more than willing to share information. It was awesome how passionate he was about the music. I'm almost tempted to take away a half star for the drinks. My friend got a Long Island that cost $6 and came in a super skinny glass with tons of ice. She said it wasn't super weak or too strong, but it was too small for that price. I told her they must be "Scottsdale" charging for the mixed drinks to make up for the cheap beer I'd heard about - and saw on everyone else's table. Parking is a super pain - especially in this time of super construction and/or if there is an event at Trunk Space. Be prepared to be creative or do some walking. It's worth the effort. read more

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Despite continually being one of the most popular dive bars in Phoenix, they still refuse to take cards. The venue is reminiscent of a tiki bar, with tikis decorating the roof and walls. There's very little seating inside and as I said, bring cash. But the bartenders are nice and service is usually quick. They have a pool table but it is usually packed with quite a line. And the bathrooms, though better now that there's not a beachball sized hole between the toilet and the area with the sink, leave a lot to be desired. For instance a lock on either the adjoining room or at least where the toilet is. And last time I went there was a large hole in the ground next to the toilet. They now have a smoking patio that is quite large, with plenty of standing room, though not a huge amount of seats. Still a nice escape from the loud and crowded enterior. On different nights they have DJs playing everything from Punk to oldies and the dance floor does see some use. All in all a pretty common dive bar in a slowly djentrifying area of town. read more

The bartender was extremely rude and not helpful at all. I have always found this place to be dark. They have great prices and have been around for a long time, but the servers need some help. I will not be back until they fix the staff. read more

Who does real time reviews? This fuckin guy. I'm at the Bikini Lounge, and it's so god damn baller that I pulled out my sweet ass iPhone and started typing. I'm here with a bunch of yelpers, and I'm pretty sure they've all reviewed this place, so I know I'm just adding more stars to this joint. When you live across the street from a bar, and not just any bar, the best dive bar on the planet, things can get dangerous. But the fact that the fuckin ATM is always broken at this cash-only shithole keeps me from going completely bankrupt. I'm surprised it hasn't been condemned, but that's probably cuz all the drunk ass people in here fight off OSHA with empty pitchers that used to contain delicious PBR. Amber W. specifically asked me to mention the large group of over-the-top lesbians that are sitting in the booth next to us, so, yeah, they're here too. And not shockingly, they're having a great time, cuz it's impossible not to here. If you want friendly bartenders, get the fuck out. If you want clean glasses, get the fuck out. If you want bathrooms that don't have AIDS all over the place, get the fuck out. But if you want a cold beer and a bunch of idiots dancing to a shitty song you've never heard, you've come to the right place. Ok, since I'm still actually at the place I'm reviewing, I'd better order another PBR before this bartender kicks my ass. Word to ya motha. read more

I have now been to Bikini 4 times, which is enough to get the full experience and discover what Bikini really has to offer. What is it that Bikini has to offer, you ask? The wonderful stench of urine. Ear piercingly loud and horrible music. Miserable bartenders. The inability to use credit cards which goes against all that is rational. People desperately trying to be cool. So, I don't really like it here, but at the same time, I have no problem going here. I guess you would call that indifference and Indifference is the essence of inhumanity. read more

Where to start with this "gem" of a dive bar. Parking: This can be a risky situation depending on the level of love you have for your vehicle of choice, which I have none. There is no parking lot per se. There is a small lot adjacent to the music venue next door. Other than that, you are on your own on either Grand Ave or whatever the closest side street is. On said side street appears to be some sort of mechanic/junkyard/chop shop. So if your car goes missing after being at the Bikini, look there first. The scene: I don't recall there being any windows in this fine establishment. This always leads me to the conclusion that they don't want people to see the inside until they are already in. The booths feel like they may fall apart at any second while you are sitting on them. The cushioning is nonexistent in them. Probably wore out some time during the Carter administration. They do have a pool table, but I am not sure there were any balls or sticks. So do the math. Oh yeah, just check out the ceiling when you go and ask yourself if it is up to code or not. The bartenders: On the particular night I was there, the two female bartenders may or may not have had a full set of teeth between them. They both appeared to be in their early to late sixties and one or both may have done some hard time. With all of that being said. The beer is cheap. I have turned down my nose to Budweiser for a while now, but enjoyed a mini-pitcher of it recently. I mean $3 for a pitcher really can't be beat. If a friend should drag you here, go, if just for the experience and the street cred you will garner for saying you went to the Bikini Lounge one night... And survived! read more

Okay. I freakin' love dive bars. LOVE THEM, so when my buddy sarcastically suggested the "best bar in the entire world".. I was so there.. It may not be the best BAR, but it is quite possibly one of the best DIVES I've ever been to. Skeezy as hell, complete with no windows, and no lights.. but rather, strings of Christmas lights illuminating the place instead. Bitchy bartenders who are more interested in playing the video bingo that is situated at the end of the bar rather than serve you, terrible bathroom conditions, a pool table that you cannot hit the cue ball into, because for whatever reason, it eats it, never to be returned until you feed it more quarters, a rockin' juke box that allows for hours and hours of sweet sweet beats, cheap ass pitchers of beer, you can seriously get yourself and 5 of your friends schnockered for under $20 and of course, health code violations galore.. hello exposed insulation! It takes a certain person to appreciate the shittiness of shit.. I certainly do, and for anyone else who isn't a snob about where you quench your thirst, absolutely stop in. OH, the parking situation is really terrible too and its cash only .. but they conveniently have an ATM for us plastic whores. Cheers! read more

Bikini Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." ~e.e. cummings, 1955 Bikini is a true dive bar. It is not a bar trying to be your local neighborhood dive, it in genuine; comfortable in it's own skin no matter how gross and disease infested that skin may be; not unlike the loveable PigPen from the Peanuts cartoons. Bikini tries to live up to no one's standards and despite the array of negative things one can say about the place, it is part of its charm and it's charm will win you over. My friend ordered a tequila the other night. "Do you want the Well or Jose Cuervo?" I was shocked so I made the inquiry. "Pardon me; out of curiosity what is your well tequila? What can you possibly have worse than Jose Cuervo?" "Two Fingers. Some peoplelike it." --matter of factly in between loud bites of her greasy fish and chips from some near by establishment. They don't give a fuck. Tiki stuff is posted all over of course, but not like Island's or Chuy's this is some real old looking tiki stuff. It somehow avoids the tacky factor and remains dingy. Flawless execution again WITHOUT TRYING. Even the bathrooms keep it real. Real gross so poo before you go. You do not want to touch anything in here that you can avoid touching. There is a front and a back door. I assume this is so that if your date's sheet metal worker husband comesin the front door you can easily bolt out the back. I assume this happens all the time here. Never seen it but it looks the type of place. I like that in a bar. The drinks are cheap and the drinks are strong. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss P.S. Other points of note -internet juke box -DJ every night at 10pm -Cash only. ATM charges $2.50 I believe. read more

This is one of those "dive bars" that are not dive bars at all. Dive bars have local character to them--they're local bars. This place has become just dirty and embarrassing. I came here regularly 10 years ago as I lived within walking distance. Just recently I went back a few times. If you enjoy drinking with "ironic" hipsters who likely all drive in from Scottsdale to this "hip place", then go ahead. Expect bugs and sewer stench, because whoever owns the place now just doesn't care anymore. The old regulars have long gone and the cool ironic kids have taken over, ironically drinking shitty beer, and ironically becoming drunken assholes. Two stars for cheap drinks and good music, though. If you can stand the clientele, go for it, I guess. You're better off trying "that one little bar" near your house that you've never managed to go to, the place where there's charm and locals. Actually, a "No Hipster" policy would make this bar pretty interesting. Full of old alcoholics, hookers, and bums. read more

WOW.....not being from a large city I didn't really know what a true dive bar was, but after going here I now know! HOLY LORD!!! It was as scary as it was AWESOME! If you wanna meet someone that you don't want the world to know about, this is the place to do it. Dark booths, sketchy patrons, a pool table that has stains on it that you really don't want to know the origins of, and I am not even going to mention the petri dish that was called the "men's room". Now all that being said, I had a wonderful Hendricks's gin & tonic for $4.00, that drink ANYWHERE is $8.00 to $12.00. I would NOT recommend this place for "date night" with the little lady, but if you are wanting to meet your mistress, make some bad decisions, or go to a place where NOBODY knows your name, or wants to...This is the place for you. read more

I love the Bikini Lounge. For those out there that know me, you might find this hard to believe, because I typically require a modicum of ambiance, attentiveness from waitstaff, and clean bathrooms from the places that I frequent. And Bikini Lounge provides absolutely NONE of this! But for whatever reason it works, and I don't wind up wanting to run out the door and jump in a vat of antibacterial solution...go figure. Bikini Lounge is the epitome of a dirty dive bar, complete with shady Grand Ave location, bitchy bar staff that looks like they want to cut you if you make the cardinal mistake of trying to pay with a credit card, and on the positive, a kickass jukebox. I was in there Friday night after a terribly stressful day and proceeded to knock back about 5 small pitchers of Bud Light by myself, and embarrass myself later on in the night, you know, typical Friday. But what was atypical was the fact that I spent under $20 and I even bought a couple rounds for friends!!! Now this is what I call a recession-friendly drinking establishment,,, I really ended up digging the fact that no one there, staff or patron, gave a shit about me and how I was doing. Strange, i know. It was surprisingly liberating not having to worry about other people around me because NO ONE there was worried about you. Call me crazy, but I dug it, and I will totally be back. read more

I'm a big tiki culture fan. Walking in side I got stoked the place looks like a tiki bar. I approached the bar asked for my favorite tiki drink the "painkiller" the bar keep didn't know what it was. I asked for a drink menu. No drink menu. I asked if he could make a tiki drink. His reply was baffling "we're a dive bar bro" ok. So basically it's a tiki bar that serves beer. Weird right. If you have the theme why not make the drinks? Just saying. read more

Ugh. Really? 4 stars? I've wanted to come here a long time... now I don't really want to come back for a long time. I wouldn't have a problem with this place if it were cheap, but I got their mai tai (out of a bucket) and it cost 6$. I can go to bitter and twisted and get a handcrafted cocktail for 6$ on happy hour (not like you can compare the bars, but that's the point). Further, my friend and I's drinks had barely any alcohol in it (you could see when looking at the jug'o'mai tai that most of the alcohol had separated to the top... not cool). Plus cash only? ugh. I can't see myself coming back here anytime soon. read more

I realize that going to a cool-baby dive bar when you're not a weekend regular can be, well, not very fun. I've taken countless friends to Time Out and Palo and Yucca and they all hate it the first time, and I'm sure think "what's the big deal about this dump?" But Bikini was just downright boring when a friend and I arrived there around 8:30p on a Friday night. The two bartenders were the most un-friendly gals of all time. One younger (maybe early 30s?) and one older (weathered mid-50s, gruff and had def seen some shit in her time) couldn't be bothered with just about anything. As I sat there, I wondered, "am I having a bad time cause I'm not a regular?" and decided that no, my fave dives certainly have friendly bartenders at least... and certainly have music! When we inquired about the lack of any music, we were answered with a grunt and a nod at the (broken) jukebox behind us. We responded that we had noticed the jukebox .... And got back an empty stare. Ok fine, what's on the tv. The Barret Jackson auto auction? Boring! We asked if we could get a switch to the Suns game. The two leaned in and whispered before responding that "that's what the rest of the bar wants to watch." We look around, not a person in the place was watching it. So my friend polls the bar "do you care if we change it to the suns game!?" no one objected and the bartenders were annoyed but began the process of tracking down the remote and figuring out how to change the channel. Nice try. Finally around 9:30 things picked up, a DJ started and the bar began filling with the crowd I expected; young (really young!) hipsters - more specifically those who were coming from Trunk Space next door. Apparently there was a show going on but no booze there, so they trickled in and out between sets. The DJ was pretty good, I have to admit. The drinks were cheap ($4 for a well mixed drink) and there were about 8 beers on tap, including imports. and i will give a shout out to mini pitchers, they make me happy and make me feel 22 again. I don't know, maybe I'm too old to bother "breaking in" another dive. Maybe I'm too old for sassy bartenders in dumpy spaces. But I found this particular classic to be just a little overrated. read more

I'm really conflicted on how to rate this place. First off, there was no bikini's at the bikini lounge. What we had was this short and stout bartender who served us up a little pitcher of Fat Tire. See how I can be conflicted.. Fat Tire is good beer but this was no bikini server. Though, make no mistake, this is a dive bar. How do you exactly know? Let's go down the check list: -Was it dimly lit, not because of choice but because some light bulbs just busted? Yes -Did your beer come to you in a small pitcher for five bucks? Yes -The corner has some creepy guy doing something you're not sure of? Yes -Did the bartender just not care you walked in? Yup -Was there a homeless dude sleeping on the floor right outside? Yup See, we went down the list and sure enough it's a dive bar. Did I feel like I was going to get stabbed? Not really. But my buddy sure did. It was pretty funny to see some Mexican worry that he was in the "bad area". Me, I've been to places like this before. The shady aspect didn't bother me so much as the fact that they didn't have as much neon lights on. What up with that? It could have used some more lights.. I mean, yeah. It's a bar. But it was really dark in the "is this place open?" sort of way. The people sitting near us also had that down and out depressed bar drinker look going. It was not one of much cheer. The sort of look that you have from spending a little too much at the dog track and not coming home with any winnings for timmy's christmas present. Which, I guess I'm not sure what's so wrong with that. This is a bar after all. Fuck it, I just drove a good 7 hours to get here and I'm expecting to drive another 6-7 back to L.A? Yeah.. pass me another drink. They're cheap enough! oooooooh, the glasses seem to be frozen. Plus for this place! Nothing like getting your beer ice cold. So my minus one star comes from the lack of bikini's from the lounge that is suppose to be of bikinis. Must have been one of those off weekday nights. Among the many awesome dive bars in Phoenix. Just needed more bikinis. read more

I LOVE this place. I think it's because it's the first bar I visited in Downtown Phoenix. I lived in Tempe/Scottsdale for 7 years and never set foot in a Phoenix based watering hole. I went to places like Axis Radius and Dos Gringos. I didn't even know places like Bikini existed in Arizona. The first time I visited Bikini Lounge it was hot and crowded. I think it was on a First Friday but it was back in the day when like. nobody went to art walk. (Circa 2003/2004). Anyway, within my first few minutes in the bar the bartender yelled at me for ordering a drink that wasn't on the menu, I was accosted by a crazy psychic and a tranny hooker stole my cigarettes. I think someone also tried to light my coat on fire. So basically it was awesome. By the end of the night I was drinking cheap beer straight out of the pitcher and dancing in a conga line behind the bar. A year later I moved to Phoenix and Bikini was the first place I went to celebrate. read more

OK, so i went to the Bikini tonight and all i get is flashbacks of why i despise this place. the funny thing is. the place is still exactly how it was the last time i was there. Hipsters out the ass. you can't move around without bumping into a hipster. the only other place where white t's are cool is in the bay area. I'm serious. you can't swing a hipster around by their ironic opinions without hitting another fucking hipster. look bitches. if you look like everyone else. it's not exactly hip to look like that anymore. your just another trendy beatnick. on a more comical side, looks like the Bikini is for sale again. hmm how many times has this place been for sale? even with a packed house full of hipsters this place will never sell for the couple mill they want for it. if a buyer does step up. they cant change it. or the clientele will leave. and honestly. the decor isn't worth the money. if you invest that much into it. you kinda want to upgrade a little. one upside from my last review. looks like they got new pool table. the felt looked taught. kudos. rock on kiddies. read more

Bikini Lounge is interesting, and we all know "interesting" can mean good or bad. I don't know that I've decided yet. You know your grandma's neighbor that lives in the un-restored historic home with 3 non-running cars out front? Yeah...that's the guy who goes to Bikini Lounge. Oh, and it's probably his wife behind the counter. But it works. It's small, cash only, and you'll probably get your beer in a glass that looks like it's straight from 70's (don't ask me how a glass can look like it's from the 70's...you'll know it when you see it). But who can argue when I can get a Blue Moon for $3 or a pitcher of PBR for $2? And bonus - they have a pool table. And it's impossible to write a review for this place without talking about the bathrooms. Make sure you stock up on quarters! Need I say more? read more

I dig the dive bar atmosphere of this place and the tiki decor. Always has good music playing and an interesting array of customers. They are cash only, which can be a bummer for someone like me who almost never has cash. They do have a couple "cash only" signs, but they do blend in with everything else on the walls. There is an ATM inside which is nice, but it does apply a $3 charge for using it. The drinks here vary. I've had great whiskey and cokes and some not so great, tasting mostly of soda. I like this place a lot, but it can be hit or miss. read more

I have been here - numerous times. I don't like it. I have quite a few friends who dig this place and are always trying to get me to meet them there... fuck. I don't wanna... ever. It's not that it's scary or anything - I feel pretty comfortable here usually. It's just that there's always something horribly stinky here - either inside or outside... It's either some person inside who hasn't washed - like ever, or it's like a broken sewage fermentation tank valve or something near the dirt lot you can sometimes park in. That's another thing - I'm pretty paranoid and OCD anyway, so leaving my car behind to go inside here means I'll just be thinking about people smashing the windows and stealing the radio or something all night instead of enjoying myself. I kinda feel about this place like I feel about the Rogue, except I don't hate it quite as much. Unless you're a regular here, you'll probably feel like you don't belong. It's somewhat of an "in-crowd" kind of place where being "out" is "in"... I don't know. I guess it's easy for me not to go here since it's kinda far. I hope when I do go there sometimes, they don't read this and decide to spit in my drink or put it in a glass they used to trap roaches until they died. read more

I peeked in here during a First Friday excursion when the Derby ladies were having a bake sale. Having prior plans prevented me from going into this obscenely bannered brick building (how many beer ads does one need hanging on their storefront-is this like flair in Office Space?). After attending a great music show at the Trunk Space next door, us east coasters stumbled over to the BL to cool off. I felt I was in a secret Goonies hut. There was just so much STUFF all over the place-tiki style of course, but the different lights, decorations, bottles, and high ceiling was just too overwhelming to take in at once. There was a long bar to the right when you enter frequented by the diverse crowd other yelpers have described. We ended up sitting at the high round table in the middle of the seating area, though I was jealous of the luxurious rounded seating booths to left of us frequented by the art crowd. This bar is REALLY smoky, and I smoke, so while I was pleased at first after a while a couple friends had to leave it was just too thick with cigarettes and no real ventilation (unless a slightly ajar front door counts). There was a great DJ spinning some moody alt-stuff and was really psyched to hear him play Julie Cruise! The pitcher of PBR was 3 bucks so we ended up getting quite a few of them since they arent that big. There was a huge pool table to the back of the bar and where the restrooms were. The Womens bathroom reminded me of something out of a John Walter's movie and I liked the ashtray on a small stool near the toilet-an odd little touch that tickled me. My friend got a condom that promised hot p*ssy but it was a disappointment. We ended up there till closing time and when I asked for some water before I left (being a responsible driver and all) the bartender just sighed and said "Take this water bottle and get out of here" in the nicest way possible, I found her rather endearing. Of course I will be here again-although I don't know how many times alone.... read more