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    Melindas Alley

    4.0 (166 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Melindas Alley Photos

    MELINDAS ALLEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Intimate
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Melindas Alley

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    Alvaro R.

    Melinda's Alley is a cute Speak Easy in Downtown Phoenix. The lighting is perfect and feels personal, the layout is interesting, the music is great. I felt like I was in a vampire members only type of vibe. Loved it. I would definitely come back again. Waiting at the bar may feel rather long, there's only two bartenders but the drinks are delicious. I paid 50$ plus tip for these 3 drinks in my pictures below. Perfect for a date or a nice vibe with your friends.

    Menu
    O'Zandra F.

    A friend took me to this speakeasy and I was impressed with the service and quality of the beverages. The music was on point and the place was very lively! The bartenders know their stuff. There was a long line for drinks. No table service. Street and garage parking nearby.

    Isa A.

    This is such a unique and cool place to go to! My boyfriend and I came for the first time last week and we loved it. The vibe, the aesthetic, the people, and the music was perfect! Lots of seating with antique furniture. Highly recommend as a pit stop in Downtown to grab a drink and relax!

    Katalina I.

    Cute and small speakeasy that has one bar and a rotating cocktail menu. They offer different types of fun drinks and change them every so often so they may be different depending on when you go. You can find the entrance via the red light with the bouncer at the door and proceed to this "basement" and Victorian vibe hallway speakeasy with eclectic furniture. It's a fun space to go for a drink or two on a date or night out. I have enjoyed the drinks I've tried here. The bartenders have also been very friendly.

    The napkin tells a secret.
    Chanele R.

    This kind of place is just my kind of thing. "Hidden" with a door at the mural of Melinda Curtis (in her alley of course) and built into the foundation of the Renaissance Hotel (former Hotel Adam's), this has the whole speakeasy vibe going on. I personally loved the vibe with the historic furniture and the red lighting. Is it or isn't it haunted? The drinks really is where the shine is, though. The bartenders go through great lengths to create special drinks, being given just a spirit and the direction to create. On the night we went, I tried the "Adult Orange Julius," which sounded on the surface too sweet, but it ended up being a perfect mixture of soft chocolate and orange and vanilla, all clarified to a clear martini with a twist of orange peel. Truly remarkable. My friend did a "Smashing Pumpkin," which had a smoky autumn feel with a little tequila and mezcal involved. But don't get your heart set on these because only Melinda's Old Fashioner stays on the menu year round. Each visit is sure to have some new creation. And I love that.

    Non Alcoholic Custom Drink
    Richard W.

    Melinda's Alley is a gem of a speakeasy in the downtown Phoenix area. It definitely has its own unique character, and I recommend you read the literature on Melinda herself and understand where you are and what it's named after, because it makes the experience that much better. I don't want to spoil it in the review, but I feel like the backstory gives the place all the more ambiance. The red tones given off throughout the bar set the stage for a very mid-century vibe, and it's definitely a unique place to sip on some drinks with your friends. A few things I noticed: if you're lucky enough to get there when there's not a line, you're probably there a little earlier in the evening--but the line can get pretty long. However, the way the bar works, the bartenders are very personable. They are talkative, informative, and nice, and that's part of the experience. You may end up waiting a little bit longer, but the time, effort, and quality of the service and drinks make it worth it, in my opinion. If you're going to Melinda's Alley, you're going for the experience. If you want a quick drink, go to a bigger bar with tons of bartenders--not a speakeasy. I enjoyed my time here. I felt lucky to have stopped in for the evening--it definitely gave my night a spark. I will definitely return.

    Entrance

    Fantastic spot really great entrance super nice inside just a great atmosphere great place to have some drinks. The bartender was phenomenal and the drinks were great. I felt like I was in a John Wick movie.

    the desk entry -- so aesthetic
    Dominique J.

    Service | Ambiance is fabulous !! I love the atmosphere & drinks were amazing as well with the bartenders!! love how professional the security was yet respectful at the same time!!

    Red light special hehe
    Anna R.

    A friend recommended we try this place so we popped over after dinner downtown one night. I like the vibe and location...fairly easy to find parking. Our drinks were good but there were a couple things to note. Regular ice in an old fashioned is a no-no. My friend was pretty disappointed and felt like she had to drink it fast to prevent it being water downed. Their 'menu' is extremely small. That being said, we just ordered our own drinks...they didn't have lime juice for my cosmo...strange. But it tasted good and honestly tasted like it had lime in it. So not sure what was up with that. I feel the prices were a little spendy. We'd come back with friends if we were in the area but wouldn't go out of our way.

    Marquita a.

    This has been on my list of bookmarks to try and o finally stopped by. On the backside of the renaissance and an alley, you find this speakeasy. Unbelievable bar with mounds of history. The vibe, drink, decor ooze history. There's a story behind Melinda and who she was. The decor is all vintage including original pieces from 1970s. When it opened, the line to get it grew quickly. The concrete walls are original to the hotel as well. It's a tight space but the right amount of space. They're known for their old fashioned cocktail which was good too. Definitely glad I got a chance to come and I encourage everyone to stop by.

    R B.

    Speakeasy - Solid amazing time. Kendall is super fun, talented, charismatic AF, and I know he's destined for great things. Hope you guys keep shining and serving up the best drinks in the coolest vibe.

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    8 months ago

    Fun experience and a nice speakeasy underground. Drinks were great and the environment was cool.

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    Page 1 of 5

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    Review Highlights - Melindas Alley

    Named after a former madam named Melinda whose house of I'll repute was located in the alley outside the bar.

    Mentioned in 31 reviews

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    Rough Rider

    Rough Rider

    4.4
    (691 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$
    Happy hour specials
    Kitchen open late

    Rough Rider is such a fun speakeasy, drink spot. The food is nothing to miss, also. While a dark…read morevibe, the drinks are lively and fun. My purple drink reminded me of a snowball. With great service, drink recommendations and delicious food, Rough Rider is the total package. A speakeasy is always like a little oasis escape and Rough Rider is no different! I can't wait to go back soon.

    Rough Rider felt delightfully off the beaten path in the best possible way. Stepping off the…read moreelevator was like being transported into a perfectly preserved speakeasy from another era. The space is warm, moody, and inviting--like a lighthearted Western brought to life--with candlelight and rich wooden accents creating an atmosphere that begs you to settle in and stay awhile. The drink menu was eclectic and thoughtfully curated, offering both trendy and classic cocktails alongside an impressive selection of spirits, beer, and wine. The bartenders were knowledgeable enough to suggest excellent off-menu creations and kept the drinks--including the water--flowing with effortless style and hospitality. The wedge salad was crisp and bright, elevated by thoughtful ingredients like jalapeño bacon and balsamic onions. The crab dip was a standout: packed generously with crab and complemented by just the right amount of cheese, finely chopped red onions, and crispy breadcrumbs. We ended the evening with St. George Absinthe, an absolute gem of an offering. Jake, Brad, and Stormy were kind, attentive, and full of great recommendations without ever feeling pushy or intrusive. We were able to truly enjoy each other's company while feeling genuinely cared for by the staff. Parking in the garage next door was graciously validated at the host stand. We left feeling full, impressed, and already looking forward to returning with family.

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    Rough Rider
    Rough Rider
    Rough Rider

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    Barcoa Agaveria

    Barcoa Agaveria

    4.3
    (132 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I'm a big tequila fan & my crew that night with me is in the same boat or they will do some mezcal…read more The outside patio near the food truck is great when the weather permits. Main level/Upstairs vibe is well-lit with a true cantina bar feel. High-top tables, seats at the bar & happy hour from 4-7 pm make it ideal for some $7 drinks!!. The collection of Tequilas is GREAT. Many of which do not contain additives. I won't lie, I thought I was a big fan until I realized I didn't recognize a lot of the tequilas they had on hand. Downstairs is a whole different vibe. Custom craft cocktails, dim lighting with artwork, and more make it feel like an upscale NYC spot in your basement. I did 2 of my favorites, Paloma De Guayaba with the custom block name etched and the Baya Nueva. While in the Cantina, I had to order my friend the Basura (trash), but that wasn't the case... then again, it is served in a plastic bag, and is definitely a throwback to my early 20's of gettin' lit!!!! Always look forward to sharing this place with friends visiting and connecting with those locally.

    Barcoa Agaveria is clearly a popular spot in downtown Phoenix, and I can see the appeal--but my…read morelatest visit didn't quite match the hype. I stopped in late on a Saturday. It was busy, but not packed, which made the service stand out more than it should have. I had to ask for water twice, never got a refill, and overall felt largely ignored--minimal eye contact, no real warmth, just an impersonal feel that didn't match the space. It felt like a place that may be a bit of a victim of its own success--popularity has grown, but delivery hasn't fully kept pace. Part of the appeal here is the permanent taco truck outside, which I know from past visits is excellent, and I love the truck's outspoken, unapologetic support for immigrants. That said, the cocktail itself was excellent. I was specifically looking for a coffee-based drink before heading to another event, and the Cambures al Estilo Foster delivered on flavor. It was tiny, though--served in a small stemmed glass, gone in a few sips. It did the job, but some may find the portion underwhelming for the price. No major complaints, but nothing pulling me back either. I'm adding a fourth star on a bit of a hunch--I'd like to think they can dial it back in if I return.

    Photos
    El Camino Margarita
    El Camino Margarita
    Basement lounge
    Basement lounge
    When they announce fortaleza go. Cuz it will be gone ASAP

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    When they announce fortaleza go. Cuz it will be gone ASAP
    Mr Baan’s Bar and Mookata

    Mr Baan’s Bar and Mookata

    4.3
    (43 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    The quantity was perfect for the party of 2. The food was really fresh, good, meat perfectly…read moremarinated, broth was neutral which let the flavors of the meat and veggies come through. I wish they give the options of mushrooms like Enochi and King Oysters along with extra condiments for the Suki Sauce like Garlic, Chilli and Lime juice. The service was really good and attentive. This place really took me back to the Moo Kra Ta buffets in Bangkok and made me nostalgic. I hope they do have more options in terms of seafood and veggies! I hope the restaurant specifies clearly that the services are on reservation basis only because it isn't clarified anywhere yet. This would help a lot of people. Also, I hope the restaurant informs, directs and put in place about the parking spaces available around. Can't wait to get back already!

    Located in Downtown Phoenix, the parking situation is a little hairy. There is paid parking nearby,…read morebut it definitely is better to come a little earlier to scope out the parking situation and get that sorted before your reservation. My party and I had a reservation on a Saturday night at 9pm (when it's 13 people, what can you do). What kind of sucked though (and mainly why I'm deducting a star) is that we did wait an additional half hour to be seated after our reservation time. Our theory is that they didn't think the entire party would actually arrive, and they were not ready to accommodate us. To be fair, the restaurant IS on the smaller side, but there was 0 communication during that half hour on what was going on... which isn't really good for us either. We got the original set, and this somewhat confused me as well. The food was really good, and was definitely a restaurant that I'd go to for the experience, but for some reason some of the meats were doubled while others weren't. The double portions were really nice since our party was so large, we needed to split the food between 4 different grills (so each table got 2 grills each, feeding 6-7 people in total or 3-4 people per grill), but then we had to share the portions where we only got one serving. It wasn't bad, but to me, didn't make sense. The food was really good though; I didn't care too much about the soup, but the green sauce was SO good. Mixing a little with the soup was incredible. I thought the beef and pork were really good. I personally left the restaurant full, but many others in my party did not. I think it's a really good amount of food for 2 people, but when you push to 3+, you probably do not want to come hungry. Also--the live music at Pemberton next door is SO LOUD, you're going to be shouting at your table the entire night when you sit outside. I think I would come back if I wanted to show this place to someone who didn't live here, but it isn't on the top of my list for when I'm trying to eat out, but I will definitely consider this for special date night occasions. It is extremely expensive for what it is though. For $70+ you risk the chance of leaving not full which SUCKS.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Premium Menu for 4 people
    Premium Menu for 4 people
    Original

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    Original

    Melindas Alley - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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