So greatful for NuTowne! I came here on a fateful Tuesday night in October of 1994 with a friend whom lived near by just to have some drinks and chill. Had no intentions of hooking up or even wanting to meet anybody, was the last thing on my mind, and there he was! Met the hottest, sweetest guy in the whole world who had the exact same intention as I did, but as fate would be, we fell in love and have shared our lives together ever since! Never would we have ever though this most unlikely of places would have been the place to have changed our lives for ever. read more

I was invited to "church" by new friends I made at a "sister bar". I was very happy with the service. The owner touched my face and made me feel very welcome lol very touching the work they do for charities. Keep up the great work guys :) read more

Nu Towne is like a small neighborhood bar. The people inside are friendly, there's some pool tables to play, and nice courtyard in the back to sit out and watch the moon and stars... There's no "dance floor" per se, but space for one. Nut Towne is the perfect definitive for "neighborhood" bar. Nothing super exciting, but good drinks, friendly staff, and a place to hang out. read more

Sunday afternoon Bear Bust is a lot of fun. I like the courtyard where the bears are friendly... and frisky! Strong, cheap drinks. read more

Nu Towne Saloon - Nu Towne Saloon sign - Gay Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

My first apartment in Phx was at Van Buren and 52nd streets. I'd come from a village of 500+ people and was in awe of city living. There I was, in the fifth largest city in the US, living on the same street made notorious by hookers and drug deals. Oddly enough, it was on the corner that I met my BFF, at the bus stop. But there's quite a bit more to that corner--Nu Towne Saloon. Back in the early 2000s, Daddy Ron ran the place and it was a den of devilish sins. Cheap beer in a smoke-filled environment called out to the horny, the lonely and the drunks. You could bet that I'd be there every Sunday for their beer busts and a few night during the week. I used to hop the fence in the parking lot to my apartment when I was too drunk to walk all the way around. And if I happened to rub up against you inappropriately back in the day, I'm blaming the dim lighting. But now, I live in CenPho and rarely venture to my old stomping grounds. However, my BFF and I went to the swap meet at the greyhound track yesterday and I thought it would be therapeutic to drive by our old places and appreciate how our lives have turned out. This trip down memory lane included a visit to Nu Towne. A lot has changed in the past few years. That dirt overflow parking lot to the west of the bar is apartments now, and there's a street that runs along side of that. Daddy Ron is now at the Eagle (cum Retro Bar). Gone is that dark cavernous bar with the beer-sticky floors. Today, Nu Towne has undergone a metamorphosis into a swanky saloon. Natural light brightens the bar through two new windows. And existing window openings have been reclaimed. The restrooms are also bright and clean. The color scheme is decidedly more serene, the truck is gone, two new pool tables replaced to former ones with mystery stains of unknown origins and are spaced on either end of the bar, and flat-panel TVs add another layer of freshness. Although I'm not one to get excited about such things, they even have Wii events. So, Nu Towne has transformed from that "It'll be our little secret" bar to a "Yeah, and I don't even cringe when I see my dad here" bar. Go. Check it out. If you were here before return to see how much it's changed. If you've never been, give it a go. Don't be concerned if the parking lot isn't full--the neighbors at the apartments walk over there and can be found both inside and out of the patio. read more

What a refreshing alternative to Charlie's. So tired of Charlie's "Drag Extravaganza" which seems like a common event (wasn't it once a macho Country Western bar?--see my review of Charlie's). Nu Towne is simple bar with a feeling of a warm inviting "Cheers" type place. I mean where on God's green earth does a macho bartender introduce himself when you approach the bar to buy a beer?!! The decor, although dated, is wonderfully nostalgic. The music, one of the best parts, is both old-school (who plays The Beach Boys?!), and new catchy songs. The clientele is a mix of young-ish, middle age, and mature--all friendly, no-attitude, and inviting. Met the nicest duo (friends/biz partners). I can't remember the last time strangers invited me for a drink and were so down-to-earth. Suggestions: close the damn doors. I "get" the inviting look of open doors at places of biz, but it was too cold unless one sat in the middle of the place. I don't get why all bars do this. Otherwise, I'm a huge fan. Goodbye Charlie's; those of us who loathe drag shows will "walk on by" (I'd bet Nu Towne places Dion Warwick every now and then). read more

Nu towne is the place that my roomies and I absolutely enjoy. The bar is right next to our apartment which is convenient. When we first went in, we didn't know what to expect. So we walk in, and we are the youngest people in the establishment. Right off the back, the owner and all of the bartenders introduce themselves and pretty much cater to us. The people in the saloon are so different and there are no cliques and it's a great place to just hang out and have a drink or 20 :) We continue to go to nu towne at least 1-2 times a week just to stop in and say hi or see if the decorations have changed. We love all the license plates, stickers, and the random decor that makes nu towne so original. Daddy Ron just lives for us as well as all the other bartenders so they will be seeing us as long as Nu towne stays in business :) read more

The history, the people, the license plates... I first experienced NuTowne from 1989-1991. Imagine my surprise on returning to Phoenix in 2011 and finding NuTowne (after a drastic renovation due to a fire) remains! Daddy Ron is still here...and the rest of the staff make sure everyone feels welcome. Sunday and the beer bust are a legend that continues and I have taken my turn as the Burger Beyotch on several occasions. It is my chance to take part in a continuing history of the oldest gay bar in Phoenix. If you desire a great Sunday afternoon with a beer and a burger, chicken breast or a hot dog from the grill, NuTowne is the place to go. No one cares if you are gay or not...just be prepared for someone to grab your a$$ if it is cute. read more

My review would be from 1973. Everyone was friendly and welcoming when one entered. I am amazed this place still exists. Don't gay bars die on a regular basis? read more

Wow why had I never been here before ! The oldest Gay Bar in Phoenix ! Very cool and friendly place . They have unbelievable Christmas decorations you must see this place ! read more

Nu Towne Saloon - Gay Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I went for a drink two nights in a row . Both nights the whole staff was very welcoming and friendly . I'm new to the gay scene as well as to the bar scene. I will definitely come back . I didn't mingle very much ( it's 2018) so I was just on my phone . The highlights of this establishment are 1 very well known through out . 2 one of kind bar with one of a kind bar goers ! 3 fabulous drinks. Hope the new generation appreciates Nu town bar. read more

Nu Town Saloon- Challenged by Technology. Web site address takes you to a HAIR REMOVAL site??? Only picture here is of two flaming drinks??? WTF Daddy Ron! Give me a password, and i'll do some magic here to increase your advertising potential & $$$ to line the pockets of all there. In the 1980's NO COMPUTERS/ NO INTERNET/ no FREEWAYS...Was close to ASU and gateway to Phoenix passing your bar to get to others. Everyone seemed to drink then, especially on 25 cent beer nights.(LOL) Now we are on the computers hooking-up, as the BARS are not an option for anyone who drinks should NOT think of driving, while drinking. So most are going to WEB SITES to date, meet, make friends. If you had a REAL WEB SITE you might get the younger guys in who have the computer CELL Phones attached to there hand. TEXTING & Google-ing WEB SITES. You have NO WEB SITE. The ones that do show Nu Towne Saloon are so lame, and do not appeal or focus to any crowed or market of people- collage kids, newbies, daddy's like me or older daddies...etc! Let's wipe off the dust of the 1970's-1980' to 2014- plant a seed in that dirt- and watch that bar again blossom & bloom with laughter and good old' spirits who bring you prosperity in 2015' once more...a place for all to go- and truly everyone knows your name. I would even give you a computer to hook-up- give password for customers to use, and meet up at your place..not their place. Of course you need Wi-Fi FREE internet for customers, as well- LET"S DO THIS! read more

What a perfect location for Nu Towne Saloon. Way the hell out on Van Buren and 50th something or other street. Right next to a Honey Bear's. And then. That's it. Seriously. On this creepy, weird, strike up the Deliverance theme song, strip of Van Buren sits a gay honky tonk bar. Where, perhaps, "squeal like a pig" is not so frowned upon. It's basically a large shed plastered with neon beer signs, a few rainbow flags thrown in and, on Sundays, a great mixed, mostly gay crowd, all revved up for the beer bust. Great burgers and dogs, grilled right there on the patio. Friendly bartenders and beer, beer, beer and more beer. Obligatory pool tables and dart boards for those who need a break from cruisin and there's even a dance floor the size of a cocktail napkin for those who dare to make the first move. Nu Towne is my kinda town. read more

I love you, NuTowne! The dirt lot. The endless array of amazing kitsch on the walls. The hella cool patio, some amazing legit metal sculpture. the mannequins. The Sunday beer bust, which is probably one of the most vibrant regular day drinking events in the region. The hugs from Daddy Ron. The theme parties, including a luau and superhero party! The occasional blackout parties too! THIS is the coolest and most interesting gay bar in Phoenix. It's genuine, wacky, always fun. The location is perfect for me, as I'm in the East Valley.. I wish more people would migrate over from Central Phoenix more often to appreciate the awesome that is NuTowne! read more

Any place that plays Sunshine Day by the Brady Bunch is okay in my book. Oh, and being greeted by a big ol' cock as soon as ya walk in a place... even better! read more

Great neighborhood-type gay bar with a relaxed and casual feel. Large older and bear patronage, but not exclusively. Also very centrally located and easily accssible by freeway. Awesome bugers and chicken sandwiches on Sundays. Very friendly staff. Just a nice place to hang out with friends. read more

First time at this bar! And let me tell you we had so much fun ! The drink prices were insanely cheap !! Our new spot to go drinking and to hang out with friends !! Thank you to handsome Ron , cutie pi Tim !!! read more

This place is the deal great drinks atmosphere so retro you'll think your in 1979 once again. The decor is the mummy's tomb this place is anything but dead. Employees that are old friends from long ago. This will be my favorite bar in Phoenix from now on. read more

This is been one of the best bars in town for years. Daddy Ron really knows how to throw a party all you have to do is stop in during the holiday and see how much he invests and you can see the time he puts into decorating incredible. on Sundays is an awesome beer bus that's been going on for years everyone loves and enjoys the outdoor patio. read more

Awesome. Was greeted when we came in, the staff & the owner Daddy Ron was very attentive and friendly!

This place is the best! I love the men's bathroom where you have a full view of all the goods(if you know what I mean) this is most def my new favorite hot spot. My milk shake bring all duh boys to the yard!! -ty ry @tylercryin read more

This is one of the best bars I have been to In Phoenix. The bartenders are very friendly and make a great drink. Also their Sunday beer bust is not to be missed. read more

If You Go to ASU, MCC, GCC, SCC, or the school of hard knocks and are GAY.... You must go to NuTowne. Why you say? Hmm.... Fun times, cheap drinks, friendly people, cool parties, fun decore, great smoking area, out of the way place, and who knows you might just find a really good friend for life. read more

Just found this place. Sunday night is busy. Cheap drinks and very friendly atmosphere. Lots of room to meander and an outside patio. Rob and Chuck are awesome. Well worth the visit. read more

first time went there this past weekend. it WAS hell a fun. people was so nice, the bar look fine , great patin, really a fun place to go on sunday after noon. beer ar cheap , just go and have fun. 5 stars !!! read more

Friendly people, friendly bartenders. good atmosphere. Very easy going. Not a pretentious place. Love it when I am in Phoenix.

Excellent service in the bar with Daddy Ron and the others. I LOVE the decor and the drinks are great. However now come a few cons. I was there about a month ago and they had blackout night. They were making people park in the post office lot across the street, and then walk back to the bar. The two guys who were directing the people to park across the street were super sketchy. One of them looked like he might have substance abuse problems, he was short and skinny. I did not feel comfortable. I parked across the street as directed and from out of one of the other cars there comes two guys who kept looking back at me. It caused me to become very paranoid. One of them tried to hustle me out of money to pay for his entrance. It was kind of scary and ghetto. The men going there are quite interesting to watch but there are almost no attractive ones. Some of them are too melodramatic. Great place to go and people watch and have fun but you won't make any friends or lovers there. Be careful with weirdos. On the other hand there are always the older regulars who make for excellent conversation. The younger guys are not the nicest though. read more

Excellent service! The bartenders and staff here are TOP NOTCH! "Daddy" Ron as they call him is a class act all the way and one of the most polished and courteous bartenders I have ever met. Really a fun atmosphere and some of the regulars are good conversationalists. In my opinion the service gets 5 stars. Now for the downsides, which have nothing to do with the bar itself or the staff. Some of the clientele are a bit on the rough side and some are really fresh. I have been here a few times and most of the time some guy comes up to me and touches or gropes me and even one time tried to kiss me. I know it's a bar but that doesn't happen at most other bars I go to. If you are a masculine, good-looking guy then beware. You'll be like a piece of meat falling to ravenous wolves. Also the clientele is not particularly good-looking. You won't find Prince Charming here so don't expect to pick up some hot stud. Maybe host a college night or something? Anyways, I go for the service and the bartenders and the AMAZING decor and not really for the clientele except for the ones who just want to talk. Please don't take this as an insult to the bar itself since they have no control over who goes in there. They are amazing and I recommend them 100%! read more

So I just moved to town. I was told to go to Nutowne on Sunday. I want to say thank you Robert for making me feel welcome. What a crowd they had! John and Jeff on the patio made me feel so welcome. Went to get another beer and Robert told me he was off but the other bartenders would take care of me. I waited over 15 minutes to get a beer while one of the bartenders just stood there talking to someone! The only reason I got a beer was one of the other customers called Ron over. I was asked by Ron " What do you want?" I was taken aback by this! The customer that called Ron over said " Oh that is just Ron" I ordered a beer and was just handed my change. No thanks no nothing. Ron walked back to where he was standing to talk to the younger customers. That is fine if that is how you want to run a bar. My money is just as good as the next persons. A thank you would have been nice! I was told this bar is busy on sundays for beer bust. If this is how Ron treats the customers I don't think I will be back. From looking at the bar rags this town has alot of bars in it. I am sure there is a bar that will take my money and treat me like a customer and not like someone I would not trick with. I am not a troll or a twink. I just think that if I am spending my money a thanks would be nice! I was told this is the oldest gay bar in Phoenix. You would think they would be more welcoming of people than the way I was. I hope the Phoenix gay community and bars has more to offer than an attitude! read more