The service was incredible. The bartender was extremely helpful and obviously very passionate about…read moremaking something or recommending something I'd enjoy. The ambiance was really pretty and it was a great contrast to Devils Hideaway.

I've been to Idle Hands twice, about a year apart, and there's a lot to like. The most recent was…read moreon a Thursday night around 10:30 p.m. This speakeasy is located on Mill Ave., the center of Tempe's party scene. Because of its location, parking isn't easy. If you're looking for free parking, you're going to have a long walk. Outside of that, you'll have to pay for parking in a garage or metered street parking. Ambiance (4/5): Hint hint. Idle Hands is located inside Devil's Hideaway. A true speakeasy shouldn't have signage outside indicating its location. Unfortunately, there's a sign for Idle Hands outside of Devil's Hideaway which takes away the sense of mystery and intrigue that a true speakeasy provides. Outside of this hiccup, it's a cool speakeasy. It's intimate, with 10 or so seats at the bar and about 10 seats in booths facing the bar. There's a projector screen behind the bar that had mystical motion graphics the first time I stopped by (thinking wizards) and Halloween motion graphics the second time (with it being a day before the holiday). There were some other Halloween decorations up. The only area of improvement? The music often doesn't match the vibe. A lot of the music they were playing on my last visit was Irish music that would be fitting for a pub. Service (4/5): I had the same bartender each time. He knows how to make a good drink and is pretty efficient. When you close out, he only gives you the merchant copy. Which is a pet peeve of mine. Let me get that customer copy too. But overall, a good experience. Especially at a college bar. Food (N/A): I've only had drinks both times. Idle Hands actually doesn't have food, but Devil's Hideaway does. And you're allowed to bring food from there into the speakeasy. Drinks (4.5/5): It's pretty surprising to see a speakeasy on a college campus. I was impressed with the creativity of the menu, both in terms of the ingredients used and the fusion of flavors. I've had a different cocktail each time, and they've all been great. My favorite was one served in a box filled with smoke. Talk about a cool presentation! The hallmarks of a solid speakeasy are elevated cocktails, nice ambiance (dimly lit), an intimate space, and mystery/intrigue. While the intrigue is lacking at Idle Hands, and the music can be improved, they hit it out of the park in the other areas. One of my favorite speakeasies I've been to in Phoenix (and surrounding areas). I am, after all, the self-appointed king of speakeasies. The king gives his stamp of approval.

This place was SO fun for me and my ladies. We went here for my birthday and it was so fun. I made…read morea reservation on open table which I HIGHLY recommend. We had a party of 10 and it was so fun. We all had drinks a some people ordered food. Due to party size there was auto gratuity and only 4 cards max. The bar is in the basement of the hotel. When we got there though it wasnt very clear that it was there. We got there a little early but the accommodated us nicely. Originally there was going to be 9 people but I asked day of event if I could bring another person and they said yes. The drinks were so good. Th divine feminine tasted like Jamaica drink with the hibiscus. Then I had the happy birthday Mr. President. Oh. My. God. It didn't even taste like alcohol it tasted like vanilla ice cream I'm so serious. It was delicious. Then I had the siren drink. That one wasn't bad at all. We all had a great time and shared laughs and everything. I love the setting of it though. It's a bit dark so we had to use phone lights to see the menu. But it feels like stepping into a whole new world once you enter. I think it's perfect for hanging out. Date night. Anniversary dinner. All of it. Our server was nice. Very friendly. I think he could use a little more on his hospitality just because sometimes I feel like he didn't know what to say exactly. A little disappointed that there wasn't really anything special for a birthday though. Not even a little card on the table that said happy birthday. Just a thought. Other fine dining establishments I've been in did.

Rough Rider has been through some changes that I find disappointing. When we were seated, I asked…read moreour server if they still have happy hour and he said he wasn't sure if we were still within the happy hour window - it was 3:30 PM. He then confirmed we were still within the happy hour window and offered to bring us a menu. They used to have an extensive happy hour menu featuring several drinks and food items and now their "happy hour menu" consists of a cheeseburger for $22. Not sure that that really constitutes as a happy hour menu... I asked him why they changed the menu and he put up his hands as if to say he's not to blame and said he doesn't have anything to do with those decisions. He said that "management decided to make a few substitutions but they're pretty good" and didn't provide any further elaboration. I ordered the appetizer lamb lollipops which had four small pieces for $25. My friend decided to try the "happy hour" cheeseburger and he said it was good but it did appear a bit overpriced for an average burger with a pretty hefty serving of french fries. I really wasn't impressed by the quality of the food, the portion size, the price, or the service. Unfortunately, I'll be taking Rough Rider off my list of regular places i frequent and restaurants I recommend to others.

There is a large, free, lot to park in, however it gets very full, so you may have to drive around…read morea bit for parking. The ambiance here is EVERYTHING!!! Even waiting outside for our reservation we were having a great time feeling like we were at a 1930's train stop. I heard about this place from my brother, and went a couple of years ago, and could not wait to take my boyfriend here. The service is absolutely PHENOMENAL! They walk you through the menu, the experience, as well as guide you if you're not sure what you want to drink. We ordered several drinks and they were all so creative and fun! My favorite was the tea with the lit lavender "cigarette." It added to the ambiance and overall experience. We also ordered the trip of snacks tray and several other drinks. Although this place is pretty pricey, there is nowhere is like it and it's WELL worth the cost! Get reservations early and don't skip this amazing, creative, and inventive bar!

What a great concept for a cocktail experience--a 1920s Pullman train transformed into a swanky…read morebar. When we visited, the theme was 1960s Harlem, with jazz music from the era playing in the background and images of Harlem passing by the train windows, creating the illusion that you were traveling through the neighborhood. The cocktails were excellent, especially the dirty martini, which came with their house-marinated olives that were absolutely delicious. It's no surprise this place has been voted one of the 50 Best Bars in the World for two years in a row. If you're in the area, this is definitely a must-try.

Had the best time on 4/20 with my bestie! The bartender was the best! I can't remember her name but…read moreshe was so cool. Very creative environment. And I appreciate your policies, straight to the point and straight to the fun!

Awesome spot! Delicious cocktails, great atmosphere and very friendly server. This was our first…read morestop after arriving in Phoenix and we loved it.

Stopped in for a quick drink after the Bob Schneider concert at the MIM last night. Great…read moreatmosphere, totally chill bartender (in a good way!) who helped us decide on local beer to try (being from Portland we make sure we try beer that's not from home when we are out! Chef had already gone home for the evening so the bartender recommended a nearby reverse HH for us. We played a game or two that was available on the bar, watched the end of the Diamondbacks game, finished our beers - a pilsner and IPA from Catalyst, and headed for food!

Another 5 star visit to Pigtails!…read more My husband and I came with my parents to celebrate their birthday Friday night and were wise to make this our first stop on our speakeasy tour of Phoenix! Jack was quick to greet and seat us while Eulalio expertly crafted some delicious mystery shots we requested that even came with a flaming garnish to be treated like birthday candles! We LOVED it!! We arrived during happy hour so we also ordered some oysters and shrimp to graze on, FANTASTIC! The oysters were good but the star of the show? The 6 HUGE shrimps and fresh cocktail sauce.. what a way to start the night! Absolutely fantastic, no notes and totally a must try when you're in the heart of this beautiful city!

Beth was an amazing server and great convetsation! The drinks were surprisingly strong for such a…read moresmall volume and tasted great. We got the Earl Grey Sour and Chateau de Chambord. The Chateau tasted like candy and was our favorite between us.

Came for my birthday, drinks were good good was delicious. Beth was an amazing bartenderread more

This was a nice easy access speakeasy feel establishment. I was hoping for a little more…read more"underground" with password, etc. That was not the case, however, walking in the front door. I definitely got the speakeasy feels. It also has large screen TVs where sports are playing. That does take away from the speakeasy field, but it's a good balance between casual eye out to watch a sporting event with friends and get a classy cocktail in a great atmosphere. Not my first choice go to for speakeasy, but definitely makes the list.

A fantastic, quiet, speakeasy-esque bar with a great staff, cool decor and delicious drinks in the…read moreCave Creek area! The staff greeted and seated me quickly in this cute, kind of quirky home office inspired bar and immediately poured me a glass of water to sip while I read through their beautiful leather-bound menu. The lights were dim with little electric tea light candles flickering against the books stacked on the huge bookshelf/entryway. Both bartenders were working diligently to assist me and the other patrons and suggested I try the Meltdown - it was FANTASTIC! It was like someone had made a super fresh pina colada and got squirrelly with some gin and guava purée but I absolutely LOVED it! The presentation was great too, it came in a large ornate glass filled with beveled ice and topped with, I believe, an orchid and some fresh mint! I really had to fight myself not to order a second one I was house sitting in the area that Saturday night and wanted to bring some dinner home with me after my drink and honestly, the food didn't disappoint either. I got the Smoked Chicken Wrap with coleslaw which came out maybe 10 mins after ordering and was thoroughly enjoyed when I got back home! Definitely a good bang for your buck at $15 compared to other bars like this with limited food options where you're typically overpaying for fried food fresh from the freezer. The vibe was there, the food was tasty and the drinks were great, I'll definitely be back with friends and family!

Sazerac is a great spot for a quality nightcap (and some lat night food truck eats)…read more My colleagues executed an EPIC event, and after 15+ hours working on our feet, we needed a festive place with stiff cocktails and food. First, for a divey-style bar, the barkeep was really friendly. And they have good drinks. He made a stiff dirty martini, an espresso martini, and a few of their Mezcal-based "Smoke and Berries." Outside, we feasted on cheap eats from (I can't remember the name), but we ordered everything from tacos to nachos to fries and I think empanadas? Great music, great lighting, service, and drinks. Highly rec.

Sazerac PHX is a sleeper hit in downtown Phoenix... low-key one of the best cocktail spots moving…read moreright now. From the jump, the energy was chill but not boring... lights were warm, music had bounce, and the whole place felt curated without being corny. Bartender energy? Different. No menus needed... we gave a vibe, he poured what matched it. Not sure what was in the glass, but it slapped. You ever drink something so good you start reevaluating your life choices? That. Clean pours. Balanced. Not over-mixed. Just enough sweetness to get you in trouble. Crowd was mixed, stylish... looked like people who know where to be without needing to post about it. The seating's cozy enough to post up and talk but open enough to float around if you're trying to socialize. It had that lounge-meets-night-out energy. Bathrooms were clean... that matters when the drinks are flowing. Never felt like a dive. Never felt like a bottle-service trap either. It's got identity... almost like a cocktail bar that grew up on rap albums and old money. It's giving... if Frank Ocean curated a bar playlist then dipped out the back with your ex.