Royale Lounge

I went to the new wave, nerdcore, 80s/90s dance party last Saturday and it did not disappoint! The…read moreDJ was on point and the drinks were cheap and strong. Plus they have pinball! Just 3 but that is enough for me! I am a pinball junkie!! Overall the service is quick and pleasant despite how many people were there. RIPS has all kinds of people, young and old, normal and off the wall and everything in between!! The only negative was that the patio was a smoking den -- My hair and clothes smelled so bad the next day and it was really hard to find a small corner of the patio that wasn't smoked out. I will definitely be back for this dance party -- every 3rd Saturday.

The best dive in phx. Bartenders are solid with heavy hands. No food, alt art ambiance.read more

Detour

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Killer Whale Sex Club

4.1(333 reviews)

1.5 mi

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

I started coming here back in 2019, and at the time it felt like one of those rare places you…read morealmost don't want to tell people about because it was so special. The atmosphere was unique, the bartenders were genuinely engaging, and there was a real sense of community that made every visit memorable. It became my go-to spot to bring friends from out of town and every single person I brought absolutely loved it! Back then, the cocktails felt intentional and creative, not just rushed out for volume. The staff remembered regulars, conversations flowed naturally, and the whole place had this warm, eclectic energy that made you want to stay for hours. Even on busy nights, it somehow still felt personal. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the vibe has changed quite a bit. The drinks just aren't as consistently good as they used to be, especially considering the prices now. Service feels far more transactional and impersonal, and the atmosphere that once made this place stand out has faded into something much more generic. It feels less like a neighborhood gem and more like a stop on a nightlife circuit.

Behind the bar amidst the free photos

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Sunny's Lounge

4.5(54 reviews)

2.0 mi

Locally owned & operated

Boutique

Wow! What a hidden gem?!?!…read more Dive bar vibes meets craft cocktails like from Platform 18...make it make sense! I googled "bars in or around Arcadia" and this gem popped up and I am so glad we checked this place out! We will most definitely be back. We had to check twice that we ended up in the right spot as it looks so inconspicuous from the outside but don't let it fool you. This place slaps if you're a cocktail connoisseur. Don't forget to pull up their secret menu. Their bartender was legit--the type of guy that could make any cocktail based on what spirit you like--which is phenomenal. The vibes and ambience were immaculate. We added it to our list of places to keep on REPEAT when in PHX. Check this place out!

What I got : Daiquiri…read moreIPA spellbinder I've been coming here for like a solid six months solid spot for me now the group I'm part of in regards to the tiki Goth community we host events here so it really got me into this spot . The bathroom is pretty clean. Parking is easy very small space and they have a smoking area outside that you can bring your drink out to , I love it here.

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Bikini Lounge

3.9(261 reviews)

2.7 mi

Trista is awesome! The Bikini Lounge has a great atmosphere and great drinks!…read more TRISTA ROCKS!!!!

This place is an institution. Historical. The ambiance is exactly what you want from a dive tiki…read morebar. Although there are no tiki cocktails, the beer is cold and cheap. Can't go wrong. Don't go in expecting a classic or modern tiki bar, this is a tropical dive, in the best possible way.

An original

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The Starving Artist

4.5(206 reviews)

1.7 mi

Friends and I were killing time before our flights - I'm actually sad we didn't discover this place…read moreearlier for a full meal! As it was, we grabbed a few drinks and a snack. Really good drinks and there are some really unique ones - the Kyoto in Winter came in a very cute teacup, for example! There's a decent mocktail selection, which I appreciated as the DD. We really loved the Knotty Boyz (Garlic Parmesan) - if we hadn't eaten recently we might've ordered more to share!

I have been thinking about this place since I dined here for the first time…read more Fast-paced service and great pizza slices are $3 on happy hour. I tried the Korean BBQ pizza which was really good. They had a special pizza...The Baked Potato. So happy they offer slices to try. This was pretty tastey with the seasoned potatoes on it. I particularly appreciated that they did not over potato the slice lol. The best part about the pizza in general is that the crust is light and soft. I usually prefer heavy cheese on my pizza but their was just right. I tried the Son of a B*t@# I'm In cocktail that is on happy hour for $10. The simple yet clean ingredients caught my eye...gin, aperol, elderflower, lime l, and honey made for a very refreshing drink. Also, I've been on a kick to enjoy cocktails with no ice, so this was perfect.

Sandwiches, NY stlye pizzas, salads, and shareables

Champagne of Beers were super cold

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Seems like a cool vibe....let's check it out :)

Sidecar Social Club

4.5(84 reviews)

1.5 mi

I love that they have an indoor and outdoor seating area. Isaac and Tyler both provided great…read moreservice and recommendations on the cocktails. I had the road runner and donkey. Donkey was a little sweeter than I anticipated. Both were delicious. And I ordered the roasted beets. Although I don't know how "roasted" the beets actually were, all the flavors were very well put together - flavors that I would never have thought to pair together with, and I was surprisingly full after eating it all.

Another great bar concept in AZ! They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with misters to keep…read moreyou cool. The drinks take classics like the Sidecar, Espresso Martini, and Margarita to the next level--think ube foam, handcrafted mixers, and locally sourced ingredients. You really can't go wrong here. The vibe is relaxed and inviting, and you can even order food from the on-site restaurant to pair with your drinks. Definitely a spot worth checking out and one I'd happily come back to again!

Bar area

Pasta with ragu

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Entrance

Swizzle Inn

3.8(228 reviews)

3.4 mi

I do love the Swizzle! As I mentioned before, drinks are strong and cheap. They also have a good…read moreselection of tequila and whiskey -- so that is appreciated. This last time I went to Swizzle it was on a Saturday night and I didn't get there until 10pm and it was off the chain with no where to park or sit. When people get talking it is really loud inside and you can't hear the touchtunes. People were getting wild and that was super fun. There was a also a little food stand outside in the parking lot, which is really good for a bunch of drinking folks!!

Swizzle is the kind of dive bar you hope to stumble into -- and never want to leave…read more Plenty of TVs with every game on, great prices, and a laid-back crowd that makes it easy to relax and have fun. The staff here absolutely crush it -- friendly, quick with a drink, and they make you feel like a regular even if it's your first time walking in. The place has that perfect dive-bar charm: cool lighting, fun decor, and just the right amount of energy without feeling overcrowded. Tonight they even had a food contest going on, which made the whole night a blast. Honestly, I've seen a few of those one-star reviews and can't help but think those folks must've had a bad day -- because Swizzle is exactly what a neighborhood bar should be: chill, affordable, and full of good vibes. If you're looking for a spot to watch the game, hang with friends, or just unwind after work, this is it. Swizzle is an easy five stars.

Valentines karaoke

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Chopper John's

4.3(94 reviews)

1.9 mi

Had a great time at this place! Very eclectic crowd. Bikers which shouldn't surprise given the…read morename, regulars and strangely some sorority girls. Fun time, good prices, strong drinks and a fun bartender. Check this spot out!

Dive bar in the middle of Arcadia…read more First off - they have photo hunt, IYKYK. Classic game from 2000's, very hard to find these days. They also have 1 pool table and karaoke on Tuesday Nights. Lots of locals here and it's a nice change from all the high end bars around, service was good. Bathroom were okay, single bathroom for men and single bathroom for women.

Patio

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Inside

Gracie's Tax Bar

4.4(158 reviews)

2.3 mi

I honestly don't think I could do a better job writing a review than what's in the description…read moreprovided above. Cheap drinks, like, really cheap. Great food (hot crisp tots) and a jukebox full of happiness. I came here for the first time due to VIVA PHX. I live north of town, and had no idea this place existed. I do now! I've only been back once, but it was so clearly my happy place that I will be back again and again. The booths are cozy, and the outside is pleasant.* It's a great spot for live music under the stars. And the staff - they are - like - nicer than I've even thought possible in a bar nowadays. I was there during happy hour last week and was offered a pitcher or a pint. I got the pint, but it went down so fast I needed another. The barkeep laughed and said "I knew you should have gotten the pitcher. I'll only charge you the difference in cost for the second beer." The difference? $3. Seriously. *The outdoor atmosphere was perfect when I saw Kora Puckett in late April. I'm not sure it would be in late July

Came here to rendezvous with an old flame and it was the perfect location for finding some trouble…read more Bouncer at the entrance was super nice. I told him I parked in a spot that didnt exactly look like a spot but was big enough and seemed like it would work. He grinned and said as long as you don't park overnight, everything will be fine. Bar is inviting and this place is definitely divey, I was about to sit down at the bar when approached on the other side, caught off guard, and there he was, handsome and hunky just as I had remembered him years ago. Place was packed on a Monday night and by 11pm, more people showed up. Reminded me so much of NYC. We sat down at the bar and bartender was prompt and helpful. I ordered a mezcal margarita and he had a wheat style draft beer. Conversation locked in sync just as we had been years ago, drinks went by quick and before you know it, it was time for round 2. He had a Jameson on the rocks and I went with a smoky mezcal on the rocks. He was hungry and ordered a chopped cheese, reminiscent of NYC but no idea if it was good, but he polished it off quick. Jukebox was playing and we both weren't exactly excited by the music, but sometimes good conversation and staring into the eyes of your former special someone drowned it all out. Needless to say, I will remember this place for a long time to come. We headed out into the warm Phoenix night, clear, dark and while not drunk from the drinks, I was intensely buzzing from what suprises would unfold, it always ends in trouble, especially with this all too dangerous hunky beefcake. Perfect date spot with someone that can appreciate dives. I'll remember you Gracie's, stay cool and fun.

Games and photo booth.

Chopped cheese sandwich.

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Inside

McKenzie's Midtown Tavern

4.4(209 reviews)

2.2 mi

This place is so amazing, I don't want to tell anyone about lol! So if you come don't fuck it up!…read moreMy family and I loved the amazing service and prices, not to mention the food was off the hook and fast! Make sure you order the green chilli nachos the pickle fries! Thanks again guys!

Big Bourbon selections - Hughes bourbon selection If you're…read more from the Midwest. This is a place to be.