A Local’s Guide to Finding the Best Phoenix Nightlife

While it might not (yet) be competing with the likes of Las Vegas or Nashville, it might surprise you that downtown Phoenix has a thriving nightlife scene. In fact, there’s no shortage of great Phoenix nightlife spots in which to spend your Friday and Saturday nights.

Whether you choose to party in the heart of the city or just outside the city center, you’re sure to find something to get your party juices flowing. Here’s your guide to painting the Valley of the Sun red and seeing Phoenix in a new light, including:

• The best bars in Phoenix, AZ
• The best nightclubs in Phoenix, AZ
• The best live music venues in Phoenix, AZ

Let’s get started!

The best bars in Phoenix, AZ

The always-evolving Valley is host to many new cocktail bars offering world-renowned drinks, handcrafted beers, and impressive wine lists. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Century Grand

Why choose just one bar to visit when you can visit three bars in one? Century Grand is the crown jewel cocktail bar in this part of Arizona, with three distinct, individual concepts. At Platform 18 at Century Grand, step into a replicated early 20th-century Pullman train car and enjoy a craft cocktail while taking in the sights and sounds from the virtual train windows. Next up is UnderTow, a speakeasy-themed bar upon a turn-of-the-century clipper ship that offers cocktails with tropical flavors. Finally, the third concept, Grey Hen Rx, can help guests cure any ailment as this New Orleans-inspired apothecary serves classic drinks with a modern twist.

2. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is no stranger to winning awards and honors year after year, which is not surprising given the fact that it’s the brainchild of Phoenix bartender king Ross Simon. Set inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters on Jefferson, this bar’s mixologists focus on serving up inventive cocktails crafted using only the finest ingredients. There’s often a wait to get into this trendy drinking spot and restaurant, but it’ll be worth it.

3. Little Rituals

This downtown Phoenix bar can be found on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, which makes this gem an even bigger surprise. The award-winning Little Rituals pairs great cocktails with elevated bar food for the perfect night out. Its own little rituals include using fresh-squeezed citrus juice made daily in-house, creating dozens of syrups, infusions, and foams for its hand-crafted cocktails, and taking advantage of seasonal produce and flavors. Stop at this bar in Phoenix as a pregame spot before heading to the nearby arena, or make it the main attraction of your evening.

4. Lylo Swim Club

So many hotspots in this Arizona town revolve around a refreshing swimming pool, including the outdoor bar at Lylo Swim Club, located at boutique hotel Uptown Phoenix. Sure, there’s wine and beer on the menu, but the island-vibe cocktails are the real treasure here—think the highly Instagrammable seasonal sorbet Bellini, and three-berry daiquiris, coladas, and mojitos. The vibe is chill, and the Hawaiian-Japanese-inspired bites are delicious (especially the KBBQ Beef bowl and the Togarashi fries).

5. Palma

When the weather is cooler, outdoor bars are the place to be for nightlife in Phoenix. A newer option in the heart of downtown is Palma, a laid-back lounge that evokes a cross between a Miami and Palm Springs spirit. Enjoy the lush outdoor setting—complete with palm trees and ample seating—while sipping tropical drinks and indulging in the restaurant’s sushi and short-rib bulgogi wraps. This upbeat spot also has great music and tons of energy day or night.

The best nightclubs in Phoenix, AZ

Ready to get your dancing shoes out and shake your groove thing? Phoenix nightlife is bumpin’ with plenty of great nightclubs to scratch your itch:

1. Club Dwntwn

Warning: You won’t be able to stop moving your hips to the Latin beats at Club Dwntwn This Phoenix nightlife venue has three different rooms, each playing different styles of music, from salsa and Banda to hip-hop and top 40. If you’re looking to elevate your late-night experience, there’s a VIP area with couches and bottle service.

2. Monarch Theatre

Where’s the party every Saturday night? At Monarch Theatre, a 21+ venue on Washington with two dance floors (with one on the rooftop!). There’s no need to worry about driving after a drink at this nightclub, since the Phoenix Metro Light Rail runs right to the Monarch’s front door. Expect heavy bass, deep house tracks, and high energy throughout this club.

3. Stacy’s at Melrose

Inclusivity reigns supreme at Stacy’s at Melrose, a gay- and lesbian-friendly nightclub on 7th Avenue. Aside from fun specialty cocktails and daily drink specials, patrons will find a slew of events, DJs, dancing, karaoke, Bingo, and drag shows. If you can’t decide which bar in Phoenix to head to, Stacy’s is always a good time.

4. Bar Smith

Ideally located downtown on Washington near Chase Field and Footprint Center, Bar Smith is a nightlife staple in Phoenix. It boasts one of the best city views from its rooftop bar and dance floor and has a second dance floor inside playing house music and hip-hop. There’s great energy here, along with VIP bottle service if you want to skip the line at the bar.

5. Charlie’s Phoenix

A country-themed gay nightclub playing western songs and teaching line dancing? Yes, please! Any night at Charlie’s Phoenix is a great time, with its huge dance floor, multiple bars, and live DJs keeping the party thumping. You’ll also find drag shows, karaoke, and more events throughout the week at this nightlife hotspot. Charlie’s has been around since 1984 and is now Arizona’s largest LGBTQ+ bar.

The best live music venues in Phoenix, AZ

Many people living in Phoenix are surprised that it’s more of a music town than they originally guessed. So, when choosing a bar in Phoenix, don’t forget to add some live music venues to your list, including

1. The Van Buren

It seems as though there’s a show at The Van Buren almost every night of the week, and you can count on the lineup to include emerging artists beyond hosting a wide variety of well-known artists (including Sting, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Violent Femmes). Think the 1939 building looks cool? This hangout used to be a Phoenix automobile dealership, but it’s now been converted into a 1,800-capacity concert bar for a unique experience.

2. Valley Bar

On the opposite end of the spectrum is one of the most intimate venues for nightlife in downtown Phoenix: Valley Bar. Often highlighting the best local and upcoming talent, Valley Bar is a local favorite featuring live DJs and hip-hop-themed parties. The speakeasy-style atmosphere set in a 1949 building only holds 250 people for performances, but also offers a game room with pool tables, shuffleboard, pinball, darts, Skee-Ball, and board games. There’s a Light Rail station nearby, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving.

3. The Nash

Don’t worry, jazz enthusiasts—there is nightlife in Phoenix for you, too. The nonprofit Nash jazz lounge is a concert club offering live music nearly 300 nights each year in the vibrant Roosevelt Row neighborhood. There’s not a bad seat in the house at this venue, which hosts everything from classic and modern jazz to local jazz musicians. This lounge also serves wine, craft beers, and snacks during performances.

4. Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen

You can’t beat a 64-tap draught beer menu and live music every day, so head straight to Copper Blues on Jefferson. Blues isn’t the only music on tap here, as you may also find a solo acoustic act, a band playing ’80s cover songs, or even a country band on stage—either way, you’re sure to be entertained by the band and the lively crowd. When hunger strikes, there’s quintessential pub food to order, along with another round of drinks.

5. The Rhythm Room

For more than 20 years, The Rhythm Room has been a top-rated venue for music lovers in Phoenix. World-class blues and jazz acts have made their way through the doors of this no-frills club over the past few decades, and it books local and national acts on an almost nightly basis. If this is your scene, you’ll definitely start to recognize some of the same patrons over and over again.

Make the most of your time in Phoenix, Arizona

Whether you’re in the mood for craft beers and dive bars or delicious cocktails in sophisticated lounges, the Phoenix area is a great place to spend a night out. Landing’s fully furnished apartments in Phoenix are located right in the heart of the action and can give you a front-row seat to a great time. Browse our available apartments in Phoenix, or contact us to learn more about how a Landing membership works.