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Phoenix, AZ, has quietly built some of the most exciting bar destinations and speakeasies in the Southwest. Whether you want 1920s elegance, ghost stories, or just a little escapism, Phoenix has an immersive experience for you.
Get to know these world-class beverage businesses through the 5 best Phoenix speakeasies around the Valley. We’ll show you why bars like these use inventory technology to streamline operations and success.
Key Takeaways
Phoenix’s speakeasy scene offers something for every kind of cocktail enthusiast, and these standout spots each deliver a unique experience.
- The most immersive overall vibe is at UnderTow, where they set the bar high—literally. Located inside a repurposed ship hull, its nautical setting and award-winning cocktail program make it a must-visit for adventurous drinkers.
- If you’re looking to elevate your night with exceptional food and drink pairings, Rough Rider always impresses with a perfectly seared duck breast and inventive cocktails that balance richness and flair.
- For those craving the thrill of a hidden entrance, White Rabbit nails the authentic speakeasy feel with strict password-only access, maintaining the intrigue of the Prohibition era.
- History buffs and ghost story fans will appreciate Melinda’s Alley, set in a genuine 1890s basement and rich with haunted lore.
- The city's most exciting newcomer, Tell Your Friends, brings Gatsby-era elegance into the modern era with stunning Art Deco décor and masterful mixology—making it a glamorous addition to Phoenix’s secretive nightlife.
UnderTow—Best Experience Overall
UnderTow sits in the cargo hold of a 19th century ship—at least it feels that way with crackling thunder, creaking wood, and storm simulations. Inside, you’ll find exotic, rum-centered menus that change with every season. You can book a 90-minute slot with the Century Grand in Arcadia.
Rough Rider—Perfect for Food & Drink
Rough Rider is warm and welcoming despite its name. Basement style is immortalized by its vintage charm, sharp service, and a culinary selection to rival its wildly successful drink selections. You might order crispy duck, honey butter rolls, or cocktails inspired by the Spanish Caravan or Roosevelt’s “rough riders.”
White Rabbit—Most Authentic Entrance
Gilbert has a bar with a secret entrance and password requirements. Few people ever see its apothecary stylings or 1920s flair, but its secrecy is rich, aromatic, and often ranked among Phoenix speakeasies’ best and brightest. Get your “prohibition era” persona down there.
Melinda’s Alley—Most Iconic Historically
Melinda’s has offered ghost stories with each cocktail since the 1890s. Its glowing red light makes it easy to find this historic hideaway, and its menu is anything but dated. These cocktails and food pairings rotate perfectly with in-house talent and every season.
Tell Your Friends—Newest Must-Visit
Scottsdale sports its own Gatsby moment with Tell Your Friends located below The Americano. Dramatic in its designs—with disco balls and more—this bar is not shy about its high-end offers made by expert bartenders.
Creating Beverage Experiences with BinWise
Running a successful speakeasy comes with challenges that traditional bar management may not recognize. In fact, most systems weren’t built to handle rare herbal spirits, seasonal menus, supplier changes, and catching up with Gen-Z’s favorite new canned cocktails or hard kombucha.
BinWise offers inventory management designed for these bar stressors. With custom tags, scanning technology, and reporting, you can dramatically reduce inventory errors and cut time drains. Places like UnderTow and Rough Rider know the challenges of expansive spirit collections, and BinWise helps ensure that stick stays precise and high-value.
If you want to streamline your speakeasy, schedule a demo with BinWise. See how tailored tools can improve profitability and keep the magic alive—night after night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Speakeasies
Phoenix is a place hot enough to dry out from other speakeasies. These venues remain popular, not only because of their excellence, but the mystique that comes with doing something a little different.
The city is more than welcoming for California speakeasy lovers who want a change of pace—as well as the NYC speakeasy hopper who finds themselves in the enchantments of the Southwest. Check out how they stand out with these common questions.
What is the typical entrance process for Phoenix speakeasies?
Most Phoenix speakeasies don't require passwords but feature concealed or unmarked entrances that add to their mystique. UnderTow is located inside Century Grand with no exterior signage, while Melinda's Alley is identified only by a red light in an alleyway.
The White Rabbit in Gilbert stands as the exception, requiring both a password and knowledge of the secret entrance location. Reservations are highly recommended for popular venues like UnderTow and Tell Your Friends, especially during peak weekend hours.
What aesthetics are unique to Phoenix speakeasies?
Phoenix speakeasies showcase diverse design aesthetics, from UnderTow's immersive ship environment to Rough Rider's refined vintage atmosphere. Common elements include rich textural combinations of velvet upholstery, burnished leather seating, and polished brass fixtures.
Lighting plays a crucial role, with establishments using carefully positioned vintage sconces, flickering candlelight, and strategic shadow play to create intimate atmospheres. Many venues—like the best Austin speakeasies—incorporate local artistic touches and carefully curated antiquities to enhance their distinctive personalities.
How much should I expect to spend at a Phoenix speakeasy?
Craft cocktails at premier Phoenix speakeasies typically range from $14-20 per drink, with some specialty offerings commanding higher prices.
UnderTow's exotic creations average around $16 per cocktail. Many establishments, like Rough Rider, also offer food menus with small plates ranging from $10-18 and entrees from $20-35. While higher than standard bar prices, these costs reflect the premium ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and immersive environments that define the speakeasy experience. Those experiences are supported by BinWise Pro.
What makes Phoenix speakeasies unique compared to other cities?
Phoenix's speakeasy scene uniquely reflects the city's desert heritage, prohibition history, and cocktail innovation. The city's authentic prohibition history-including visits from notorious figures like Al Capone-provides genuine historical context.
Many local bars, such as Denver speakeasies, incorporate regional ingredients and local influences into their drink programs.
Phoenix speakeasies also tend to embrace contemporary technology alongside traditional techniques, with establishments like UnderTow using custom soundscapes and projection mapping to enhance immersion. The Washington DC venue or Vegas speakeasies that think of refinement differently.
Do Phoenix speakeasies serve food?
Phoenix speakeasies offer notable food programs alongside their cocktails for all kinds of customers:
- Rough Rider stands out with its acclaimed menu featuring Roasted Duck Breast and Parker House Rolls.
- The Ostrich, located beneath Crust Simply Italian in Chandler, offers both craft cocktails and food options.
- Tell Your Friends in Scottsdale includes small bites to complement its drink program.
- UnderTow and Melinda's Alley focus exclusively on cocktails, making them better suited for after-dinner drinks.
