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1451 E. Williams Field Road Gilbert, AZ 85295
480-899-5299
http://www.warrenjazzbistro.com
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420 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-353-8740
http://www.wastedvelvet.com
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2623 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257
480-423-7087
http://www.thewellbar.net The Well Bar is situated just south of Scottsdale's notorious Old Town corridor, but this bar may as well be in a different universe altogether. Inside this low-key lounge, you're more likely to have a regular's canine hop up on the stool next to you than find yourself next to a Prada-wearing fashion plate. There's nothing ostentatious about this pub, and that's exactly how the patrons like it. The hut-style roof and round booths may belie The Well Bar's origins as a repurposed Pizza Hut, but frequenters here give their darts, Golden Tee, and billiards a lot more consideration than anyone ever gave the choice between deep-dish or pan-style crust. Beyond games of pool, mere quarters can land you 50-cent PBRs and $2 Bloody Marys before noon on Sundays, and the bar is perfect for early risers all week long, opening at 6 a.m. every day. More >>
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600 E. Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281
480-965-9011
http://www.asu.edu/tour/main/wfa.html
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1235 N. Dysart Road Goodyear, AZ 85338
623-932-9130
http://www.myspace.com/wendyjackshidaway
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5114 W. Camelback Road Glendale, AZ 85301
623-934-1780
As the adage goes, you can't judge a book by its cover. And that's most certainly the case with this Glendale haunt. Though its stucco exterior may seem sparse, with only a faded sign announcing its presence, its vibrant interior is rich with both color and character. For the past 10 years, owner Les Hestand's joint has offered a laid-back spot of congregation for day drinkers, neighborhood regulars, and those eager for the usual dive bar thrills. The cheap beer and well drinks get plenty of people through the door after the work day's done, but the friendly staff, numerous pool tables, and a jukebox filled with honky-tonk songs and old-school country artists are also draws. Make sure you've got plenty of bills in your wallet, however, as the place is cash-only. More >>
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6618 W. Olive Ave. Glendale, AZ 85302
623-939-8270
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1818 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-995-5897
Lots of bars try to pass themselves off as "friendly," but how many places are cool with customers' pooches scampering about? Saying Westwood Tap is a "welcoming" place is an understatement when you see a schnauzer cruising past the cocktail waitress slinging drinks. Doggies aren't the last of Westwood's charms: A vending machine glows in the corner, ready to dispense munchies or cigarettes, and the venue's long mirror, which runs the length of the bar, makes it possible to watch the developing action in the room as if it were a widescreen movie. Join the patrons as they shout at the basketball game on TV and sing along to the piano bit from "Layla," or plop down at the bar's retro-grooviest feature, a cocktail unit arcade equipped with Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. More >>
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10262 E. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85220
480-986-8974
What the Hell Bar and Grill is not the kind of place found often in the Valley. In the heart of Apache Junction, it's an establishment that probably hasn't changed a bit since the day it opened. Patrons can enjoy poker and shoot pool, sing karaoke two nights a week, and rock out to live bands on the weekends. The kitchen serves up breakfast every day, as it does that perfect greasy burger with a side of Buffalo wings and a cold beer. The crew at What the Hell is thoroughly old school, and that's just one of the charms of the place, as is the Green Bay Packers memorabilia scattered throughout the bar. It's definitely the place to be for Packers fans on football Sundays. More >>
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3202 E. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-867-2802
http://www.whiskeyriversaloon.com It's all about the Wild West here, only much more civilized. The walls are painted in colorful desert landscape and sunset murals, and the hardwood dance floor leaves plenty of room for two-steppin'. Weekends are the busiest, as hordes of good ol' boys in cowboy hats and plaid shirts gather around the bar to talk over drinks. More >>
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300 Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
800-327-0396
http://www.wigwamresort.com
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6840 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-242-2345
Wild Bill's is a west-side watering hole where the party starts daily at 8 a.m. when doors open, and doesn't cease until last call looms. While the low-lit interior is a mash-up of décor details (light and dark woods, glass block and brick, buffet chairs, and western whatnot) the outdoor patio is one big party scene, with plenty of seating, smoking, and celebrating. The locals are a blue-collar, tight-knit bunch, downing cheap brews (chased with bags of Cracker Jack), distributing cartons of smokes to friends in need, or trying to outdo their barstool buddies on their knowledge of grizzly bears. With darts, video games, free pool on Sunday and Monday, live entertainment, and nightly poker tournaments, there's plenty to keep a newcomer occupied. More >>
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3731 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85205
480-641-2125
This country bunker just happens to rest underneath high-tension power lines, but the real energy is actually inside the place. Regulars crowd the bar and engage in spirited conversation or taunt one another across one of the bar's four pool tables. Cowpokes, bumpkins, and blue-collar types mix with bikers and 20-somethings spinning around the checkerboard dance floor to the music of local country bands. Maybe they come for the live music, the rowdy karaoke nights, the nickel draft night on Thursdays, or possibly the sassy-yet-friendly bartenders. Whatever the reason, Wild Hogs is a lively joint with not a single sullen barfly to be seen. More >>
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4405 N. Saddlebag Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-213-9500
http://www.wildknightclub.com Shrouded in an aura of exclusivity and mystery, Wild Knight has been proven to be popular amongst ultra-stylish and well-heeled VIP types since it’s opening in June. The clandestine club provides the bottle-service crowd with ingenious perks (such as private drawers underneath seating for their valuables), exquisite cocktails, and a sanctuary from the rest of the masses. Its decor inside is a pastiche of Old World and Old Town Scottsdale (blending chain mail, silk canopies, and tufted leatherette) while its doormen outside keep out riff-raff and forbid cameras. More >>
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7136 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-483-1939
http://www.facebook.com/chopandwok Though the address would indicate this spot is located in North Scottsdale, its smallish size, rock 'n' roll feel, and funky décor make it feel like a bohemian basement bar on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Run by renowned punker Jamie Monistat (of Blanche Davidian fame), the Wok Star's walls are covered with gig posters, broken guitars, dented cymbals, album covers, paper lanterns, and other odd ephemera. Red lights cast an eerie glow on thrift-store antiques as a youngish crowd sips spirits and troubadours strum up a storm at one end of the bar during the Thursday night open mic session. Behind the cement bar, covered with seashells and handprints, Monistat and other drink-slingers offer more than 30 beers on tap (with 50 more available by the bottle) as well as plenty of other alcoholic delights. When tummies start rumbling, folks head across a TV-lined breezeway for some egg rolls or other Sino snackings at the adjacent Chinese food joint. More >>
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430 N. Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85201
480-844-7433
Valley sports stars of yesteryear live on at this Mesa tavern, which is like a museum of sorts dedicated to hometown heroes. Framed vintage photos of such luminaries as Frank Kush, Alvan Adams, and Dick Van Arsdale cover its wood-paneled walls from floor to ceiling. Maroon and gold fever also flows throughout the place, as myriad pennants and posters look down upon the Arizona State University faithful who gather in support of all the Sun Devil squads while enjoying the Woodshed's popular grilled wings and $2.50 domestic beers, $3.75 pitchers, and $4 well drinks. Speaking of spirits, the joint is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of a few of its former employees, making it a preferred haunt for both the living and the dead. More >>
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19 W. Baseline Tempe, AZ 85283
480-831-9663
After 30 years in the bar business, the proprietors of the Woodshed in Tempe are experts on running a cozy neighborhood joint. This comfortable little dive with tons of personality offers a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. with a slew of specials on beer and well drinks. The wood-paneled walls are covered in sports memorabilia and TVs that are tuned to movies and sports. Belly up to the bar and grab a 32-ounce beer or scoot up to one of the large tables, where you'll find room to share a basket of fried bar snacks with friends. From there, it's easy enough to find an opponent for a game of pool or chat up one of the friendly regulars. After three decades behind the bar, the owners have a few interesting stories to tell, too. More >>
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11701 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale, AZ 85307
623-872-1365
http://www.xplicitshowclub.com
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29 W. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
480-967-4777
http://www.yuccatap.com Tucked away in a grungy Tempe strip mall, this laidback dive bar evokes a small-town atmosphere with its crowd of working-class regulars. But despite its somewhat grimy appearance, the Yucca Tap is arguably one of the more popular live music joints in the PHX, and with good reason. College kids turn out in droves for Rockaroake night every Wednesday, as well as the rollicking open-mic night on Mondays. A more diverse bunch shows up for the weekly Valley Fever bluegrass and country affair every Sunday. It's even got an adjacent craft beer and premium whiskey lounge next door to the main bar, filled with a slew of top-shelf spirits, as well as arcade games and pool tables. Meanwhile, countless local rock, indie, and Americana acts have graced the elevated stage over the past decade, including the likes of Authority Zero, Miniature Tigers, The Necronauts, and Minibosses. And the best part about the place? There's never, ever a cover. More >>
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15034 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-603-0922
http://www.zincbistroaz.com A fabulous-looking and -feeling place for fabulous-looking folks not afraid to shell out big bucks for Parisian comfort food. Many dishes are, well, fabulous, including macaroni gratin, croque monsieur, onion soup gratinée, smoked salmon crepes and pork chop choucroute. Prepare for lots of butter and cream. More >>
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3647 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-957-2112
http://www.zippssportsgrills.com Zipps' Arcadia location boasts a large selection of bites and brews and a sizable outdoor patio tricked out with misters, gas heaters, a fire pit, and, of course, plenty of TVs. Situated in the same Gaslight Square strip mall that hosts the Dilly Dally and Darwin's, this particular Zipps is a favorite for neighborhood bar-hoppers. It's a big place, and the cavernous setting -- including a bow-strung high ceiling and original brickwork -- sets the scene for dudes and dames to hang out and hook up, their voices raised above pounding pop music, shuffleboard matches, and the standard game-day hullabaloo. Though the focaccias are a fan favorite, friendly servers are happy to talk you through numerous food and drink specials, including cheap pizza slices and thrifty "Zipparitas" during happy hour. More >>
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14148 N. 100th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480-314-4600
http://www.zippssportsgrills.com True, Zipps is a sports bar, with TVs in every direction you turn, but it's a tasteful one, with old fashioned patterned tin wall panels, exposed brick, and cherry wood accents. Better yet the big game isn't the only reason to come here. Even when there's nothing to watch, we're happy digging in to Zipps' juicy, double-stacked burgers, fat foccacia sandwiches, and spicy wings. More >>
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3950 W. Ray Road Chandler, AZ 85226
480-782-8877
http://www.zippssportsgrills.com True, Zipps is a sports bar, with TVs in every direction you turn, but it's a tasteful one, with old fashioned patterned tin wall panels, exposed brick, and cherry wood accents. Better yet the big game isn't the only reason to come here. Even when there's nothing to watch, we're happy digging in to Zipps' juicy, double-stacked burgers, fat foccacia sandwiches, and spicy wings. More >>
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605 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281
480-829-6775
http://www.zumagrill.com Clustered near popular Mill Avenue hangouts Mill Cue Club and Fat Tuesday, the tiny Zuma Grill draws in countless college co-eds and serves as both a noshery and nightspot. Most of the day, it's a laidback lunch and dinner spot offering American pub eats. After 10 p.m., however, it becomes a den of dancing and debauchery. Things can get a bit cozy, bordering on cramped, during the weekends, often resulting in crowding out on the matchbook-sized sidewalk patio and a huge line to get in. Dressing to impress is recommended, especially if you'd like to bypass the masses. More >>
