Looking for something to do tonight? This week, we're starting "Night Owl" -- a quick guide to special nights at bars and clubs around town. We'll give you a few hints re: cover, dress code, music and atmosphere. Wednesday nights mark "The Scenario" at Bar Smith, which is just where we'll start.
Sure, "The Scenario" name sounds like a "Jersey Shore" sketch on SNL, but Wednesday nights at Bar Smith don't disappoint.
Tonight marks the fourth week of the event where hipster-luring DJs Ellery, Hartbreaks and Pickster One spin at the trendy downtown bar and restaurant. Walk through the dark restaurant front and up the stairs to check out the scene ...
The Place: 130 E. Washington St., Phoenix. (602) 229-1265.
The Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Cover: $3 after 10 p.m.
The Music: The DJs switch up throughout the night (you can check out a full review of the Scenario's music scene on our music blog, Up on the Sun) They mix up house music, dubstep, Moombahton, and international hip-hop.
The Fashion: There isn't a big fashion scene here, which was oddly refreshing. There's an eclectic mix of funky downtown hipsters with guys in jeans and t-shirts (view the full slideshow here). Most of the ladies wear flats (All the better to dance with, my dear) paired with jeans or a mini dress. There are the occasional trendsters in hooded vests and jumpsuits, so just be yourself.
The Drinks: Are strong and made by the bar's very talented bartender Chase Crain. He might show you a few tricks if you're nice. Also, if you're upstairs, take easy on the cocktails -- remember, you have a flight of stairs to walk down on your way out.
The People (and What We Loved) : Like most bars, if there is a decent crowd, you're bound to have a good time. The patrons at Bar Smith are there to dance for the love of dancing and of the music. You won't find much (if any) bump-and-grinders on this dance floor.
The Charm: Known and awarded for its awesome roof-top bar, Bar Smith also has a wall-sized chalk board where artists sketch surrealistic, colorful images while the DJs spin. Last week's artist was Joerael Elliott.
What We Didn't Love: During "The Scenario," the
street-level's restaurant space is an open floor with a bar and DJ -- too bad it's empty and kind of awkward.
Going back: Recommended
