The 9 biggest bar closings of the year

As we reflect on 2025, it’s time to pay tribute to the bars and breweries we lost over the last year. It’s a tough time for breweries, especially, as the world of craft beer evolves and drinkers’ habits shift. Some spots have closed due to landlord disputes, leases ending or rent increases. Multiple longtime watering holes poured their last pints and one of downtown Phoenix’s most creative cocktail concepts sadly shuttered.

An exciting slate of new bars has opened to keep the good times rolling, but we’ll sorely miss the spots that went before.

Here are the biggest Phoenix bar closings of 2025.

Level 1 Arcade Bar

After five years, the original location of Level 1 Arcade Bar closed in January. The bar was located in Gilbert’s Heritage District and in its closing announcement, explained that it couldn’t reach a lease agreement with its landlord. It was known for its collection of pinball machines and arcade games which could be played with a cocktail in hand. The bar’s second location in downtown Mesa remains open.

The Beer Research Institute

The Beer Research Institute, also known as B.R.I., served Mesa customers for 10 years before it shut down at the end of March. The taproom and brewpub served a selection of craft beers along with classic bar food with a Southwest twist. The brewery’s sister location, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade, remains open in downtown Mesa. 

Sorso Wine Room

Sorso Wine Room was known for its huge selection of wines, with over 150 different options. The Scottsdale Quarter spot paired these sips with bruschetta, flatbreads, sandwiches and snacks for over a decade. After selling off much of its equipment and decor, the tasting room and restaurant closed in late April.

Walter Station Brewery

Walter Station followed a sad trend in the brewing industry this year. The converted firehouse closed its taproom and switched to production only at the end of April. Located just east of downtown Phoenix, the spot was a home base for Phoenix Rising soccer fans along with customers seeking out a good pint, some live music and a dog-friendly patio. The brewpub also served a food menu of flatbreads, sandwiches and classic pub fare. Fans can still find Walter Station beers in cans at bottleshops, but the taproom is no longer a space to gather and enjoy.

T.C.B.C. Beer

Another Valley brewery went the way of the dodo this summer after its lease wasn’t renewed. T.C.B.C. Beer poured pints from its Litchfield Park home, where it moved in 2021. It started its journey next door in a tiny taproom that fit just a few customers. After a neighboring CrossFit gym moved out, the brewers moved next door and set up a funky industrial space with large portraits of famous musicians lining the walls. The beer list was filled with creative brews packed with ingredients from cherries to Oreo cookies. The brewery said goodbye in July. 

The Drunk Munk

One of the most prominent spots in Old Town Scottsdale was home to The Drunk Munk. Anyone rounding the corner of Sixth Avenue and Stetson Drive could spot the tiki bar and restaurant’s large patio filled with customers sipping tropical cocktails under thatched umbrellas. The iconic space was formerly home to Cowboy Ciao for over 20 years, before getting a tiki makeover in 2019. The Drunk Munk closed in July.

PHX Beer Co.

Another brewery very close to Walter Station poured its last pints this summer. PHX Beer Co. shut down its downtown brewery and taproom in August. The closure came about as PHX Beer Co. merged with Huss Brewing Co. to create Zonafide Beverages, LLC. As part of the merger, PHX Beer Co. moved its brewing operations into Huss’ facilities and closed the Washington Street space. The company’s north Scottsdale restaurant remains open. 

Shady Park

After nearly a decade of hosting shows and serving pizza and ramen in Tempe, Shady Park had a slow, difficult end. The issues stemmed from the Mirabella at ASU, a senior living facility that was built across the street from the lively EDM venue, right along the Mill Avenue nightlife corridor. Mirabella residents complained about the noise coming from Shady Park, which, in turn, agreed to noise mitigation measures costing over $1 million. But in the end, Shady Park shuttered in August. 

Quartz and The Cave

A duo of concepts that made up one of downtown Phoenix’s most unique cocktail destinations poured its last drinks in September. In the front of the space off Van Buren Street, customers entered Quartz, a low-lit bar that served cocktails inspired by crystals and gemstones. Toward the back, a small hallway led to The Cave, a portal of a bar decked out in glowing neon and mirrored walls with cozy nooks for sipping drinks. The menu took inspiration from the different desert landscapes around the world. Less than three years after making its debut, the imaginative space said goodbye.