It's the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, we're aware that it's been in the low 80s lately and there is a greater chance of Aaron Carter and Hilary Duff getting back together than there is of Phoenix getting any snow. Get on our level. We're not talking about Christmas; we're talking spring break.
But, before you go jetting off to San Diego or cruising down to Rocky Point, don't underestimate staying right here in town to celebrate your scholastic break. There is plenty to do, and we've wrangled up the 10 best places in Phoenix to party this spring break.
See also: 10 Best Places to Party After Spring Training Games in Metro Phoenix
If you want to feel like you're beachside in a cantina in Mexico without the actual beach or having to drive hundreds of miles, check out El Santo. With a giant open-air patio surrounding its resort-style pool, it's easy to close your eyes and forget that you're in Scottsdale. Or hang out under the waterfall and hope to find that spring break fling waiting underneath. Grab some taquitos and a drink with a tiny umbrella and enjoy your Mexican staycation.
We get it. Tropical poolside getaways aren't for everyone. Thankfully, Lost Leaf is about as far from tropical as you can get. This renovated historic house turned bar just of Roosevelt Street is perfect for those who simply want to grab a pint, check out local art, and listen to good music. It offers live music every night, from local DJs and bands to national touring acts. And the best part? There is never a cover. Yep, free equals fun.
Firehouse on Mill Avenue is the place to go for sports fans. The bar has more than 20 flatscreen TVs showing pretty much every game you could dream of watching, stadium seating, and great deals on drinks if you go on a weekday. $3 beers until 10 p.m.? We can get on board with that. Also, there are scantily clad Firehouse Tempe girls, and what would spring break be without girls in bikinis?
Bicycle lovers and climbers, we didn't forget about you. Park your bike outside Boulders on Broadway and head in to take your pick of 30 drafts and 70 bottled craft beers. With happy hour all day on Saturdays and from 3 to 7 p.m. every other day of the week, where else would you want to be? Also, if you've got a little bit of a nerdy side, like us, Boulders hosts trivia nights every weekend, starting at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Some people have no desire to leave the city over spring break, and we are fine with that. In fact, we'll probably run into them at Lustre by the rooftop pool at Hotel Palomar downtown, getting away from it all while still being in the midst of it all. The city, that is. Lustre boasts one of the best views of downtown Phoenix, especially at night, and especially because you can float in a pool while you take it all in.
You know how you were always told not to judge a book by its cover? Keep that in mind, and then head over to Little Woody on Indian School. Channeling a wood-walled speakeasy vibe, the Woody is like one of those places that you would happen to stumble into on spring break but immediately realize that you found one of the city's hidden treasures. Solid work. And having been opened in part by chef Lenard Rubin of The Vig, you know the food and drinks are going to rock.
Two words come to mind when someone mentions Maya: day drinking. But drinking and partying at Maya are certainly not limited by the sun's being up. If you're looking for somewhere to tan by the pool with a couple of cocktails around noon, listen to cool DJs with a couple of cocktails in the afternoon, and then rave at night with a couple more cocktails and maybe some fire dancers, then get to Maya as fast as possible. If you can make it through all that and still stand by the end of the night, we salute you.
It seems silly that we even need to explain why you would want to go to Yucca Tap Room. It's one of the best places in the Valley to hear live music in a small, intimate setting and has been that for decades. Besides the amazing music you're sure to hear there, Yucca also offers almost 30 revolving beers on tap and a hefty assortment of whiskeys.
If you're like us, sometimes you just can't make up your mind between wanting to dance and wanting to play ping-pong. Thankfully, there is somewhere that you can do both. Public House, formerly Robbie Fox's Public House, has basically been turned into the ultimate frat party. Though they did take away a majority of their dance floor, they added games like corn hole and beer pong. Plus when you've got a great dance floor next door at El Hefe, who even notices?
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Yes, Cash Inn technically is a country bar. But if that's not exactly your thing, don't be swayed. It's got a little bit of everything for everyone. Pool, darts, line dancing, karaoke, and poker? Name something you think should be in a great local bar, and Cash Inn most likely has it. And it's been named best lesbian bar in Phoenix almost every year since 2008. So, trust us, it's a guaranteed good time.
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