Venue Scottsdale

Since the Venue hosts a torrent of local and national music acts, the vibe at this Old Town concert hall changes with whoever’s taking to its ample stage, adapting its ambiance to fit a variety of styles. One night, a local rock band like Digital Summer might blow out the joint with its melodic sound, […]

The Vig

The Vig lies on the outskirts of the busy Arcadia neighborhood. A haute hotspot popular with the stylish and chic, its pub sensibilities shine through as a better-than-average neighborhood spot. Quality selections of tap beer and bottled wine are a starting point here. Once drinks have been chosen, it’s time to order something from the […]

Wanderin

Things behind the bar at this East Phoenix gem, open since 1972, may include: an aquarium, two air fryers, an old steel contraption that splits a lime into several slices all at once, little bags of chips, a sign that changes every shift to let you know who’s in charge (“CHERI BAR RULES”), Advil, Tums, […]

The Wayward Taphouse

The Wayward Taphouse arrived during the COVID era, a time when Phoenix was in great need of patios. The outdoor seating here seems to have been arranged with care. There are good sun and shade options, the space is outside food- and dog-friendly, and it’s surrounded by the casitas (which many know were once prisoner-of-war […]

The Well Bar

This well-loved south Scottsdale dive carries none of the pretension of the cocktail parlors and clubs occupying the same stretch of road further north. The music is loud; happy hour participants will have to shout over whatever live Phish jam is playing to argue about their sports. There’s also a sunny, spacious, dog-friendly patio, which […]

The Western

Located on a stretch of Fifth Avenue near Indian School Road, the sleek little country music joint perched at the edge of Old Town comes courtesy of Tucker Woodbury (The Vig bars and The Little Woody tavern in East Phoenix) and Stateside Presents promoter Charlie Levy. A kind of honky-tonk version of the Crescent Ballroom, […]

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

There are resorts, and then there are resorts like this magnificent Scottsdale destination. Ten-count them!-restaurants, a luxurious spa, upscale accommodations, and a water park featuring a 110-foot water slide to keep the kids busy while you lounge by the pool or head over to the Kierland Flowrider to (no kidding!) grab a surfboard and ride […]

Westside Cocktail Lounge

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 […]

Westwood Tap

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 […]

What the Hell Bar & Grill

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 […]