Make It Merc

After taking a week off, we wanted to return to the scene with some class. So instead of slumming it with plastic cups and scummy restrooms, we decided to check out the Phoenix dig that’s known for a hot mess of $30K millionaires, the Merc Bar. On Friday, October 12, this swank pad was filled with the gorgeous, donning dry-clean-only from head to toe. (Click here for more photos.)

Turns out, it was the perfect way to get back into the mix. It’s no wonder Merc has been around for so long. The decadently modern décor and perfect lighting made everyone look great — and the flowing booze sure helped. The charismatic bartenders mixed some stellar cocktails and hammed it up for the camera when we started shooting. Unfortunately, we had to work the crowd a bit because everyone was worried they’d end up on dirtyscottsdale.com (thanks, Nik Richie). But after a little reassurance and a flash of our New Times card, they were putty in our hands.