50 Drive-Thru Liquor Stores in Metro Phoenix: A Field Guide

Often marked by inviting neon signs, the drive-thru liquor stores of metro Phoenix have a history as lengthy as their oil-stained driveways.

Some states don’t have them, probably because it sounds like something you’d expect to see in an old Burt Reynolds movie, but they’re quite legal here. We may not call them a brew-thru or beer barn or cruise-through (at least not that we’ve ever heard; that goes on in the Midwest, apparently), but we have them.

According to Lee Hill, assistant director of licensing and HR manager with the State of Arizona Department of Liquor, two of the state-granted liquor licenses come with drive-thru alcohol privileges: liquor stores (series 9) and beer and wine stores (series 10), meaning some drive-thru liquor stores sell beer, wine, and spirits, and some just beer and wine. As for the legality of it, obtaining alcohol from a drive-thru window is no different than walking into a grocery store and buying beer. It all comes down to purchasing the original, unbroken package, and not tearing into it en route to your final drinking destination.

Ours is one of a handful of states to legally feature drive-thru service — which can seem bananas to those from out of town, and the public in general.

Others take it in stride.

Jason Frazier, Arizona State executive director at Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says the MADD standpoint on drive-thru liquor stores is like this: “As long as they’re doing it legally, it’s something we’re not going to fight against,” he says. “We’re against people driving while impaired and underage drinking and driving.”

It’s hard to say when liquor stores in Phoenix first began accessorizing with drive-thru windows — only that they starting popping up in the 1950s. Some of the Valley’s drive-thru liquor stores have been in business for decades at the same location. City of Phoenix historic preservation officer Michelle Dodds helped us narrow down Cork & Bottle Liquors’ first appearance to 1958, and the poppy pink Melrose Drive-In Liquors dates back to 1957.

A few relics can be seen while traveling through town. Leo’s Barbershop at the northeast corner of 16th and Jefferson streets features a drive-thru canopy (a dead giveaway), as it was once Reddy’s Corner Drive-in Liquor Store. The restaurant Joe’s Midnight Run is set within the former Joe’s Drive-Thru Liquors, and The Corner Deli (or just Nick’s) still has the now meaningless drive-thru sign up at the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Maryland Avenue.

Don’t worry — there are more than 50 drive-thru liquor stores still in operation in the Valley. Here is a neighborhood breakdown of the Valley’s drive-thru liquor stores — some with histories, some with just hooch.


ARCADIA

Empire Discount Liquors
3939 East Indian School Road
602-955-5181
Open 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Empire Discount Liquors first appeared in 1959. You may have spotted this place when heading in or out of The Vig in Arcadia. Empire is ideal for the serious bourbon drinker, while craft beer, wine, soda, and a wide selection of liquor take up the rest of the shelf space.

Gary’s Liquor
2131 North 24th Street
602-286-0540
Open 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

This full-service drive-thru liquor store has shelved bottles of booze from floor to ceiling, and features a large selection of beer and wine. Plus, you can grab tobacco products and smoking accessories, as well as Arizona Lottery tickets. Neighbors include the Wren House at McDowell and Monte Vista roads. See more here.

Northeast Market
2527 North 32nd Street
602-954-3828
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

You can’t miss this bright, lime-green liquor store when driving down 32nd Street. This is more of a small grocery store, and even has tables and chairs inside for enjoying the 99-cent tacos here. You can also get beer, wine, liquor, and just about anything else you want through the drive-thru.

Tower Liquors
3424 East Thomas Road
602-956-2920
Open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

Tower Liquors is a beacon among the thirsty drivers of Thomas Road — who plan to take their purchases straight home, of course. Offering beer, wine, and spirits, Tower Liquors is pinned by the familiar sign with the neon block letters.

ALHAMBRA

Reddy’s Corner Liquor Store
2613 West Glendale Avenue
602-242-4884
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Neighboring Lenny’s Burgers, Reddy’s Corner Liquor Store is one of the last of nine Reddy’s locations in the Valley. This shop has been under the same ownership for 20 years, and offers beer, wine, and spirits, along with mixers and snacks.

Walker’s Cost Plus Ten Liquors
1816 West Glendale Avenue
602-995-5446
Open 8:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

There are so many bottles of liquor (and wine and beer) in here that bottles are lined up on top of the fridges and shelving units. There are also snacks, tobacco products, and mixers galore, plus drinks to stay at the Westwood Tap & Grill next door.

ARROWHEAD

Bell Tower Market & Liquors
6302 West Bell Road, Glendale
623-878-7730
Open 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

If you can’t find this place, it’s listed as Habib’s Liquor Bell Tower Market Drive Thru on Google Maps. Found on the east end of Bell Tower Plaza, this one has the usual wine, beer, and spirits, along with snacks, mixers, and kegs to go.

CHRISTOWN

Camelback Liquors
2002 West Camelback Road
602-246-2961
Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Open 365 days a year, Camelback Liquors is more sizable than your typical drive-thru spot, with liquor, beer, and wine, plus tobacco and hookah products, and plenty of specials. Keep up here.

Liquor Basket
5130 North 19th Avenue, #14
602-246-7088
Open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; 8:15 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

This narrow liquor store offers everything from Takis to brandy — plus beer, wine, tobacco products, and other snacks and liquor. They even have $1.25 beers. See specials here.

Walker’s Food & Liquor
2621 West Bethany Home Road, #1
602-249-0940
Open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

This window-service liquor store is one of several Walker’s Food & Liquor locations in town. It’s got beer, liquor, wine, and plenty of snacks and mixers.

CORONADO

Liquor Wheel #2
2209 North 16th Street
602-253-7041
Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

This little yellow hut was built in 1940 as a Kentucky Fried Chicken, and now has a floor-to-ceiling selection of wine, plus liquor, beer, mixers, and snacks. See specials here.

DEER VALLEY

Sunset Market & Liquor
17235 North 19th Avenue
602-863-1677
Open 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

Find beer, wine, spirits, and some food items at this old-school-looking convenience store. Sunset Market & Liquor also offers kegs.

GLENDALE

A.K.O. Drive In Liquors
5928 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale
623-931-2337
Open 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Just outside of Historic Downtown Glendale, A.K.O. Drive In Liquors is spotted by the blue painted “Liquor” on the side of the building. A.K.O. also has beer, wine, kegs, and a small amount of groceries.

Farmers Quality Liquors & Market #2
4330 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale
623-435-9247
Open 9 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

This is the second Farmers Quality Liquors & Market location, nicely set along the fast food row that occupies this stretch of Glendale Avenue. There’s liquor, beer, wine, and the usual convenience store items.

House of Spirits
4306 West Northern Avenue, Suite A, Glendale
623-930-8956
Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Just about every square inch of this place is covered with merchandise. There’s beer, wine, and spirits along with snacks, mixers, magazines, and tobacco products.

Thunderbird Liquors
4920 West Thunderbird Road, #129, Glendale
602-978-5347
Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Capping the east end of a shopping plaza in the ASU West neighborhood, Thunderbird Liquors features a wide variety of imported beers, wine, and liquor. This is also a smoke shop, so it’s possibly one-stop shopping for some customers.


GRAND AVENUE ARTS DISTRICT

Hermano’s Liquor & Market
1340 Northwest Grand Avenue
602-257-8150
Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces southeast
License: Liquor

Found among the colorful storefronts facing Grand Avenue, Hermano’s Liquor & Market has plenty of beer, wine, liquor, and a small amount of grocery items.

GREENWAY

Greenway Market
3502 West Greenway Road, #19
602-978-9294
Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Easy to spot by the many neon signs in the front window, Greenway Market — or Greenway Liquor — offers beer, wine, spirits, candy, and lots of mixers near the Amherst Plaza Animal Clinic.

LAVEEN

JJ’s Grubb Shack-N-Liquor
4402 West Southern Avenue, Laveen Village
602-237-2663
Open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

For liquor with a little lunch, or the other way around, JJ’s Grubb Shack-N-Liquor has a service window in Laveen. The food is fast, and they’ve also got beer, wine, and spirits. They also answer the phone here with, “How can I make you full?”

MARYVALE

Farmers Quality Liquors & Market
2935 North 59th Avenue
623-247-3962
Open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Settled in the north end suite of a small strip mall in the Los Altos Ranch Market plaza, Farmers Quality Liquors & Market is one of two locations of the same name. Find beer, wine, spirits, and standard convenience store items.

Jack’s Liquors
4286 West Thomas Road
602-272-5982
Open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

A stand-alone liquor store trimmed in mint green, Jack’s Liquors is packed with domestic and imported beer, wine, and lots of liquor. If you decide mid-purchase you’d rather have a seat, Funny Farm Lounge shares the parking lot.

JJ’s Drive-In Mini Mart
6532 West Indian School Road
623-846-6268
Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Beer & Wine

Wallpapered in alcohol advertisements, JJ’s Drive-In Mini Mart has beer and spirits at the west end of a multisuite strip mall.

Metro Convenience & Liquor
7515 West Indian School Road
623-873-6417
Open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Known as a quick keg stop, Metro Convenience & Liquor has a wide array of beer styles, plus wine and spirits, and above all, party kegs. Look for the black, white, and red neon sign.

R J Liquors
5897 West Indian School Road
623-245-1567
Open 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Marked by the Budweiser banner facing 59th Avenue and dating back to the 1960s, R J Liquors has your beer, wine, spirits, and usual convenience store items at the south end of an L-shaped strip mall.

MELROSE DISTRICT

Melrose Drive-In Liquors
4321 North Seventh Avenue
602-263-8158
Open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

One of the granddaddies of Phoenix’s drive-thru liquor stores, Melrose Drive-In Liquors is a strictly drive-thru service station first established in 1957 — making it one of the oldest drive-thru liquor stores still in operation in the Valley. Look for the bubblegum pink paint job on the east side of the winding Seventh Avenue in the crux of the Melrose District.


MESA

Beer World
1530 North Country Club Drive, Mesa
480-461-1542
Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Beer & Wine

The name here says it all. Spotted by the red awning, Beer World has tobacco products, DVDs, and a vast selection of domestic and craft beer in single serve, six-pack, and by the case.

Broadway Liquors
405 East Broadway Road, Mesa
480-964-8373
Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

Marked by the white-on-red sign simply reading “Liquors,” Broadway Liquors is a stand-alone stop for beer, wine, and spirits.

Fiesta Liquors
753 South Alma School Road, #1, Mesa
480-834-4488
Open 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

This strip-mall stop has been around since the ’60s, and offers wine, craft, and domestic beer, a huge array of vodka and single-malt scotch, and plenty of snacks, mixers, and tobacco products. See specials here.

Sun Devil Liquors
235 North Country Club Drive, Mesa
480-834-5050
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Sister store to Jerry’s Liquors and known as the home of Cellar Pub — the basement wine bar and local hangout — Sun Devil Liquors is heavily stocked with beer, wine, and spirits. See more here.

Superstop Liquor
321 West McKellips Road, Mesa
480-898-8913
Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

Claiming to sell the coldest beer in town, Superstop Liquor offers a vast selection of beer, plus wine and liquor, as well as a few mixers and snacks.

METROCENTER

Henry’s Liquors
3439 West Cactus Road
602-863-0585
Open 9 a.m. to midnight
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

Henry’s Liquors made the “10 of America’s Best Drive-Thru Liquor Stores” list in a 2014 Thrillist Travel post. The drive-thru window is in between the store and neighboring barbershop.

Party Stop
8841 North 19th Avenue, #5
602-944-3661
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

Capping the south end of the El Rancho Market plaza, this shop (aptly named “Drive Thru Liquor Store” on Google Maps) has beer, wine, spirits, and a wide array of smoke-shop items.

NORTH PHOENIX

Walker’s Liquors
11009 North 19th Avenue
602-943-2575
Open 9:15 a.m. to midnight daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

Backdropped by North Mountain Park, Walker’s Liquors is a stand-alone liquor store with the usual beer, wine, spirits, and convenience store items.

PARADISE VALLEY

Jax Market
4001 East Bell Road, #100
602-867-0723
Open 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

Capping the east end of a lengthy strip mall, Jax Market has beer, wine, and spirits, plus tobacco and smoke shop products.

Village Liquor
3143 East Greenway Road
602-867-2343
Open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces northeast
License: Liquor
This place is packed with beer, liquor, and wine, plus tobacco products, snacks, and mixers.

PEORIA

Mike’s Market
8520 West Peoria Avenue, #101, Peoria
623-486-4807
Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Mike’s Market offers beer, wine, and liquor at this strip mall convenience store.

SCOTTSDALE

LA’s Milk Depot
1626 North 87th Street, Scottsdale
480-990-9017
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces north
License: Liquor

LA’s Milk Depot is a local convenience store with as many candy-purchasing kids in the parking lot as cars in the drive-thru. There’s beer, wine, and spirits, plus slushies and homemade salsa.

Liquor Vault
9301 East Shea Boulevard, #133, Scottsdale
480-860-0982
Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

A Mercado Del Rancho plaza stop since 1985, Liquor Vault offers beer, wine, and liquor – lots of it. See the selection here.

Sam’s Mart & Liquor
8770 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale
480-949-8660
Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

This no-frills liquor store has a large inventory of spirits, wine, and beer, plus the usual convenience store items.

SHEABORHOOD

Cellars Fine Wine & Spirits
10660 North 32nd Street
602-992-7010
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Liquor

Set in the Paradise Hills Shopping Center, Cellars Fine Wine & Spirits has a rotating selection of craft beers, distilled spirits, and fine wines. Put in a special order here.


SKY HARBOR

Ajax Liquors
2303 East Van Buren Street
602-244-0971
Open 8 a.m. to midnight daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

Ajax Liquors is marked by a bright neon sign proclaiming “Drive In Liquor.” This is a neighborhood liquor shop and convenience store with alcohol and grocery items.

Cork & Bottle Liquors
4101 East McDowell Road
602-275-1861
Open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

This is one of the oldest operating liquor stores in town. Cork & Bottle Liquors dates back to 1958 at its location at the west end of a corner plaza. This shop has beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, snacks, candy, and DVDs — plus the previous owner of 25 years (who now owns N’orlins Café in Frankenmuth, Michigan), claims it to be haunted by a former yet friendly regular. Specials are often posted here.

Liquor Wheel
3445 East McDowell Road
602-273-7200
Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

The Liquor Wheel is a family-owned and -operated liquor store that’s been around since the late 1950s. It was once an Italian deli where, it’s said, mafiaosos would meet up because of its proximity to the airport. It has a metal roof for this reason, and employees also claim it to be haunted because of late-night spooky noises. Showcasing that iconic red-and-blue neon sign, the Liquor Wheel has beer, wine, spirits, mixers, and check-cashing services.

Minute Liquor Store
2355 South 16th Street
602-528-3517
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Beer & Wine

You’d be better off looking for the larger sign that advertises Dora’s Kitchen, or at least the large painted faces of Geronimo or Wyatt Earp. The Western-themed Minute Liquor offers beer, wine, and spirits, and, if you choose, lunch next door at Dora’s.

SURPRISE

Bubba’s Drive-Thru
15445 North Greasewood Street, Surprise
623-933-2366
Open 6 a.m. to noon Sunday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Beer & Wine

Bubba’s Drive-Thru is a convenience store with a clerk at a drive-thru window handing over beer and wine, and maybe a hot pickle.

TEMPE

Fox Tobacco & Liquor
1025 West Broadway Road, Tempe
480-894-1147
Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Liquor

Fox Tobacco & Liquor has a wide selection of craft beer, plus wine, spirits, and tobacco products. Bonus: It neighbors Palo Verde Lounge.

Jerry’s Drive-In Liquors
1217 South Rural Road, Tempe
480-966-8655
Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

Marked by an iconic neon sign (featured on in-store shirts and tanks), Jerry’s Drive-In Liquor is a booze-packed staple in Arizona State University’s Tempe neighborhood. The family-owned and operated Jerry’s was established in 1967, making it Tempe’s first drive-thru liquor store. You can make your own six-pack, or choose from a wide assortment of liquor, wine, and smoke shop items. See year-round specials here.

Sunshine Mart
2531 East University Drive, Tempe
480-968-6030
Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces northeast
License: Liquor
Sunshine Mart is like a corner store for craft beer and microbrews, plus wine, liquor, and a small amount of grocery items. See more here.

Valley Fair Liquor
121 East Southern Avenue, Tempe
480-967-2488
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces south
License: Liquor

If the gaggle of bars at the intersection of Mill and Southern avenues doesn’t make you thirsty, the drive-thru window at Valley Fair Liquor just might. The store has a good collection of craft beer, plus wine and spirits. The same people own the neighboring BYOB-friendly TC Tacos, so you can pair your recent Valley Fair purchase with tacos in the restaurant. See more here.

TOLLESON

Tolleson Market
9312 West Van Buren Street, Tolleson
623-936-3737
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces east
License: Beer & Wine

This place used to be Dave’s Liquor, and is set along Tolleson’s main drag. Its distinct architecture features a bell tower, and a long, narrow building perfect for beer and wine window service.

UPTOWN

Crown Beer Wine & Food Store
6320 North 12th Street
602-369-7393
Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
Drive-Thru Window: Faces west
License: Beer & Wine

Find beer and wine (obviously) at Crown Beer, Wine & Food Store, an unobtrusive alcohol stop also packed with a few groceries.