It started with Quartz, and its fitting counterpart, The Cave, which opened in April 2023. The Van Buren Street dual-destination serves cocktails inspired by gemstones, such as the Sea of Aquamarine, made with coconut rum and rainbow boba, and the Rohang Ruby, which blends South Asian flavors into a spicy and smoky margarita. At each booth within The Cave, screens display rotating images of different crystals and gems.
Then, on July 31, Turquoise Wine Bar opened on Roosevelt Row. It’s the second location of a concept that originated in Glendale. Former customers Oly and Jesse Salgado became owners when they franchised the business and brought Turquoise to downtown Phoenix.
The wine bar is filled with gem-toned velvet furniture and accents. It serves a selection of wines by the bottle, glass or flight, perfect for pairing with a charcuterie board or other nibbles.
Seven different flight options are named after crystals and gems, from the Amber flight of sweet wines to the Diamond flight of classic whites, the Opal flight of sparkling options and a mixed flight called Agate.
Another geologically inspired spot is set to open soon. Sapphire & Slate, another wine bar, is coming to the Ten-0-One building on the corner of Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue. It’s the latest concept from chef Nik Fields, of the now-closed Chic Chef and upcoming eateries The Mix and The Grind.
The new bar will feature a curated wine list, music from a local DJ and events celebrating art, poetry, fashion and more, according to its social media. The new bar is scheduled to open this fall.
As Sapphire & Slate joins Turquoise and Quartz, downtown Phoenix's sparkling collection of gem-inspired bars grows, perhaps challenging Sedona for the most crystal-obsessed city in the state.
Quartz and The Cave
341 W. Van Buren St., Suite BTurquoise Wine Bar
504 E. Roosevelt St.Sapphire & Slate
Coming soon1001 N. Central Ave.
