Phoenix's airplane-themed bar Carry On earned the Best Bar Design Award, described as "mile high design meets mixology."
At Carry On, the immersive experience starts from the very beginning. Customers need tickets rather than reservations. Upon arrival, the host hands out boarding passes. Air hostesses show you to your seat, next to windows that show takeoff, landing and views among the clouds throughout the 90-minute "flight."
"Designed with complete and total immersion in mind, no detail has been spared in replicating a truly authentic aeroplane experience," the awards explained, also noting the carpeted jetway and vintage-style uniforms.
The award also praises how Carry On differs from a modern airplane experience in a few good ways. The seats are big and comfortable, and there's ample legroom, for example.
Along with the airplane design, the bar is also retrofitted to the 1970s era of air travel, something the award notes is a "masterclass in retro-futuristic design."
Carry On opened in downtown Phoenix in November 2024. It's part of the growing collection of bars and restaurants from the hospitality group Pretty Decent Concepts. Since landing in Phoenix, it has become one of the hottest tickets in town. Tables are hard to secure and customers eagerly wait for the online drops.
Despite its recent debut, the bar is also no stranger to awards. It's been recognized for its drinks, its talented staff, and now its design.
In January, Carry On beverage director Jax Donahue was named as a James Beard Award semifinalist in the award category of Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
At the annual cocktail competition Last Slinger Standing held in early March, Carry On bartender Ruben Fernandez, III took home the trophy.
And earlier this month, the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards released its list of the Regional Top 10 Honorees. Carry On is in the mix for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar. Just over five months in, Carry On is flying high with no descent in sight.
