Best Bars in Phoenix

It's a movie theatre, it's a bar--it's FilmBar. This appealing venue is a beer/wine bar dedicated to screening hard-to-find cult classics, local independent films as well as new releases. FilmBar is described as a "microcinema," meaning that there are only about 70 seats on the house. On any given night, you'll find the latest independent hit, nostalgia cult classic, or little-known foreign flick being screened. Behind the bar, you'll find over 25 different craft beers, 12 different wines, and popcorn, of course. FilmBar is the brainchild of Kelly Aubey, who conceived of the film-bar concept to bring independent movies to downtown Phoenix in a fun and totally unique venue.

If vintage arcade games, craft beers and cleverly-named cocktails sound like a great combination to you, plan a visit to Cobra Arcade Bar. As its name implies, this is a hybrid arcade and bar situated in the Roosevelt Arts District in downtown Phoenix. Not only will you find dozens of vintage arcade games, including popular games like The Simpsons, Donkey Kong and Double Dragon, you'll also find a bar serving up stiff cocktails with names like Crazy Kong and Game Over. Although the bar does not serve up food, you can reboot with the gourmet food truck parked in front of the bar.

Gracie's Tax Bar is a friendly, low-key neighborhood bar in downtown Phoenix serving a good selection of beers, wine and classic cocktails. (The name, by the way, is a tribute to the tax preparation business that once occupied the space). You won't find anything too fancy here, but that's precisely the point. The cozy interior is stocked with a working jukebox, retro board and arcade games, and a comfortable outdoor patio. Bartenders are friendly, and the drinks are generally stiff. Don't come here if you want bottle service or other spendy amenities. Gracie's Tax Bar is amenable to even cash-strapped drinkers.

Downtown Phoenix's hip cocktail lounge features over 45 different types of beers, more than 40 wines and a menu of enticing hand-crafted cocktails. SideBar is known for impeccable ingredients and high-quality drinks. The bar squeezes its own fresh juices daily, and even has its own house recipe for simple syrup and Sweet and Sour, so you know "hand-crafted" truly means hand-crafted. Hardwood floors, exposed brick and plush seating make this a favorite destination for high-class barflies, downtown hipsters and post-happy hour office workers. Located near downtown clubs, SideBar is the perfect place to stop for a nightcap, or a short cool-down between clubs.

For a hot-weather town, the Phoenix bar scene doesn't really have a whole lot of tiki bar action going on. UnderTow is helping to change that, though. The nautically themed tiki bar is situated under Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, and the design alone is worth a visit. The bar was designed to resemble the hold of a clipper ship, and the vibe is more sophisticated and otherworldly than kitschy. The cocktail menu focuses on revamped versions of classics like mai tais, as well as nouveau drinks including Arizona-inspired concoctions like the Dutchman's Demise. Refined bar snacks help round out the UnderTow experience.

This small, chic bar is tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in a scenic north Phoenix neighborhood. The Lounge is known for its service - the bartenders here know their stuff - and its excellent and creative selection of wine, cocktails and beer. This is the place to go when you're craving a fancy cocktail or need some advice on finding a new favorite bottle of wine. The Lounge also offers a selection of gourmet nibbles, including bruschetta and fried provolone. The ambiance is chic, cozy and refreshingly unpretentious. Happy hour is popular at The Lounge, so stop by between 4 pm to 6:30 pm for drink and food specials.

The Gladly is a chic New American restaurant in central Phoenix with a stylish bistro ambiance. The globally-inspired menu includes house specialties like the popular chopped salad, brussel sprouts and pork hash. The eclectic dinner menu features an array of gourmet small plates, including charred octopus, roasted root vegetables and burrata. Popular mains include a Waygu burger, duck meatloaf and a tender belly duroc pork chop made with black garlic Oaxacan chile risotto. The restaurant has a sleek bar, which has become known for its craft cocktails. On Sundays, the restaurant's outdoor patio is a gathering place for discriminating brunch goers. This is also one of the city's top whiskey bars, with more than 200 varieties in stock.

Valley Bar is rarity in Phoenix: a hip downtown bar that just happens to be located in a basement. Basements are uncommon in the southwest, so it's a treat to escape to the cool surroundings of a well-finished basement space - especially in the heat of summer. The bar is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, just off Monroe and Central Avenue, and features lots of original woodwork and clean, hip decor. There is a game area with two Skeeball machines, vintage arcade video games, board games, along with a performance space, and separate lounge, The Rose Room. Come here for great hand-crafted cocktails, live music and game nights with friends.

Bitter & Twisted is a welcome addition to the downtown Phoenix scene. This cocktail parlour, tucked away in the historic Luhrs building, promises to deliver hand-crafted cocktails made from scratch using the finest house-infused spirits. Stop in for globally inspired bar bites, live music and, of course, an extensive cocktail selection featuring locally grown fruits and produce. Not sure what to order? Check out the handy bar guide on the menu, which will guide you to the perfect sweet, savory or tangy drink. The stylish venue offers an intimate place to enjoy a nightcap with friends.

The Whining Pig has earned a loyal local following in Phoenix, getting high marks for excellent service, an exhaustive beer and wine menu, and hands-down some of the best ambiance in the city. The decor is fun, charming and totally whimsical - note the penny-lined bar, massive chalkboard and vintage board games. The bar itself is tiny, but that only makes it easier to socialize with friends and fellow wine and beer lovers. The food options are limited, but there's always something delicious to nibble on in between sips (gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and charcuterie boards). Cozy, friendly and thoroughly unpretentious, the Whining Pig is a winner.