Always a great place for a different kind of happy hour. So chill and relaxing but plenty of room to make it fun. read more

First Draft Book Bar - Reading and drinking. Good way to go on a Saturday - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Found this place by reviews and they did not let down! I love coming to get studying done.

I've been coming to First Draft ever since I moved to downtown Phoenix a few years ago. Over time, it's become a place I hold close to my heart--and, if we're being honest, a major reason why I want to stay in the central Phoenix area when I eventually purchase a home! First Draft's baristas and bartenders are exceptionally sweet and helpful, and their treats (from spinach artichoke dip to warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie) are to die for. I can't wait until I can settle back in at their bar to write, but in the meantime, I'll settle for their super-streamlined to-go service. read more

Coffee. Beer. Books. What else do you need in life? This place is one of my favorites in all of Arizona. I recommend it for either studying with a delicious latte (there's a back room with plenty of seating, or room at the bar), or a relaxed weekend evening of book browsing and beer drinking. It's unique, it's hip yet classy, it's quiet yet just loud enough and it's probably the coolest place on camelback. *also great for a date* read more

First Draft Book Bar - Cafe latte - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Such a nice atmosphere. Nice tranquil music playing in the background, delicious coffee & and great beer and wine selection. My wife and I love coming in here to get some work done and enjoy a couple drinks. So happy they made it through 2020 because there really is nothing like it here in DT Phoenix. read more

How can you go wrong with a bar inside of a bookstore? The best of both worlds. Sipping a glass of wine while reading a book! Definitely a win-win situation in my eyes! This bar is located inside of Changing Hands bookstore. Parking can be a bit challenging but there is a lot across the street from it and some street parking available. The bookstore is your typical bookstore with variety of books and other novelties to purchase. The bar and sitting area for it is quite big and not busy on a Sunday afternoon around 2:30 which is when we were there.Hubby and me both got a glass of the Fiction red blend wine for $7.00 a glass. We sat at a table in the bar area. It was not very busy. There were people enjoying a meal together and people by themselves writing or reading on their tablets and other such devices. It was quiet in there with just a low level of people talking so if someone wanted a quiet atmosphere for writing or doing other work, this would be the place to go. Probably won't be back as it is not in our usual area we hang out, but had seen it advertised on Yelp and wanted to check it out. Very pleasant experience and if we were looking for unique gifts we may go back and further check out the bookstore. read more

First Draft Book Bar - Sign - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great vibe in this city bar. Very good food, friendly staff and good conversation at the bar. read more

First Draft Book Bar - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

If you sit at the bar and have coffee, the wine glasses sparkle invitingly overhead. "Carnie, darling, have a wine," they beckon. "It's nine o'clock in the morning." "It's wine, love. Lovely wine." In all fairness, the bar seats are hard, and they didn't have coffee, which seemed to embarrass the barista just as much each and every time he had to say so. Plus, instead of offering wine as a substitute, he offered me an Americano. But, what can I say? He was a darling. In all fairness, what this place lacked in seat cushions and a properly operating coffee maker, it more than made up for in ambiance. Well-lit, no screaming grinders, and scent of books and incense made for a pleasant visit. I'm going back soon. But, not for coffee. read more

First Draft Book Bar - Not wine this time. - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I always dreamt of having a bar with books in them, and First Draft is the closest thing to a dream come true! The menu selection is a mix of wines and craft beers, too, so I always delight in picking my poison. The bar is basically attached to Changing Hands, so you can order a drink and browse CH at leisure. I love taking my friends and family here to hangout. There is wide open space for tables to work on projects with in addition to bar seating. My boyfriend and I once purchased a bottle of wine, took two seats by the fireplace and enjoyed a few hours or reading. Not that you need a fireplace in Phoenix, but we loved its cozy existence nonetheless. The times I have visited, it has never been a problem to find seating or a good book, and I sometimes opt to come here to avoid the ambience of a crowded cafe. Cheers to happy reading and drinking! read more

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This place is very quite. If your a total book nerd and love a quite ambiance then this is the place for you. The beer list is very limited. Teas and coffees are probably good but seeing as we came off a beer pass I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. This for sure wasn' t my cup of tea. read more

I could not live this place more, unless they moved it to my block! It's awesome that you can get a glass of wine or a beer and then walk all around the bookstore browsing. The bookstore is amazing but the book bar is also great. Staff is super friendly and the prices are very reasonable. I came once for coffee and was surprised at how reasonably priced it was, plus delicious. Then went one evening after going to an event at Changing Hands and had two glasses of different wines. Again very reasonably priced. Can't wait to come back and actually eat some food. read more

This place looks cool from the windows but unfortunately they changed there business hours without updating them online. We got there at 1015am along with several other people all who had to leave bc they aren't opening until 11am. I don't mind that they don't open until 11am but for planning purposes it would be nice if they communicated that. At least five other people had to leave as well. read more

I started coming here recently after googling best place to read a book in Phoenix. What a wonderful place! Everyone is very friendly. The environment/ambiance is delightful and the vibe is just right. I've only had a couple items off the drink/coffee/food menu, and they have all been good. Whether you want coffee, a drink, a book, or just someplace safe to exist, I highly recommend. read more

The only thing I didn't like was the traffic noise. When you are out of the patio, the noise is deafening. Not just loud and annoying, but absolutely deafening. Still....you'd better get there for social hour. I had some really nice wine by the glass for $5.00. They mix up some amazing cocktails and have craft beers on tap. Sadly they were out of the rosé. It was a rosé kind of day and we were not the only ones who thought so. Oh well, there are many other choices and the friendly staff is knowledgeable and will help you. How often have you thought that you'd spend more time at a bookstore if it had booze? read more

This is such a cool spot to hang out at. They make the most amazing lavender early grey coconut milk drink. It is probably one of the best I've ever had. The fun thing about this place is you can order coffee, tea, beer, mimosas or wine, they have quite the selection. They also offer tasty baked goods, small bites and lunch options. All this plus books and a fun selection of gift items to look at. I also went to a story slam here recently and it was fantastic! read more

One of my all time favorite places to hang out! This bar is located inside of the Changing Hands bookstore, making it the perfect place to read while enjoying a beverage. They have a good selection of drinks, including some options you can purchase to-go. The staff is always friendly and the atmosphere is really welcoming. They have tables or the bar to work at or a few comfy chairs if you're just reading and relaxing. They have some good happy hour deals, including some bar snacks and a $6 sangria that is excellent! I would give it 5 stars, but they have such a small selection of draft beers that I unfortunately don't always find one I like. However, they do have wine on tap, so I definitely enjoy that! Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a chill place to read or get some work done. read more

It's a super nice bookstore with a great selection. and it has a bar in it, combining my two greatest passions: reading and alcoholism. It's basically the best place on earth. Staff was very friendly read more

The First Draft is such a cool bar within the Changing Hands Bookstore. When I was a live orchestra played in the other room that was just lovely. I highly recommend their small plates such as their artichoke dip with pita and an iced chai (best I've had) accompanied by a good book. read more

Great selections of books with a bar and restaurant connected to it. I love the fact that you can sit, work on your laptop, drink wine, eat, & take a walking break looking at books or shop. There's plenty of plug ins to charge your devices while you work, wait, or chill. There are delicious food and healthy selections, too. I study and order their cheese/meats/olives platter with ginger soda pretty often. Love the vibe!! read more

At a monthly meeting at The Newton, the First Draft Beer Bar is open for food and drinks. Have had coffee, which was fine, beer, fine. But stop doing what you are calling food, because it isn't. And get better service. I ordered a handpie and my husband ordered a pretzel. How can you mess up a pretzel? Well, they did. It was hard, stale, and just disgusting. A $7 inedible pretzel. The handpie was still cold in the middle. I tried to get the attention of the guy behind the bar, who kept walking past me and another person wanting a beer. He looked straight at us and ignored us! Finally he reluctantly came over. I let him know my pie was still cold in the middle. He put it into the microwave so long it exploded into a blob of a mess. If you want to have a cup of coffee or wine or beer, it's OK. But don't bother with food. The service was terrible and the food was a waste of money. read more

I came here with a group of friends for a book club meeting and we had a great time. The red sangria was amazing and the price was decent. We had a few different appetizer like dishes. The pretzel and the charcuterie board were good. Super friendly staff. read more

It probably would not take too much for a bar within a bookstore to impress me (I'm a sucker for a good bookstore), but this place really is a gem. The staff are welcoming and fun. The customer service is great. It's an added bonus that the name is a pun! read more

As a reader and a wine lover, this place is amazing. I first discovered it by going to a book signing in a space they have that's beautifully decorated. The books are displayed nicely and there are tons of fun gifts and decor to check out as well. I've been here many times and can't wait to go back! read more

First Draft Book Bar - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I usually go to Lux or Sip Garage. Today I branched out and am glad I did. First Draft is quiet, tastefully decorated, and has ample seating (unlike Lux, lol). The Americano is decent, but no complaint for the price. Certainly coming back to try a few half pint beers ($2.50). But not at 10am! read more

First Draft Book Bar - Very nice place with ample seating, bug fireplace, and cool air conditioning. Definitely more seating than Lux, lol. - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Frist Draft is a small bar located inside a book store. They made really good Mazagan. If you want to chill and have a drink while reading your favorite book, then come here read more

First Draft Book Bar - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Favorite place to hangout and just chill! Everyone is friendly and attentive, snacks are good and the names for each item are very punny! Gave me a good chuckle. Good selection of drinks as well. I recommend their vegan pastries or their artichoke dip! It's worth the few extra dollars more read more

Super cool spot! Great beers on tap, friendly & helpful staff, warm atmosphere and lots of cool books! Check out the "crafts and drafts" night. I happened to be there during one and it looked like a blast! read more

Went for the first time last night and it did not disappoint! Drink selection is wide and generous. The food was so flavorful and made fresh in front of you by their friendly and accommodating staff. I would definitely recommend trying their Hansel and Pretzel with Pub Cheese! read more

I just the love the atmosphere here - it is a bookstore after all. There's something about being able to read a book or browse the selection while sipping on a beer that just feels 'right'. Speaking of beer, they always have a small but solid selection as well as wine, and things to munch on. The beer does rotate somewhat regularly as well and they do tap-takeovers as well. Also have a small but solid selection of wine. The bread always looks so delicious I'll have to try that next time. read more

First Draft is my favorite place in Phoenix. Not only does it provide a great atmosphere for working, but it's also a great place to grab a drink and have conversation with people you love! The staff is really friendly, and they gave great pub cheese and pretzels. read more

Great hang out spot! I came here for an afternoon with my husband to hang out, have some snacks and play Scrabble. There is an area behind the bar with plenty of seating and tables. We brought our own games and grabbed a spot! The bar itself offers a lot of yummy drink (coffee and alcoholic) and food options. I ordered a matcha tea iced and my husband got a green tea. They also have kombucha, maybe next time! We shared a snack board of gluten free crackers, hummus, olives and pickled veggies. It was so good! I am obsessed with the crackers they use and both of the hummus options were so flavorful, such a perfect snack. During the summer this is one of our go to "get out of the house" spots that has air conditioning. It's a part of changing hands bookstore which is my favorite book store in the valley. Service is always super friendly, grab some friends, a book or some games and check this place out! read more

First Draft Book Bar - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Overall enjoyed our visit. Beer and bar appetizers were ok but nothing to write home about. It was fun to try local brews (with 4 options in tap). The bookstore was fun to look around. Service at the bar was average. Would have liked more places to lounge with a beer/book and access to power outlets. read more

I mean who doesn't love a great bookstore with a bar inside?! This is inside changing hands bookstore and is my favorite location. The staff is always super friendly and the drinks/snacks on point. Perfect for a date night or night out by yourself! read more

I absolutely adore this place. Where else can you sip on a glass of wine and browse through books?! It's cozy, the events they have are really neat, and they have all sorts of knick knacks to look at! read more

Great place to stop in for a small dessert and coffee after dinner. Warm, cozy "Changing Hands" Bookstore is attached to this cute little bar. The perfect way to end a great evening . . . and you might even find a great book to take home to curl up with when you climb into your warm cozy bed. Can life get any better? read more

Delicious cider and new-to-me novel in hand, I hung out at the bar for a snack. Staff was there when I needed them and hung out close by having appropriate, light conversation with themselves, stopping when their attention was needed by myself or other patrons. I struggle with social anxiety and I can only begin to express my appreciation of this businesses success in creating a peaceful, easy going environment for all. Community! read more

This place is amazing! I am somebody who is constantly at bookstores and cafes, as I am a your typical coffee/book kind of person. I moved close to this area and found this gem. I went inside and immediately the atmosphere was positive. The staff was very helpful and made great book recommendations. This being said, the staff is educated in what they do- which is a lot more then other bookstores can say. The coffee bar is oftentimes accompanied by quiet people reading, studying or doing computer work. VERY RELAXING! This is the best coffee bar bookstore I've been to! read more

What's better than books and beer? Not much if I'm being honest. What a cool concept! Really enjoyed my time here. Definitely worth checking out read more

Great place to escape the world and have a beer while getting lost in a book! Wednesday's all day $1 off glasses of wine! Great coffee too!

I like this place a lot but the lost a star is because I think if you close at 10pm you should make patrons feel welcome to be there and order until near that time. They start closing an hour beforehand. read more