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    Idle Hands

    4.2 (49 reviews)
    Open 2:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Idle Hands Photos

    IDLE HANDS ATMOSPHERE

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    Halloween themed for the holiday.
    Vlad V.

    I've been to Idle Hands twice, about a year apart, and there's a lot to like. The most recent was on a Thursday night around 10:30 p.m. This speakeasy is located on Mill Ave., the center of Tempe's party scene. Because of its location, parking isn't easy. If you're looking for free parking, you're going to have a long walk. Outside of that, you'll have to pay for parking in a garage or metered street parking. Ambiance (4/5): Hint hint. Idle Hands is located inside Devil's Hideaway. A true speakeasy shouldn't have signage outside indicating its location. Unfortunately, there's a sign for Idle Hands outside of Devil's Hideaway which takes away the sense of mystery and intrigue that a true speakeasy provides. Outside of this hiccup, it's a cool speakeasy. It's intimate, with 10 or so seats at the bar and about 10 seats in booths facing the bar. There's a projector screen behind the bar that had mystical motion graphics the first time I stopped by (thinking wizards) and Halloween motion graphics the second time (with it being a day before the holiday). There were some other Halloween decorations up. The only area of improvement? The music often doesn't match the vibe. A lot of the music they were playing on my last visit was Irish music that would be fitting for a pub. Service (4/5): I had the same bartender each time. He knows how to make a good drink and is pretty efficient. When you close out, he only gives you the merchant copy. Which is a pet peeve of mine. Let me get that customer copy too. But overall, a good experience. Especially at a college bar. Food (N/A): I've only had drinks both times. Idle Hands actually doesn't have food, but Devil's Hideaway does. And you're allowed to bring food from there into the speakeasy. Drinks (4.5/5): It's pretty surprising to see a speakeasy on a college campus. I was impressed with the creativity of the menu, both in terms of the ingredients used and the fusion of flavors. I've had a different cocktail each time, and they've all been great. My favorite was one served in a box filled with smoke. Talk about a cool presentation! The hallmarks of a solid speakeasy are elevated cocktails, nice ambiance (dimly lit), an intimate space, and mystery/intrigue. While the intrigue is lacking at Idle Hands, and the music can be improved, they hit it out of the park in the other areas. One of my favorite speakeasies I've been to in Phoenix (and surrounding areas). I am, after all, the self-appointed king of speakeasies. The king gives his stamp of approval.

    Christina M.

    Idle Hands is a cool bar tucked away in the back of Devil's Hideaway off Mill Ave, replacing the former Rula Bula. It's a hidden speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar accessible through a hallway near the kitchen. Both places are relatively new. Opening in the Spring 2024. The vibe is dark, candlelit, and Victorian-like. I really like the lighting and relaxed environment. The cocktails there are incredible and we had a great time. I had an amazing tiki cocktail, the #180, with tasting notes of "boozy, tiki, donuts". My perfect combo :) I also loved the clarified punch I ordered, #69 "tropical, salty, and sweet". It was SO yummy. And we tried a Cocoa Butter Kisses shot- a very nice Amaro. The bartender was great-- attentive service and helpful recommendations. I definitely look forward to going back and trying other drinks.

    Heidi M.

    After grabbing a couple of drinks at Devil's Hideaway on Mill, we headed next door to Idle Hands! It's a speakeasy inside of Devils Hideaway. We had a reservation, so we got seated right away. The vibe was really cool. It felt like you were in a giant greenhouse. It's really pretty. Our server came over quickly and took our drink orders. Everyone really enjoyed their drinks, except for one from the spring menu. I don't remember the name other than it had a few pistachios on top. It wasn't the best, but the staff was super cool about it and took it off the bill. We also ordered the hummus. It was tasty. If you into speakeasies, you should definitely check this place out!

    Sabine T.

    Devil's Hideaway is a really cool spot on Mill Ave, and there's a hideaway within the hideaway! We have some really cool speakeasies in the Valley and Idle Hands is certainly among them. I went for the Miami Vice theme and love what they did with it. It's not a huge space and reservations are recommended (it's a $25 deposit that later gets taken off your check). Tried 3 different cocktails, all were excellent. Good presentation, good service. Also had the poutine, which I would definitely order again - it was tasty, and $8 with plenty enough food for two. Cocktails were about $16 each. Cool vibes, and the music is not so loud that you can't have a conversation. They rotate about 5 different themes per year. Before this one, they had a greenhouse/floral theme. It's Tempe so you likely won't find free parking, but there's a paid parking lot right next to the bar, with lots of spots for $3 per hour.

    Christa M.

    We had no reservations prior to arrival but when we checked in with host, she let us know it would only be about an hour wait. The hour turned to be more like 35 minutes and we received a text when our table was ready. The hostess was friendly and she walked us to the bar. We sat down and looked over the menu and decided on the following drinks: #4 - cognac, apricot, grapefruit oleo, butter, thyme - $15 #17 - citrus vodka, lemongrass, sauv blanc, thai basil quinine soda - $14 #401 - Agricole rum, Jamaican rum, quince, grapefruit lime, allspice, clove brasil nut - $14 The bartender was friendly and he whipped the drinks up pretty quickly. People came in and went but it was never chaotic nor super busy. The crowd seemed manageable and there were several empty tables. I ordered the #17 and it was very refreshing. The #4 wasn't too bad and it was definitely better tasting then #401 (in my opinion).. We didn't like the #401. The inside was super coool and the vibes were alll there. The screens were one color the whole time we were there though so it wasn't impressive. I overheard the couple next to us say the same thing as they also wondered why the screens were just one solid color and no picture was displayed. Overall, might be back.

    Inside the bar
    Erin G.

    We visited while on vacation. Such a cool vibe although half of the screens were not on. Pricey drinks but so yummy. Would recommend for a night cap or pre dinner drink. Server was very friendly and helped us choose a dinner spot

    Kelci S.

    Get the #5! My fiance' and I decided to check out Idle Hands after shooting some pool at Devil's Hideaway. We didn't have a reservation, but they accommodated us at 5pm when they opened their doors. You can find Idle Hands in the back of Devil's Hideway. The speakeasy is definitely date night approved. We loved the ambient lighting and decor. The speakeasy offers light bites and delicious cocktails. Our favorite cocktail of the night was the #5. The cocktail smelled incredible. The chai & chamomile was delightful. Our mixologist gave us a little cocktail lesson on how to create clarified milk punch. We also enjoyed the #4's finish. The apricot gave off a "fruit rollup" aftertaste. Prices are on the affordable side, which we love. This bar is a nice addition to Mill Ave!

    #4s & #22
    Lien S.

    My friends and I put our name down for Idle Hands. We were told it would be a 10-15 min wait so they got one more round at Devil's Hideaway. 30 mins went by and still no text so we checked again with the hostess. She was able to seat us at the bar. It's a small place, like a lot of speakeasies. Looks cool inside though. I felt like I wasn't in AZ for the moment! There is a time limit of 90 mins per party. We were only there for an hour since we only had 1 drink It took a while to get our drink order in. My friend and I both ordered #4 and my other friend ordered #22. I really liked my drink, minus the wilted looking thyme. Honestly, I can't remember if it tasted like buttery baked goods like the description says but I do remember it being very refreshing. The #22 was definitely too boozy for me though. I would come back again and probably try the #401 next time!

    On left there is an animated mural. Picture here makes it look brighter than it actually is
    Kyle H.

    I guess speakeasies are the new thing to do these days. So, when in Rome... Enter through Devil's Hideaway (not Devil's Advocate, as per my first mistake) and make a right turn, go straight and into a dark hallway. Check in with host. I think they said the "experience was 90mins" so not sure if they kick you out after 90min if people were waiting or what. I think we were there for 90mins and people that were there before us were there when we left. The room is an experience in itself. Dark and kind of mysterious. Drinks coming out all garnished, all in different looking glasses. Oh look there goes a drink in a lantern and it is smoking. Oh that one has a whole leaf in it. Bar is standard fare. But the seats were looking cool, like tuffed bench seats with some eerie glow. My picture makes the place look more bright than it really was. Reality was that while we could see people on other side of the bar and what they were generally doing we couldn't really see their faces. Ya know, like a speak easy with dark corners because drinking was illegal. Do not expect to be attended to routinely. This is more about getting a drink or two, enjoying the concoction, and chatting with your date/friend in a dark swanky room. Drinks are exotic and somewhat odd compared to normal bar drinks. Bartender was busy busy. But even so, still making every drink with flare. I went there on Memorial weekend and it was 1 bartender and I think it may be nicer if there were 2 bartenders so you could get the chatty bartender experience along with it (or maybe that is just my expectation that a speak easy would have a bartender spreading stories and lore about the town, townspeople, and the building you were in). But even so, the bartender was good... just busy. The drinks we ordered, the 401 and 817, were pretty good. The 401 was very strong, though, a little stronger than the wife wanted at that time. The 817 was much more smooth and fruity. In either case the drinks coming out were not the type of drinks you just hammer down. It is drinks you sip over conversation. Again, this was an experience. Last but not least by the time we left Devil's Advocate actually had patrons and hit the neons rippin. It too looked cool. It reminded me of a few clubs I went to when I was in Europe that were converted bunkers with the rounded, brick ceilings.

    Love the low light vibe!
    Jon H.

    Newly opened speakeasy within Devils Hideaway! Walking into the room is an amazing experience. The unique lighting and animated screens behind the windows throughout makes it feel like you walked into another world. Really cool place to chill with friends or take a date. The bartender was knowledgeable and attentive to us while we sat back for a couple drinks and took the experience in. Music was playing but not so loud that we couldn't have a quality convo without having to talk super loud. Decent selection with high end drink options...definitely a place to check out!

    Charcuterie board
    Danielle B.

    Not much of a secret speakeasy as it was pretty obvious. Nice cozy area for some curated drinks. The light snacks available were definitely on price point and tasty. I would definitely go here as a group of two since it's a small space. The staff were very attentive and were able to fulfill non menu requests.

    The #5. It screams fall, in the best way! Amazing drink!
    Emma N.

    Incredible! Located right inside of Devils Hideaway, the drinks were delicious! The bartender was awesome and very knowledgeable. Super cool backdrop. Awesome, low key spot.

    #2 espresso martini

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Great atmosphere and drinks. Feels like you are in a greenhouse. Bartender was amazing.

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    5 months ago

    Great ambiance. Great, interesting cocktails, friendly service. Will definately return

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    8 months ago

    Jenna was amazing! Great drinks, fun atmosphere, enjoyable conversation. Appreciated the ambiance and tasty beverages.

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    9 months ago

    Jenna was our bartender and was amazing! Super personable, drinks tasted amazing, great experience overall!

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    8 months ago

    The drink menu is delightful and "not your ordinary cocktails." Jenna is an awesome bartender!

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    9 months ago

    Had sometime to spare and came across this place. Turned out to be pretty neat and will return. Really great service

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    Ask the Community - Idle Hands

    Review Highlights - Idle Hands

    Idle Hands is a cool bar tucked away in the back of Devil's Hideaway off Mill Ave, replacing the former Rula Bula.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    4.3
    (89 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    I had been waiting what felt like an eternity to try out this disco-themed speakeasy! Disco balls,…read morelots of moving lights, swanky vibes, groovy music, and attentive and intelligent servers! Love it! I started out with a cocktail - the Mega Viral! Once you try it, you will understand the name. One of the more innovative cocktails I have ever had... and I ended up having two! So delicious and an experience in itself!! We enjoyed some light bites as well - the Edamame Hummus and Shishito Peppers. Both were fantastic! I love that their menu points out which items are gluten-free... and our server even warned me that the plantain chips in the Edamame Hummus could have cross-contamination... so I very much appreciate that heads up! I opted to order them anyway and I am so glad I did - so good! And I experienced no gluten issues. Awesome! I'm already looking forward to a return trip! Overall rating: *****FIVE STARS***** Gluten-free rating: *****FIVE STARS*****

    I really wanted to love this place. Let me set off with the positives. The decor, the DJ, the…read moreseating ambience, and overall just vibes are 100%, 5/5 out of five stars. The chicken tenders were fire!!! What is lacking on this occasion was service. The server that we had was so unattentative. I have never been in a cocktail lounge in my life and had to beg for drinks. Our server would wait until every drinks was made for all of her tables before bringing out drinks. It was ridiculous. She was nice but seemed high. I ended up only having 2 drinks. We would have ordered more but they have 90min max seating and we didn't event get drinks for the first 30min. No exaggeration. Also one of my drinks I had to send back. My apple martini tasted like soap. It was like they did clean the glass after giving a soap bath. No bueno. So they need to get their service to match the vibe of a true cocktails lounge. Yes it is a 70s vibe but doesn't mean the lackadaisical style service. I would come back and try again. The music, the atmosphere and the food was good. They gotta get these cocktails together and service. We ended up walking to nearby competitors and that was money lost for DDG.

    Photos
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left.  DJ booth behind.
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left. DJ booth behind.
    Interior
    Interior
    Table seating

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    Table seating
    Trophy Room

    Trophy Room

    4.5
    (130 reviews)
    7.8 mi

    Cool small speakeasy located inside of Wren & Wolf. We went before our dinner reservations. You…read morehave 90 mins and NO PHONES. Once you're let inside a side door you have to lock your phones up. My reaction was "you're kidding, right", then I said, let's do it. You keep the key to your numbered box. This is such a perfect way to disconnect from your phone and have ongoing conversations with no interruption. I kept attempting to show our bartender the activities we did while in Arizona, but forgot I didn't have my phone lol. We had a good ole time with our bartender (male, forgot his name but I've learned he's afraid of heights and won't go on a hot air balloon ride LOL!!). He made this drink something near an old fashioned but it was topped with an entire gingerbread cookie, I had about 3. Oh, and the staff all had on Christmas pajamas as uniform. So cute & comfy! Keep in mind we have no sense of time so we were nervous about being late to our reservations for Wren & Wolf.. the hostess assured us she would come get us and escort us to the table in time. And she did. We weren't finished our last drinks but was able to carry them over to the restaurant.

    Sal and his team are amazing! We loved our time in The Trophy Room!…read moreThe heart shaped vice as a mocktail was incredible! So tart! I loved it! Fire!! I hope they never take it away!! I totally hope to peak at Carry On!

    Photos
    Old historical war rifles, along with trophies
    Old historical war rifles, along with trophies
    I usually do not post bathroom pictures, but this one was very unique with numerous antlers overhead.
    I usually do not post bathroom pictures, but this one was very unique with numerous antlers overhead.
    Great concept. No phones allowed inside policy. Drinks were tasty

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    Great concept. No phones allowed inside policy. Drinks were tasty
    The White Rabbit

    The White Rabbit

    4.1
    (459 reviews)
    10.1 mi
    $$

    So glad I stopped by! It wasn't on my list of speakeasies as this was a bit far from where I was…read morestaying. But a friend wanted to meet for food around the area and this spit popped up on Yelp. It didn't disappoint! I was skeptical at first as having a sign posted at the sidewalk and a bouncer outside the stairs going down, was a sheer sign that this isn't such a secret and speakeasy-like spot. But I was proven wrong very quickly. Dre who was the bouncer and I'd much rather call Drayden, is young but friendly. The hall leading down to the entrance was well decorated. It's hard to miss the door when you can hear people on the other side :). Hostess was nice. Alex immediately introduced himself from behind the bar as I sat down, and Meagan was the main bartender this night. They were both a wealth of knowledge when it came to cocktails. I really wasn't expecting too much but the two drinks I ordered were a solid 5/5. I had the silk bandit and the untold legacy. I like sweet drinks this way. It wasn't too sweet. All the flavors were well balanced and well thought out. They also had a girl singing tonight and she was amazing!!! Thanks for a nice relaxing night. Service was a 5/5 and I'd definitely come back if I'm in the area.

    We love a good speakeasy! It was super fun to need a password and try to find it and walk into the…read moredark hallway. Inside was clean and bright. Would've liked it a little more seedy. Drinks were spectacular! You have got to love a bartender that doesn't have to grab a book to figure out how to make a drink. The wait staff was on point and very in- tune to their patrons needs. The food was OK, but I probably wouldn't come here to eat. All in all a pretty great experience

    Photos
    Entrance hallway
    Entrance hallway
    Seating
    Seating
    Happy hour old fashioned

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    Happy hour old fashioned

    Idle Hands - speakeasies - Updated June 2026

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