Melinda's Alley is a gem of a speakeasy in the downtown Phoenix area. It definitely has its own unique character, and I recommend you read the literature on Melinda herself and understand where you are and what it's named after, because it makes the experience that much better. I don't want to spoil it in the review, but I feel like the backstory gives the place all the more ambiance. The red tones given off throughout the bar set the stage for a very mid-century vibe, and it's definitely a unique place to sip on some drinks with your friends. A few things I noticed: if you're lucky enough to get there when there's not a line, you're probably there a little earlier in the evening--but the line can get pretty long. However, the way the bar works, the bartenders are very personable. They are talkative, informative, and nice, and that's part of the experience. You may end up waiting a little bit longer, but the time, effort, and quality of the service and drinks make it worth it, in my opinion. If you're going to Melinda's Alley, you're going for the experience. If you want a quick drink, go to a bigger bar with tons of bartenders--not a speakeasy. I enjoyed my time here. I felt lucky to have stopped in for the evening--it definitely gave my night a spark. I will definitely return. read more

Melindas Alley - Non Alcoholic Custom Drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Melinda's Alley is truly a speakeasy. If you spot a beautiful mural with a red light in a random alley, then you've arrived. We got there about 15 minutes after opening and were surprised to see how long the line was at the bar. Turns out they only had two bartenders working and they were taking their time with each patron. We were served by Jared. He was super cool and very personable. He gave us the history of Malinda Curtis (she ran a brothel in the late 1800s) before telling us about the cocktail list. The drink menu is small, but creative. The menu changes each day (they're only open on Fridays and Saturdays) with the exception of the Old Fashioned. Jared informed us that they don't repeat drinks so you have one opportunity to try one of the specialty cocktails for that day. I had the No Soup For You which was a watermelon gin cocktail. It was really good and refreshing. My friend had the Jiminy Cricket which was a mint and chocolate vodka drink. Both drinks were very pretty. The furniture and decor had an early 20th century feel and was on par with the prohibition era. There's a decent amount of seating, though it filled up fast. The music that was playing was good, but very loud. We only had one drink because we didn't want to stand in line again for a second round. Despite the wait, Melinda's Alley was a cool spot to start our night. read more

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Melinda's Alley is a cute Speak Easy in Downtown Phoenix. The lighting is perfect and feels personal, the layout is interesting, the music is great. I felt like I was in a vampire members only type of vibe. Loved it. I would definitely come back again. Waiting at the bar may feel rather long, there's only two bartenders but the drinks are delicious. I paid 50$ plus tip for these 3 drinks in my pictures below. Perfect for a date or a nice vibe with your friends. read more

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A friend took me to this speakeasy and I was impressed with the service and quality of the beverages. The music was on point and the place was very lively! The bartenders know their stuff. There was a long line for drinks. No table service. Street and garage parking nearby. read more

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Horrible experience. We were allowed in and told to order drinks because it was last call. Within five minutes of ordering, we were told the place was closing and that we needed to leave. While the staff who were serving could have said "hey, we actually close very soon," I was really more disappointed with the managerial staff member ushering us out. He was the one who said it was last call. The drinks aren't cheap...! I am doing two stars and not one because the bartender was nice enough and the three sips of my drink were actually really tasty. read more

The music playing was horrible. So horrible, our party left before ordering any drinks. We're musicians and love many different types of music, but what they had playing sounded like a vampire on meth with no musical talent trying to make a song for the first time. read more

Everything was good, music, drinks. Except bartenders are so slow. (Watching them no hussle) Might be because I'm not from here and especially not used to waiting for drinks but I was in line in heels for 20 min it was a buzz kill read more

This is such a unique and cool place to go to! My boyfriend and I came for the first time last week and we loved it. The vibe, the aesthetic, the people, and the music was perfect! Lots of seating with antique furniture. Highly recommend as a pit stop in Downtown to grab a drink and relax! read more

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A favorite for years! A hidden speakeasy type entrance and the red lighting makes this place a special treat. Great crafted drinks. A little pricy, but worth it! read more

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Fun experience and a nice speakeasy underground. Drinks were great and the environment was cool.

Cute and small speakeasy that has one bar and a rotating cocktail menu. They offer different types of fun drinks and change them every so often so they may be different depending on when you go. You can find the entrance via the red light with the bouncer at the door and proceed to this "basement" and Victorian vibe hallway speakeasy with eclectic furniture. It's a fun space to go for a drink or two on a date or night out. I have enjoyed the drinks I've tried here. The bartenders have also been very friendly. read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This kind of place is just my kind of thing. "Hidden" with a door at the mural of Melinda Curtis (in her alley of course) and built into the foundation of the Renaissance Hotel (former Hotel Adam's), this has the whole speakeasy vibe going on. I personally loved the vibe with the historic furniture and the red lighting. Is it or isn't it haunted? The drinks really is where the shine is, though. The bartenders go through great lengths to create special drinks, being given just a spirit and the direction to create. On the night we went, I tried the "Adult Orange Julius," which sounded on the surface too sweet, but it ended up being a perfect mixture of soft chocolate and orange and vanilla, all clarified to a clear martini with a twist of orange peel. Truly remarkable. My friend did a "Smashing Pumpkin," which had a smoky autumn feel with a little tequila and mezcal involved. But don't get your heart set on these because only Melinda's Old Fashioner stays on the menu year round. Each visit is sure to have some new creation. And I love that. read more

Melindas Alley - The napkin tells a secret. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Fantastic spot really great entrance super nice inside just a great atmosphere great place to have some drinks. The bartender was phenomenal and the drinks were great. I felt like I was in a John Wick movie. read more

Melindas Alley - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Service | Ambiance is fabulous !! I love the atmosphere & drinks were amazing as well with the bartenders!! love how professional the security was yet respectful at the same time!! read more

Melindas Alley - the desk entry -- so aesthetic - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

A friend recommended we try this place so we popped over after dinner downtown one night. I like the vibe and location...fairly easy to find parking. Our drinks were good but there were a couple things to note. Regular ice in an old fashioned is a no-no. My friend was pretty disappointed and felt like she had to drink it fast to prevent it being water downed. Their 'menu' is extremely small. That being said, we just ordered our own drinks...they didn't have lime juice for my cosmo...strange. But it tasted good and honestly tasted like it had lime in it. So not sure what was up with that. I feel the prices were a little spendy. We'd come back with friends if we were in the area but wouldn't go out of our way. read more

Melindas Alley - Red light special hehe - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The fact that this bar does not have table service, and you have to get back into a 30 minute line to order a drink is crazy. We also were not allowed to exit through the exit, and have to go back through the entrance. Will not return. So disappointed. read more

This has been on my list of bookmarks to try and o finally stopped by. On the backside of the renaissance and an alley, you find this speakeasy. Unbelievable bar with mounds of history. The vibe, drink, decor ooze history. There's a story behind Melinda and who she was. The decor is all vintage including original pieces from 1970s. When it opened, the line to get it grew quickly. The concrete walls are original to the hotel as well. It's a tight space but the right amount of space. They're known for their old fashioned cocktail which was good too. Definitely glad I got a chance to come and I encourage everyone to stop by. read more

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Melinda's Alley is a great hidden bar with really good cocktails and genuinely friendly mixologists. The only flaw is that is very small bar with few seats and a bit of obnoxious clientele. This is a bar to get a few drinks to start the night. read more

I would never come back here again. We brought a group of 10 people for the first time and was excited to check out this place. We were one of the first people in line this past Saturday and when trying to get our first drink the bartender was rude and condescending for absolutely no reason. This happened to multiple people at different times. What kind of establishment treats their patrons that way. The "vibe" is not worth it. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere where you are treated with kindness and respect. read more

Speakeasy - Solid amazing time. Kendall is super fun, talented, charismatic AF, and I know he's destined for great things. Hope you guys keep shining and serving up the best drinks in the coolest vibe. read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The mixologists at Melinda's Alley are very friendly! They have a new speciality cocktail menu every week. I had a spongebob themed drink with tequila, but it wasn't the best drink I've ever had. They do make all of their drinks doubles, so that was helpful. The layout of the place is very aesthetically pleasing with crushed velvets and gold accent pieces. I didn't like the music/DJ. EDM and House music were playing, which felt very out of place for the venue. read more

BUSY! One thing I didn't like is that there are security guard standing outside checking IDs, it kinda ruins the fun of finding the speakeasy. They even said "are you guys looking for Melinda's Alley?" Once inside, they have a line to order drinks from the bar, then you seat yourself. There are 4 drinks that rotate each week. Each one features a different type of alcohol. They always serve an old fashioned every week. It was really busy on a Saturday night at ~10pm. We barely found a spot sharing a table with another couple. I really liked that the music fit the vibe here. Obscure emo sounding music, I digged it. The bathrooms were part of the Renaissance hotel, and they were very nice. I'll definitely be returning when I'm out drinking downtown. I recommend it! read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place is really cool. Very small. Very narrow. Great mixologist. Cozy couches. Really cool experience going there. It is very chill. Not a club. Not a dance spot. read more

Melinda's Ally is so very rad! I would have walked right by this place if it had not been for this really kind door person. I asked if there was a wait and he said 'we have been expecting you' in jest and like Valley Bar around the corner, this town has the coolest underground martini bars that make us excited to go out! This spot used to actually be a bordello and the history is reflected in the interior decor - so cool to descend into this world now! Once downstairs there is a great red vibe across the entire place - Kendall was our bartender and he manufactured the very best in Cosmos as he knows how to do them with the heritage yet complexity of something new - you must ask him for one! I love this place and cannot wait to return! read more

So 4 stars to the friendly staff and fun ambiance but it was no speakeasy. Looked the part but the thumping club music missed the mark completely. There were only 2 groups in the place, us and another too drunk and shouldn't have been served younger group. One of the kids ended up projectile vomiting all over the nook behind us and it ended up closing down the bar. Granted it was a Thursday night but it was early. Instead of comping our drinks they said we could go back during the weekend and they would comp us then. Each vodka soda was $20 so we did not go back since they didn't give us any sort of voucher nor did it seem worth our time to return. Hopefully other nights are better than Thursdays. read more

Melindas Alley - Inside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Service and ambience, unmatched. If you like fun, Melindas Alley is a required stop for any Phoenician night out. read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Our boi Harrison is amazing and handcrafted our drink for us. -3 cool girls from Friday night :) read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

If I could give this place negative stars I would. I'm usually very forgiving of inconveniences but this place was just not good. The wait was just ridiculous. Once we got to the bar to order, the mixologist was so rude, condescending, and pretentious. We asked for well tequila and the man was appalled. Like it's not that serious. Then when we asked for flavored whiskey, he responded very snarky. Almost ruined our night. read more

The ambiance was great, music playing was great, and the mixologist we amazing. The cocktails were different but good. I would recommend at least stopping and trying it out. read more

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Stop number two on the dirty 30 speakeasy night took us to the OG. Originally walked past and the red light being off we knew to come back. After showing the birthday boy a tour of the downtown area and meeting up with some friends we saw a line forming. With such a small space that we know of nerves instantly raced, heart beats a little fast, and thoughts wonder. Did we miss our chance to show the bday boy this iconic spot?! Hell no we got in and had a blast, and a blast was had by all even the one who gave up spirits for lent. On the spot the bartender made a mocktail that was catered to every question and answer between the two. The rest of us kept it simple but that's the kind of attention you might only get in the red light district read more

The atmosphere is super cute but it is a tight space. I recommend getting there right at opening. The staff were super nice! It's not my kind of place as there aren't many drink options (I think there were 4 when I went). Cool experience though definitely go and see if it's your vibe. read more

This place gets pretty busy on the weekends. The entrance way is cool, due to the mural outside and the redlight that indicatesthe bar being opened. Seating is first come first serve, so def not a good place for a group bigger than 4 or 5. Unless you can snag the table in the back. The music is pretty loud as well, so it was a little hard to talk/hear. Drink menu rotates & I noticed that different bartenders make the drinks a little differently. So the drinks could be a little inconsistent. It gets hot and super muggy down there in the hot summer months. read more

Darian was hands down the best bartender we experienced tonight! She made us the Peppered with Kisses and it was phenomenal. We started at Bitter and Twisted and ended at Melinda's Alley! Such a great stop with fantastic drinks. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great cocktail. read more

Melindas Alley - Peppered with Kisses - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We came in for a late cocktail - arrived at 1:30 and placed a drink order for two signature cocktails ($17 each). The bartender, Jared, was very nice and gave us a breakdown of the story behind Melinda's Alley. As soon as we sat down (around 1:38am) we were approached by Ricardo, the security guard, and told to finish our drinks quickly. We acknowledged him, yet, he hovered over us and pressured us to finish our drinks. If we're going to be paying 17$ for signature cocktails, I felt like it was a very rushed and invasive experience. I would have preferred the bartender to tell me that they were no longer serving for the evening, as opposed to us getting drinks and being forced to chug them. Overall, this was a negative experience and unfortunately, I won't be returning. read more

One of the coolest best kept secrets in downtown. We were downtown with friends after a concert and had heard about this. You wait outside for a bit... then, they check id and go downstairs which looks odd... but the end result. This is such a cool authentic speak easy. Small, cozy, just friends chilling, no dancing or overly loud music. Can't wait to go back. read more

This is such a cool spot. I love it when a place is confident in their craft and back's it up. After going I understand the line to get in. Well done! read more

You will find the truest speakeasy experience when you come to Melindas Alley! It's hidden really well, you have to go down staircases that make you second guess whether you should go or not, and then the bar is really dark with red lighting. The atmosphere matches the energy perfectly! The only con is that you have limited drink options, there were 5 cocktails to choose from and none of them seemed appealing. I went with tonic deluxe which included gin, pear brandy, rhubarb, and tonic. I personally wasn't a fan. It's drinkable but not enjoyable. Other than that I really enjoyed my time here and it's definitely a bar you have to experience at least once! read more

Such a cool vibe, drinks were amazing! Super relaxing. Would definitely recommend this place and will definitely go back! The people that worked there were great! read more

Melindas Alley - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Such a fun lil place! The employees are super sweet and the vibe was perfect for a night out. read more

Melindas Alley - a lit candle on a table - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

One of our sorority sisters is a widow and has been dating a doctor just over a year. After leaving another establishment he took us down an alley. He said he had a surprise for us. In my head I am thinking this guy is not a doctor and my life is going to be over soon! There was a hidden bar. Melinda's Alley. Like Great White sings "Lady red light rock me tonight!" I fell in love right away as I was carded! I wanted to hug the bouncer. I do not look anything near 21 but I took it gladly. The lighting inside was dim and red. The bartenders were fun and friendly. It was fun learning about the history behind the bar. Small drink menu, but super creative and tasty! I enjoyed Cruising USA. The only familiar drink I saw was an Old Fashion. Very unique furniture seating and decore. Never experienced anything like it. Had a great time and I am thankful to be alive to tell about it! read more