So, some friends texted for me to get my keester down to Rips, because they were doing their super rad 80's-style dance party (a.k.a. Obscura). I had just had my fill of two stepping and line dancing at the Cash Inn, so I figured I could use something a little more my style. It cost five smackers to get in, which included a raffle ticket (for what, I don't know...obvs I didn't win...stop rubbing it in). They were totally spinning the sweet stylings of 80's bands of yore. This was my kind of party. I spotted my friends on the dance floor somehow (it was pretty packed) and jumped right in. The dance area was darker, with lots of little lights bouncing off from every which way and movies were playing behind the DJ. I can't comment on the drinks or prices of said beverages, as I was being a responsible driver. The vibe of this place was great, although I heard that Obscura only happens once a month, so it may very well be different on other nights. I will definitely be back to get my 80's fix again next month! Like, gag me with a spoon I must be really freaking out, cause no other Val dude can touch these guys! (anyone?) :) read more

My girl friends and I finally made it to Obscura last night and we had an amazing time! The night started with some indie tunes here and some electro songs there, which was a nice change from the usual, booty-poppin, bumpin n' grindin songs you'd hear at other bars or clubs. As the night progressed, they started playing a lot of old songs from the 80's and 90's, and I was seriously in HEAVEN! (Anybody that knows me well knows that I am in love with 80's music...) Every song that was played kept me out on the dancefloor! If it hadn't been for the plans we made with other friends later in the night, we would have stayed until closing time. In addition to awesome music, they have wallet-friendly prices on drinks all night. And from my experience last night, the people here were cool. And didn't have to deal with the unpleasant surprise of a creeper sneaking up from behind and dancing with their crotch on me, which is probably why I don't go out to bars or clubs so much anymore. I wish this place was closer to my house! But of course, being in the West Valley, there isn't anything too cool and exciting until you've reached Phoenix and east... I definitely will be coming back next month for Obscura! read more

This place reminds me of Ky's in the early days when Randy was working the place. I am a big fan of Ky's, GLAM and Shady's. And if you don't know either then you won't understand this at all. I know they keep advertising this place to all you tempe kids and scottsdale schmucks, but really Rips is a neighborhood bar. So if you don't like hanging out in the shadows with some shady characters walking in the door once in a while, like the pussy below, and a nice pour on the drinks then head back to your home town and your comfort zone because we are very comfortable without you here. To the Owners... Dave, Karl and Monique, if you want this place to stay alive don't advertise it. Word of mouth is better. Those tempe kids will drop Rips like a hot potato the day they don't see tons of action. Same with the snottsdale douchbags. If you wanna keep Rip's ripping it up then let it develop a strong local vibe. BTW Obcsura rocks and so does Dj Manchester. read more

Awesome bar if your weak, bar back is some entitled pile. Drink specials aren't special . Vibes are aight. Yeah so this place is a bust

I've been to Rips a few times. It's right down the street from my house- stumbling distance. The time we went with our rockabilly friends was a lot of fun. We danced all night to the bands, and I was too plastered to realize how many people were smooshed in to that little bar. There was a near-fight between my friend's husband and a big guy who was not leaving my friend alone. So of course, there's that... On other occasions, I've gone and it was just way too crowded. It was like this "EXCUSE ME!!! EXCUSE MEEEE!! CAN I GET A JACK AND COKE PLEASE?? NO, JACK!! YEAH!! AND COKE!! A JACK AND COKE!!" I'm not a huge fan of screaming, really. Well, usually. ;) Anywho, this place is good for a rowdy rockabilly/punk sorta crowd. A little too intense for my innocent looking self and low key husband. I'd like to check it out on a Thursday some time. And I'm always seeing something advertised for Wednesdays, although we've never checked it out. Maybe some day. read more

I looove this barrrr, it's my kinda place... Seriously tho, I love this bar. The bartenders are wonderful. I've spent many a night in a dive bar and these bartenders are just the best. By your second visit they'll remember your drink, by your third or fourth your name, by visit five your best friends. It is a dive however, so don't walk in expecting 5 star accommodations. Bathrooms are old and a little gross, some of the regulars are a bit sketchy but if you enjoy a good jukebox, friendly faces, cheap drinks, karaoke and live music this place is sure to impress. read more

Went in this Wed night to get away from the housemates. Was not in the most upbeat manner. Found the place boring. Football on all screens jukebox cut off. Bunch of old guys mostly. The rest were mostly fat couples getting wasted and guys with to much sideburns. Then a couple of brothers (black men) also old walked in wearing their throw back Shaft leather jackets. Totally weird crowd! The bartender was a slim young woman that needs to go to bartending school. I watched her attempt to make cocktails with more than 2 ingredients. What a disaster! She over pours and under pours and added some ingredients like whiskey to what was suppose to be a long island! Pours the largest straigt shoots I have ever seen and I tell you I have been to bars like in MT, WY, AK and New Orleans and not seen anything close to this size of a shoot! Consulted with some off duty guy on how to make 6 Kamikazes (ended up being 5 and she had to make another that end up being 2.5 drinks instead of 1) and together with a book they came up with a cranberry version because, get this they have no lime juice! What sorta bar in the SW opens its doors without LIMES or LIME JUICE? The guy kept calling the drink Cosmos and I kept repeating I know the difference and the order was KAMIKAZES. Then he brings me the book and is still pointing out Cosmos! I verbally give the bartender the recipe for Kamikazes plus the variation for a blue one. Guy says you must make a lot of drinks! I say you want to hire me - I've got experience? I tell you if they want to keep the doors open they better get some help with bar and budget knowledge. The budget is being shoot by over pours and wrong pours and if the liquor control sees this they're certian to be busted/fined. Hey but the bartender knows how to wash glasses well so that was a relief to see. And it's true that drinks are about $4 though the sign says $5! LOL What an experience. I left confident in my bartending skills though I haven't poured in a month! read more

Went here on a Saturday, paid a cover, waited 20 minutes, didn't get served. Worst bartenders I have ever delt with, did watch a lot of other people get served quickly so maybe it's good for other people? The music is so good that means 4/5 read more

Go here for your 80s cover bands - Motley Crue, Metallica, etc. Place is an extremely interesting time warp. read more

Oh Rips. It's one of those bars where you feel like you can go by yourself, but not feel awkward, harassed or snubbed, as well as actually have a good time. Pauly is a great bartender and he'll treat you right, and the rest of the staff is friendly too. Thumbs up! read more

11/21 update - No more William Reed on Friday nights. His show has moved to Bar Smith since. Nice thing about Rips is that one can walk down to Phil's if it's slow here. Rips is great - but only if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. Friday night is Sticky Fingers - hosted by William F**king Reed, an awesome, versatile DJ. All I can tell you is there's no cover, unless his act is preceding a show. Although this venue is perfectly suited for acts such as Reed's. Second Saturdays is Obscura which is popular, yet I've not attended. Rips brings back memories of the Rogue east circa 05-06. I think the beers are $3-4. Just a chill environment to listen to great music. On other nights, this will probably be your average dive bar with a few locals. read more

Five Dive Bar Stars... Love this place ... have been coming here since I discovered their amazing 80s night (Shadowplay) 3ish years ago...My first night here was definitely a religious experience! Was blown away when I heard what the DJ was spinning... the soundtrack to my life!! David Bowie, Morrissey, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Joy Division, The Specials, Nitzer Ebb, and Front 242 and the list goes on! So yes, DJ Manchester rules! How could you not when you've named yourself after the music capital of Universe! With the bars eccentric Viper Room-esque punk rock vibe, this place makes me feel like I'm at a modern day GBGBs! Awesome regulars and bar staff...Have made the BEST of friends at this Venue! This has become a favorite local hangout for so many...there is literally something going on every night of the week! From their kick ass band nights (tributes and rockabilly galore) to their ridiculously fun DJ Dance nights to the midweek mellow Motown/ska/ or anything goes nites --this place is a freakin gem!! Not to mention, the bartenders are extremely friendly with their POURS ha and they have the coldest Blue Moon on Earth! Love, love, love Rippin it up & getting Ripped at Rips!! read more

Great digs. Went on Saturday afternoon. Sweet and efficient bartender, happy to give shit back to the drunks. If you're part of the $1 margarita Applebee's crowd, go somewhere else. read more

Amazing martinis, for $7.00 bartender , Tina , makes an amazing Bombay sapphire dirty martinis ! Great rock a billy bar!! read more

This place was interesting. It was small and very divey. There were tons of people crammed into this place. It seemed like it was like hipster heaven apparently, heh. I don't know but the bro and I were super amused. Being Asian, I'm terrible at driving related things so I couldn't find the parking so I parked at the AutoZone next door. I should've just parked on the side walk. It would've been a easier walk. They have an outdoor smoking and drinking patio. There was a local no-name band playing. There was quite a number of people that were dancing there. They also had a pool table. The felt was in pretty decent condition. The drinks were relatively inexpensive. The bartenders were alright but couldn't make a Blue Hawaiian or a Liquid Cocaine but that's alright since people rarely ask for those drinks anywhere. The smoking patio was just as filled as the inside. There seemed to be people from somewhat different walks of life trying to have conversation outside. After finishing our drinks, we left. I wouldn't mind coming back here but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Strangely, it reminds me of the Yucca Tap Room in Tempe but much smaller. read more

One of my favorite dives! I've been here when it's quiet, I've been here for live music, and I've been here for DJs and dancing. Day drinking, night drinking - and now they open at 6am, so I may even start occasional morning drinking here! It's small, it's dark, it's a dive. A dive with a solid beer selection and a surprising stock of alcohol for the size. Hipsters, punks, old vets. White, Black, Hispanic, Native, Asian - everyone is here! Staff is competent - and since I grade with a different set of standards when looking at dives - in the ladies room, both stall doors close and lock - there is always toilet paper, soap and paper towel. Given how some dives are, this place is a major treat! I celebrated my last birthday here, have met new friends here and have had a blast dancing and imbibing and chatting with my friends for hours on end. What more could I ask from a neighborhood haunt? read more

Cool dive bar. We were in town and read all the reviews and decided to come. I guess we came on rockabilly/biker night but the band was pretty good. I don't understand the video they were playing on the projector, old school videos of girls dancing around topless. But we had a good time. read more

Dive bar, good for people watching. Some bar food , sometimes free food. Sometimes grilled good! Had part of my birthday here and had Hard Fall Hearts play. Freaking awesome! Thanks to Casper for setting that up. They have different themed nights and raffle give a ways for cool stuff like concert tickets sometimes. Family owned and partially operated? Any who... Good place to stop in from time to time. read more

Rips is in my hood, so I give it one extra star. It's not worth much of a drive unless you're going to see a specific band/show etc. Shows are pretty cool and diverse. It is a nice dark grungy dive where you can hide from the heat -- if you're into that $2 pints during happy hour keep your liver at bay and pocketbook happy. read more

Love my neighborhood bar! The late crowd are always friends of mine and they let you bring your dog if it's leashed and s/he stays on the patio. There's a heater on the patio we congregate around and update each other on the state of our individual affairs, drink cheap drinks, then trickle out towards home. They have all the typical bar-ry type things like karaoke, live music and deejays, and poker night, but you can tune it all out if you sit outside normally, or participate if you so choose. Obscura weekends are pretty hectic and a little too crowded for me, so I go on a Wednesday night (or whatever) when it's mellow. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. read more

We came for 80s night By 1pm bar was clearing out. DJ has a different idea of "80" Than I do apparently. I don't think he was born in the 80.s. If you want to 80s music Rips is not the place Ant more un fortunately Find a bar that hires the DJ that actually understands 80s music. In the past I have had fun at Rips but it was very boring tonight. :(. read more

I ADORE this place!! It is right by my house, i can walk there and not have to worry about anything!!! It is super cool atmosphere with great music and a good mix of people. the bartenders are the best, big shout out to Becki!! the prices are low, the ceiling is popcorn glitter prob with a lil asbestos mixed it, but hey it is a old building!!! Friday nites are the best and then of course Saturdays!!! Gooo there!!! read more

I usually love this place. Monday night karaoke is a must. Obscure is also a blast with amazing music. But recently I went by with some friends for last call around 130 am and the bartender was just so rude about it. Her name was Monique. She gave my friend such a hard time about having a passport instead of a state ID (really?) and just started telling us about another employee getting fired. Next time I feel like getting a last minute drink, I won't. read more

Dive Bar Heaven? Maybe. The night we went the jukebox wasn't on but they were playing some groovy 80's tunes. There's a pool table in the front room where you walk in. The roof lines are great mid century modern goodness. I love the ceiling. The bartender pours a fair drink I'm told. I'll have to make another trip after I'm off this diet. I'm looking forward to checking it out on the second Saturday of the month for Obscura (formally at the Ruby Room). read more

Gritty, dirty, grungey ol dive bar, what more can you expect? Cheap drinks. 3 stars because the bartenders aren't friendly. But whatever.

More like Rip offs. Got dragged here last night by some friends. Wasn't impressed the first time I went a few months ago so I didn't have much for expectations. $5 dollar cover for 80's music? That's fine I guess. Could've gone to the Crescent where there's a better DJ for free. They also gave us "2 for 1" coupons at the door that we could use for drinks. Not bad I guess. I had a Boddington's and two Sessions that I used my 2fer card on. Ended up leaving in a hurry and didn't notice when I closed my tab that they charged me $24 for my three beers!!!!! One of which was supposedly free!!!!! Seriously!? I didn't realize it until I looked at my bank statement today. Don't have a receipt and don't want to waste the time and effort to go talk to whatever sketchy-ass bartender is working there. Leaves me no choice but to dispute it with my credit card company. Never going back. read more

The place feels retro 60's. I love the building and their outdoor sign. Rip's is an old house that was converted into an old bar and it definitely has that old-school vibe. It is inhabited by one of the strangest mash-ups of people you will ever find. If you like to people-watch (and enjoy the circus) come down here on the weekend. I enjoyed myself overall, but I'm not making this an official hangout. read more

The diviest of all dive bars! Sadly I have lived in Phoenix for a LONG time and have never been here until this evening. Service wasn't bad but there also weren't a ton of people there. The band was great but a little too loud-I had to yell (literally) in the bartenders ear. They had the normal stuff on tap, the Buds, Coors etc. They had a small offering of craft beers and local brews but you better come already knowing what they have because the bartenders aren't going to proactively offer.The pool table looked pretty worn so it must be a starring attraction. All in all, it's a dive bar and I'll be back for more local music and local beer. read more

Great dive bar that serves up stiff drinks that won't hurt your wallet. The inside is dark, ghetto and retro. They have local art on the walls which I think is awesome. The front entrance is where you'll find a pool table, behind which is a long bar which leads to a dance floor/staging area when they have live entertainment. You'll usually find a friendly crowd and no attitude or pretense from either them or you bartender. As with any dive bar, you will of course have to contend with the requisite weirdo who wants to tell you about his days working the railroad. At this point though you can excuse yourself to the patio for a smoke. This is more of a place where you would probably wind up to end the night......or after brunch after drank all the mimosas. read more

Have been here a few times and really enjoyed it. Cheap, relaxed and right around the corner from my place. My last visit was enough to keep me from ever going back, though, and it had nothing to do with their beer. Is been drinking outside with a few friends for an hour or so when a man came to sit down at our table for a chat. Innocently enough, our conversation somehow turned to sexual orientation (not sure how this happened) when this mystery guy informed us his "bitch ex-wife" had left him for another woman. Okay, I guess that's cool... problem is, we were a table of lesbians. Cut to 20 minutes later, and said man is becoming dangerously agitated and aggressive. Out of pure discomfort, I explained as calmly as I could that I hoped he'd leave our table as we were beginning to feel threatened and a bit uncomfortable. He refused, blaming our request on our inability to have a "debate", and even invited his friend to join in on the attack. Unable to get him to leave us alone, one of us stood up and went to speak to the bartender to see if he'd help us calm the guy down. His reply? "He's a regular", as if this was reason enough to let the guy continue on the offensive. The guy eventually left, but continued circling back around throughout the night to make snide comments or throw outright homophobic slurs (been a long time I've been called a dyke in so short a time). I know that sometimes people get heated or aggressive with a few too many beers, but stone-sober bartenders should recognize their responsibility to keep *all* patrons safe, regardless of how often they come round. For fear of a) meeting that guy again, and b) knowing the bartenders are unlikely to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, I doubt I'll be coming round again, and would heartily warn anyone of speaking too loudly about their sexual orientation of that isn't "straight". read more

Rip's is a pleasant surprise. I would rate it 3.5 if that were an option. It's a lot bigger of a place than it actually seems. Bartenders make good drinks (or you can go for the PBR of course) and the prices are better. There have been some good bands there if you like live music, here's a place to check out. The crowd is eclectic. I think if a few more Cen Pho 20s & 30s somethings (Scottsdale crowd and hipsters excluded) made this a regular spot it'd be even more fun, but I do love the extreme variety of people from all walks of life that do make an appearance here. Definitely a good place to stop on a bar crawl night! read more

Went down for a show I had been looking forward to. Went inside and there was some hip hop dj show going on. There were few people there. The show I was interested in was a couple of hill Billy's that got stuck out on the tiny patio. The rain came and we rocked on. It all worked out but it seemed like pigs poor planning by the venue. Beer selection was OK and service was acceptable. Overall it worked out to be a good time, even though we all got wet. read more

I just went to this place this weekend per an invite from a fellow Yelper. I had never heard of this place so when she asked if I wanted to come here, I had to ask her what it was. This is very much a Dive bar. When I walked in, it was exactly what I expected. It is very small with a stage in the corner and a patio out back for the smokers. There is really only one reason I gave it the 2 stars and not 1. It had Magic Hat #9 on tap. There was also a great selection of spirits. I tried a Jack Honey and coke and it was so good. The night we went, there were live bands performing. Usually I love going on those nights but this one was just too loud. I couldn't even talk to someone unless my mouth was in their ear. As far as the clientele goes, it was definitely goth night. That is not usually my crowd. Eventually, we decided to visit the patio and I thought it was nice. It was definitely not as loud so you could have a conversation but you have to be ok with cigarette smoke. I never mind trying out new places but unfortunately, I was not impressed. Maybe it will be different the next time. read more

Quite a crowd.. super chill spot great drink prices.. I'm excited to find this diamond in the rough

Great dive bar. The people working here are really friendly. They have a good open mic on Sunday's.

Used the deal offered on yelp last night. The $5 cover was worth listening to awesome music, dancing and people watching! Definitely coming back here again! read more

Stopped in since this place is on the Crafty Bastards card list (you can sign up for one on the Phx Newtimes website). The bartender Renee was awesome and they have some great deals on craft beers! It seems like everyone is super friendly as another one of the bartenders introduced himself to us. Definitely would recommend checking this place out! read more

Great crowd and fun place for locals!!! Tried this place out a couple weeks ago on a whim and must have picked the right night to go. Friendly bartender and great music through out the night. The drink price were definitely fair and cocktails were good. I wouldn't go here all the time, but it is nice bar that avoids a lot of the scottsdale bar scene if you want to get away from that..... read more

Very cool dive bar! Went with a friend and we played pool while we had a cocktail. Prices were average for a decent drink. Go have fun listen to the jukebox! read more

I heard this awesome band from LA is playing Friday and Saturday night, gotta check it out for sure!