Royale Lounge

I went to the new wave, nerdcore, 80s/90s dance party last Saturday and it did not disappoint! The…read moreDJ was on point and the drinks were cheap and strong. Plus they have pinball! Just 3 but that is enough for me! I am a pinball junkie!! Overall the service is quick and pleasant despite how many people were there. RIPS has all kinds of people, young and old, normal and off the wall and everything in between!! The only negative was that the patio was a smoking den -- My hair and clothes smelled so bad the next day and it was really hard to find a small corner of the patio that wasn't smoked out. I will definitely be back for this dance party -- every 3rd Saturday.

I've been here a couple of times and really enjoy it. It's not too far from work so coming here to…read morehave a drink and relax before commuting home is nice. The staff are nice, the drinks are nice and cold, and it's a great dive bar all around. I'd like to go back soon and bring my boyfriend to share some appetizers and drinks with. If you're looking for a small, cool dive then this is a good place to start!

Detour

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Killer Whale Sex Club

4.1(334 reviews)

1.5 mi

They had me at the name... though I will clear the air. There are no killer whales present at…read moreKiller Whale Sex Club. Nor is it a sex club. But, if you're looking for a really cool bar, KWSC is for you. I stopped by on a week day evening around 8:30 p.m. Located in Roosevelt Row, while there isn't parking, I found free parking on the street a few minutes away on foot. Ambiance (4.5/5): My type of spot. Dimly lit with a speakeasy vibe. There are eight or so seats at the bar, and the rest of your seating options consist of comfortable chairs and sofas. You'll see a lot of photos of people's bums on the walls lol. This is indeed part of the appeal. For free, if you would like, they will take a polaroid of your butt and memorialize you eternally on the walls. While I didn't do that, if that's up your alley, go for it. Service (2/5): This is the main area of improvement. After being seated, I was greeted promptly and got my first cocktail promptly. From there, things fell apart. I had to grab the bartender's attention to order my second drink and to close out. It was a week day and they weren't busy. And there were two bartenders. A lack of attentiveness. When I closed out, I noticed that the cocktails were both $2 more expensive than what was listed on the menu. When I inquired, I was told that the menus were outdated... umm what? If you're not going to re-print your menus, give people a heads-up when they arrive. I understand that most people won't notice, but this is deception. Food (N/A): I was on a liquid diet. If you're trying to eat here, all they have is snacks. The menu doesn't specify but I'm thinking it's probably chips or somethign like that. Drinks (4/5): A lengthy, and interesting, cocktail list. Similar to a speakeasy, you're going to see creativity and an interesting blend of flavors here. The most popular drink is Fuck Nazis. We're seeing a theme here. KWSC is an interesting spot. For various dollar amounts, you can get funny things outside of the polaroids of your bum. My first cocktail was great. My second one, a tiki drink, not so much. The menu said that there would be some flame action happening. It didn't. Just another example of the service falling short. If the service were better, Killer Whale Sex Club would easily be a five-star experience.

I started coming here back in 2019, and at the time it felt like one of those rare places you…read morealmost don't want to tell people about because it was so special. The atmosphere was unique, the bartenders were genuinely engaging, and there was a real sense of community that made every visit memorable. It became my go-to spot to bring friends from out of town and every single person I brought absolutely loved it! Back then, the cocktails felt intentional and creative, not just rushed out for volume. The staff remembered regulars, conversations flowed naturally, and the whole place had this warm, eclectic energy that made you want to stay for hours. Even on busy nights, it somehow still felt personal. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the vibe has changed quite a bit. The drinks just aren't as consistently good as they used to be, especially considering the prices now. Service feels far more transactional and impersonal, and the atmosphere that once made this place stand out has faded into something much more generic. It feels less like a neighborhood gem and more like a stop on a nightlife circuit.

Behind the bar amidst the free photos

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Interiors

Sunny's Lounge

4.5(59 reviews)

2.0 mi

Locally owned & operated

Boutique

Sunny's may not have the recognition as a cocktail bar but I need to say this - these are the most…read moreinventive and creative cocktails in the valley. The Oaxaca Asada- perfectly savory and balanced- wow. Pornstar Highball- crushable- all the flavors of a pornstar martini but so delicious and more approachable. Monsoon Season- spicy clarified mai tai- loved that you could specify the spice level. Garrett and Kenzey went above and beyond with service. I also got to try the strawberry fernet and Anna's play on a daiquiri and her exquisite bramble shot. Everything was thoughtful- balanced and above and beyond in the flavor department. It's nice to see this bar crank on a busy Saturday. I cannot wait to be back and try more cocktails. Truly pushing the boundaries and the cocktails truly were the best I have tried in the past two years in Phoenix. Keep it up Sunny's - I will be back ASAP.

Stopped by with some friends at Sunny's for cocktails awhile ago! We enjoyed the dive bar feel with…read morethe upscale, elevated cocktails. They do classic cocktails with an elevated twist (I opted for an amaretto sour). Everything we had was incredible, and the hot dogs my friend ordered for the table were massive, haha. Service is friendly and everyone was very informed and honest about the taste of drinks! I appreciated that as I'm a sweet drink enjoyer- the bartender steered me in the right direction. Will definitely be back!

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Bikini Lounge

3.9(267 reviews)

2.7 mi

What an unexpectedly fun night!…read more I honestly had no idea what I was walking into when a friend told me I had to check out Bikini Lounge because they know I'm drawn to all things eclectic. They were absolutely right. From the moment the friendly bouncer smiled and said, "Step right on in," I was hooked. Yoooow!! The first DJ was incredible. He was spinning all kinds of trip-hop, indie, electronic, and remix-style tracks that had everybody partyin'. It wasn't your typical dance music, but every song seemed to connect with somebody in the room. The crowd was incredibly diverse, and it was so much fun watching people of every age and style dancing and nobody cared. The second DJ, a younger woman, shifted the vibe a bit and leaned more toward a younger crowd. It wasn't quite my style, so I took that opportunity to grab a seat at the bar and do what I apparently do best... chat with complete strangers. I'm a talker, and thankfully they seemed just as happy to strike up a conversation. This isn't some fancy cocktail lounge, and that's exactly the point. It's authentic. There were people dancing at the bar, grooving in their booths, bouncing in their seats, and filling the dance floor with great energy. I came by myself, and within minutes a cool group of strangers invited me to squeeze into their booth like we'd all come together. That's the kind of place this is. At one point they even offered me a glass of beer from their pitcher. I politely declined (look at me making responsible life choices... sometimes), but then I realized almost everyone had pitchers! So I sauntered over to the bar. I did have to wait a bit; apparently chivalry doesn't extend to letting a woman cut the line, but once I reached the bartender, the service was fast and friendly. Every trip back to the bar was the same. No complaints there. As the night went on, the energy just kept building. Before I knew it, I was on the dance floor sweating, smiling, and dancing with complete strangers. After a while, I had to retreat to the patio just to catch my breath before heading back in for more. My ankles are still sore... and the glutes? Fuhgetabouttit! The best part of the night wasn't the music or even the drinks. It was the people. Every generation was represented. Every fashion style imaginable. Every personality. And somehow it all worked. There was this genuine sense of joy and community that you just don't find everywhere. If you're looking for polished and upscale, this probably isn't your spot. But if you want great music, a welcoming crowd, zero pretension, and one of those nights where you leave happier than you arrived... give Bikini Lounge a shot. I went in not knowing what to expect. I left wondering why I'd waited so long to go.

I have lived in AZ my entire life and never have I ever been here! So when my husband, my parents…read moreand I were on a mission to day drink we decided to visit! It's such a vibe! Our amazing bartender Eddie gave us a little history lesson, very friendly, super hospitable and made great drinks! It was a very warm day and their AC didn't seem to be working, but we made the most of it! It's a great location just west of the main attractions downtown if you want a more chill, local spot-this is it!

An original

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The Starving Artist

4.5(223 reviews)

1.7 mi

Vibes. And chill. Bartenders are great drinks and delicious. Food is definitely something to note…read more10/10 The staff is amazing truly some of the sweetest nicest friendly bartenders in town

Very woke. Drinks are delicious. I mean that. I've never had…read morea bad drink here and if you're lucky enough to score a seat at the bar the bartenders earn their right to be total snobs because they know what they are doing. Art cool and interesting. Mix of people enjoy this bar. Maybe for the PICKLE PIZZA!! Server is great too young man with bronze skin and no hair... I love him. Can't remember name. Pool darts and board games. Bathroom situation pretty weird. Doors don't lock or maybe they do but every time I'm here I walk in on someone ohgoodness

Sandwiches, NY stlye pizzas, salads, and shareables

Champagne of Beers were super cold

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Seems like a cool vibe....let's check it out :)

Sidecar Social Club

4.5(85 reviews)

1.5 mi

A fabulous experience with enjoyable mocktails, cocktails, creative menu items that were high…read morequality and full of flavor. Engaging and friendly team enabled a relaxing and valuable night out with colleagues.

I love that they have an indoor and outdoor seating area. Isaac and Tyler both provided great…read moreservice and recommendations on the cocktails. I had the road runner and donkey. Donkey was a little sweeter than I anticipated. Both were delicious. And I ordered the roasted beets. Although I don't know how "roasted" the beets actually were, all the flavors were very well put together - flavors that I would never have thought to pair together with, and I was surprisingly full after eating it all.

Bar area

Pasta with ragu

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Entrance

Swizzle Inn

3.8(233 reviews)

3.4 mi

The Swizzle fo shizzle. Finally made it to the Swizzle Inn. Been on my list of bars to go to for a…read morewhile. Seemed like a steady flow of patrons coming and going. Divey for sure. I liked it. I didn't have any problems getting served and the staff was friendly enough. Had a couple Church Music IPAs. Diamondbacks game was on which was nice. Id recommend the place.

I do love the Swizzle! As I mentioned before, drinks are strong and cheap. They also have a good…read moreselection of tequila and whiskey -- so that is appreciated. This last time I went to Swizzle it was on a Saturday night and I didn't get there until 10pm and it was off the chain with no where to park or sit. When people get talking it is really loud inside and you can't hear the touchtunes. People were getting wild and that was super fun. There was a also a little food stand outside in the parking lot, which is really good for a bunch of drinking folks!!

$2 Mystery Shot

Church Music IPA

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Church Music IPA

Chopper John's

4.3(94 reviews)

1.9 mi

Had a great time at this place! Very eclectic crowd. Bikers which shouldn't surprise given the…read morename, regulars and strangely some sorority girls. Fun time, good prices, strong drinks and a fun bartender. Check this spot out!

Dive bar in the middle of Arcadia…read more First off - they have photo hunt, IYKYK. Classic game from 2000's, very hard to find these days. They also have 1 pool table and karaoke on Tuesday Nights. Lots of locals here and it's a nice change from all the high end bars around, service was good. Bathroom were okay, single bathroom for men and single bathroom for women.

Patio

Inside

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Holiday lights and decor

Gracie's Tax Bar

4.4(161 reviews)

2.3 mi

I honestly don't think I could do a better job writing a review than what's in the description…read moreprovided above. Cheap drinks, like, really cheap. Great food (hot crisp tots) and a jukebox full of happiness. I came here for the first time due to VIVA PHX. I live north of town, and had no idea this place existed. I do now! I've only been back once, but it was so clearly my happy place that I will be back again and again. The booths are cozy, and the outside is pleasant.* It's a great spot for live music under the stars. And the staff - they are - like - nicer than I've even thought possible in a bar nowadays. I was there during happy hour last week and was offered a pitcher or a pint. I got the pint, but it went down so fast I needed another. The barkeep laughed and said "I knew you should have gotten the pitcher. I'll only charge you the difference in cost for the second beer." The difference? $3. Seriously. *The outdoor atmosphere was perfect when I saw Kora Puckett in late April. I'm not sure it would be in late July

My sister and I went to Gracie's Tax Bar earlier this week for a lighter decorating event in…read morecollaboration with Sissy Art. Neither of us have ever been to Gracie's Tax Bar, so we didn't really know what to expect. The bar itself is composed of a kind of tiny interior and a large patio with ample seating. The event was hectic and busy, but very chill and well-organized at the same time. It was definitely a crowd that was well handled. I also felt safe at the venue because they were scanning IDs and checking bags at the door. Regretfully, we did not try any of the food options at Gracie's, though we saw many other people enjoying it and it looked super good. The drinks were super reasonable prices and the crowd had such a cool vibe. We will certainly return.

Games and photo booth.

Chopped cheese sandwich.

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Inside

McKenzie's Midtown Tavern

4.4(216 reviews)

2.2 mi

This place is so amazing, I don't want to tell anyone about lol! So if you come don't fuck it up!…read moreMy family and I loved the amazing service and prices, not to mention the food was off the hook and fast! Make sure you order the green chilli nachos the pickle fries! Thanks again guys!

I'm still unsure if it's a gay bar? More lgbtq and people there. Totally cool ...!! and good food…read moreand good drinks. I hear they are expanding. Sweet!

Wall of Whiksey

BLT with a smoked potato salad and Woodford reserves, sweet Bourbon

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Seats at the bar snd lighting

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Sylvania T.

0

3

6

1 year ago

It's a nice, little, cozy bar. The mirror! The Royals Travelers.! Wow I'm having trouble and unsure of how to explain this place. Don't want to post or expose the family recepi. So, this is all I have to say.! read more

Kenny B.

5

6

0

11 years ago

Some of the cocktails are excellent . The food is above average pub fare, although they could try harder for a creative menu. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays as it get overly crowded. Sunday evenings are awesome. read more

Joey B.

0

30

2

4 years ago

If pirates were still around, they would definitely be going here. Get your drink on you scallywags ‍

François M.

44

19

0

14 years ago

this place is legendary, seriously!

Royale Lounge - divebars - Updated September 2026

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Dilly Dally Lounge

3.8

(117 reviews)

If you are looking for a dive bar this is your spot…read more It's super casual, the drinks are really cheap and it's in the middle of a strip mall. They even have a hotdog warmer behind the bar with chips! After 5pm or so on Fridays it can get really busy + the weekends but it's always such a fun spot to hangout, play pool, and just have a drink or two! One other thing, the location is really nice because it's in the middle of most of the city (Arcadia ish). Parking can get a little crazy the later you show up too!

Please for the love of god get rid of karaoke !!!! This…read moreused to be a great place but has changed a lot and is no longer fun. You now have to fear for your life.

Kitty's

4.2

(21 reviews)

I love Kitty's! I come here often for the pool, cheap drinks, and great company. I've met some…read moreawesome people here. I love a dive bar and this is just that - no fancy frills or anything like that. Relaxed atmosphere, a homey vibe. The owner Mo is awesome!

Shoutout to Nick behind the bar!! He's one of the main reasons I keep coming back. He's friendly,…read moreremembers what people like to drink, and somehow manages to keep the whole bar running smoothly even when it gets busy. You can tell he actually cares about the place and the people in it. If you like laid-back dive bars with character and great bartenders, Kitty's is absolutely worth a stop. I'll definitely keep coming back.

Dodeys Central

4.1

(43 reviews)

A great local neighborhood bar with a friendly staff. There is a jukebox , pool tables and darts…read more Easy going crowd and relaxing atmosphere. Best cold beer.

It's a cool dive bar. Lots of regulars. It's great when you just want a drink and wind down after…read morework without being bothered.

Smith’s on 7th

4.9

(14 reviews)

Smiths on 7th was a pleasant surprise. They have HH until 7p. Its a good deal for draft beers. It…read morewasn't too busy on a Wednesday evening. I initially showed up for trivia, however, it was canceled that day. Regardless, I was still able to catch some sports on the TV. Overall, I liked the aesthetic, there was a pool table, couches, little areas for groups and a long bar. They also have some board games. I only didnt get to experience the karaoke room. After HH, I tried the medlock place from the summer menu. Very refreshing. All in all the bar tender got on with everyone and I would definitely recommend visiting this neighborhood bar.

No food here. Great…read moreservice from Tiffany ! Good happy hour! A nice dive type bar with locals that are nice peeps !

Rips Bar

3.9

(143 reviews)

I went to the new wave, nerdcore, 80s/90s dance party last Saturday and it did not disappoint! The…read moreDJ was on point and the drinks were cheap and strong. Plus they have pinball! Just 3 but that is enough for me! I am a pinball junkie!! Overall the service is quick and pleasant despite how many people were there. RIPS has all kinds of people, young and old, normal and off the wall and everything in between!! The only negative was that the patio was a smoking den -- My hair and clothes smelled so bad the next day and it was really hard to find a small corner of the patio that wasn't smoked out. I will definitely be back for this dance party -- every 3rd Saturday.

I've been here a couple of times and really enjoy it. It's not too far from work so coming here to…read morehave a drink and relax before commuting home is nice. The staff are nice, the drinks are nice and cold, and it's a great dive bar all around. I'd like to go back soon and bring my boyfriend to share some appetizers and drinks with. If you're looking for a small, cool dive then this is a good place to start!

Legends Never Die

4.5

(28 reviews)

I cannot say enough good things about this bar. The cocktails are so well thought out, it makes…read moreyou question if $17 for a cocktail anywhere else is really worth it. It's very impressive how scientific the bartenders get with the clarified drinks, and I enjoy trying unique mixtures you can't get elsewhere. The decorations are on point for a nice bar, and the music is just the right volume to be upbeat but still allow for conversation. They also just started offering bar food, which is really nice.

Before heading to Walter Where?House for the season closing party we wanted to have a chill moment…read moreand cocktails. Our friend lives down the street and she heard good things about Legends Never Die. This spot is a small, 20 seat speakeasy. From Roosevelt St it's easy to miss, as a speakeasy should be, hidden in plain sight. When we located the door we walked in, not sure how busy it would be, luckily we noticed some seats right away. The server walked up and asked if we could wait outside, she needed to "reset" the space. Another group walked up after us and I let them know we were in a que of sorts, and apparently 2 other people standing outside off to the side we ahead of us. So, that was just a strange way to start off. We didn't wait long, around 10-15 minutes. Once inside, the service was okay, it felt a bit rushed and slow at times. Like it took a bit for the server to come back and take our order and then the drinks came out so fast, I wondered if the drinks were all pre-batched. Which is not necessarily bad if they were, my drink just didn't seem interestingly presented or having any craft cocktail flair. And all in all, I liked the dark, vibey interior with good music playing, and I thought the cocktail menu sounded inventive but at the end of the day I thought my drink was fairly basic tasting and I didn't get any of the flavors noted in the description. The other 2 drinks at our table were better. I didn't get any chai, banana, or almond butter tastes, just a solid old fashioned. I had hoped some chai or banana would be notable. I would definitely come back and see if there are other drinks on the current menu that have stand out flavors for me, since this is a cool bar.

Sanctum

4.4

(34 reviews)

The drinks were boozy and the place felt bougie. What more could you ask for? It was really fun to…read morehave to get the tickets to enter from the bar downstairs. It felt like a real authentic speak easy.

This speakeasy is beautiful with a nice ambience and dim lights. The beautiful decor feels like…read moresomething decadent n out of the norm. The bartender is an absolute sweetheart and is so good at reccomending the perfect drink for you. I had pink punch bowl and was not disappointed, its like candy! I would definitely come here again! If youre a social person i reccomend coming in after 11 but if tou love a private intimate experience i recommend before 11. ;) all the employees are nice and this had been hands down one of my favorite bars

Snap Lounge

3.0

(17 reviews)

We ventured into this fine dive cash only establishment on recommendatio from a great salesman at…read moreShoot the bull cue store based on the allure of 25 cent tables. They also have 4 tables so unless really busy its easy to play. I dont normally like cash only but my wife recently won a lot at the casino so I would rather keep it in my wallet than her dumping it back into the slot machine They have a great long square horseshoe bar with plenty of seats and reasonable prices on drinks. Got 2 mich ultras on a saturday afternoon for $8. They also have red bull in tap which may taste better in a side by side contest with a can. On our first visit, the Fire Depeartment made a showing to cart someone away to an ambulance so that told me these people know how to party. The waitress was a little dismissive but I did mention my wife had syphilis and was taking antibiotics so she couldn't drink. Pool table was open but there didnt seem to be a lot of people looking to challenge others on to visits. I did notice there was a large Native American presence which I notice a lot in that area of town, but never really found out why. In our second visit all tables were full so we both put our name on the white board but only my wife managed to play. Multiple people said they were next despite the writing on the wall. Eventually a couple left and we got our own table to play to our hearts content. I didnt see anyone eating food, so dont plan on curbing a hangover if you get to drunken or get the munchies. The bar tender for our second goaround was a real go getter with a smile and made us feel welcome. He really hustled to everyone in the bar running the place solo and still having time to chat and watch some pool festivities. We did have some guy hit on my wife despite the aforementioned syphilis and another seemingly alcoholic regular made an introduction tableside and looked a lot like the guy getting the ambulance ride the last time we were there. Last but not least they have karaoke on Thursday and Slayer in the juke box with a great sound system. Only really negatives were cash only for when my wife loses all our money at the casino, one brusuqe bartender, no food, and the patrons that knew each other stuck with the regulars for the most part and didnt openly invite or take on new billiards challengers.

25¢ pool? Sure Cheap…read moreDrinks? Definitely Good Bartender? Yep Did I feel like I might get shot? 100% Vibes need some work, but if that's not your priority, this could be a good spot I guess.

Bar 1912

4.4

(78 reviews)

Another speakeasy unlocked! Located inside Valentine, this one has a very swanky, casual feel to…read moreit. Very nicely decorated, with a bit of sophistication. The bar is clean and the surrounding tables and chairs make for a good hangout spot with friends. They do have an extensive menu of drinks to choose from and the bartenders are friendly and efficient. They do offer some desserts and some light bites as well. The restroom is pretty bougie and I'm mad that I didn't get any pics or videos because that has got to be the fanciest toilet I have ever seen in public! Lol You just have to see it for yourself! If you're looking for a casual vibe with a good drink selection, this is a good one to try. Great for a date night, too! Have yourself a ball at Bar 1912!

The self-appointed king of speakeasies is back at it with another one. Located in the Melrose part…read moreof Phoenix, I checked out Bar 1912 after having dinner at Valentine (hint, hint: the speakeasy is located inside the restaurant). They have a small parking lot, but it's free and I was able to find a spot on a Friday evening. Ambiance (2.5/5): Speakeasies are known for their sophistication and for their hidden entry. Bar 1912 isn't much of a mystery. There are two entry points. Either a door in the back of the restaurant or a hallway inside the restaurant that's relatively easy to find as there isn't a door or anything in between the restaurant and the speakeasy. Our waiter took us there after our meal. Bar 1912 is nice, but just about average in terms of ambiance compared to other speakeasies. Part of the reason is that it's very loud (seats 30 people or so) and all of the seating at the bar are back-less bar stools (which I personally hate due to my back). I would have preferred to sit on the various couches/sofas next to the bar. Service (4.5/5): Friendly, attentive service. Exactly what you hope for when you're grabbing a drink (especially when they take a little longer to make due to their sophistication). You're provided with water without asking which is always a nice touch. I had to grab the bartender's attention once or twice, but outside of that, a job well done. Food (N/A); Since I had dinner at Valentine prior, I skipped food here. They have a small menu consisting mostly of appetizers (many, but not all, which are offered at Valentine). One option which isn't at Valentine, but which piqued my interest is the Sonoran hot dog. Had I been hungry, it would've been a no brainer. They have four or so desserts on the menu, and I had room for dessert, but none of them seemed appetizing. Drinks (4/5): When I'm at a speakeasy, I look for creativity and an interesting blend of ingredients. You certainly have that here. There's a focus on Native American and Hispanic influences here, which is pretty cool, and fitting since we're in Phoenix and everything. I tried two cocktails, one was a hit and one was a miss. I'm pretty flexible when it comes to cocktails, and I know what I like, so I rarely miss. Unfortunately, it happened here. With that being said, I tried some liqueurs I had never had before which is awesome. And I enjoyed the cocktail menu. This isn't the type of spot you'll find an Espresso Martini...thankfully. With a couple of tweaks, Bar 1912 could be in line with some of my favorite speakeasies in town.

Bar Bianco

4.2

(111 reviews)