This speakeasy is beautiful with a nice ambience and dim lights. The beautiful decor feels like something 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 read more

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Absolutely LOVED!!! The vibe here!! And the bartender was....SUPERB!! He got our names, remembered them, and introduced us to the others there by name as well. The drinks....OOOOHH my goodness....THE DRINKS!! Superb as well!! The vibe is intimate, sexy, classic, elegant, and slightly masculine. I definitely recommend giving this place a try! read more

Sanctum - a man and a woman holding hands - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I'm so blown away that I just received a handwritten thank you card in the mail from the owner operator Nicholas! I was so shocked that he took the time and went out of his way to find my address to send this, it made my day! Sanctum is the only Speakeasy I would recommend in PHX! When you're in PHX be sure to stop by for amazing cocktails and unbelievable custumer service! Please continue to support quality small businesses like this that truly care read more

Sanctum - Updating my review if I could give 10 stars I would! I'm just blown away that I received this thank you card from Nicholas! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We came here on a Saturday at around 9:30pm. This place is only open on Friday and Saturday from 9pm-midnight so I'm glad we were able to stop by here since we wouldn't have any other time during our trip. This place is above The Grand on the second floor. There's a door that you can walk through that will take you to a tiny room that can probably seat like 20 people total. All the drinks are about $12-13. I ordered the sazerac which tasted really good. My girlfriend got the blue Wallis which she did not like because it was essentially straight gin with a dash of blue curaçao. This is a really nice speakeasy with a cool ambience. The drinks are really strong (a lot of them contain absinthe) so be prepared for that. I would definitely come back. read more

Sanctum - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I cannot day enough good things about Sanctum! The bartenders are just fantastic, so knowledgeable and super friendly. They just complete the whole cool speakeasy vibe! I've been there 3 times, and each time is fantastic! I love to get dressed up to the nines and Sanctum and the amazing decor is just perfect!! read more

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Head upstairs within "The Grand" and you'll find Sanctum! Sanctum is The Grand's speakeasy. However, it's only opened Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to midnight. They have an interesting and creative cocktail menu. I ordered an Absinthe Frappe and it was delicious! Sweet and refreshing. It came in a pretty tall glass for $9, so well worth it. The lighting is dim but romantic, and the decor is dark and victorian. There's a balcony where you can enjoy the live music of The Grand from above. This is definitely an ideal date night spot, very intimate and seductive. Gorgeous bar and wonderful drinks! Also, the service was fantastic, the bartender was very personable and patient. read more

Sanctum - The Absinthe Frappe - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Sanctum is a hidden gem. If you are looking for an intimate, classy vibe, with amazing drinks, Sanctum is your place. Nicholas is a fantastic bartender who is really passionate about providing the best service. You can sit outside or in. The decor is unique and charming. Only a certain amount of people are allowed at a time, which is great for people who don't like large crowds. There is a 2 drink minimum, but the drinks are worth it and pretty big! I just wish food or appetizers were offered, though there are plenty of places to get food before. Highly recommend! read more

I can't believe that I still haven't reviewed this place. Well, better late than never. What to say about Sanctum? The ambiance alone is very nice-- a relaxed, dim lighting, with well decorated, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas that are oriented in such a way that it gently encourages you to meet and talk with new people. I wind up having lengthy and interesting conversations with strangers every time that I go, whether or not I'm with a party already. Every. Single. Time. It's a lot of fun! The patio is spacious and comfortable, and on nights when there is live music being played at The Grand, you can sit on the end of the balcony and listen to it from above. Really a great feel to the place, I can't give them enough praise for it. They also do event nights, where they'll have a theme or something of the like, which I think is pretty fun. The drinks are great, and much more often than not, they have some special spirit or beverage that they're mixing up for their guests, promotionally, or simply because they want to shake things up a bit with something new and exciting. It seems like every time that I stop by they have a new something or other for me to try, and in the winter months (which are coming!) it's great to step out onto the patio with your group and sip at the tasty beverages you've just gotten, fresh-made. Finally, having saved the best for last: the bartender, Nicholas. As great as the ambiance and décor is, and for as much fun as it is to go, I really do think that by FAR the most important piece of the whole affair, that the thing that really makes Sanctum what it is, to me, is Nicholas. The man has a great taste for mixology, a contagious personality, and an absurd knack for socialization. Far and away, I'd honestly say that Nicholas is at the peak of the game among his peers. If you're reading this, kudos to you, man! Sanctum is probably my very favorite spot in Phoenix, and probably abroad as well, and I encourage you to visit and support them with your patronage. Just be sure to observe the dress code and stay on Nicholas' good side-- though that last bit isn't hard at all, as long as you're a sane and decent person. However you toast-- prost, kanpai, skål, salud, na zdorovie, saúde, sláinte, cheers-- this is a place you have to visit at least once; but rest assured, you'll be back!! read more

Sanctum is a speakeasy locates in the Grand cafe. When you enter there are stairs that take you up to the second floor. You'll be thrown off my the tables and chairs and people studying. Continue toward the only door on the second floor. Once you're inside you'll see that it's a small space. You'll immediately walk into the bar and see that the menu is also limited. I got the Blue Wallis. For me it was too strong. I got the vibe that this was a no substitution, no nonsense kind of place so I just didn't finish it. My bf loved his drink though so there's that. If you're not a fan of strong drinks this might not be the place for you. I guess it's partly my fault for not asking but I was overwhelmed by the scene. I will say that I doubt it is like this all the time but when we went there were a group of people who were dressed in cosplay. They all seemed to know each other and weren't particularly rowdy until Jesus showed up. Yup, you read that right. The bartender quickly called security and that was handled but I guess you never know what happens at a bar. All in all, I think this is a really intimate space. If that's the tone you want to set then this is the place to go. Drinks are on the stronger side but I'm sure they do well drinks also. I'd suggest going at least once just for the experience. read more

We happened to come in while trying to check out Ghost Ship, we had no idea there was a speakeasy at the Grand! Such a great experience. Nicholas was an amazing host, the music and decor was wonderful! read more

It was one of the best experiences I have ever had! Nicholas is a very attentive man that makes sure that you are enjoying the drinks. They key to such, is telling him what you like, NOT what you want. Once you do, it becomes all about the journey and not the destination. There is such a great ambiance in Sanctum! Being above The Grand (second floor) allows you to step into the balcony and still enjoy the commotion that is happening below you. It is a very low-lit, soft music, tranquil space. I definitely recommend it if this is the place you are looking for! Keep in mind, it is only open from Friday-Saturday 9:00pm-midnight. read more

Such a cool and intimate place for drinks. Nicolas the bartender is just absolutely fantastic in every way. Makes you feel like you are in an exclusive club. Highly recommend! read more

Fantastic and unique experience. The ambiance is dark, cool and invites you to sit back, chill and enjoy exceptional service from Nicolas. The drinks are delicious and unique. My favorite was the Aviator, a favorite of Howard Hughes. Remember, you have to get the secret code from the bartender, downstairs, in order to enter the Sanctum. Also, there is a dress code. Men business casual, women dress to impress. I will be definitely be back and definitely recommend. read more

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This tiny little speakeasy is tucked away in the back end of The Grand's second floor. There's a doorbell, but all you do is push the door and wander on in, past the images of an ever-sinning devil, to the bartender for your drink of choice. The lighting is soft, the music is smooth, and the cocktails are strong. If you're looking for a place to close out a date night, you've found it on their big comfy couch on the far wall. Also fun is peeping through the portholes out to the downstairs bar of The Grand. Go ahead and make up crazy date night stories for those strangers, while you sip your sazarac. read more

This was maybe one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had in downtown Phoenix! This place is a little difficult to find, but once you do, you're transported (maybe that was the lavender gin?) I don't know, truthfully. The bartender the evening I went was Nicholas, and he was sensational. He would make recommendations from the menu on what to drink based off of your likes and dislikes. I sat out on the deck with my cocktail (which was something he whipped up with the lavender gin). The ambiance of this place is something out of a Wes Anderson film, and if you know anything about those, they're a little kooky. This is worth a trip on a downtown bar crawl! Don't miss it. Only thing is their hours are very limited. read more

Great place! I've only been there a few times but the drinks are great and made well. The pricing is spot on for what you get, and the bartender is awesome! I'll be heading back again very soon! read more

Great ambience,fun decor and good menu. For what you get, prices are a bit high! But staff was very good! read more

I took my honey out last night for his birthday and Hiram made the night! We appreciate the service! The drinks were good too!

This place is so cool! You have to go to the second floor above the coffee shop. The drinks are a little pricey but the bartender was so friendly and made it worth it. I highly recommend! read more

Sanctum - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Unfortunately my phone died so I didn't get a chance to take a picture of this amazing place. the bartender made you feel welcomed with just his smile. An expert at what he does. Takes you on an adventure as he prepares your drink. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. Just extraordinary. read more

Sanctum - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place is magical. We stumbled upon it while hanging out at the coffee shop/bar below and I'm SO glad we did. It was a highlight of our trip for sure. The bartender was awesome. He made me an amazing lavender cocktail, told us about all the spirits he was using, and then personally escorted us to the best seat on the patio to make sure we had a good time. Sanctum really went all-in on the speakeasy vibe and I loved it so much. read more

Not 24/7.... I've shown up a few times and the kitchen was closed with no staff up front to help. I had to find someone in the back to ask a question about service. I would not recommend this place for late night food and service. read more

Wow! What an awesome place and experience. As you step through the doors you step back into time. Expect to spend some time here because the bar tender takes his time and listens to what you like and can make a customized drink to your taste if you prefer. They allow you to try the liquors before they make your drink to make sure that the finished product is perfect. I often tell people of this place and the fantastic charm that it offers. I have been back several times and will continue to come to this unique place. read more

What a great speakeasy located in downtown Phoenix! The bar offers about 8 different cocktails that the two bartenders whip up while guests enjoy in the quaint indoor space as well as the lovely patio. We enjoyed The Old Cuban - a delicious rum cocktail topped off with champagne. We arrived right at 9pm last night, so we were the first to arrive and get our drinks. This place is such a great addition and I hope they extend the hours further. read more

Great venue no real craft cocktails. Need to work on execution of speak easy offerings or egg whites higher end liquors. I suggest owners go to Ostrich and Under Tow to see what is missing at Sanctum. I really wanted to like it. read more

Our dive crawl through downtown Phoenix continued to the 'Sanctum'. Nestled above and to the rear of a trendy coffee shop, this "Speakeasy" would be a secret except that there is a large sign on the outward door that advertises the locale. We walked up the steps, and next to the door were two men speaking at a table with a German shepherd guarding the entrance. We ventured in. We went in not knowing what exactly to expect, and one of my friends excitedly said she wanted to have a martini "Mad Men" style. She had gotten my Old Fashioned at the prior locale, so I got her vesper. I think the expectation was Vodka, but they were making them the old way with Gin. It wasn't a bad vesper, I enjoyed it, however, one really has to like gin to do it. We had fun looking at the devilish paintings in the hallway, and taking fun pictures with them, and even though the girls weren't a big fan of the drinks, it was overall a good time. read more

My wife and I came here after a little late night on the town. Found this place to be listed on yelp as 24/7 operations. Unfortunately, Arizona state law stops alcohol sales at 2am. We decided we wanted something to eat and the bartender said that the kitchen also closes at 2am (as of 2 months ago prior to this review). Only area open for all day service is the coffee and pastry bar...very disappointing, but nice atmosphere if you need a place to hang out. read more

Phoenix needs more places like this. Nicholas was awesome and serves up the best drinks. Get there early on Friday and Saturday for the full experience before the place fills up. read more

Sanctum - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Through the expertise of The Grand GM, Chris, and its talented service staff, Cierra, Nicholas and Jason (sorry if I mis-spelled anybody's name!) my 40th birthday soiree at Sanctum (the speakeasy inside The Grand) went off without a hitch or worry. The service was fun and friendly and even accommodating to special requests, like my "mocktails". The food was delicious and plentiful and the drinks were strong! The decor, lighting and hidden, password-required entry created the perfect setting for a 1920s prohibition-style theme party. It was a night I will never forget! I would recommend this venue to anybody looking for a speakeasy-style party experience. read more

The bartender is amazing! Let him make drinks for you, give him an idea of what you like and he will make you something very delicious based off of that! Definitely is a hidden gem! Has that speakeasy vibe. Plus they have really good food downstairs to get on your way out (try the onion rings). read more

Ambiance was classic speakeasy with gothic undertone, limited drink menu, expensive with 20$ cover charge (includes one alcoholic beverage) bartender was helpful and nice. read more

A sazerac made with Jim Beam and it's $13? Hmmm sorry but step your game up. The bar wants to act like a "speak easy" with craft cocktails and serves up drinks like that. I'd like it to as a nice environment overall though. read more

Sanctum was an amazing experience!! The bartender Nicholas is a cocktail artist and his drinks are delicious and complex. The ambiance and antique eclectic décor creates a unique atmosphere that you have to experience. The speakeasy is small and only open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to midnight. This place is great and a must see!!! read more