Idle Hands is a really neat tucked away bar. The drink selection is super unique and the mixologist…read morewas extremely excited about the selection he'd created. I was asking tons of questions and he shared several stories giving us the background that made the drinks even more special. A must try!!

I've been to Idle Hands twice, about a year apart, and there's a lot to like. The most recent was…read moreon 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.

Rough Rider is such a fun speakeasy, drink spot. The food is nothing to miss, also. While a dark…read morevibe, the drinks are lively and fun. My purple drink reminded me of a snowball. With great service, drink recommendations and delicious food, Rough Rider is the total package. A speakeasy is always like a little oasis escape and Rough Rider is no different! I can't wait to go back soon.

Rough Rider felt delightfully off the beaten path in the best possible way. Stepping off the…read moreelevator was like being transported into a perfectly preserved speakeasy from another era. The space is warm, moody, and inviting--like a lighthearted Western brought to life--with candlelight and rich wooden accents creating an atmosphere that begs you to settle in and stay awhile. The drink menu was eclectic and thoughtfully curated, offering both trendy and classic cocktails alongside an impressive selection of spirits, beer, and wine. The bartenders were knowledgeable enough to suggest excellent off-menu creations and kept the drinks--including the water--flowing with effortless style and hospitality. The wedge salad was crisp and bright, elevated by thoughtful ingredients like jalapeño bacon and balsamic onions. The crab dip was a standout: packed generously with crab and complemented by just the right amount of cheese, finely chopped red onions, and crispy breadcrumbs. We ended the evening with St. George Absinthe, an absolute gem of an offering. Jake, Brad, and Stormy were kind, attentive, and full of great recommendations without ever feeling pushy or intrusive. We were able to truly enjoy each other's company while feeling genuinely cared for by the staff. Parking in the garage next door was graciously validated at the host stand. We left feeling full, impressed, and already looking forward to returning with family.

Came here on a Friday afternoon after partaking at the undertow. I was really happy they had an…read moreopening. This would bey 2nd visit to this bar. First time I remember I enjoyed it but still left room for another try. 2nd visit was awesome. Great customer service. The experience was perfect and relaxing. Drinks were spot on. I had a vesper martini variant and she had a great drink with a taret card and a lavender cigarette. Very cool drink experience. I definitely would go back again. The emersive train experience is just awesome. Check it out.

There is a large, free, lot to park in, however it gets very full, so you may have to drive around…read morea bit for parking. The ambiance here is EVERYTHING!!! Even waiting outside for our reservation we were having a great time feeling like we were at a 1930's train stop. I heard about this place from my brother, and went a couple of years ago, and could not wait to take my boyfriend here. The service is absolutely PHENOMENAL! They walk you through the menu, the experience, as well as guide you if you're not sure what you want to drink. We ordered several drinks and they were all so creative and fun! My favorite was the tea with the lit lavender "cigarette." It added to the ambiance and overall experience. We also ordered the trip of snacks tray and several other drinks. Although this place is pretty pricey, there is nowhere is like it and it's WELL worth the cost! Get reservations early and don't skip this amazing, creative, and inventive bar!

Had a fantastic Wednesday night, and a big reason was our server Max. From the moment we sat down,…read moreMax was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made the experience feel special. The recommendations were spot on, exactly the kind of insider knowledge that makes you feel like you're in good hands. Never had to wait for anything, and Max had a way of checking in at just the right moments without being intrusive. One of those servers who reminds you why going out is so much more than just drink. Will absolutely be back!

Awesome spot! Delicious cocktails, great atmosphere and very friendly server. This was our first…read morestop after arriving in Phoenix and we loved it.

Stopped in for a quick drink after the Bob Schneider concert at the MIM last night. Great…read moreatmosphere, totally chill bartender (in a good way!) who helped us decide on local beer to try (being from Portland we make sure we try beer that's not from home when we are out! Chef had already gone home for the evening so the bartender recommended a nearby reverse HH for us. We played a game or two that was available on the bar, watched the end of the Diamondbacks game, finished our beers - a pilsner and IPA from Catalyst, and headed for food!

Another 5 star visit to Pigtails!…read more My husband and I came with my parents to celebrate their birthday Friday night and were wise to make this our first stop on our speakeasy tour of Phoenix! Jack was quick to greet and seat us while Eulalio expertly crafted some delicious mystery shots we requested that even came with a flaming garnish to be treated like birthday candles! We LOVED it!! We arrived during happy hour so we also ordered some oysters and shrimp to graze on, FANTASTIC! The oysters were good but the star of the show? The 6 HUGE shrimps and fresh cocktail sauce.. what a way to start the night! Absolutely fantastic, no notes and totally a must try when you're in the heart of this beautiful city!

Beth was an amazing server and great convetsation! The drinks were surprisingly strong for such a…read moresmall volume and tasted great. We got the Earl Grey Sour and Chateau de Chambord. The Chateau tasted like candy and was our favorite between us.

Robert is the GOAT! Best drink I've ever had in my life. Anna gave me cotton candy. She is doperead more

This was a nice easy access speakeasy feel establishment. I was hoping for a little more…read more"underground" with password, etc. That was not the case, however, walking in the front door. I definitely got the speakeasy feels. It also has large screen TVs where sports are playing. That does take away from the speakeasy field, but it's a good balance between casual eye out to watch a sporting event with friends and get a classy cocktail in a great atmosphere. Not my first choice go to for speakeasy, but definitely makes the list.

A fantastic, quiet, speakeasy-esque bar with a great staff, cool decor and delicious drinks in the…read moreCave Creek area! The staff greeted and seated me quickly in this cute, kind of quirky home office inspired bar and immediately poured me a glass of water to sip while I read through their beautiful leather-bound menu. The lights were dim with little electric tea light candles flickering against the books stacked on the huge bookshelf/entryway. Both bartenders were working diligently to assist me and the other patrons and suggested I try the Meltdown - it was FANTASTIC! It was like someone had made a super fresh pina colada and got squirrelly with some gin and guava purée but I absolutely LOVED it! The presentation was great too, it came in a large ornate glass filled with beveled ice and topped with, I believe, an orchid and some fresh mint! I really had to fight myself not to order a second one I was house sitting in the area that Saturday night and wanted to bring some dinner home with me after my drink and honestly, the food didn't disappoint either. I got the Smoked Chicken Wrap with coleslaw which came out maybe 10 mins after ordering and was thoroughly enjoyed when I got back home! Definitely a good bang for your buck at $15 compared to other bars like this with limited food options where you're typically overpaying for fried food fresh from the freezer. The vibe was there, the food was tasty and the drinks were great, I'll definitely be back with friends and family!

Sazerac is a great spot for a quality nightcap (and some lat night food truck eats)…read more My colleagues executed an EPIC event, and after 15+ hours working on our feet, we needed a festive place with stiff cocktails and food. First, for a divey-style bar, the barkeep was really friendly. And they have good drinks. He made a stiff dirty martini, an espresso martini, and a few of their Mezcal-based "Smoke and Berries." Outside, we feasted on cheap eats from (I can't remember the name), but we ordered everything from tacos to nachos to fries and I think empanadas? Great music, great lighting, service, and drinks. Highly rec.

I had a really good time at Sazerac!! They have an extensive selection of beer, cocktails and other…read moredrinks for purchase. They have an outdoor patio and air conditioner on the inside. They also have a food truck with a lot of different options to eat!