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    Star 78 Speakeasy

    4.0 (22 reviews)
    Closed • Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Vlad V.

    I often refer to myself as the self-appointed king of speakeasies. I may have to relinquish that crown. I live in Desert Ridge, and for 10 months or so, I had no idea that Star 78 Speakeasy existed. Despite passing by on countless occasions. I digress. Star 78 is located on High Street, a popular entertainment district full of bars, restaurants, stores, and more. Parking is easy (and free) either on the street or the surface lots or garage that surrounds the area. I've stopped by twice. Ambiance (4/5): While I don't want to give all of the clues away, I have to give the people what they want. Star 78 is located in a coffee shop. Walk to the back of the coffee shop, look for the phone booth, punch star 78 on the keypad and then push the door. Awesome! You'll enter a speakeasy which seats about 30 people that reminds you of the prohibition era. A true speakeasy should not have signage outside of the establishment (Star 78 almost meets that standard). And there should be a creative way to get in. That's certainly met here. Service (4/5): On both of my visits, service has been pretty friendly and efficient. Once, I made a reservation. The other time I didn't. If you'd like to play it safe, make a reservation for free on Open Table. Food (N/A): I've been on a liquid diet both times, but I have taken a look at their menu. It's a light menu consisting mostly of charcuterie boards and sandwiches. Drinks (4.5/5): When I go to a speakeasy, I hope for creative craft cocktails. Not an espresso martini, mojito, and margaritas. Star 78 does a good job here with an interesting list of cocktails. The type of menu where I'd like to come back again and again until I get to try everything that appeals to me on the menu. All of the drinks here have been great. They've been out of some ingredients here and there, but outside of that, a job well done. Pro tip: If you're into murder mysteries, Star 78 hosts them. Check out their website for the scoop. Awesome to have a speakeasy in my neighborhood!

    Sabine T.

    Hidden gem alert! This was my first visit to Star 78 and I don't have a frame of reference as to what it used to be like, but I know I loved every minute of my time at this stylish little speakeasy. The phone booth entrance is such a fun touch and a neat photo op. The space itself is gorgeous: moody lighting, plush seating, and a vibe that's equal parts classy and cozy. The service was top-notch, Callie and David were both warm, attentive, and genuinely fun to chat with. The cocktails were beautifully presented (I love that they put glitter in mine!) and tasty. They have a selection of beer as well. My friend and I split a panini, which was packed with flavor. We left just before the murder mystery activity, but it looked like they had a good turnout for it and that it was going to be fun. Bonus: always tons of parking in the Desert Ridge complex. 10/10, would dial again!

    Chris N.

    It's a goal to visit as many speakeasy bars in Phoenix as possible! Finally got to try out Star 78 and we made a reservation during their murder mystery special. Before getting into that I'll talk about the drinks. Pretty good and reasonably priced. Nothing to gimmicky about them and would definitely return to try other options. The bar setting itself was nice! I truly appreciate the speakeasy feel- walking through a mystery door phone booth was a good welcome to this bar. Small on the inside, but had a classy but casual feel. Since we did the murder mystery there was also a preset menu which was cool. The food was okay, but will be returning back for the drinks more than the food. The murder mystery game was a nice way to get everyone in the bar involved. Essential a real like clue or who done it game. Very interesting but also can be a bit distracting if your goal was to come out and have some drinks and peace out at your leisure. While it is a very cool idea, I feel that more customers would be able to come and go on these days and not be turned out because a reservation was not made. All in all, will return on another night to try more drinks

    Pastrami on Rye with garlic Parmesan root chips
    Elizabeth N.

    Ventured here for a date night and tried something different with an interactive murder mystery. From the secret entrance behind a telephone booth to the murder mystery creativity itself, it was great to have script that is so inclusive. This was also set with a course meal. I got the truffle egg salad while my date got the pastrami sandwich on rye. Definitely a tasty sandwich. Drinks were tasty and the price point was great. I would recommend trying the Madam. Would return for drinks and a good time!

    Espresso Soaked Brownie
    Rachel P.

    We visited this speakeasy for their murder mystery dinner and overall had a great time -- we'll absolutely be back! The atmosphere is fantastic: moody, immersive, and perfect for a themed night out (note: you don't know the theme going in) The food was decent, with some standout moments, though there were a few hiccups. They only had rye bread available (a bold choice, especially for a bakery storefront), which didn't work for everyone in our group. Dessert options were also limited -- just two and they quickly ran out of one. The espresso-soaked brownie was incredible and absolutely worth trying. The murder mystery itself was a lot of fun, but something to note: there are two set showtimes, and the group seated next to us wasn't part of the event. Their constant talking made it hard to hear parts of the performance, which definitely took away from the experience. Hopefully this is something the staff can better manage as they get more established. All that said, they're still a newer spot with tons of potential. We'd 100% return for another murder mystery night and will definitely be back for drinks on non-event evenings -- the vibe alone makes it worth it.

    Daloun F.

    So cute and moody! Great drinks and a fun spot to have an amazing time!! Will be back for sure.

    You can get a drink tailored to your personal profile.   Really fun!

    Fun place. We did the 6 pm Cri.e Tale. Drinks were fabulous! Food was a set but limited menu so I might try the regular menu next time. I would definitely go again.

    Entry to the Speakeasy
    Michelle S.

    Great place for a girls night! Amazing cocktails, excellent service, and a "murder" to solve! Reasonable prices and good food! We had such a great time!

    Lillian M.

    I've been frequenting Bar'Star 78 on High Street lately, and I have to say, the bartender--though I hesitate to call him just that--David, is truly a mixologist in every sense of the word! Having visited so many places, I often ask bartenders to surprise me with something unique, and David never disappoints. As a fan of Bloody Marys, I've always loved the flavor but often feel too full after one. So, when David surprised me with a drink called the "Ghost in the Garden," I was intrigued. It had a similar aroma to a Bloody Mary, but it was lighter, more refreshing, and absolutely delicious. I've never tasted anything quite like it! For lovers of Old Fashioneds, David is your guy. Just ask him to make you his version of the drink, and you won't be disappointed. He even makes his own mixers! For instance, his Bloody Mary mix is something else--he boils tomatoes, garlic, and celery, then strains the juice through a cheesecloth to create the perfect base. It's such an incredible idea and shows just how much care and creativity he puts into his work. David is not just a bartender; he's an artist. I feel so fortunate to have such talent right in my neighborhood, and I'm already excited to see what he has in store for the holiday season! Stay tuned--I'll be sure to share my next experience!

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    Ask the Community - Star 78 Speakeasy

    Can anyone give me an idea of what the cost of dinner might be or where I can find what they offer?

    Hello! You can find our menu here: https://www.opentable.com/r/star-seventy-eight-phoenix If you choose to join us for The Case File, dinner is a set price of $40. Otherwise… 

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    Review Highlights - Star 78 Speakeasy

    “The service was top-notch, Callie and David were both warm, attentive, and genuinely fun to chat with.”

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Located in Desert Ridge Marketplace, I checked out The Whining Pig on a Saturday night. Since I…read morelive in the area, I walked over. There is ample parking if you're driving. This beer-focused bar isn't the easiest to find because it's underground down a stairwell. Look for the signage close to the stairwell. Ambiance (3.5/5): We sat at a booth at the bar. It's one of the few seats that have back support (which is important to me due to my old man back). Outside of that, it's all barstool seating with no back support inside. Outside, they have a small patio with chairs. That would be another option for me when the weather cooperates. The decor inside is your typical beer bar decor. Laid back. Comfortable. There's a jukebox. A cool place to grab some brews. Service (3.5/5): Two bartenders were working that evening and they were pretty solid. I did have to grab their attention a few times but no biggie. The Whining Pig has daily specials including a beer and grilled cheese combo on Wednesdays. I was curious on the price. They didn't know nor did they find out. That was a miss. Food (N/A): No food for me on this visit as I had dinner prior. They have a small menu, mostly made up of various grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a classic one, a pizza one, and a few others. I'm a dan of grilled cheese so I'll definitely try one out at some point. They also have charcuterie boards. Drinks (4.5/5): Now for the good stuff! Unlike most beer spots, they also have wine and several cocktails. But when in Rome, so I went with a beer flight. You can choose five beers of your choosing from a list of 40 beers or so. While they don't brew their own beer, they have an interesting selection of local craft beers and European ones. The types of beers you're not going to find at your neighborhood bar, including saisons and sours. The flight is served in a pig shape holder which was pretty funny. Flights are always my go-to when they're offered as they allow you to try out a nice variety. Added bonus: Walk down the hallway past the bathrooms and you'll run into Pigtails---a speakeasy owned by the same folks. That way, you can get both your brews and elevated cocktails fix in the same night.

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    Star 78 Speakeasy - speakeasies - Updated September 2026

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