To everything there is a season. There is a time to doll up and drink expensive cocktails ending in "tini," and a time for wearing your favorite jeans and drinking a beer. These bars are low-key, low maintenance and lower priced than their slick counterparts.
This is a popular spot with an English biker motif and loyal following. The seats are filled with regulars and the air is filled with gritty music. The jukebox plays a great mix of old punk and ska. Real bikers frequent the place, but there's no need to ride a two-wheeler to enjoy this bar. Ask for the "trash can" drink special which is a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot for $3.75.
Following in the popularity of the English pub and its connection to punk , the cozy Rose and Crown features Punk Rock Mondays with a DJ and $2 wells and Pabst Blue Ribbon from 8:30 p.m. to close. Any other night, play pool on the one table that fits in the old house, drink from their list of 80 bottled beers, or eat from their American and English menu.
One of the latest takeovers for underground/indie/hipster specialty nights like "UNITY," "Obscura" by Panic!, and "Yacht Rock," the Ruby Room Cocktail Lounge provides a swanky vibe along with dance-party fun and live-band showcases. Drinks regularly start at $3 and feature a vintage menu. Happy hour runs daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $2.50 domestic beers and $3 wells.
The Hidden House is not known for its decor. Rather, this neighborhood bar is famous for cheap drinks, an unpretentious vibe and a kick-butt jukebox. The laid-back crowd at Hidden House can be found shooting pool, dancing or enjoying the all-day happy hour. Well drinks and domestics are just $2, and small pitchers are only $3 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Once an icon for punk rock in the state, the Rogue Bar turned indie and retro with dance-party nights like "Shake!" a few years ago. Located at the Scottsdale-Tempe line, the bar has an interior that's dark, with a pink-and-black color scheme. With possibly the longest happy hour in town, the Rogue Bar serves $2.50 wells and domestics from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
In addition to cheap drinks, the Yucca Tap Room is known for live music. Bands play seven nights a week, and all without a cover charge. The Yucca Tap Room served as the launching pad for the Refreshments, a local band that went national in the '90s. First timers keep your eyes open, as the Yucca Tap Room sometimes gets lost inside its grungy strip-mall surroundings. Two happy hours run every day from 6 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
The Time Out Lounge has pool tables, darts, some video games and a good pinball machine. The crowd is a mix of pool players, college students and hipster, tattoo types. Big booths are perfect for sharing a large pitcher of beer ($5 during happy hour) with your friends. The pool tables are free every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all day and night on Sundays.
The last original tiki bar in Phoenix, Bikini Lounge opened in 1947 and still features some of the original art and decor. Carved tiki god statues lurk in the corners and hula girls adorn the walls. Sometimes the bar shows the work of local artists. Don't expect anything fancy or flaming here, though. Bikini is for those who like a good dive bar and cheap drinks.
A sibling of T.T. Roadhouse, Shady's is a smooth, dark lounge that plays home to an unpretentiously hip crowd. The small space features stylish retro furniture, a pool table and a jukebox filled with lounge, jazz, new wave and ska. Drink in the good vibe with a pint, or visit Shady's for $2.25 mimosas on Sundays.
Every day features a $2.50 drink special, such as Bacardi or Cuervo drinks. In addition, there are 95-cent domestic bottles on Sundays and Thursdays. Grab a friend (or not) and enjoy a $2.50 you-call-its from 10 p.m. to midnight every night. Note: this bar is not affiliated with Casey Jones Grill on Bell Road.
What other people are saying...
joel from Gilbert - April 07, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Brand new British Pub in the Valley Shakespeares in Mesa. Has a good Happy hour 3-7 10- close and great food too!
Report This Commenttrmay15 from South Scottsdale - January 29, 2009 at 3:39 PM
how about Closing Soon Saloon on 68th St. in Scottsdale 8 bar stools 1 pool table a couple video games and alot of local color.........good...
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Report This CommentUno Ojo from Central Phoenix - January 29, 2009 at 8:31 AM
P.s. Shady's is a damn fine bar... The "Justin duo" makes the place. Hats off to Arik, Carl and Julie as well !!!
Report This CommentUno Ojo from Central Phoenix - January 29, 2009 at 8:30 AM
If you were to hang out in Tempe, 6 East, or "The Beast" as known by regulars was the best. But the all time best was Liguori's ("Ligs" by us regul...
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Report This CommentUNOMAZ from PHOENIX - January 28, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Anyone remember Pete's Newsroom Lounge or "Pete's" as many knew it? Now that was one of downtown Phoenix's original dive bars! Sure i bet ASU is go...
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