Heading out for happy hour or some weekend cocktails? Phoenix has plenty of amazing bars and lounges that are easy to find and have a great atmosphere, and chances are you can walk into any of them and have an awesome time.

But if you really want to elevate your drinking experience, you need to take a look underground next time you hit the bar.

There’s just something cool about throwing back drinks in a fun, secluded spot, and luckily for all of us, Phoenix has a few awesome underground bars that not everyone knows about.

We’re here to change that, so here’s our list of underground spots in the Valley worth checking out ASAP because the vibes are just as cool as how you get there.

Valley Bar

130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours: 4pm-2am M-F, 6pm-2am Saturdays and Sundays

Happy Hour: 4pm-7pm M-F, all day Sunday

Valley Bar may be the most well-known on our list of underground bars, probably because there are always events and shows taking place there. Located in the alley between Central and Adams, a neon sign perched above the stairwell greets you before you make your descent into the intimate space. Directly in front of you is the music hall, which is open unless there’s a special event or concert going on. Turning left when you reach the bottom will get you to the lounge and bar, which is incredibly charming and features a rotating mobile that projects shadows of random shapes onto canvas. Have fun trying to find the “secret” room.

Must-Try Drink: The Rose Mofford (named after AZ’s first woman governor and a total badass at that) is a refreshing mix of Mission Vodka, Tempus Fugit liqueur de violette, lemon juice, simple syrup, and rose water. We always feel a bit more sophisticated drinking it.

#FrayLife Tip: There are a few pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, and skeeball in the gaming area as well as a plethora of board games, and all of them are free to play on Monday nights.

Melinda’s Alley

50 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours: 9pm-1am Fridays and Saturdays

Almost directly across the street from Valley Bar’s alley is another intimate bar that is less conspicuous and only visible when the single red bulb illuminated outside the door. If you’re lucky enough to be one of the 65 guests allowed in this speakeasy-style venue, then prepare yourself for a unique experience that throws it back to the prohibition era. The cement walls from the original hotel above the bar (now the newly renovated Renaissance Hotel) make the space feel cozy and historic. The dim lighting and rustic, vintage furniture with lots of space to lounge and mingle with other guests only add to the intimate setting. Combining history with well-crafted drinks that you can sip on all night is what sets this downtown Phoenix spot apart from the rest. It’s worth the wait in line to have a truly unique night out.

Must-Try Drink: If an Old Fashioned is your forte, you’re in luck, as the drink menu at Melinda’s rotates apart from this mainstay. Have some fun and keep it exciting by trying something new every time you go.

Undertow

3620 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Hours: 4pm-12am M-T, 4pm-2am F-S, and 2pm-10pm Sundays

Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm M-F

With the closest ocean over three hours away in Mexico, we don’t have many options when it comes to getting a taste of the sea in the Valley. That is, unless you make your way to Undertow, where you can have delicious drinks below deck. The relatively new Tiki Bar is located inside Sip Coffee and Beer Garage and is marked by a thatched roof and staircase. The tiny space is intimate and adorned with details for any ocean lover to soak in. Dim lighting creates a warm ambiance and the bar has pillars with tiki faces carved into the sides. There are also wooden barrels in corners and potholes with digital screens projecting images of the water (or even an intense cannon battle).  

Must-Try Drink: The Smoking Cannon combines bourbon, rum, amontillado sherry, pineapple and bitters for a great taste – but the presentation topped with cinnamon smoke is even cooler.

#FrayLife Tip: Call in advance to see if it’s busy and consider making a reservation. The place is small and can fill up quickly. Reservations available between 4pm-8pm 7 days a week, for parties of 6 or fewer.

These are just a few highlights of the underground bar scene, but Phoenix has a ton of hidden gems. Let us know if you try one of these, or better yet, tag us on social when you’re there using #FrayLife!