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| - A truly unique tiki bar experience in Phoenix. Tucked away in a cozy basement below a coffee shop, Undertow has an intimate ambiance that makes you feel as though you are aboard a pirate ship. Lighting is dim and romantic, music is old school exotica, and decor is authentic. I loved the faux furnace, trader style crates, and animated portholes set into the walls. Several small tables surround the bar, seating maybe 30 people total. Due to size constraints, they highly suggest making a reservation, which was easy to do by texting the number on their website.
Upon descending the stairway, I felt transported to a different era, on the high seas. The place was busy but not packed on a Wednesday night, the perfect setting for a nice date. Their menu is extensive, listing nearly every classic tiki drink you could hope to find, plus dozens of unique original cocktails. Both of the bartenders working were very kind, in addition to being extremely talented at their craft.
I started with the Mallory's Treasure, a $35 cocktail which is artfully mixed and served in a smoking treasure chest. I was dazzled by the presentation, and equally impressed with the cocktail. A luxurious blend of 18 year old Rhum Agricole, Japanese whisky, and orange bitters, it drank like an exotic old fashioned. My boyfriend got the classic Three Dots and a Dash, which was also excellent. Next we shared with "Spoils of War", an enormous bowl drink that serves 3-4 (although, 2 of us handled it just fine ;)). This was my favorite cocktail-a sweet creamy coconut base enhanced with grapefruit, pineapple, and lemon, with a generous pour of both rum and bourbon. Edible flowers and shredded coconut garnish the top. I loved my experience at Undertow, and would recommend a visit to anyone.
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