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| - You want 'cool' in downtown Phoenix, this is the place to be. Valley Bar has been a local staple since bursting into the scene in 2015, and it's definitely a gem of a bar. Pulling double duty as a popular nightlife spot and music venue adds to the mileage this place can get you. Sometimes you just get bored of places, but I'll never not be down for a trip to Valley Bar.
The first thing that pops out is the entrance to this place. It's in the back alley of the building on the south west corner of Monroe and Central. All there is to draw you in a neon light that reads "Valley Bar." Granted, it's not the most evocative name but it has a lot of low key touches that celebrate the history of Phoenix. Once you descend the stairs, you have a little vestibule that puts the music hall in front of you, and the Rose Room to the left. The latter of the two is one of the coolest bar environments in the county. It has this slightly sinister mobile above the bar casting shadows of things that pay tribute to the arcane history of the city. And the bar is usually well attended, since one usually doesn't have to wait too long to get a drink. They have a limited food menu that features an assortment of appetizers and flatbreads. Definitely worth taking a crack at the hummus plate. And the signature drinks are all named after local politicians. My favorite is the McCain, which is this spicy mezcal drink. It's a little on the pricier side, but they max out at around $10 which is a bit but not too bad compared to other spots. If you have a simpler palette, I recommend Huss's Coffee Kolsch.
Valley Bar also does a good job of having events. One thing I want to specifically highlight is the monthly Get Lit event in their reading room. It's a small room in the back of the main bar that has a small library, and it's a good size to host a decent crowd of people. Get Lit is a lot of fun because it's an interesting discussion on some of the issues that face writers. It's not strictly for aspiring writers as it may imply, so feel free to check it. It's the first Thursday of every month at 7pm, so get there early and order some Old Fashioned's at happy hour prices.
The music hall is also an enjoyable venue to catch a show in. Most weekends they have a DJ spinning some kind of themed night, which tends to be something like new wave or afrobeat. Often times they have more traditional shows, usually of smaller acts. I've caught a few memorable shows here, specifically a nice dark wave show and the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. Prices are reasonable too, and they donate covers they charge for DJ nights to local charities.
So, if you want cool, this is the place to be. Good drinks, good music, and good atmosphere all make this a place to put on your list if you're visiting from out of town or somehow have managed to avoid this place over the last three years.
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