| rev:text
| - This review is gonna be really long, so the short version is this: There's rad music, groovy games, a kitchen, and a baller cocktail menu. If you're browsing the mobile app and you're nearby, you need to drop in. Like, now.
Still with me? OK, here are the details...
There is no place in Phoenix I will defend as much as Valley Bar. Seriously, it's my litmus test for whether or not I'm going to like your reviews--give this gem less than five stars, and I'll take everything you write with a grain of salt.
It's just that good.
It's an eclectic establishment with the quintessential Phoenix vibe--artsy and unassuming, attracting clientele from gruff hipsters looking for indie shows, to the all dolled-up in five inch heels treating this like a club, to businessmen and politicians coming in wearing full suits.
I met Congressman Ruben Gallego while drinking a Kate + Ruben. He didn't seem amused when I said "Hey there's a drink named after you amirite?"
On another evening, I shook hands with mayor Greg Stanton while drinking a Stanton. Groovy, right?
I keep ordering my favorite cocktail--The McCain--but the old 'Maverick' is yet to show up! Bummer, but at least I can revel in the sweet, smoky, spicy goodness of mezcal, citrus, and a mouthwatering bite from an ancho chili liquor. At $8 a pop, these craft cocktails really are a steal, and the Rose Room, the lounge they're served in, is so comfortable and dimly lit you'll feel you've stumbled into a much more expensive environment.
If you're hungry, take advantage of the kitchen run by Short Leash hot dogs, and have a seat in one of the booths. Like every other table here, it's illuminated by real candles, lending an intimate feel. We haven't invented a love potion quite yet, but let me tell you right now that having a chat and playing one of their many board games over a glass of wine will certainly suffice. Just down the hall will be a cool game room with pool tables, ski-ball, and a couple of awesome arcade games.
It's important to remember that above all, this is a music venue! Emphasis on medium-sized indie shows, but they have stellar DJ sets. My favorite is Blunt Club, the hip hop night that brings the best Thursday night fun I've had in the valley. Some of the local bands are especially great, and tons of fun.
This is up there with my favorite spots in Phoenix, but of course there will be some growing pains. This place is just so gosh darn popular, it's near impossible to get in during prime time. I have waited 20 minutes for this, something I won't do for any other establishment. It can get terribly busy on Saturday--I've heard of hour-long lines close to midnight! Be prepared for standing room only! Also, keep in mind some shows/sets that used to be free now carry a charge, and this will be the rare time I hope entry gets more expensive so as to thin down the line a bit.
I can easily spend several hours here without getting bored. It's fun, affordable, hip...I just do not have enough good words.
GET IN
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)