Bar Smith has become quite a happening hot-spot in Downtown Phoenix. Several months ago, it was typically vacant and yet it oozed potential. Upstairs is where you want to be, but even then - it wasn't drawing much of a crowd. Now, it seems to be living up to its potential. I went here again tonight for Solstice (hosted by Tondra D.) which is held every Saturday and involves DJs, dancing, artists, and alcohol.
Downstairs is a 3 star affair and upstairs is a 5. Solstice really sells the place though... perhaps too well as it's very crowded by the time midnight rolls around. It's a bit of an eclectic scene, so I'm not sure what they're going for. I think it's because downstairs draws a different crowd and they feel compelled to wander upstairs to check it out.
Drink prices are a little high if you ask me, and the bathrooms aren't nice enough (or large enough) to warrant an attendant, yet there he is - handing me a towel and offering me gum and cologne and expecting a tip. Dude - you got to watch me piss... there you go... you're welcome.
My least favorite part about this bar though is trying to park downtown. I do think it's a cool place. I definitely like it better when it's not as busy, but Solstice on Saturdays is a great event if you like dancing elbow to elbow to great music on the rooftop patio under the stars.