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| - Part of me is kicking myself for spreading the word about this awesome place. I don't want too many people to find out about it and overrun it. That said, it's places like Valley Bar that make me proud to live in Phoenix. So much has changed since I moved here over 8 years ago and downtown is FINALLY starting to feel like a real downtown. Valley Bar adds legitimacy to my last statement because reminds you of something you'd find in L.A. or maybe New York. And did I mention that it is a performance space AND a basement bar? I LOVE basement bars and I'm SO happy we have one downtown.
Though this is run by the same folks who run Crescent Ballroom, the vibe is TOTALLY different and it is exactly my kind of vibe. You walk down an unassuming alley off Monroe, next to US BANK (I assured my female co-workers that I was not taking them to be raped and murdered) and through the door beneath the equally unassuming red neon "Valley Bar" sign. Down the stairs you go. If you're taking in a show, you go straight. If you're needing bevies, hang a left to the bar.
The bar is VERY cool with dim lighting and good music playing. They also have a game room with shuffle board, see ball, poll and darts. I'm pretty impressed with their hand-crafted cocktails, all named after Arizona politicians. Though I don't like cinnamon, I found "The Ducey" to be balance and not too sweet. They also have a good selection of beer and wine.
Though they've only been open a few weeks, the place NEVER feels jam packed, even on a Friday when they have a decent crowd. I sincerely hope that that does not change, because that is part of what makes this place awesome. The servers are all really friendly and enthusiastic. Some of them already know me and my drink(s) of choice, which is a really nice touch.
I reluctantly (for my own selfish reasons) HIGHLY recommend that everyone check this place out. This is one of those places that is going to help put downtown Phoenix on the map!
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