my favorite laid-back bar in phoenix. as close as you can get to che's or the bar part of plush(tucson bars) in phoenix.
unfortunately it isn't as big as plush which is its biggest downfall. they stick a whole bunch of comfy chairs in the center where there should be some empty space to stand and some high table to make it more comfortable. but when the place gets packed, the chairs make shady's the opposite of comfortable.
i also find the jukebox pretty lacking for the crowd that comes. it has very little indie music made in the last 10 years and a ton of R&B and random stuff from the 60s and 70s. i usually end up just putting on the clash, buzzcocks, david bowie, new york dolls, guided by voices, new order and such every time i go because there is not much more for the indie/punk crowd that is usually there. make's me pine for the jukebox at Che's in tucson which it is similar to in terms of the types of music, but hopelessly inferior to.
but overall its a great place for phoenix to hang out with friends at and warm up before going elsewhere. the mixed drinks are very strong and cheap and come in pint glass sizes. they also feature stella on tap and many other good beers. it's a really cool place as long as it doesn't get too crowded.