TOTALLY under the radar and overflowing with local character and coolness. One of the things I love about living in Phoenix is all of the cool places here that you only know about if you're in the know. Lost Leaf is one of those places. If you're visiting from out of town, chances are you'd skip a place like this altogether just because you didn't know about it......unless you know a local who's familiar with the downtown arts district.
It is in a residential area where most of the homes have been converted to art galleries, shops, a coffee house or in this case, a bar and live music venue (as well as an art gallery).
There's little signage outside so the only real indication that you're not just walking up to a random person's house is that you'll probably hear the crowd from outside and on weekends (particularly First Friday) you'll probably see people outside waiting to get in because it gets packed.
Inside it's pretty much an open space with exposed brickwork and the rafters up above. Local art for sale is up on all the walls. Behind the bar and I THINK atop a platform above the restrooms (unless I was drunk and am suffering from a fragmented memory) are staging areas where local bands play. A small patio sits along side the house for smokers.
Their long list of craft beers kicks ass-I don't think they serve hard liquor....may have to go investigate. In any case, Lost Leaf should be on anyone's MUST list to get a true taste of the downtown Phoenix Art scene.