After you’ve been out and about the city of Tempe, AZ, all day long — and there’s a lot of out and about to be had — it’s time to cozy up to the bar for a drink and an opportunity to meet some new friends. Moving to Tempe has a lot to offer, and meeting the locals is the best way to find those hidden gems. Check out our list of the 10 best bars and lounges in Tempe, AZ, to know where to find your flavor.
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The Time Out Lounge
You’re guaranteed to meet some casual and friendly locals at this 70’s-themed bar. Hidden in a strip mall with a heavy, industrial door, the inside is a pretty classic dive bar atmosphere with pool tables, a jukebox, TVs playing reruns of classic sitcoms, and a decent selection of beer and booze. Thursday through Saturday you might just catch some quality local bands, and you can count on seeing their fans show up to support. The drinks are strong, the dart boards are well-loved, and if that’s your scene? You’ll feel right at home.
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Taste of Tops
Again, looks can be deceiving — but if you’re looking for some relaxed nightlife in Tempe, the Taste of Tops might be what you’re looking for. Sandwiched between a Thai restaurant and a liquor store, it really is your one-stop-shop for just about anything you’d need to keep your evening exciting. Try out their remarkably affordable beer or wine flights with a variety of interesting and rotating local beers in a fairly calm and quiet atmosphere. This is your spot if you actually want to have a conversation with your new friends… which might be helpful, if you want to get to know people.
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Cabin Tempe
This spot just opened in fall 2017, and has quickly become a favorite among locals – with friendly bartenders, a hearty menu with items like a killer BLT, excellent burgers, and grilled salmon and a fairly wide selection of beers on tap, the vibe at the Cabin is a bit different from the rest of the bars in this part of town. Make a night of it and plan to grab dinner and a few drinks, hang out on the patio, and get to know some new people!
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Yucca Tap Room
If a night out in Tempe requires some rock’n’roll in a dive bar to be on the top of your list, look no further than the Yucca. Dark, loud, and stocked with plenty of beer, many nights you can catch some great (again, loud) live music for little to no cover fee. Away from the stage, you can get some pretty quality bar food — nachos, spicy wings, even Korean sliders to fuel you up for the show. If you’re in it for the long haul? They are open from 6 am to 2 pm. Really.
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Culinary Dropout at Farmers Arts District
With a creative drink menu boasting the likes of the Drunken Panda Shandy and the Velvet Death classic cocktail, this is the spot to go just about any time of day — but especially if you’re looking for the best cocktails in Tempe, AZ. You could start your day here with brunch and a Bacon Bloody Mary, then return later on for some 36-hour Pork Ribs, Meatloaf like your mother used to make, and a creative take on a Moscow Mule. After all, there’s no better way to beat the heat in Tempe than with a cold one.
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Four Peaks Tasting Room
If fine local beer is what you’re after, you’ll be quite pleased to pull up a chair at the Four Peaks Tasting Room. The brewers here take pride in their classic beers, using hand-selected hops and water carefully calibrated and mineralized to create the best results. The food is top-notch too, from weekend brunch to pizza, burgers, and other classic pub-style dishes for dinner. Save room for the Oatmeal Stout Shake. We hear it’s the best dessert around.
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W XYZ Bar
You’ll feel classy and hip at this loft-style lounge located in the Aloft Hotel, where the cocktails and wine are flowing just like the conversation. Grab one of their snack bites if you’re feeling peckish, but don’t expect to sit down to a full meal — this spot is geared more towards those who want to get out and be social.
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Boulders on Broadway
If you’re a fan of Tempe’s great outdoors, Boulders on Broadway is the perfect place to kick your tired feet up with a cold one after a long ride or a great climb. With 30 draft handles and over 70 beers by the bottle, there’s definitely something to suit every taste. Check out the photos and knickknacks that adorn the walls, a tribute to the owner’s love of adventure — and his love of cooking pizza. The menu suits such pursuits, with a variety of pizzas, burgers, calzones, tacos and smaller bites to refuel you for a night out in Tempe.
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Freezer’s Ice House
If billiards, darts, blue bar lights and cold beer in a clean setting are where it’s at for you, bring your game face to Freezer’s Ice House. The people here are serious about their games, and the all-new pool tables and dart boards will bump up the competitive edge. There are also televisions throughout, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking to catch the game with some friends. They even open early on NFL days so the diehards can hit the bar at noon.
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Alibaba Hookah Lounge
Hookah can be good, or it can be great — and this spot has just the right vibe. Dark lighting, good music, comfortable chairs, and clean hookahs with a variety of flavor choices. Grab a cup of tea with your hookah, or try out the pool table or chess set. A mellow way to spend a night in Tempe.
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