If you're parched in the Valley of the Sun, there's no shortage of spots to quench your thirst. With more than 7,000 bars, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants stirring and shaking drinks across the state, Phoenix stands out with some of the finest. The Phoenix New Times has done the legwork for you, curating an annual list of the Top 100 Bars that offers a roadmap to the city's beverage scene, now freshly updated for 2024.
From dives that have seen generations come and go, to swank cocktail lounges, and innovative tap rooms, there's terrain for every taste. Out of a vast array of choices, 21 newcomers have found their way onto the 2024 list. "One thing is for sure at every spot on this list — the bartenders know their stuff," according to the Phoenix New Times, ensuring that wherever you land, you're in good hands. Whether you're in for a local beer or a carefully concocted cocktail, these acclaimed spots offer top-tier drinks and atmospheres to match.
But the drink scene in Arizona is more than just about the immediate satisfaction of a well-mixed drink; it's also about the sophisticated palate of wine lovers. As highlighted by Visit Arizona, the state has been quietly building a reputation for its vineyards since the 1970s. With climates and soil conditions echoing those of better-known wine regions, areas like Willcox and Sonoita are bringing Arizona's wine into the international conversation, and restaurants across the state are stocking their menus with local vintages in celebration of this vinicultural success.
Not to be overshadowed, central Arizona's Verde Valley shares Mediterranean-like climate features, unveiling robust grapes that thrive in the volcanic soils. Areas like Old Town Cottonwood have transformed into vibrant hubs for wine tourism, with tasting rooms nestled alongside shops and eateries. Yavapai College even incorporates viticulture into its curriculum at the Southwest Wine Center, emphasizing the region's dedication to cultivating a homegrown wine culture. "Plan your trip and download our Arizona Wine brochure, Savoring Arizona," suggests Visit Arizona, inviting enthusiasts to explore the full breadth of what the state's wine regions have to offer.
