Entertainment in Arizona
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Ibt's
The daddy of Tucson's gay bars. Every night has a different theme, from karaoke to dance to barbecue.
reviewed
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A
Herberger Theater Center
The Herberger Theater Center has two stages shared by three resident companies: Arizona Theatre Company (602-256-6995; www.aztheatreco.org), the state’s leading ensemble; the Actors Theatre (602-252-8497; www.atphx.org) for more experimental, fringe productions; and the Center Dance Ensemble (602-252-8497; www.centerdance.com), which specializes in modern dance.
reviewed
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Kazimierz
With an entrance through the alley and a sign saying only ‘The Truth is Inside, ’ this wine cave feels like a swanky ’20s speakeasy, only the air here is rather genteel, grown-up and devoid of debauchery. The sofas are as soft as the music and the wine list as long as a Tolstoy novel: with 3000 global bottles to choose, you’ll want to (and happily can) rely on your server’s recommendation.
reviewed
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Alice Cooper’stown
Yes, this ‘jock-and-rock’-themed beer hall really is the original shock rocker’s (and Phoenix resident’s) baby. On game days, it floods with giddy fans toasting their teams playing at the nearby US Airways Center and Chase Field. Come anytime for drinks specials and to tackle the ‘Big Unit’ (a 2ft hot dog), one of the most popular items on the tongue-in-cheek menu.
reviewed
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B
Myst
Once past the picky bouncers it’s all about dancing with friendly folks and sipping the signature apple ‘tartinis’ at this party palace and its adjoining sister club, Ballroom. Global DJs hit the decks in this stylized space teeming with wrinkle-free hotties and hangers-on. Guys – dress up or you’ll be riding the velvet rope for a long time.
reviewed
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C
Mad Italian
Across the street from Mia’s, the Mad Italian is much loved among NAU students for its ambience and atmosphere and is one of the best local spots to drink, dance and shoot some pool. On most nights there’s a DJ playing dance music, but occasionally there is a live band. If you don’t like large, fun-loving crowds, avoid going on the weekends.
reviewed
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D
Mogollon Brewing Company
A wrinkle-free party-happy crowd makes this brewpub one of the most happening places in town. The back room morphs into a club with a dance floor and large stage where punchy local and national bands play most nights. The owners also operate Arizona’s only distillery, the High Spirits Distillery, famous for its prickly pear vodka.
reviewed
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E
Shanty
This friendly pub staple is all about friends, conversation, free popcorn, shooting pool and, of course, good beer. And boy, have they got beer. You’d need weeks to quaff your way through the menu, which features Czech pilsner, Boddington’s and obscure brews from Nicaragua and Kenya. Smoking is permitted on the patio.
reviewed
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Charly’s
Inside the historic Weatherford Hotel, this upbeat place buzzes with all sorts of folks, from wide-eyed tourists to tousled ski bums to preppy college kids, all drawn by a no-nonsense ambience, crackling fireplaces and cheap drinks. Plus it’s one of the best places in town to catch up on the local live-music scene.
reviewed
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Axis/Radius
This megaplush posing and preening pen is another entry in Scottsdale’s growing cadre of state-of-the-art lounge-club combos. It’s full of shiny, happy and barely legal hotties who may be too busy seeing and being seen to actually have a good time. Gotta love the LED panels and chilly liquid nitrogen fog, though.
reviewed
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F
Asylum
If you worship at the altar of goth and industrial, put on your black thrift-shop threads, nailpolish and eyeliner and have yourself committed to this dark and edgy downtown den. Free bands on Friday and nightly drinks and food specials should leave you with enough change for an early am burger at the Grill across the street.
reviewed
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G
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Beer lovers rejoice: you’re in for a treat at this quintessential neighborhood brewpub in a cool Mission Revival–style building. The strong Scottish ale is a bestseller, but also try lesser-known brews such as Kölsch, which originates in Cologne, Germany, and seasonal styles like the spicy pumpkin porter.
reviewed
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H
Amsterdam
Say hello to the gargoyles at this fun, cool and friendly bar with its over-the-top medieval decor. It’s a big player with the gay scene, but everybody’s welcome to hang on the patio and sample the mind-boggling martini menu (300 last we checked). Check out ‘Martini & Manicure Monday.’
reviewed
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I
Nimbus Brewing Company
Brewmeisters at Nimbus, a cavernous purple warehouse space, make ale like Mattel makes Barbies: one in every color – blonde, brown, red, dark. No matter what type you prefer, it’s likely to be a smooth guzzle. The taproom has a distinctive monkey theme in keeping with the brewery’s cheeky logo.
reviewed
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J
Kon Tiki
Never mind the strip-mall setting. Once inside this tropical tiki tavern with its reed roof and palm fronds you’ll feel like you’ve apparated straight to Tahiti. Drinks look girly, but don’t be fooled: the trademark ‘Scorpion’ will sneak up on your brain cells without warning.
reviewed
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K
Che’s Lounge
If everyone’s favorite revolutionary heartthrob was still in our midst, he wouldn’t have charged a cover either. A slightly skanky but hugely popular watering hole with $1 drafts, a huge wraparound bar and local art gracing the walls, this college hangout rocks with live music Saturday nights.
reviewed
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L
Homme
DJs whip the crowd into a frenzy with different sounds nightly, from goth and industrial Wednesdays to house Fridays and electro Saturdays. The hot ’n’ heavy vibe draws unpretentious party-hearty locals, including gays and queens. For drinkies, try the Dum Dum Tini embellished by a lollipop.
reviewed
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Rough Rider Saloon
For a drink and browse of Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia, pop by this small saloon. Lug your beer to the stone patio behind the lodge, where rough-hewn rocking chairs face the rim and a blazing fire on chilly nights. Rangers offer talks. Espresso drinks and breakfast pastries are served in the early morning.
reviewed
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M
Red Bar
The Red Bar has the crushed blood-red velvet walls of a bordello and is a fun and out-of-control trendy part of Scottsdale's lively bar scene. Expect high-spirited company and an elbow-wielding crowd on weekends. If you enjoy things a little more dark and gothic try next-door's Sky Bar.
reviewed
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Rusty Spur Saloon
Yee-haw it up with the grizzled Budweiser crowd gathered for good times, cheap drinks and twangy country bands that’ve been around the block once or twice. It’s in an old bank building that closed during the Depression; the old vault now holds liquor instead of greenbacks.
reviewed
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N
Orpheum Theatre
A splendid, restored movie house downtown used by highbrow touring shows and the symphony. It's chock-full of history; in the days when movie stars toured the cities their movies were playing in they'd often grab a soda in the now-defunct café (owned by this writer's grandparents).
reviewed
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O
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
Preschoolers will likely be enthralled by the adorable singing, talking and dancing puppets of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. The repertory includes classic fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood and original shows like The Monkey & the Pirate.
reviewed
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Greasewood Flat
This outdoor drinking place is a cash-only affair and at night the stars really are big and bright. On cold nights the fire pits are blazed up and on weekends you can count on a country band and plenty of whooping it up on the dancefloor. Burgers and other greasy goodness available.
reviewed
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Suede
The walls and furniture are covered in suede, of course, at this ultrachic art-deco-style lounge-cum-restaurant, which is a good spot to launch a night on the razzle. The best seats for swilling that martini (pinkie raised and all) are by the patio fireplace.
reviewed
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P
Rendezvous
The latest addition to the Hotel Monte Vista goes from cozy coffee bar to soft-lit, chatty martini lounge as soon the as the moon lurches over the horizon. Try the Hot Monte, a sinful mélange of espresso, chocolate, milk, cayenne and cinnamon.
reviewed
