Valley Bar

"Since its opening in 2015, Valley Bar has stood as a cornerstone of the valley music scene. In an era saturated with subterranean speakeasy-style establishments, many of them feeling cliché, Valley Bar distinguishes itself by doing it right. The venue occupies a unique space, blending elements of a gritty underground venue with the ambiance of an understated cocktail lounge. Adjacent to the main venue is the Rose Room, a lounge-oriented space offering craft cocktails with witty names inspired by local politicians, such as “The McCain,” “Ground Control to Captain Kelly,” and “The Original Sinema.”" - Mcconnell Quinn, Nikki Buchanan

"Raw and grungy with nothing to distract from the flow of canned beers and music, this low-slung underground hall packs 250 people—mostly standing room. The bands that take the minimal stage tend to be local standouts. Many of the people in the crowd know them well, for this is a pillar of Phoenix’s homegrown music scene. Come here for sweat and sound. In addition to the music room, Valley Bar has others spreading below the downtown streets. Play billiards in one and eat taquitos or sip a cocktail named after an Arizona politician in another. Don’t miss the Rose Room—an intimate half-hidden library stocked with couches and vintage reading material." - Chris Malloy

"Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? Raw, grunge, nothing to distract from the flow of canned beers and music. This low-slung underground hall packs 250 people, mostly standing room. The bands that take the minimal stage tend to be local standouts. Many of the people in the crowd know them well, for this is a pillar of Phoenix’s homegrown music scene. Come here for sweat and sound.  Any standout features or must-sees? In addition to the music room, Valley Bar has others spreading below the downtown streets. Play billiards in one, eat taquitos or sip a cocktail named after an Arizona politician in another. Don’t miss the Rose Room—an intimate half-hidden library stocked with couches and vintage reading material.  Was it easy to get around? On prime nights, the place is packed. Come ready to brush elbows. Know, too, that the entrance inside of an alley might be tricky for a first-timer to find.  That sounds cool. All said and done, who/what is this best for? Catching a show, stumbling into a late-night bar, seizing the night like a local." - Chris Malloy

"A mix of cocktails, games, and music in a downtown building from 1949. Valley Bar is split into the Rose Room, the Music Hall, and the Game Room. The Rose Room, honoring Arizona’s first female governor Rose Mofford, features a drink menu with cocktails named after famous (and infamous) Arizona politicians, as well as wine and local craft beer. Entertain yourself in the Game Room with billiards, pinball, and skee ball. If a show is what you’re looking for, check the calendar to see who’s playing in the 250-person capacity Music Hall, which hosts concerts, comedy, film, and spoken word shows." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"If you’re the type of person to check the FBI’s most wanted list on your morning commute while listening to the latest episode of Crime Junkie, you should have a drink at Valley Bar. It’s inspired by Phoenix murderer Winnie Ruth Judd and there’s a shadow art installation with hanging figurines that depicts scenes from her infamous trial. Valley Bar doubles as a venue for weekly events that include everything from comedy shows to concerts to film screenings, so come for a game of pool, a performance, or to drink cocktails while learning a little local history." - Joanna Boyle