Top 10 Secrets of Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is a place where you can dine in a rotating restaurant, eat steak at 7 a.m., and take shots along with the cast of Drunk Shakespeare. We’ve rounded up our top 10 Downtown Phoenix secrets, and we guarantee even locals will be surprised by our list!

Rotate above and around Downtown Phoenix at The Compass

You don’t have to travel to Las Vegas or Seattle to check off your bucket list item of a rotating restaurant – simply ride up to the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix and step through the elevator doors to The Compass. As a celebration destination, the restaurant receives 5-6 proposals a month; one time, it even had four proposals in one night! The Compass is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than with a brand new menu from Chef Mike Swift, who previously was the sous chef at renowned Melrose District restaurant, Valentine. As a Phoenix native, “I remember looking up [at The Compass] and wanting to eat there,” recalls Swift nostalgically. “I’m hoping to bring new dishes that balance nourishment and creativity, like Hiramasa crudo and Elote Pasta.” Swift describes his food as “classic, comfort, and technique-driven.” You can look forward to tasting the new dishes this fall while admiring the sweeping sunset views from above.

Make your next date night, Drunk Shakespeare and get buzzed with the cast

“Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!” is how Phoenix’s Drunk Shakespeare rendition of Romeo and Juliet starts. One player takes five shots of vodka and is drunk the rest of the show. With an inebriated approach to the bard, we asked, Why Shakespeare? “Drinking and Shakespeare are a tale as old as time, so it was a natural fit for us. In Shakespeare's day, the plays were irreverent, bawdy, laugh-out-loud experiences that had to entertain an audience that was tough to contain,” says Co-Creator and Producer, David Hudson. “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to recreate that experience, make it contemporary and accessible, and bring Shakespeare's work to the masses in a way that he would be proud of!” So, what can you expect from Drunk Shakespeare? An infinite amount of pop culture references, spontaneous dancing and an overall great time.

Eat pizza at Ziggy’s, then discover a hidden pinball lounge … all inspired by David Bowie

It’s Friday night – you’re hungry but also want to dance, so where do you go? Head over to Van Buren St. and grab a slice or a pie at Ziggy’s Pizza. Ziggy’s has fun flavors like Bae-BQ, Pretty Fly for a White Pie, and the Easy Cheesie; each slice is saucy and delicious. Then, go through the ‘walk-in freezer door’ and enter the David Bowie-inspired Stardust Pinbar, complete with a rainbow disco floor, pinball machines, and David Bowie influences everywhere. Order a Moon Age Daydream, which includes tequila, mezcal, grapefruit agave and soda, and butterfly tea; it truly makes you feel like your head is in the clouds.

Go to Kähvi for bohemian vibes and espresso with a twist

Kähvi Coffee + Cafe blends Tulum-inspired warmth with Scandinavian minimalism, offering a unique café-meets-bar experience inside the historic monOrchid building on Roosevelt Row. Espresso lovers looking for a twist can go to Kähvi for their fix. The Espresso Tonic has espresso, tonic, and mixed berry syrup. According to John Warren, Head of Development and Marketing, “It's vibrant, refreshing, and has a citrusy twist that always surprises first-timers!” For those looking for an afternoon - or morning - cocktail, try their signature Espresso Martini. The Espresso Martini is “fresh, bold, and absolutely beautiful,” says Warren. But overall, there are non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks for everyone. Kähvi also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, yoga classes, and vintage markets. Pop in for a coffee, cocktail, or class.

Grab an award-winning beer on a Roosevelt Row rooftop at Pedal Haus Brewery

Hidden behind Sake Haus is Pedal Haus Brewery. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that it opens up to a spacious beer garden and an awesome rooftop patio with views of the city skyline and Roosevelt Row,” shares John Warren, Head of Development and Marketing. “We also have fun weekend specials like Beermosas and Make-Your-Own-Mimosa options during brunch hours!” Pedal Haus is as refreshing as the award-winning beers they put out. With over fifty medals and counting, Pedal Haus’s craft beer list is extensive, including the crisp Day Drinker Light Lager. Want more hops? “If you're in the mood for something with a bit more hop character, our White Rabbit Hazy IPA is packed with juicy, tropical notes without being too heavy,” says Warren. For food, order any of the flatbreads or the loaded PJ’s Famous Nachos, which includes haus made chili, queso, pico de gallo, sour cream, and two types of jalapenos.

Grab a cocktail at the no-phones bar, Trophy Room

In addition, after dining at Wren & Wolf, make your way over to the speakeasy, Trophy Room. Trophy Room is a no-phones-only bar, enticing you to actually talk to the company you came with and enjoy your cocktails. The Daddy Chill, which was featured in Forbes Magazine, has fruity notes of kumquat and mango. The Show Me Your Pina has coconut seafoam that delights and surprises. "You'll go through three phrases," says Lead Bartender, Lex Patino. “First, you'll be in wonderment at this new concoction, then, you'll be surprised at how much you like it, and finally, you'll want another pour of it as soon as possible!”

Shop, eat, and hang out in a community of shipping containers at The Churchill

Hanging out in a fortress built from repurposed shipping containers on the daily is just the lifestyle at The Churchill. With 10 small businesses in one unique space, and community events like bingo night, yoga, live DJs, and more, you can stay from morning ‘til night. “What unites [all The Churchill businesses] is a shared focus on quality, creativity, and supporting the Phoenix community. Most of the businesses are locally owned, often by people who grew up in or have strong ties to the city,” says Stephen Allen, Director of Operations. “There’s a common thread of being approachable, a little playful, and proud to represent the local food and drink scene in a relaxed, open-air space.” From Stoop Kid’s breakfast burritos and rotating baked goods, to the Brill Line’s limited edition local taps, and the 1 ½ Street Mural alley showcase of local art (located behind The Churchill), there are plenty of secrets to uncover for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Cool off in the Ibiza-inspired pool at The Pemberton

When the original Pemberton closed down, there was much anticipation of the grand re-opening. Not only did they deliver again as a cultural and community space, but The Pemberton continues to be a hub for creatives, locals, and visitors alike. Filled with art, food, music, and now, an oasis inspired by Ibiza, The Pemberton continues to delight and surprise Downtown Phoenix. “Why not!” exclaims Brianna Schmaltz, President of The Pemberton, “Downtown Phoenix could use a pool, and we wanted more activities and areas for the public to enjoy in the summer months. The inspiration came from Jonathon Vento, the creator of The Pemberton. His creative and visionary mindset drove the art installations, colors and overall vibe. Ibiza is a fun destination, and we want our guests to feel like they are on vacation.” DJs spin beats Friday and Saturday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday during the daytime.

Take part in the sober community at Lacuna

Most people aren’t aware that there’s a sober bar called Lacuna Phoenix, located at 5^th and Roosevelt Streets, and that it’s more than just a place to slay non-alcoholic drinks. “Lacuna is a community hub. It is a sober space, which means we don't drink [alcohol] here. But unlike a coffee house, where people tend to sit in isolation surrounded by others, you can sit here and not be in isolation,” says Events Manager Seraphim Peterson. “It's all about community. It's about local business, local musicians, local artists, local people, friendships, authenticity, and growing people. Everyone says ‘hi’ to everyone. If you come here two or three weeks in a row, you will have friends.” Lacuna hosts events nearly every day, including Astro Labs, Puff and Paints, and Money Chats. Plus, local up-and-coming DJs, like DJ VFT, spin here on the regular. Order a drink that includes Kava or Kratom, and level up with a Roosevelt Redline or Diamondback Daiquiri if you want an extra strong drink.

Go back in time to one of Phoenix’s most beloved speakeasies, Melinda’s Alley

Who was Melinda? “Melinda herself was a madam. She ran the brothel in the alley,” explains P.J. Baron, Beverage and Food Operations Manager, as he shares the history behind Melinda’s Alley. “Prohibition came to Arizona in 1914, so in 1910 when they were rebuilding the hotel, Melinda wanted to create this space for the community.” In the spirit of cocktails, today, Melinda’s staff of mixologists spend their time researching and developing recipes so there’s a new menu of drinks for visitors to look forward to every week. While the cocktails rotate, some customer favorites like the Banana Bread Mai Tai return to the menu. And if you’re lucky, you can taste a complimentary cocktail sample at the Renaissance Hotel, where Melinda’s Alley is located, during Discovery Hour every day in the evening. “Melinda’s Alley really is a place where people come and not just hear stories from our bartenders and mixologists, but share their stories as well,” Baron says. “We're not just storytellers, we're story collectors.”

Eat a steak at 7 a.m. at Wren & Wolf

Where can you get a three-pound roasted bone marrow, a decadent seafood tower, and caviar bumps all in one dining experience? Wren & Wolf, of course. “We break a little bit of the rules,” comments General Manager John Cavanaugh about the robust menu. Wren & Wolf, known for its juicy steaks and craft cocktails, has signature, award-winning dishes like their 16-ounce Beef Wellington, which could give Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen a run for its money. The carefully crafted menu is curated by Pretty Decent Concepts, who’ve also brought Chico Malo and the newest, hottest nightlife spot, Carry On, to Downtown Phoenix. What many diners don’t know is that you can bring your crew over as early as 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. on the weekends. Steaks for breakfast? We’re here for it.

Mer Norwood is a lifestyle content creator and marketer who loves to showcase all the city has to offer, from local spots to creative business owners, and the community that supports them. Follow her at @shemovesphx.