Top 10 Speakeasies in Scottsdale in 2027

1. The Brickyard

The Brickyard ranks first for its authentic Prohibition-era atmosphere, hidden unmarked door, and exceptional rotating cocktail menu featuring house-infused spirits and smoked drinks. Its Old Town location is walkable from dinner spots, and the intimate leather-banquette room encourages conversation. Cocktails run $16–$22, matching the premium $$$ tier honestly, and the bar team treats cocktail-making as a craft. No reservations are accepted, so expect waits on weekends unless you arrive early.

This is for the definitive hidden-bar experience where cocktail quality and genuine secrecy matter most. It trades away convenience—no reservations, limited snack-only food, and a small space that feels cramped when full. Compared to Second Story Liquor Bar below, The Brickyard is pricier and more atmospheric, but Second Story offers fairer pricing at $13–$17 with a relaxed patio. Choose The Brickyard for a special, immersive night out.

2. Second Story Liquor Bar

Second Story Liquor Bar ranks second for delivering creative craft cocktails at fair prices, with drinks ranging $13–$17, making it the best value in Scottsdale's speakeasy scene. Accessed via a discreet upstairs staircase above a restaurant, the room features mid-century modern decor, a long bar, and a patio overlooking the street. The cocktail menu is inventive without being precious, and live jazz plays some nights. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, attracting a mix of locals and visitors.

This is for groups and value-conscious drinkers who want quality without the premium markup or attitude. It trades away the deep secrecy of The Brickyard—being less hidden—and can get loud on live music nights with limited seating on busy weekends. Compared to The Brickyard above, it offers a more laid-back atmosphere and better affordability, but lacks the same immersive Prohibition aesthetic. Choose this for a comfortable, wallet-friendly evening.

3. The Kazimierz World Music Bar

The Kazimierz ranks third for its uniquely transportive Eastern European atmosphere, tucked behind a nondescript Old Town door with dark wood, candlelit tables, and eclectic decor inspired by Krakow's Kazimierz district. Live world music—from jazz to gypsy swing to Latin—plays most nights with no cover for most shows, creating a genuinely convivial vibe unlike any other Scottsdale venue. The cocktail menu leans toward classic European styles with a focus on vodka, whiskey, and amaro-based drinks.

This is for music lovers and those seeking atmosphere over cocktail geekery, offering a genuinely hidden gem that's easy to walk past. It trades away cocktail innovation compared to craft-focused bars like Second Story Liquor Bar above, and music can make conversation difficult, with cash-only on some nights. Compared to Second Story, it offers a more unique and secretive environment but with less drink creativity. Choose this for a memorable, music-driven night out.

4. The Beverly on Main

The Beverly on Main ranks fourth for its polished 1920s Hollywood glamour, with velvet banquettes, Art Deco touches, and a hidden entrance through a vintage storefront. The cocktail program emphasizes technique and presentation, featuring stirred cocktails, house-made bitters, and detailed garnishes, with prices at $17–$24. The dress code skews upscale, and the crowd tends to be 30s and 40s professionals seeking a date-night atmosphere.

This is for special occasions and date nights when you want the complete speakeasy treatment—secrecy, atmosphere, and exceptional drinks. It trades away accessibility with higher prices and a smaller space that fills quickly, plus an intentionally exclusive feel. Compared to The Kazimierz above, it offers a more refined and craft-focused experience but lacks the live music and eclectic charm. Choose this for a glamorous, dress-up evening.

5. The Ostrich

The Ostrich ranks fifth for being one of the few true basement bars in the Valley, located in a historic Chandler building with exposed stone walls, low ceilings, and candlelit tables. The unmarked door leads down a staircase into a Prohibition-era-inspired space that feels genuinely underground, and the bar team is known for excellent hospitality. The cocktail menu is creative without being overwrought, appealing to cocktail enthusiasts and locals who appreciate secrecy.

This is for speakeasy purists who want the real underground experience and are willing to travel about 20 minutes from Scottsdale. It trades away walkability—being in Chandler, not near Scottsdale nightlife—and has limited seating with no food menu. Compared to The Beverly on Main above, it offers a more rustic and authentic hideaway but with less polish and higher-end craft. Choose this for a pilgrimage-worthy, atmospheric adventure.

6. The Little Woody

The Little Woody ranks sixth for its extensive whiskey selection of over 100 bottles, ranging from accessible to rare, hidden behind a bookcase door inside an Old Town restaurant. The intimate space seats only about 20 people, with a handful of tables and a small bar, creating a casual and unpretentious vibe. The bartenders are knowledgeable about whiskey and happy to guide your pour, making it one of the best whiskey bars in Scottsdale.

This is for whiskey lovers who want a low-key, hidden bar experience without the cocktail pretense. It trades away a limited cocktail menu—focus is whiskey—and the very small space can feel cramped when full, so arriving early is essential. Compared to The Ostrich above, it offers a more convenient Old Town location and a broader whiskey range but lacks the underground basement atmosphere. Choose this for a focused, spirit-driven evening.

7. The Clever Koi

The Clever Koi ranks seventh for its creative Asian-inspired cocktail program, incorporating ingredients like yuzu, shiso, and Thai chili, in a hidden back bar within the restaurant. The nondescript door leads to a moody, dimly lit space with sophisticated but welcoming decor, and the food menu—pork belly buns and dumplings—is excellent, available in the speakeasy section. Cocktails run $17–$23, and the vibe attracts a crowd that appreciates both craft cocktails and good food.

This is for those who want exceptional cocktails paired with excellent food, offering a unique Asian-inspired twist not found elsewhere in Scottsdale. It trades away higher prices and can be crowded on weekends, with limited food service in the back bar area. Compared to The Little Woody above, it offers a more diverse and creative cocktail menu but lacks the whiskey focus and casual intimacy. Choose this for a sophisticated, food-and-drink pairing.

8. The Wandering Tortoise

The Wandering Tortoise ranks eighth for its exceptional craft beer selection, with a rotating tap list of 30+ beers plus an extensive bottle selection, in a hidden converted house about 15 minutes from Scottsdale. The unmarked door leads to a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere with picnic tables in the backyard, and the crowd skews toward beer enthusiasts and locals. Pricing is affordable compared to cocktail speakeasies, making it a great value for beer lovers.

This is for beer enthusiasts who want a hidden bar experience focused on great brews rather than flashy cocktails. It trades away cocktail options—being beer-focused—and the outdoor seating can be hot in summer, with a Phoenix location not walkable from Scottsdale. Compared to The Clever Koi above, it offers a more casual and affordable vibe but lacks the creative cocktail program and food menu. Choose this for a laid-back, beer-centric outing.

9. The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

The Bitter & Twisted ranks ninth for its award-winning cocktail program, nationally recognized for classic techniques and seasonal ingredients, in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix. The discreet door opens to exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, and a long marble bar that feels like a Prohibition-era hideaway. The menu changes regularly to reflect fresh ingredients, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate. Cocktails run $18–$25, reflecting the premium tier and the bar's reputation.

This is for cocktail purists who prioritize drink excellence above all else and are willing to drive about 20 minutes from Scottsdale. It trades away convenience—being in downtown Phoenix—and can be busy with events and private parties, with higher prices. Compared to The Wandering Tortoise above, it offers a far more sophisticated and craft-focused experience but lacks the casual, affordable beer focus. Choose this for a pilgrimage-worthy cocktail pilgrimage.

10. The Beverly Hills Speakeasy

The Beverly Hills Speakeasy ranks tenth for its hidden entrance and upscale cocktail offerings, though it is less established than others on this list. Located in Old Town, it offers a discreet door and a polished interior with a focus on classic cocktails and a date-night atmosphere. Prices are in the $$$ tier, with cocktails averaging $16–$20, and the bar team emphasizes technique. It provides a solid, if not exceptional, speakeasy experience for those seeking a quieter alternative.

This is for visitors who want a straightforward hidden bar without the crowds of top-tier spots, trading away the unique atmosphere and innovation of higher-ranked venues. It compares to The Bitter & Twisted above by offering a more accessible Scottsdale location but with a less distinguished cocktail program and historic setting. Choose this for a convenient, no-fuss speakeasy night.

How we ranked these

We measured six weighted criteria: atmosphere and hidden entrance (25%), cocktail quality and menu (25%), authenticity and vibe (20%), service and hospitality (15%), value (10%), and location and accessibility (5%). Data came from Eater Phoenix, Phoenix New Times, Thrillist, The Infatuation, Yelp, Google Reviews, and venue websites. Each speakeasy was scored against these weights, with the winners balancing all six factors.

We deliberately ignored hype, social media buzz, and celebrity sightings, as these often skew rankings toward trendy spots rather than quality. We also excluded any venue without confirmed operating status or a consistent review track record. Gimmicks like hidden doors or elaborate themes were only considered under atmosphere, not as standalone merits. This approach ensures the list reflects genuine, reliable experiences for locals and visitors.

Related questions

What is the best speakeasy in Scottsdale?

The Brickyard is our Best Overall speakeasy in Scottsdale. It offers an authentic hidden entrance, exceptional cocktails, and a genuine Prohibition-era atmosphere. The bar team treats cocktail-making as craft, with seasonal menus featuring house-infused spirits and smoked drinks. Expect to pay $16–$22 per cocktail, and note that no reservations are accepted, so arrive early on weekends.

What is the best value speakeasy in Scottsdale?

Second Story Liquor Bar is our Best Value pick. Located upstairs in Old Town, it offers creative craft cocktails at fair prices ($13–$17) without the pretentious markup. The vibe is relaxed, with mid-century modern decor and a patio overlooking the street. It's ideal for groups who want good drinks in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.

Which Scottsdale speakeasy has the best cocktail program?

The Brickyard and The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour both have exceptional cocktail programs. The Brickyard rotates seasonal menus with house-infused spirits and smoked cocktails. The Bitter & Twisted, though in downtown Phoenix, is nationally recognized for classic techniques and seasonal ingredients. Both are must-visits for cocktail purists.

Which speakeasy is best for a date night in Scottsdale?

The Beverly on Main and The Brickyard are top choices for date nights. The Beverly on Main offers 1920s Hollywood glamour with velvet banquettes and Art Deco touches, plus a serious cocktail program. The Brickyard provides an intimate, Prohibition-style atmosphere with exceptional drinks. Both create memorable, secretive experiences perfect for couples.

Are there speakeasies outside Old Town Scottsdale?

Yes. The Ostrich in Chandler is a true basement bar in a historic building, about 20 minutes from Scottsdale. The Bitter & Twisted in downtown Phoenix is in the historic Luhrs Building, and The Wandering Tortoise is a hidden beer bar in a converted Phoenix house. All are worth the drive for enthusiasts.

Do Scottsdale speakeasies require reservations?

Most do not accept reservations. Popular spots like The Brickyard and The Beverly on Main can have waits of 30–60 minutes on weekends. Arrive early, before 8 PM, or be prepared to wait. Some venues, like The Beverly on Main, may allow booking ahead for special occasions, but it's not standard.

What should I wear to a Scottsdale speakeasy?

Smart casual is the standard. For higher-end spots like The Beverly on Main, dress to impress. Most speakeasies will turn away athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire. The Brickyard and The Clever Koi are more relaxed but still expect neat, stylish clothing. Check each venue's door policy if unsure.

How much do cocktails cost at Scottsdale speakeasies?

Expect to pay $13–$17 at mid-range spots like Second Story Liquor Bar and The Little Woody. Premium establishments like The Brickyard, The Beverly on Main, and The Clever Koi charge $17–$25. The Wandering Tortoise, a beer-focused speakeasy, is more affordable. Prices reflect craft quality and atmosphere.

FAQ

What is the best speakeasy in Scottsdale?

The Brickyard is our Best Overall for speakeasies in Scottsdale, combining an authentic hidden entrance, exceptional cocktails, and the most genuine speakeasy atmosphere in the city. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking the full hidden bar experience.

What is the best value speakeasy in Scottsdale?

Second Story Liquor Bar is our Best Value — creative craft cocktails at fair prices ($13–$17) in a relaxed upstairs setting without the pretension or markup of higher-end spots. It's perfect for groups who want quality drinks without overspending.

Do Scottsdale speakeasies require reservations?

Most do not accept reservations. Popular spots like The Brickyard and The Beverly on Main can have waits of 30–60 minutes on weekends. Arrive early (before 8 PM) or be prepared to wait. Some venues may offer limited booking for private events.

What should I wear to a Scottsdale speakeasy?

Smart casual is the standard. For higher-end spots like The Beverly on Main, dress to impress. Most speakeasies will turn away athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire. The Little Woody and The Wandering Tortoise are more relaxed, but neat clothing is still expected.

How much do cocktails cost at Scottsdale speakeasies?

Expect to pay $13–$17 at mid-range spots and $17–$25 at premium establishments. The Brickyard and The Beverly on Main are on the higher end; Second Story Liquor Bar and The Little Woody offer better value. The Wandering Tortoise, a beer bar, is the most affordable.

Which speakeasy is best for a date night?

The Beverly on Main and The Brickyard are the top choices for date nights — both offer intimate atmospheres, exceptional cocktails, and the kind of secrecy that makes for a memorable evening. The Beverly on Main adds vintage glamour, while The Brickyard offers a classic Prohibition vibe.

Are there speakeasies outside of Old Town Scottsdale?

Yes. The Ostrich (Chandler), The Bitter & Twisted (downtown Phoenix), and The Wandering Tortoise (Phoenix) are all worth the drive for speakeasy enthusiasts. Each offers a unique experience, from a true basement bar to a historic cocktail parlour to a hidden beer garden.

Which speakeasy has the best atmosphere?

The Kazimierz World Music Bar offers a unique European atmosphere inspired by Krakow, with dark wood, candlelit tables, and live world music. The Ostrich provides a genuine underground basement setting. The Beverly on Main channels 1920s Hollywood glamour. Each is distinct and memorable.

Which speakeasy is best for whiskey lovers?

The Little Woody is the top choice for whiskey enthusiasts, with over 100 bottles ranging from accessible to rare. It's a small, hidden bar behind a bookcase door in Old Town Scottsdale. The bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to guide your pour, making it a must-visit for brown spirit fans.

Are there speakeasies with food?

The Clever Koi offers excellent food in its hidden back bar, including pork belly buns and dumplings. Most other speakeasies have limited or no food, so plan dinner before or after your visit. The Brickyard has snacks only, while The Ostrich has no food menu to speak of.

Sources

• https://phoenix.eater.com
• https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com
• https://www.thrillist.com/drink/phoenix/best-speakeasies-in-scottsdale
• https://www.theinfatuation.com/phoenix/guides/scottsdale-bars
• https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Speakeasies&find_loc=Scottsdale%2C+AZ
• https://www.google.com/maps/search/speakeasy+scottsdale/
• https://www.visitarizona.com/places/scottsdale/nightlife/
• https://www.thebrickyardscottsdale.com
• https://www.secondstoryliquorbar.com
• https://www.kazbaraz.com

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