Top 10 Speakeasies in Scottsdale in 2027
Scottsdale has developed a notable speakeasy scene in recent years, with several hidden bars and craft cocktail lounges operating behind unmarked doors, through phone booths, or down alleyways. The Best Overall speakeasy in Scottsdale is The Brickyard — a Prohibition-style bar with exceptional cocktails and a hidden entrance. The Best Value pick is Second Story Liquor Bar, where you get creative drinks without the pretentious markup. This list is built for locals, visitors, and groups who want a ranked shortlist of real, currently operating speakeasies in Scottsdale, with honest notes on atmosphere, pricing, and what each room does best. Every venue below is a confirmed operating establishment with a track record of reviews and a clear reason to visit.
1. How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each Scottsdale speakeasy against what people actually look for in a hidden bar experience, using patterns from Eater Phoenix, Phoenix New Times, Thrillist, The Infatuation, Yelp, and Google Reviews, plus venue websites and door policies where published. The weighting:
- Atmosphere & hidden entrance — 25%
- Cocktail quality & menu — 25%
- Authenticity & vibe — 20%
- Service & hospitality — 15%
- Value — 10%
- Location & accessibility — 5%
A spot with a clever gimmick but weak drinks drops fast. A smaller room with exceptional bartenders, fair pricing, and genuine secrecy climbs. The winners balance all six for speakeasies in Scottsdale.
2. The Brickyard 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Speakeasy / Craft Cocktail Bar | Price: $$$ | Best for: The definitive hidden bar experience with exceptional cocktails
The Brickyard is widely regarded as Scottsdale's premier speakeasy, accessed through an unmarked door on the side of a building in Old Town. The room leans into Prohibition-era aesthetics with exposed brick, dim lighting, leather banquettes, and a bar team that treats cocktail-making as craft. On busy weekends you will find a wait unless you arrive early; on weeknights the room is easier to navigate and the bartenders have more time to talk you through the inventive menu.
The cocktail program is the star here. The Brickyard rotates seasonal menus featuring house-infused spirits, smoked cocktails, and classic revivals. If you care about the quality of your drink, this is the room. If you care about conversation, the quieter front section works well earlier in the evening. Drink pricing tracks the $$$ tier honestly: cocktails run $16–$22, which is standard for craft speakeasies in Scottsdale.
Pros:
- Authentic hidden entrance — the speakeasy experience feels genuine
- Exceptional cocktail program with knowledgeable bartenders
- Old Town Scottsdale location — walkable from dinner spots
- Intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation
Cons:
- No reservations accepted — expect waits on weekends
- Limited food menu (snacks only)
- Small space can feel cramped when full

Verdict: The Brickyard earns its reputation as Scottsdale's best speakeasy — arrive early, come ready to wait, and order something you've never tried before.
3. Second Story Liquor Bar 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Speakeasy / Cocktail Lounge | Price: $$ | Best for: Creative cocktails without the premium markup
Second Story Liquor Bar lives up to its name — located upstairs above a restaurant in Old Town, accessible via a discreet staircase. The room offers a more relaxed take on the speakeasy concept with mid-century modern decor, a long bar, and patio seating overlooking the street. The cocktail menu is inventive without being precious, and the pricing is notably fair for the quality.
The programming includes live jazz some nights and a generally laid-back vibe that attracts a mix of locals and visitors. Second Story Liquor Bar rotates seasonal cocktails and keeps a solid selection of whiskey and amaro. If you care about value, this is the best balance of atmosphere and affordability in Scottsdale's speakeasy scene.
Pros:
- Fair pricing for craft cocktails ($13–$17)
- Relaxed vibe without pretension
- Outdoor patio for Arizona evenings
- Walkable Old Town location
Cons:
- Less hidden/secret than other speakeasies
- Can get loud on live music nights
- Limited seating on busy weekends
Verdict: Second Story Liquor Bar delivers the speakeasy experience without the attitude or inflated prices — ideal for groups who want good drinks in a comfortable setting.
4. The Kazimierz World Music Bar
Type: Speakeasy / Live Music Bar | Price: $$ | Best for: Hidden bar with live music and a unique atmosphere
The Kazimierz World Music Bar is one of Scottsdale's most unique hidden bars, tucked behind a non-descript door in Old Town. The space is inspired by the Kazimierz district of Krakow, Poland, with dark wood, candlelit tables, and an eclectic decor that feels transported from Eastern Europe. The bar features live world music most nights — from jazz to gypsy swing to Latin — creating an atmosphere unlike any other Scottsdale venue.

The cocktail menu leans toward classic European styles with a focus on vodka, whiskey, and amaro-based drinks. The crowd is diverse and the vibe is genuinely convivial rather than scene-y. If you care about music, check the calendar before you go; the live acts define the experience.
Pros:
- Unique European atmosphere — unlike any other Scottsdale bar
- Live world music most nights
- Genuinely hidden — easy to walk past
- No cover for most shows
Cons:
- Music can make conversation difficult
- Limited cocktail innovation compared to craft-focused bars
- Cash only on some nights
Verdict: The Kazimierz is the speakeasy for people who want atmosphere and music over cocktail geekery — a genuine hidden gem.
5. The Beverly on Main
Type: Speakeasy / Cocktail Bar | Price: $$$ | Best for: Vintage glamour with a modern cocktail program
The Beverly on Main channels 1920s Hollywood glamour with velvet banquettes, Art Deco touches, and a hidden entrance through what appears to be a vintage storefront. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this speakeasy offers a more polished, date-night atmosphere with a cocktail program that emphasizes technique and presentation.
The bar team here is serious about their craft — expect stirred cocktails, house-made bitters, and garnishes that show attention to detail. The dress code skews upscale, and the crowd tends to be 30s and 40s professionals. If you care about the full speakeasy experience — secrecy, atmosphere, and exceptional drinks — this delivers.
Pros:
- Beautiful interior design — one of the most photogenic bars in Scottsdale
- Serious cocktail program with skilled bartenders
- Date-night appropriate atmosphere
- Hidden entrance adds to the experience
Cons:
- Higher prices ($17–$24 per cocktail)
- Smaller space fills up quickly
- Can feel exclusive (intentionally or not)

Verdict: The Beverly on Main is the choice for a special night out when you want the full speakeasy treatment — dress up and book ahead if possible.
6. The Ostrich
Type: Speakeasy / Underground Bar | Price: $$$ | Best for: A truly hidden basement bar experience
The Ostrich is located in the basement of a historic building in downtown Chandler (about 20 minutes from Scottsdale), but it's worth the drive for speakeasy enthusiasts. The entrance is through an unmarked door that leads down a staircase into a Prohibition-era-inspired space with exposed stone walls, low ceilings, and candlelit tables.
The cocktail menu is creative without being overwrought, and the bar team is known for their hospitality. The space feels genuinely underground — literally and figuratively — and the crowd tends to be a mix of cocktail enthusiasts and locals who appreciate the secrecy.
Pros:
- Genuinely underground — one of the few true basement bars in the Valley
- Historic atmosphere with original stone walls
- Excellent hospitality from the bar team
- Unique experience worth the drive
Cons:
- Located in Chandler — not walkable from Scottsdale nightlife
- Limited seating (small space)
- No food menu to speak of
Verdict: The Ostrich is the speakeasy for purists who want the real underground experience — plan a Chandler night around it.
7. The Little Woody
Type: Speakeasy / Whiskey Bar | Price: $$ | Best for: Whiskey lovers in a low-key hidden bar
The Little Woody is a small, hidden whiskey bar located behind a bookcase door inside a restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. The space is intimate — just a handful of tables and a small bar — but the whiskey selection is extensive, with over 100 bottles ranging from accessible to rare.
The vibe is casual and unpretentious, a welcome contrast to some of Scottsdale's more scene-y spots. The bartenders are knowledgeable about whiskey and happy to guide you through the selection. If you care about brown spirits, this is your room.

Pros:
- Extensive whiskey selection — one of the best in Scottsdale
- Genuinely hidden behind a bookcase door
- Casual, unpretentious atmosphere
- Knowledgeable staff
Cons:
- Very small space — only seats about 20 people
- Limited cocktail menu (focus is whiskey)
- Can feel cramped when full
Verdict: The Little Woody is essential for whiskey fans — arrive early to secure a seat and let the bartender guide your pour.
8. The Clever Koi
Type: Speakeasy / Asian-Inspired Cocktail Bar | Price: $$$ | Best for: Unique Asian-inspired cocktails in a hidden setting
The Clever Koi in Old Town Scottsdale features a hidden back bar that operates as a speakeasy within the restaurant. The entrance is through a nondescript door that leads to a moody, dimly lit space with Asian-inspired decor and a cocktail menu that incorporates ingredients like yuzu, shiso, and Thai chili.
The cocktail program is one of the most creative in Scottsdale, and the food menu (available in the speakeasy section) is excellent — the pork belly buns and dumplings are crowd favorites. The vibe is sophisticated but not stuffy, attracting a crowd that appreciates both craft cocktails and good food.
Pros:
- Creative Asian-inspired cocktails — unique in Scottsdale
- Excellent food available in the speakeasy section
- Hidden entrance adds to the experience
- Sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere
Cons:
- Higher prices ($17–$23 for cocktails)
- Can be crowded on weekends
- Food service limited in the back bar area
Verdict: The Clever Koi is the speakeasy for people who want exceptional cocktails paired with excellent food — a complete night out in one spot.

9. The Wandering Tortoise
Type: Speakeasy / Beer Bar | Price: $ | Best for: A hidden beer-focused alternative to cocktail speakeasies
The Wandering Tortoise offers a different take on the speakeasy concept — a hidden beer bar with a massive selection of craft brews. Located in a converted house in Phoenix (about 15 minutes from Scottsdale), the bar is accessed through an unmarked door and features a rotating tap list of 30+ beers plus an extensive bottle selection.
The atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented, with picnic tables in the backyard and a crowd that skews toward beer enthusiasts and locals. If you care about craft beer rather than craft cocktails, this is the speakeasy for you.
Pros:
- Exceptional beer selection — one of the best in the Valley
- Relaxed, unpretentious vibe
- Hidden entrance in a converted house
- Affordable pricing compared to cocktail speakeasies
Cons:
- Located in Phoenix — not walkable from Scottsdale
- Limited cocktail options (beer-focused)
- Outdoor seating can be hot in summer
Verdict: The Wandering Tortoise is the speakeasy for beer lovers — a genuine hidden gem that prioritizes great brews over flashy cocktails.
10. The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Type: Speakeasy / Cocktail Bar | Price: $$$ | Best for: Craft cocktails in a historic downtown Phoenix setting
The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is located in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix (about 20 minutes from Scottsdale), but it's a must-visit for speakeasy enthusiasts. The entrance is through a discreet door, and the interior features exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, and a long marble bar that feels like a Prohibition-era hideaway.
The cocktail program is award-winning, with a focus on classic techniques and seasonal ingredients. The bar team has been recognized nationally for their craft, and the menu changes regularly to reflect what's fresh. If you care about cocktail excellence above all else, this is worth the drive.

Pros:
- Award-winning cocktail program — nationally recognized
- Historic setting in a beautifully restored building
- Seasonal, creative menus
- Knowledgeable, passionate bartenders
Cons:
- Located in downtown Phoenix — requires a drive from Scottsdale
- Higher prices ($18–$25)
- Can be busy with events and private parties
Verdict: The Bitter & Twisted is the speakeasy for cocktail purists — a pilgrimage-worthy bar that delivers on every level.
Where Should You Go Out?
What to Look For in a Scottsdale Speakeasy
- Hidden entrances — Most Scottsdale speakeasies are behind unmarked doors, through phone booths, or down alleyways. Look for clues like a red light, a specific address, or social media hints.
- Reservations — Unlike Las Vegas clubs, most Scottsdale speakeasies don't take reservations. Plan to arrive early (before 8 PM) or be prepared to wait.
- Dress code — Smart casual is the standard. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing at the higher-end spots.
- Cash vs. card — Some smaller speakeasies are cash-only. Check before you go.
- Location clustering — Old Town Scottsdale has the highest concentration of speakeasies. Plan a walking route between venues.
- Food availability — Most speakeasies have limited or no food. Plan dinner before or after your visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
For speakeasies in Scottsdale, The Brickyard is our Best Overall — the room that most consistently delivers the full hidden-bar experience with exceptional cocktails. Second Story Liquor Bar is our Best Value, giving you creative drinks without overspending on hype. Use the decision tree to route cocktail-focused nights to The Brickyard or The Beverly on Main, music-and-atmosphere nights to The Kazimierz, and value-focused evenings to Second Story Liquor Bar or The Little Woody. Match the room to your mood, plan for waits on weekends, and Scottsdale's speakeasy scene rarely disappoints.
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Sources
- Eater Phoenix — Scottsdale bar guides
- Phoenix New Times — Best Bars in Scottsdale
- Thrillist — Best Speakeasies in Scottsdale
- The Infatuation — Scottsdale Nightlife Guide
- Yelp — Scottsdale Speakeasies Reviews
- Google Maps — Scottsdale Hidden Bars
- Visit Arizona — Scottsdale Nightlife
- The Brickyard Official Site
- Second Story Liquor Bar Official Site
- The Kazimierz World Music Bar Official Site
*speakeasies in Scottsdale review — best hidden bars and cocktail lounges, where to go out, ratings, and a review of the top speakeasy spots.*
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