It's a good happy hour after a long day at work to wait out the traffic mess. The bartenders are very friendly and the cocktails are delicious. Great selection of beer too. But my favorite thing about it is the old movies that play (with no sound) in the background. Nothing like watching a really bad japanese monster film and while enjoying a good drink.
Parking can be a mess depending on when you go. You can go in on 7th avenue side or up the fire escape staircase to get in. Either way, it's a cool bar with a good vibe.
This place has been on my Bookmark list FORVER. Well, a least a year when I moved to Phoenix. The dim lights reminded me of a favorite lounge/bar in Kansas City that I loved. I finally was able to go here last night with my fiance and another couple and had a great time.
We found a parking spot really easy on the west side, same parking lot at Starbucks and Pei Wei. The front door is actually on the 7th street side so I was a bit bummed I didn't get to go up that fire escape staircase. It reminded me of something out of a big city but the wooden stairs inside, up to the bar did the trick.
When we got upstairs about 9:30 on a Friday night, there weren't too many people there but it wasn't dead either. We didn't notice any waitresses or any other staff, just two bartenders. Both saw us walk in, neither of them greeted us. We tried taking a seat at the hightop near the bar. The seats were a bit uncomfy so we opted to move toward the front in the lower white chairs around a small table. Much better. We sent one person up to grab menu's since none were on the table. We all ordered something different, I personally had to try the White Rabbit after the rave reviews and it definitely was yummy. Really yummy! Everyone enjoyed their drinks. And on top of that, I thought the prices were super reasonable for a place like this. I think mine was $8 and they all stayed about that price range. We ordered two different rounds, each time having to make it up to the bar to order. Neither bartender smiled but did ask us about our evening so maybe they were just a bit grumpy? I guess maybe not everyone is a 'smiler' but it would have gone a long way. Service was fast and accurate. The drink pours are pretty strong so I felt a little uneasy about balancing our two drinks back to the table for the second round. Are there typically no waitresses here? I'd gladly tip one generously to not have to make that trip every time I want a drink and have to leave my peeps and our conversation. It was a bit warm and the faux leather chairs were pretty hot but the rest of the place was as great as advertised. Fantastic music, great art, great lighting and a great vibe overall. The place wasn't overly loud so you could actually talk to your friends without screaming, which is a rarity in a bar. I did make a visit to the restroom and its a great bathroom! Clean, modern, big and they even had nice toilet paper! How often do you see that at a bar??!? Happy camper here! Just before leaving at 11:30, one of the bartenders came over to clear our table of empty glasses. Looking around, I noticed everyone tables were jam packed with empties. They could definitely use a person to bus the tables.
Overall I really liked this place. I could LOVE it if it was a tiny bit cooler and they hired a waitress to bring over our drinks and a busboy to keep things looking their best.
Let me say this, it shouldn't be that hard to mix a drink. Don't get me wrong, I don't go to old town on a Saturday night and expect them to make me a manhattan, but I do expect a lounge type bar to be able to execute anything on it's drink menu. Sidebar completely succeeds there. And with a hip decor, friendly barkeeps, and ample seating Sidebar earns a five star rating (because, though the prices may seem high, you're actually getting that exemplary drink -- take note Applebees/airport bars).
Review Source:I love the SideBar. Not popular enough yet to get too crazy. You definitely want to avoid the crowd by coming on Tuesday or Thursday night...That type of place!
The bartenders are very knowledgeable and totally helpful in recommending cocktails if your feeling laid back and not wanting to pick.
Everyone I've met here is cool as hell and supa friendly. I love places that amazing people and this place accomplishes that to a T.
The couches and hang out areas are comfy, but sitting at the bar and chatting the bartender or my neighbor up is my favorite.
Rolled in here with a friend after already being out. Â So it is a little blurry. Â However, based on the hangover I had the entire next day, I'd say it was a success. ;) Â I *do* know that my friend had a bourbon with blueberries in it and she loved it. Â I had a gin and soda, my signature drink, and whoooo did that bartender not skimp on the gin! Â
Nice , low key, dimly lit...
This place is pretty darn impressive. I went here on a date and was happy to find that the atmosphere encouraged getting close to a person and being cozy.
I was impressed with the movies that they were playing on the TVs. You know a place is good when they're playing The Princess Bride and The Fifth Element.
As for the price, the drinks were pretty expensive. I'm a beer drinker and I was very happy that my date was paying. There is no way that I would be able to afford multiple drinks at this place.
Nice place! Â Really good drinks. Â Love the art work... they may get me to buy something sometime! Â It is just a nice place to come and drink and listen to music. Â It has a really good vibe. Â Great place to come if you just want to get out of the dance club bars and have a good drink with friends!
Review Source:This place is a fun spot to be seen, but if you're looking for cheap happy hour drinks you should go elsewhere. Â They offer a full bar so if you don't want to pay $10 for one of their specialty drinks you can order a gin and tonic or rum and coke. Â
The atmosphere is fun but a little too hipster for my taste. I've only been here once so that should tell you something. Â I'm not opposed to going back if someone in my group suggested it, but I wouldn't be the one to suggest it.
I'm not a crazy big fan of mixologist cocktail bars, but SideBar skips the razzle dazzle and just pours classy drinks, even if they have a few more posh ingredients than your average bar. Just don't plan on getting drunk here without a credit card.
I attended for Retro Hi-Fi, which didn't strike me as terribly retro and had a lot fewer dancers than I expected.
Why can't there be more places like this in Phoenix? Â
I have been here quite a few times now and it never fails. Â The vibe of the place is so chill and perfect, its not over-crowded, and the drinks rock (cheers to the Moscow Mule.) Â Last night the 2 female bartenders worked their asses off and kept up with our little party and the rest of the place and made it look easy. Â Well done. Â This should be a Phoenix staple.
I was a little skeptical of a bar that was on the 2nd floor above a Starbucks to be honest. I read a couple reviews on here and thought I would give it a shot when I was on my way home early from work. To my surprise this place was amazing, don't let the location fool you. The layout and feeling of the bar makes it seem like it doesn't belong in AZ. Almost like you were instantly transported to LA or NYC.
I've been back a couple of times to this place and the bartenders have been great every time and definitely know what they are doing. When you order a drink, you are getting a cocktail, not a liquor and random mixer splashed together in a cup. They have specialty drinks and if you're going to order something fancy, you better know what you are want. Had my first Manhattan here (cause I was feeling fancy) and they had no problem making it, from memory. I don't know of any other bar would be able to say the same.
Because of the drinks (turns out Manhattans are mostly booze... and delicious) I don't really remember the type of music they were playing. I do remember that we didn't have to yell over it to talk so that's a plus.
Some nights it's way too damn loud. Â Â Â Like last night, for example. Â
But the crowd's usually upscale and other than the occasional clueless DudeBro in a wifebeater it's mostly good folks. Â Â
They have some quality liquor and comfortable enough seating... Â Â well, Â I like but don't love SideBar. Â Â Â Not sure I have much more of an opinion than that.
One of my favorite spots downtown. What to drink, you ask? I exclusively only drink the whiskey berry sours there.. it's hands down one of my favorite cocktails.
Great vibe/music/seating/lighting. There's not much I don't like..heck if they served food I'd venture on downtown far more often! Monday night is free Mexican food! And it's good! Can't beat that. :D
I moved from Seattle a year ago and have been doing the Scottsdale/Tempe bar and club scene and have been wanting to change it up. A friend of mine took me to side bar and I was pleasantly surprised. Great drinks, good atmosphere, music was good but not too loud that I couldn't talk to my friends. Nice chill ,laidback spot. I would definitely come back.
It reminded me of some little bars I'd find on Capitol Hill in Seattle if that means anything to anybody reading this.
I love this place. Not only because it's so close to the casa, but it is just fun and hip, in a good way. The boyfriend likes to come here too so that's a plus.
It is in an old old building, on the second floor, no elevator, stairs only, so get your workout on. Great music always playing, fun old movies on the tvs, perfect lighting. The bathrooms are very nice too. Single stalls, nicely decorated and clean, with mints too.
They drink menu is awesome, however I am having a hard time getting past the Moscow Mule, sooo yummy! If you haven't had one before you must get one! It is served in a real copper mug, so they require a credit card to hold on to until you return you empty cup. Which shouldn't be long, as you will drink is so fast and request another!
They have tons of beer and liquor to choose from. No draft beer though, no space and like I said before, no elevator, who in their right mind is going to carry a keg up those steps? No one! But the bottle beers are great! They even have some of my faves!
Go check them out!
First off, it's in a quaint location situated right about a quick restaurant...which gives it n extra point in my book.
The mood lighting in this place is pretty cool and kind of has a modern 70's retro feel to it. The bartender was nice and the selection of liquor was impressive for such a small joint. The restrooms are decorated nicely and the mints are a nice touch.
Overall, it's a cool place to get a drink and enjoy hanging out w/people.
I really enjoyed this gem the one time myself and the man ventured here with friends. The parking is a little bit of a nightmare due to limited parking lots surrounded by a few establishments. We had to get tricksy and find a place to park on a side street and walk over. Not so bad though!
The interior is modern, comfortable and fun. The chairs were big enough for me to sit indian style while I sipped on my White Rabbit (DELICIOUS) which means I was one happy woman. I only had one beverage while we were there but as you can see, I loved it.
Happy Hour is the way to go with this place. I didn't pay attention to prices and my man was sweet enough to buy but from what I understand, the drinks can get pricey. They have a few appetizers you can order as well. I wouldn't mind making another trip here again to try a different drink.
Hipster alert!
I'm not hating. I'm just jealous.
All joking aside, Sidebar has a chill, dark, modern meets throwback atmosphere. Their drinks are pricey but delicious. I believe the price is fair because the ingredients are high quality and the strength is quite potent. If you want to have a truly good cocktail and some good conversation this is the bar for you. If you just want to get hammered, watch a game, eat greasy yucky food, and crank up the jukebox, (which there is always a time for) there are plenty of those bars within a few miles.
There are very few bars where I can see myself reading a book in a corner by myself... Sidebar is one of them.
Sidebar was within stumbling distance of my last residence, so it was a clear choice for drinks.
This is my favorite bar in Arizona, hands down.
Why? Â Because they know how to mix drinks... they remember their regulars... they're a grown up bar (for the most part, though when ASU is in session they do get SOME college kids)... they have cute as hell bartenders (male and female alike)... they have purse hooks under the bar for the ladies... they have mints in the bathroom...
The owner's pours are a little light handed as compared to the employees, but he still does a decent job mixing drinks! Â
Obviously I love the White Rabbit, though one of the gorgeous bartenders there made me a White Mexican that I loved equally, if not better. Â
I also love the Moscow Mule... though people keep stealing their copper mugs (let's blame the college kids). Â
The ambience is great, though I never understood why they do a Mexican buffet some nights. Â It just doesn't fit in. Â I also don't like the nights when they have a live dj spinning techno. Â I am too old for that!
Still, I have had a lot of memories here including:
1.) Having a guy break my martini glass and spill my white rabbit on my lap
2.) Having a different guy (on a different night) break HIS martini glass and spill HIS white rabbit on my new suede boots
3.) Flirting shamelessly with Ashley (she was so fun) to the amusement of others
4.) Meeting the old Foursquare Mayor and subsequently becoming friends and hanging out with him on occasion at Sidebar
5.) Hooking up friends with each other (the atmosphere is conducive to this sort of thing)
Sidebar... I love you!
Whoa! No one told me this was a GAY bar!
Security put on a grumpy face: "No, this is NOT--we're just in downtown Phoenix"
You lie. It's a Sunday night and there's a DJ playing house mixes of 80's pop, mostly Bee Gees. The interior design is perfect. TOO perfect. Many of the guys here, upon a second glance, are not actually guys.
There were some chairs and couches surrounding the stylish dance floor, but instead we went straight for the bar, and ordered those fancy white rabbit martinis. I'm slightly impressed with the taste, but more impressed by the sheer speed and precision of the bartenders. They are definitely up there among the best I've encountered. There is an extensive menu of local brews, if you fancy Arizonan beer.
If you need to step out for some fresh air, there's a simple staircase out back, where you can admire the exposed brick on your way down to a very minimalist 'patio'. I must say, the staff AND patrons here were insanely nice. Like...too-nice-to-be-Phoenix nice. Sidebar wasn't exactly my preferred nightlife demographic, but if my friends bring me back I'll have no complaints.
I was in phoenix on business for the first time Ventured in there by accident. An upstairs bar reminded me of my favorite college hangout so I gave it.a try. What I found was hardly a college dive. Very "groovey vibe". Great drink selection. Good demographic mix in customers gave it a relaxing, welcoming feel. Really liked the music, which wasn't too loud. Sports on the TV behind the bar, which didn't I didn't expect with the look of the place, but I appreciated. Staff, was outstanding. Just a great place to relax and unwind after a busy day.
The Side Bar is now marked as "my Phoenix bar" and I stop in on every subsequent return.
H. L. Mencken once said, "The martini: the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet."
Sidebar does this quote justice.
Quite possibly THE best Tanqueray Martini I've ever had. These guys (well, "ladies" to be proper. The blonde behind the bar is one of the best bartender's I've encountered) are amazing. They have a devilishly interesting cocktail menu which even enticed a gentleman like myself who usually drinks something straight to step outside of his box. Definitely try the Gin Blossom and the Whiskeyberry Sour. They're creative and delicious. If you've never had a Moscow Mule, please, do yourself a favor and get one here. It's too good to pass up (but just make sure to return the copper mug they serve it in!)
Maybe it's just me, but I was also impressed/very happy they had spearmint mints in the bathroom. It's the little things, I suppose...
Damnit. I just got a raise but still can only afford to go to Sidebar on my birthday. Â
I love Sidebar. Â Its urban, hep, chic, trendy, crazy, sexy, cool. Â But its also very intimate and laid back. Â It feels like you are in some posh city outside of Phoenix. Â They have a fabulous cocktail menu, with my favorite being the White Rabbit - an adult horchata. Â They also have delicious drinks with lemonade, root beer and other perfectly sweet ingredients.The cocktails run around $8 - $12 each, with no significant happy hour prices. Of course they also have beer. But that's boring.
I have to apologize to all of my Tempe bars. I... may have to cheat on you a bit. I think I've fallen for SideBar. The crazy part is, I wasn't even drinking the night I went in here! Yeah I know. Me, not drinking. Weird right?
Perhaps it was partially the mix of non-drinking and a shelf full of great Scotch which I can't wait to tour. Or the couches that were comfy enough I may as well have been drunk. Maybe the great selection of craft beers they had stowed behind the bar. What finally won me over, however, was when I saw Metropolis come up on the TVs! At that moment, I knew it was true love. And yes, I do mean the 1927 silent movie. Don't judge.
But the next time I am there it will be love mixed with a healthy dose of Scotch. Oh yes, Scotch... mmmmm.
It really saddens me to give this place two stars. I really love this place and it's a nice cozy upscale joint with a scenester vibe.
However I went with some friends not too long ago on a Wednesday and was really put off by the bartender. The place was pretty full and there was no one to help her but she barely acknowledged us and it was another ten minutes before we were served. And when we were, she couldn't have been less friendly when asking us for identification. Needless to say we left after the one drink.
I felt particularly foolish because I told my friends how awesome this place was and I had finally convinced them to check this place out with me. They are in the service industry and our experience there was everything industry people are trained to avoid.
I will probably swing by once more but this experience really made me angry particularly because my friends had a bad experience based on my recommendation.
I see a lot of four stars...perhaps I'm too generous with my five stars. I'm a giver.
Attended a party for Georgie on Friday night and had a great time.
Easy to find, easy to park, easy to get a drink.
Plus- HEY they have the same turbo nozzle a/c vents that I have in my home. I could live there. Exposed brick? Me too! Felt right at home.
I love the way they display their art, I'm assuming from local artists.
I would prefer to not have to walk down a flight of stairs after a night of drinking. However, no problems there - thankfully. :)
I have an ongoing love affair with SideBar. Like any other time you fall in love, you can't quite explain why you love one place/thing/person more than all others.
Could it be that I've never have a bad time here? Could it be that I always run into the best people here? Could it be the great drinks, friendly service, or Fruit Loops the bartender gave me one night? I just can't say for sure.
The movies they play are nuts, the couches great to hang out on, the bathrooms are lovely, & the music is alright.
I have seen all kinds of shenanigans in here, including a real life pimp with his downtown hookers one night. I don't think they got any customers though, because I have never seen them again. hmmmm
I just always have a fantastic time here. That almost seems impossible, but it's true. I am a very disappointed if I am out downtown, & I don't end up at SideBar at some point in the night.
It is only 4 stars because I can't really get food here. Sometimes I am super boozy & need late night snacks. They definitely need some work in that area. They have a spinach dip thing with some yuck chips. I need burritos when I'm drunk please.
So here it is, go to SideBar, just stop & pick up a burrito on you way & if your night isn't wonderful, seek counseling. ;)
So the crowds and general euphoria seemed to have died down since the opening of Sidebar six months ago. After more than a dozen visits to this lounge, I'm confident of my four star rating. In agreeing with what Kristin told me once, yes, Sidebar is very much what would happen if Roosevelt and Fez had a baby, at least design-wise.
The environment, decor, and drink offerings rock. A few quick notes to illustrate:
* Exposed brick and stairway entry that would make any East Coaster drool.
* Cozy C-shaped booths for lounging.
* Requisite absinthe dispenser in the middle of the bar and TV screens showing old films to indicate urban trendiness.
* Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc by the glass, Anchor Steam by the bottle
* White space-age-ish 4-seater tables and multi-colored LED panel thrown in for good measure.
In a few birthday parties here, I have gotten different results. For mine in January, they gladly reserved a booth for my besties and me on a Friday at 9 pm. Of course, no signage or anything, so it was a bit of a hassle to say the least as the owner, Josh, gladly asked people to move. The next month, we ran into some resistance on reserving, but were able to manage it due to our own efforts.
Overall, service has definitely improved. Although, be sure to watch your drink as ambition can get the best of them - they took away several of our half-finished glasses when we weren't looking. Â One complaint to the bartender, and this was fixed.
A new and appreciated detail is their drink menu featuring some unique cocktails. One request would be to beef up their appetizer offerings.
Exposed brick, views of downtown and uptown and an overall dark coziness. I love it. I've been to Side Bar several times now and its quickly turning into my new "go-to" place.
If the Roosevelt and Fez had a kid it would look like Side Bar. Old space with a modern twist. The orange bar area actually reminds me of a Gerber Group spot...as Stevey P said when we were there "it looks like it could be one of the Whiskeys". They always play fun and interesting movies on the flat screens, from old movies to animated flicks. My personal favorite so far has been Renaissance with Daniel Craig. I love the couch/lounge area and its normally where you can find me. I'm always a big fan of sitting at the bar but these bar seats are wicked uncomfortable---they discourage good posture and it is impossible to sit up straight. The high top seats near the bar require good balance.
On a Saturday night this place is always fun and the drinks are well made. One of the reasons that I like that Side Bar has joined the downtown scene is because its actually a bar. Its not a wine bar like Cheuvront, its not a bar focused on beer like Roosevelt or Lost Leaf, its not a hotel bar, it's a bar with full liquor offerings and wine if you want it. Fantastic. It is also a great choice on a First Friday if you happen to live downtown and want to avoid the fracas of Roosevelt and LL....there is traffic there but its not nearly as packed as places closer to the galleries. On FF they also have a DJ which was a nice touch, even if it does take up valuable couch space.
The crowd covers a wide range depending on the day and time you are there, but no matter what I always feel comfortable. You have your glam girls, the not so glam, the fashionistas and wannabe fashionistas, mommies, fraternity boys, hipsters, office workers and students. 21 year olds to 60 year olds, the random hippie rancher drinking PBR rubbing shoulders with girls drinking champagne. Oh, and some douchebags for some good measure.
Josh, the owner, is really friendly and very accommodating. My friend recently had his birthday party here and they were great about us bringing in a cake and making a mess of the place with it.
I'm not such a fan of their Happy Hour, if they offered more wines by the glass for HH I would be. The special on the well drinks is good, but sometimes you want to relax with a glass of wine. I've also ordered a rum and diet during HH and got a whiskey and diet. Do you know how putrid well whiskey is? Especially if you aren't a whiskey drinker and are expecting rum? Its terrible. They do offer light apps, at least during HH, such as spinach artichoke dip and hummus and chips.
Oh, and they don't have a coat check but they do have a coat rack where you can hang up your coat if you don't want to have it with you at the bar.
Side Bar is a welcome addition downtown and the fact that I can walk there from my place makes it even better.
Are you kidding me!?
I can't think of anything critical to say about this place. Oh wait, of course I can! Every time I asked my server to refill my empty glass (the one that he was taking off our table) well, he looked at me like I was putting him out. I mean WTF? Since when does a bar staff member take a glass from a bar table and NOT ask if you wanted another one? NOT cool dude!
But other than that ... this place is Damn near perfect. It's hip and cool and does so without appearing to try too hard. It's comfortable, it's dark, the music level was just about right. A full bar. A view of the city. Comfy seats and couches. I couldn't ask for anything more (well, other than a stage booked by Charlie of StateSide Presents).
Big UPs to The Side Bar!!!
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
