With some 30 bars and clubs catering to the GLBT community, Phoenix is the gay nightlife hub of the Southwest and has one of the largest selections of gay bars in the nation. This is a city where folks love to party, and the scene is generally friendly, unpretentious, and - in many cases - downright cruisy.
Here's a list of the most inviting gay-oriented after-dark venues in the region.1. Amsterdam
photo by Andrew Collins
The flagship of a glamorous row of downtown bars that also include the similarly chic Club Miami and Malibu Beach Bar, Amsterdam is the sort of snazzy club that thought oriented toward the gay crowd draws all walks of life, although tending toward a well-heeled, well-coiffed, if in some cases snooty bunch. The elegant decor, spacious back patio, and extensive martini list draw a sizable after-work crowd, and the place keeps buzzing into the evening (staying open after-hours, till 4 a.m., on weekends). Talented torch singers occasionally perform by the baby grand piano. Next door, there's dancing at Club Miami.
2. Charlie's
A rather butch bunch of guys, many who favor cowboy garb, frequent this long-time Phoenix favorite, which also has branches in Chicago, Denver, and Las Vegas. An expansive dance floor, reglarly updated decor, and great lighting and sound systems help this dependable country-western club keep up with the times and continue pulling in a dedicated crowd. Line-dancing and two-stepping are the dance styles of choice (lessons are offered many evenings), and on Friday and Saturday the place is open after-hours, when it draws a more eclectic crowd and plays popular dance music. There's volleyball on Sunday afternoons.3. Cash Inn Country
photo by Andrew Collins
Drawing a predominantly lesbian crowd, this is one of the country's top country-western-themed women's bars and an extremely popular hangout in Phoenix. Line-dancing and two-stepping are a big part of the fun, but there's also darts and pool, free Wi-Fi, and an expansive patio out back. If you're not so big on cocktails, just drop in and hang out in the coffee bar. It's a very friendly place, with an especially nice bunch of folks working behind the bar.
4. BS West
photo by Andrew Collins
Your best bet if you're staying out at one of the glam resorts of Scottsdale, BS is a long-running video bar with a small patio, tucked behind a row of galleries and boutique in downtown Old Scottsdale. The recently remodeled, warmly lighted bar pulls in an eclectic crowd, from students who attend relatively nearby ASU to visiting tourists.
5. Clarendon Hotel Bar
photo by Andrew Collins
Set right in the heart of the city's Central Avenue corridor, which is convenient to nightlife and attractions (as well as the super-cool new Light Rail), the Clarendon Hotel is a favorite, mid-priced lodging option for GLBT travelers (and other hipsters, artists, and the like). But whether you stay here or not, be sure to check out the fabulous Rooftop Bar, with its nifty skyline views and stylish patio furniture. It's a swank spot to sip cocktails and soak up the desert skies. There's also a bar and grill off the lobby, down on the main level.
6. Karamba Nightclub
photo by Andrew Collins
One of the city's best gay dance clubs and as fun a Latin gay bar as you'll ever find, Karamba has an edgy, post-industrial look and a thunderous sound system. There are three large indoor areas plus a decent-size patio, and a small pizza restaurant inside serves food on Fridays and Saturdays. The music and the crowd are heavily Latin-influenced, but you'll see all kinds of revelers here, from shirtless and buff gym kids to veteran circuit-party addicts to straight-but-progressive types who love the great music. There's nothing quiet or intimate about this place - it's where you go when you're looking to cut loose and party into the wee hours.
7. The Door
Tempe really needed a gay bar, and The Door - which is also very close to Scottsdale - has answered the call and quickly developed a decent following, especially with guys in their 20s and 30s (and students from nearby ASU). There are popular drag shows on Friday nights, and good promotions the rest of the week, from Martini Mondays to college amateur strippers on Thursdays (woohoo!). Moreover, the owners just seem to know what they're doing, bringing in live music some evenings, giving the place hip but unfussy decor, and having created an excellent website. This is one bar that would seem to have a very promising future, judging from the success its enjoyed since opening at the beginning of 2009.8. Kobalt at Park Central
photo by Andrew Collins
A friendly, slightly trendy, gay bar a short drive north of downtown at Park Central Mall, Kobalt is popular for its variety of theme nights, including karaoke on Sunday and Tuesday, piano cabaret on Friday and Saturday, and Broadway tunes on Thursdays. An upscale, attractive layout with dim lighting and glass-top bar tables lend a warm and welcoming ambience and there's a patio, too. Tends to get some of the overflow from Amsterdam, which isn't too far away from here.
9. Cherry Bar
photo by Andrew Collins
A very fun, nicely decorated, clean and comfy neighborhood gay bar, Cherry opened in the old Friends space in 2008 and has become a favorite hangout for guys of all ages and styles (women are quite welcome, but in the minority). They pour some impressively good cocktails here and have a good range of beers on tap and in bottles. It's sort of an updated version of the classic gay locals' bar, and for that reason, Cherry Bar is starting to draw increasing numbers of out-of-town visitors who appreciate the laid-back vibe and attractive decor.
