Phoenix’s cocktail scene has earned another round of international recognition. Five bars in the city were recently featured in 50 Best Discovery, a global travel guide that highlights standout restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards around the world.
The mid-July update to the guide included several Phoenix destinations known for creative cocktails, unique atmospheres, and award-winning bartenders. While the list is separate from The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking, it serves as a curated recommendation for travelers looking for notable food and beverage experiences.
Guide
50 Best Discovery is an extension of The World’s 50 Best brand and features recommendations selected by more than 3,000 Academy members with expertise in food, drinks, and hospitality.
According to the organization, restaurants and bars become eligible after receiving a significant number of votes during recent World’s 50 Best rankings or by appearing on regional lists. The final database is curated by the 50 Best organization.
Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour, founded by Arizona Cocktail Weekend co-founder Ross Simon, has built a national reputation for its inventive drinks.
The bar previously ranked No. 44 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list in 2022 and received two Outstanding pins from The Pinnacle Guide in 2024.
In its review, 50 Best Discovery described the venue’s circus-inspired menu as colorful and creative, noting that its cocktails combine bold presentation with carefully crafted flavors.
Location: 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix
Highball Phoenix
Highball Phoenix is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located on the second floor of a historic building in central Phoenix.
Co-owned by Libby Lingua and Mitch Lyons, the bar has received industry recognition in recent years. Lingua was named a finalist for U.S. Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and later advanced to the competition’s Top Four.
50 Best Discovery praised Highball Phoenix for its relaxed atmosphere and playful drink selection.
Location: 1514 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
Killer Whale Sex Club
Opened in 2020 by Sam Olguin and Brenon Stuart, Killer Whale Sex Club has become known for its unconventional style and neighborhood bar atmosphere.
The venue was recognized among the Top 10 Best New Cocktail Bars – West at the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.
50 Best Discovery described the establishment as an “irreverent city dive,” highlighting its distinctive personality within Phoenix’s cocktail scene.
Location: 922 N. Sixth St., Phoenix
Little Rituals
Little Rituals has received numerous honors over the past several years.
The downtown Phoenix cocktail bar has been named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar multiple times and earned recognition at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards for Best U.S. Hotel Bar.
The Pinnacle Guide also awarded the bar one Excellent pin.
According to 50 Best Discovery, Little Rituals offers one of the city’s most energetic cocktail experiences.
Location: Fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
Undertow
Undertow is one of Phoenix’s best-known themed cocktail bars, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by a 19th-century spice-trading ship.
Inside, visitors are surrounded by simulated ocean views, sound effects, and tropical-inspired décor designed to create the feeling of being at sea.
The bar, created by Barter & Shake, has previously appeared on North America’s 50 Best Bars list, won the Tales of the Cocktail award for Best U.S. Cocktail Bar, and received two Outstanding pins from The Pinnacle Guide.
50 Best Discovery described Undertow as a “transportive subterranean tropical bar.”
The featured location is in Arcadia, although Undertow also operates a second location in Gilbert.
| Bar | Phoenix Area | Notable Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter and Twisted | Downtown Phoenix | North America’s 50 Best Bars, Pinnacle Guide |
| Highball Phoenix | Central Phoenix | Tales of the Cocktail finalist recognition |
| Killer Whale Sex Club | Downtown Phoenix | Spirited Awards Top 10 New Cocktail Bar |
| Little Rituals | Downtown Phoenix | James Beard semifinalist, Spirited Awards |
| Undertow | Arcadia & Gilbert | North America’s 50 Best Bars, Pinnacle Guide |
Recognition
The inclusion of five Phoenix bars in 50 Best Discovery reflects the city’s growing reputation as a destination for craft cocktails and hospitality. Each featured venue has previously received recognition from organizations such as the James Beard Foundation, The Pinnacle Guide, or Tales of the Cocktail, demonstrating the depth of Phoenix’s evolving bar scene.
For visitors and local residents alike, the guide offers another resource for exploring some of the city’s most celebrated cocktail destinations.
FAQs
What is 50 Best Discovery?
A global guide highlighting notable restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards.
How many Phoenix bars made the list?
Five Phoenix bars were included in the latest guide.
Which Phoenix bar is known for its tiki theme?
Undertow features an immersive tropical ship-inspired setting.
Is Highball Phoenix a speakeasy?
Yes, it operates as a second-floor speakeasy cocktail bar.
Why were these bars selected?
They received significant recognition through the 50 Best voting process.
