These 5 metro Phoenix cocktail bars named among best in US: 'Extraordinary experiences'

Bahar Anooshahr, Arizona Republic
Updated ·2 min read

Tales of the Cocktail, now in its 17th year, is considered the "Oscars of the beverage industry." The coveted awards program recognizes all areasof the beverage industry from bartenders to journalists, and has since 2007.

This year, five Phoenix bars have been named on various "Best of the U.S." shortlists. To get there, they had to pass the Western regionals.

“The Tales Spirited Awards shortlist shows that in spite of ongoing challenges, our industry is in incredible health, with bars and bartenders continuing to create extraordinary guest experiences and elevate their craft in so many ways,” said International Chair Jacob Briars.

Here are the Arizona nominees for 2023.

Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Categories: World's Best Cocktails Menu and Best U.S. Cocktail Bar.

Details: 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com.

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Century Grand

Categories: Best U.S. Bar Team, Best U.S. Cocktail Bar and Best U.S. Bar Mentor for co-owner Jason Asher.

Details: 3626 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-739-1388, centurygrandphx.com.

Khla

Category: Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar.

Details: Alley Entrance, 218 E. Portland St., Phoenix. khlaphx.com.

Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott

Category: Best U.S. Hotel Bar.

Details: 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix (on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown). 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com.

UnderTow was previously located underneath Sip Coffee & Beer and has since moved next door to Century Grand. Each menu is a different chapter of the immersive bar's narrative, most recently taking a cold twist.
UnderTow was previously located underneath Sip Coffee & Beer and has since moved next door to Century Grand. Each menu is a different chapter of the immersive bar's narrative, most recently taking a cold twist.

UnderTow Gilbert

Categories: Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar and Best U.S. Bar Mentor for co-owner Jason Asher.

Details: 3150 E. Ray Road, Suite 184, Gilbert. 602-818-7424. drinkundertow.com.

When will Tales of the Cocktail winners be announced?

The winners will be announced at the 17th annual Spirited Awards Ceremony & Viewing Party, which takes place on July 27, 2023, in New Orleans.

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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix cocktail bars Bitter and Twisted, Khla named among best in US