A vibe for every kind of fan: The best bars in downtown Phoenix to watch the Suns play

Phoenix Suns fans, your team hears you loud and clear.

While many die-hards will be at Footprint Arena for the next home game, a combination of COVID-19 risks, the hefty price tag on tickets and allegations of racism and misogyny against team owner Robert Sarver may also keep many watching from their couches or neighborhood bars.

Another option is to head downtown on game day, because it’s a vibe. Seriously.

Whether you’re a new but already next-level Suns fan like Emma Stone or a longtime fan who's feeling hopeful, past heartbreaks be damned, these are the best bars in downtown Phoenix for every kind of Suns fan.

MORE THINGS TO DO: For restaurant reviews, travel tips, concert picks and more, subscribe to azcentral.com.

For the vintage fan: Majerle’s Sports Grill

You still call the stadium America West Arena, have replayed 1976’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” dozens of times, and have old Slam magazines featuring Amar'e Stoudemire and Steve Nash packed in a box somewhere. The June 26, 1993, parade? Of course you were there. Charles Barkley couldn’t deliver destiny, but maybe Chris Paul can. And sure, maybe it's a little gimmicky to take your transplant friends to Thunder Dan’s spot, but it’s still the only downtown Phoenix bar owned by a former Suns player.

Majerle's, established in 1992, has more than 30 screens and outdoor seating. Expect a packed place during the playoffs.

Details: Majerle’s Sports Grill, 24 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-253-0118, facebook.com/MajerlesPHX.

For the rowdy fan: The Ainsworth

It doesn’t matter what day the Suns are playing, you are one Four Peaks away from starting a "Suns in four!” chant. You blame every call you don’t like on the refs — and maybe for good reason — but what you lack in substantial sports analysis, you make up for in unbridled enthusiasm. In the generous afterglow of a Suns victory, you’ll order a round of 24-karat gold-dusted chicken wings for you and your neighbors. Everything will be photographed and #YesFilter.

During the 2021 playoffs run, The Ainsworth brought out a DJ for every game and a drumline for home games. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Details: 3 S. Second St., No. 117, Phoenix. 602-296-7976, instagram.com/theainsworth_phx.

Cheers to summer: 3 new basement bars to try in Phoenix

For the just-for-fun fan: Luckys Indoor Outdoor

Look, you’re no hoophead, but you’re along for the ride and definitely enjoying it. You’ve lived in Phoenix for a decade, but didn’t pay attention to the Suns until their Cinderella run in The Bubble. When they made the playoffs in 2021 — the first time in 11 years — you bought your first Suns T-shirt and maybe haven’t washed it since (for luck!). You mostly just have a warm feeling inside to see everyone in the Valley put their differences aside for a couple hours and root for this team.

Luckys Indoor Outdoor can put the Suns game on the TV behind the bar if you ask. Snap a pic at the trailer bar, painted with the same design as the Suns city edition jersey.

Details: 817 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-975-8156, instagram.com/luckysphx.

For the fan with all the jokes: Luana’s Coffee and Beer

You can be found here making hot takes and keeping an eye on Suns media: Duane, Gerald, Kellan, Mike, Xin and the rest of the crew (we miss you, Gina!). You also have an arsenal of every Suns meme and gif-able moment at your disposal. Mikal Bridges block? You’re circulating a new Warden Bridges meme in seconds. That gif of Jae Crowder salsa dancing? So much mileage already. You like a good underdog story and despite the Suns making it to the finals in 2021, people are still sleepin’ on your team.

Luana's Coffee and Beer has two TV screens at the bar and one outside. During the 2021 playoffs, the bar offered 50-cent beers every quarter the Suns were up, plus free shots at the end if they win.

Details: 149 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-314-5557, instagram.com/luanas_coffee_and_beer.

For the jack-of-all-trades fan: The Duce

You played basketball in middle school and like the sport plenty, but the main reason why you care about the Suns is because you care about Phoenix. You also have other hobbies in your life right now. You read books. You’re learning pottery. The Duce is the kind of place where you can eat a Guy Fieri-approved pot pie, watch Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton “punch 'em in the nuggets," then catch the burlesque show afterward for a well-rounded night of entertainment.

The Duce is showing games during the regular season. During the playoffs, The Duce held Suns watch parties on the bleachers or in the boxing ring. Large groups should email reservations@theducephx.com to reserve a spot.

Details: 525 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-866-3823, facebook.com/theducephx.

Honorable mention: Hooters

A teenage Booker may have single-handedly kept Hooters in business. There's a Hooters at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix, should you feel inspired to also pull up with the fellas.

Health note: People should follow COVID-19 health guidelines when going out. As of Nov. 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people who are fully vaccinated may resume activities they were doing prior to the pandemic. Medical experts say booster shots, now available for adults, can decrease your chances of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Send me your favorite Suns story, meme or gif. Reach the reporter at Priscilla.Totiya@azcentral.com. Follow @priscillatotiya on Twitter and Instagram.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today to support local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Downtown Phoenix bars where Suns fans can watch the next game