5 Must-Try Local Happy Hours in the Valley This Summer (2025 Edition)
If you’re like me, your version of self-care involves a crisp cocktail and a cozy corner. That’s why I went looking for the best local happy hours in the Phoenix metro this summer—because not all happy hours are created equal, especially in a city as sprawling (and sweltering) as ours.
So, I went looking for the real-deal local gems—fresh, independently owned and serving up great deals and great vibes. From artistic hideaways in Phoenix to quirky comfort food in Scottsdale, here’s your new happy hour roadmap.
Your Roadmap to the Best Local Happy Hours in the Phoenix Metro
Phoenix – The Starving Artist
Happy Hour: Weekdays, 3–6pm
The Vibe: This artsy, off-the-radar hangout combines creative cocktails with neighborhood charm. With plush, velvet booths, vintage lamps and seemingly ever-rotating artwork, it feels more like your ultra-cool friend’s downtown loft than a bar.
Why We Love It: It’s bold, cozy and refreshingly unpretentious. You’re just as likely to talk cocktails with the bartender as you are to discover your new favorite whiskey.
PhoenixBites Tip: Try the maple old fashioned if you’re feeling classic or go wild with one of their seasonal specialties. Pair it with the bacon wrapped water chestnuts, trust me.
Glendale – Easy Tiger Bar
Happy Hour: Wednesday–Sunday, 3–7pm
The Vibe: Vintage dive bar energy meets modern cocktail magic. From pinball machines in the back to the no frills approach and a glowing bar setup, it’s all personality.
Why You’ll Love It: Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Easy Tiger welcomes everyone with good tunes, great pours, and killer people-watching. Did we mention the live music and comedy?
PhoenixBites Tip: Their Long Thailand cocktail hits just right and makes a magical pairing to their pizza Rangoon.
Tempe – Snakes & Lattes
Happy Hour: Mon–Th, 2–6pm, Fri-Sat 10pm to 12am, Sun 8-10pm
The Vibe: It’s like your favorite game night met your favorite pub. With more than 1,000 board games, cozy booths and an enormous menu of local brews and comfort eats, Snakes & Lattes is a social win.
Why You’ll Love It: Ideal for first dates, a meet up with friends, or a midweek brain break. Plus, they make a mean cocktail and the appetizers hold their own.
PhoenixBites Tip: Go for a local IPA and split the fried elote bites. Don’t sleep on their “mystery dice shot” if you’re looking for a really good time.
Chandler – The Hidden House
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Saturday, 3–5 PM (Bar & Patio Only)
The Vibe: Tucked inside a charming vintage cottage, this spot offers all the historic charm with a modern twist. With cozy lighting, a secluded patio and a legit cocktail program, it’s the perfect little escape in the heart of Chandler.
Why It’s a Must: The drinks are refined without being fussy and the happy hour small plates are beautifully executed and ideal for sharing. Great for date nights, but casual enough for a relaxed hang with your favorite foodie friends.
PhoenixBites Tip: Start with the fried frog legs and blistered Shishito peppers and pair them with their French 75 (my all-time favorite cocktail) or an old fashioned. Get there early—this place fills up fast!
Scottsdale – Dodo Bird Kitchen & Cocktails
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 2–5pm
The Vibe: Quirky, colorful and unapologetically fun. This locally owned spot combines craveable comfort food with craft cocktails and a neon-lit patio that feels part dessert bar, part backyard party.
Why It’s a Must: Because sometimes the best happy hours are a little unhinged—in the best way. Crispy cauliflower, dumplings and boozy slushies… yes, please.
PhoenixBites Tip: Grab a $7 frozen Mojito and pair it with the sprout party
Ready to Sip Your Way Across the Valley?
Each of these happy hours offers a totally different vibe—artful, playful, cozy, bold—and each one is locally owned. That means more flavor, more personality and your dollars going straight to people who truly love this city. These are easily five of the best local happy hours in the Phoenix metro this summer, each packed with personality and locally crafted flavor.
If you’re feeling ambitious (and a little thirsty), here’s your route:
- Start at The Starving Artist in Phoenix for creative cocktails and artsy dive-bar energy.
- Swing by Easy Tiger in Glendale for retro vibes, pinball, and fun cocktails.
- Head to Snakes & Lattes in Tempe for a few rounds of games and a local IPA.
- Slide into The Hidden House in Chandler for charming ambiance and top-tier cocktails.
- Wrap it all up with tasty crispy apps and frozen classics at Dodo Bird in Scottsdale.
Want More?
- Save this list for your next happy hour hop
- Follow @PhoenixBites for weekly food finds and events
Tag us when you check one off the list, we’ll repost our faves!
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About the Author - Taryn Jeffries
Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.
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