Crack open a book at these 5 bars around Phoenix

Discover five great bars around Phoenix where you can unwind with a drink and a book, plus the perfect literary pairings for each spot.

Sit back, relax, and sip your favorite drink while getting lost in a good book. Reading in a cozy coffee shop is hard to beat—but what do you do when all the coffee shops have closed for the day and you still have pages to turn? My advice: Head to one of these five bars in Greater Phoenix for a night of buzzed reading and great drinks. 

1. The Farish House, Phoenix 

With its turn-of-the-century charm, pre-Prohibition cocktails, and warm yet refined atmosphere, The Farish House is the ideal spot to settle in with a good book. Tucked inside a historic home, it offers a quiet escape from the rush of modern life, complete with delicious small bites to complement your vintage drink. Stop by on a Saturday for their famous Saturday Afternoon Tea, which includes a sandwich course, scones, dessert, and the option to sip on a bottomless coupe of Burgundy Brut. 

This spot is best paired with classic literature, historical fiction, or a good mystery.

2. Rift, Scottsdale 

Calling all beer and book lovers—Rift is the place for you. With six fridges lining the walls, a massive walk-in cooler, and 25 beers on tap, this spot takes craft beer seriously. Not a beer fan? No problem. Rift also offers a great selection of local wines, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. The lounge area, complete with four large couches, is perfect for getting comfy with a book. Just be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events—Rift’s popularity means it can get lively. But if you time it right, you’ll have the perfect quiet nook to sip and read.

This spot is best paired with contemporary fiction, witty nonfiction, and literary thrillers. 

3. Sip, Scottsdale 

Locally owned and community-driven, Sip brings together the three essentials: coffee, cocktails, and connection. With two locations, both perfect for book lovers and drink enthusiasts, Sip offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. It’s not just book-friendly—it’s pup-friendly too. And if you’re in the mood for something different and a little more mysterious, take 12 steps down to 36 Below, a Walipini-inspired speakeasy with a modern twist. 

This spot is best paired with thoughtful nonfiction, contemporary fiction, poetry, and short stories. 

4. The Theodore, Phoenix 

Located in the heart of the Arts District, The Theodore is a unique spot where you can unwind with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. It’s a great place for some solo reading, but if you’re in the mood for company, check out their Teddy Book Club on the second Sunday of each month—perfect for discovering new books, new people, and engaging conversation.

This spot is best paired with art and culture reads, literary fiction, short stories, and philosophy. 

5. The Bourbon Room, Phoenix 

Few things go better than bourbon and books. The Bourbon Room offers a cozy, quiet vibe, perfect for getting lost in a book while sipping on a carefully crafted bourbon flight or enjoying a signature cocktail. Known for its famous Old Fashioned, it’s a spot that feels both classic and laid-back—just like that one book you keep coming back to.

This spot is best paired with Southern fiction, food and drink memoirs, modern American fiction, and short stories. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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