Phoenix

A warm climate year-round, dry desert air, and a modest cost of living: Phoenix and surrounding areas have a lot going for them. What you may not know is that Arizona's major metropolis has a reputation within the gay community there as being among the most sexually open cities in the U.S.

Located in central Arizona about 150 miles south of Flagstaff and 150 miles north of Tucson, Phoenix is situated on a broad, flat desert basin amid scattered barren rocky mountain peaks. The city's small downtown contains a few dozen high-rises. Surrounding them is a large metropolitan area that's expanded outward rather than upward. This sprawling city has largely encompassed the surrounding communities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Sun City. Phoenix is now the nation's fifth-largest city.

 

Getting there

Sky Harbour is Arizona's international airport located a short distance from the center of Phoenix. To get to the city centre you have a choice of several differen shuttle services, public transit, car rental or taxi. Check the airport website for transportation details.

 

Getting around

A car is necessary for getting around easily, but public transportation is provided by Valley Metro throughout the greater metropolitan area.

 

Local Media

Echo Magazine is the long-time local gay press in these parts, ION Arizona Magazine  is another gay source for news and bars, clubs and restaurants info.

New Times is the handy local weekly with music, film, arts and restaurant listings.

 

Bars and clubs

The club scene in Phoenix is somewhat spread out. Bars are open till 1am serving liquor, and some stay open with after hour parties, without alcohol.

Amsterdam (718 N Central), comfortable bar welcomes all, great martinis, show nights throughout the week.

Anvil (2303 E. Indian School Rd), men's leather and fetish bar, underwear nights, wet boxers and hot bods contests, retro Sunday beer busts, pool tables, special leather and bear theme events.

Apollo's (5749 7th St), neighborhood favorite, nightly themes, free Wi-Fi and "Greek God" male strippers each Sunday night.

Bar 1 (3702 N 16th St) small neighborhood gay video bar, pleasant and comfortable early hangout, jukebox, palm-shaded patio, fireplace, pinball, darts and pool games.

BS West (7125 5th Ave, Scottsdale) a popular dance club with a full shedule of weekly events including karaoke Thursdays and Sundays, plus a Beer Bust and BBQ and 5pm all-Male stripper revue on Sundays too;

Bunkhouse (4428 N 7th Ave), mostly men, pool, darts, outdoor patio, fire pit, poker nights, karaoke, Underwear Nights. Weekend burgers with $1 draft beers. Daily from 8am, (Sun 10am).

Cash Inn Country (2140 E McDowell Rd), and Z Girl Club (4301 N 7th Ave) are area clubs that serve mostly women.

Charlie's (727 W Camelback Rd), popular Western-themed bar, wet and strip shows, drag, 2-Step and Line dancing lessons, volleyball games. Friday/Saturday afterhours until 4am,

Club Sutra (2424 E Thomas Rd) formerly Incognito, now women's bar, hip-hop and house music, after-hours every Saturday to 4am.

Cruisin' 7th (3702 N 7th Street), with Thursday night and Saturday late afternoon male strippers, Wednesdays Comedy, Thursday Leather nights and Friday/Saturday drag revues.

Dick's Cabaret (3432 E Illini St), naked male strippers in constant rotation, private "VIP" sessions. Love it one night, hate it another, depends who's on stage, always a genuine slice of Americana.

Friends (1028 E Indian School Rd) video bar with mostly male crowd, karaoke and pool games. Was Cherry Bar briefly.

Ice Pics Video Bar (3108 E McDowell Rd), variety of nights, each with own crowd, drag, show tunes, comedy nights, male strippers, undies nights, karaoke.

Karamba (1724 E McDowell Rd), full of hot men dancing to Latin beats on weekends, Tuesday and Wednesday shows, good mix and easy vibe.

Kobalt (3110 N Central Ave) boasts one of region's best mixes of people, nightly events rotations, very popular happy hours, cheap strong drinks.

Mi Patio (3347 N. 7th Av), good and affordable Mexican food, excellent service.

Oz (1804 W. Bethany Hone Rd), small neighborhood gay pub, pool tables and outdoor patio with smoking permitted.

Plazma (1560 E. Osborn) is a neighborhood video sports bar to catch the games, play pool or join the karaoke singers.

Pumphouse II (4132 E. McDowell), down-to-earth vibe, "Hot Bodz" sexy male strippers, slim/smooth to big/muscular. Underwear parties, wet jockey contests, amateur strip and drag shows, Saturday free darts.

Roscoe's on 7th (4531 N. 7th St) video sports bar and grill, pool games, most popular for happy hours and on weekends.

 

Baths

Chute (1440 E. Indian School Rd), bears and leather men, friendly atmosphere for all. Saturday  Leather Night. Gymnasium, steam shower, two leather sling rooms, relaxation areas, nice after-hours crowd.

Off Chute Too (4115 N. 7th Avenue), store has cute undies, t-shirts, magazines, and kinky stuff.

Flex (1517 S Black Canyon Hwy), always open, pool, jacuzzi, steam room, gym, lockers, and private rooms. Mondays Buddy Nights 4pm to midnight, Tuesday/Thursday half-price rooms from 4pm to midnight and Wednesday noon to midnight. Also early-bird specials.

 

Where to stay

Arizona Sunburst Inn (6245 N 12th Pl; 602-274-1474), gay oasis in the Valley of the Sun. Mostly men, clothing optional sunbathing, swimming and spa. Stay 7 nights and last night is free. Wi-Fi internet, expanded Continental breakfast.

Clarendon (401 W Clarendon Avenue; 602-252-7363), general public boutique hotel in Midtown, pool and rooftop bar, free international phone calls, fitness facility, free WiFi service.

Rainbow Casita (2707 N. 20th Ave; 602-628-5781), gay owned central B&B, clothing optional pool, spa and tropical garden. Convenient to airport and gay bars and restaurants.

The Royal Villa (4312 12th St; 602-266-6883), private retreat for gay men, clothing optional grounds and pool, overnight or day guests. In central Phoenix near shopping, restaurants and light rail.