The bar has no windows, so the place is always as dark as a confessional, conferring intimacy on the most casual of interactions. Today, there are divier dive bars and tiki-er tiki bars, but there’s no other establishment in the Valley with The Bikini’s exact flavor of lowbrow kitsch. Long before Interstate 10 connected us to California, The Bikini Lounge welcomed visitors from the west into town as they exited the U.S. In a town as young as Phoenix, a bar that’s been around since 1947 certainly counts as a grande dame of the local drinking scene. This all makes Bar 1912 a solid standalone spot or a perfect part of a splurge-worthy night that includes dinner at Valentine. Chef Donald Hawk and his team crank out elevated bites inspired by classic bar snacks, such as foie gras-stuffed olives and whipped pimento-raclette cheese. The fat-washing results in a velvety spirit-forward drink without the bite. Cotton packs a playful pistachio flavor that conjures thoughts of pistachio cotton candy, while Cattle riffs on a classic Manhattan, infusing rye whiskey and añejo tequila with bone marrow. Bar 1912’s menu takes cues from Arizona, including a quintet of cocktails inspired by the state’s five Cs. The entry of Bar 1912 is marked only by a neon sign that reads “Cocktails.” Inside, Mission revival-style niches behind the bar framing bottles, but the space’s feeling, down to its staff-curated vinyl, is a nod to Japanese listening rooms. Hidden behind the restaurant on Seventh Avenue, Valentine’s love letter to Arizona cuisine continues in drink form. Insider tip: Make sure to visit the restrooms. Meal options include burgers, salads and sandwiches. During the holidays, Christmas trees made of anything other than wood and pine needles land smack in the center of the dining room. Sometimes a cluster of disco balls dangle from the ceiling, casting specks of light around the bar at other times, fluffy illuminated clouds fill the ceiling. Rotating art installations also demand attention. The people-watching here is outstanding, with crowds ranging from longtime Scottsdale locals to groups of friends celebrating 21st birthdays and bachelorette parties, from dates to businessmen holding lunch meetings, and much more. But AZ/88 is not your regular neighborhood spot. If that’s too fruity for your taste, there are always the classics such as appletinis and cosmopolitans. Did someone say martinis? At this off-the-beaten-path bar in Scottsdale, you can get a London favorite Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a shot of Champagne.

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