252 B E ST M I D S I Z E M U S I C V E N U E The Van Buren 401 W. Van Buren St. 480-659-1641 thevanburenphx.com Looking to see a show in a venue that’s not too small and not too big? With a capacity of 1,800, The Van Buren is the Goldilocks of Phoenix venues. As a theater, it boasts excellent acous- tics and can pack in a lively audience without the space feeling too crowded. With the majority of tickets being general admission and easy visibility from the audience, seeing an act here is mostly an egalitarian experience. The building, from the 1930s, is elegant with historic touches, like exposed rafters and chandeliers. With Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop adjacent and Via Della Slice Shop around the corner, getting a preshow bite is easy enough. Since it’s part of the Live Nation empire of venues, it brings in a variety of big-name but not overexposed artists. In short, it’s a great place to catch great acts. 22222 B E ST S M A L L M U S I C V E N U E Crescent Ballroom 308 N. Secnd Ave. 602-716-2222 crescentphx.com A uniquely intimate space for concerts, the Crescent Ballroom has been named the top small music venue in Phoenix by New Times for five years running. The ballroom accom- modates roughly 500 people, so the acts that come through town to play a show there tend to be lesser or moderately known. That makes it an exciting place to catch up-and- coming acts or get a close look at some very talented musicians. The bar and patio seating also make for a great spot to have a drink or bite beforehand without having to hustle to get to the show. Not only does the ballroom host great concerts, it’s also a staple for local artists in the community. Its varied programming includes lots of free perfor- mances, like songwriter showcases and weekly jam sessions. 22222 B E ST ST R I P C LU B Jaguars Club 1902 N. Black Canyon Highway 602-352-0240 jaguarsphoenix.com Jaguars Club stands out as the top nightlife destination in Phoenix, offering an unmatched experience with one main stage, four satellite stages and over 100 showgirls. The atmosphere is always lit, with dollar bills constantly raining down, especially when rap stars and professional athletes make appearances. The spot also offers a full lunch and dinner menu that rivals local restaurants, featuring everything from their famous chicken wings to full-course meals. The club’s three bars keep the drinks flowing, while optional hookahs add an extra layer of indulgence. Then there’s the VIP Lounge with cabana seating, providing prime views of the action, and the $100 bottle service is a popular choice for newbies and regulars. The club’s annual pole dance competition attracts top talent from across the Southwest, showcasing the best of the best and keeping the performances fresh and exciting. With live DJs, stunning enter- tainers and a reputation for throwing unfor- gettable parties — you can’t miss at Jaguars. 22222 B E ST L E S B I A N BA R Boycott Bar 4301 N. Seventh Ave. 602-825-6240 boycottbarphx.com Unfortunately, lesbian bars are a dying breed; only about 30 remain in the U.S. Fortunately, we’ve got one of the best right here in Phoenix. Boycott Bar in the Melrose District is a fun and welcoming space for the lesbian community. The space, decorated with large wall art depicting female celebrities, is a great neighborhood watering hole and the setting for plenty of fun events such as karaoke, country dancing, Pride events and theme parties. We also love the fact that there’s an original Nintendo on the screened- in patio, and we’ve caught a couple games of Super Mario Bros. 3 during nights out. Phoe- nicians already know how great Boycott is, but now the whole country knows it, too: This summer, it was one of 27 bars on the 2024 USA Today Bars of the Year list. 22222 B E ST G AY BA R Charlie’s Phoenix 727 W. Camelback Road 602-265-0224 charliesphoenix.com It’s tough to be a gay bar in 2024. LGBTQ+ people are welcomed in most nightlife spots, even celebrated as drag shows — once the domain of gay bars — make their way into brunch joints across the Valley. So the demand for queer-only safe spaces isn’t what it used to be. And that demand further eroded thanks to apps, which meant the gays no longer needed a bar to make friends and cruise for romance. But there’s a reason Charlie’s has thrived since its opening in 1984 — giving the people what they can’t find anywhere else. There’s a massive dance floor, multiple bars and a spacious outdoor area.
