15 June 8th–June 14th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | behind Pigtails and Rough Rider. Coabana’s interior echoes the playfulness of the drinks, with soft pink tiles, a canopy of gold palm fronds shading the bar and cozy booths. Ghost Donkey 903 N. SECOND ST. GHOSTDONKEYPHX.COM Mezcal and tequila fans, Ghost Donkey is your utopia. Boasting a lengthy menu of both agave-based spirits, this Mexico- inspired bar balances a darkly lit space with a canopy of string lights overhead, making for a kiss-of-disco party feel. Grab a bar seat or sit back and chill at any of the cozy booths on the perimeter. The food menu is succinct and made with snacking in mind — think nachos, tacos, queso fundido, and chips and salsa. But, it’s really all about the 10 or so featured cocktails, all focused on tequila or mezcal, of course. Unlike its Vegas counter- part that, in true speakeasy style, requires a little search to find, this location has an entrance on a busy stretch of Second Street and is sandwiched between its showier sister restaurants Cham Pang Lanes and Palma. Just look for the humble door with the donkey on it, walk on in, raise a glass and say “Salud!” Hundred Mile Brewing Co. 690 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, TEMPE HUNDREDMILEBREWING.COM Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, tucked in near a Holiday Inn Express along the north bank of Tempe Town Lake, Hundred Mile Brewing Co. is worth seeking out for its indoor/outdoor vibe that’s big enough for groups yet appro- priate for date night. The operation, which opened in December 2022, is housed in a 10,000-square-foot white brick former print shop. A large patio with an awning in front includes a dog-friendly turf area and games such as cornhole and giant Connect Four. Owner Sue Rigler and her team churn out quality brews that include IPAs, a hoppy pilsner, smooth amber ale, pale ale and more. The kitchen offers ramped-up bar food for almost any taste, including chimichurri nachos, a sesame-crusted ahi salad, vegan burger and coffee-rubbed short ribs. There’s also a full bar with an impressive cocktail selection and a wine list that hits all the right notes. Kitsune Brewing Co. 3321 E. BELL ROAD, SUITE B-5 KITSUNEBREWINGCO.COM Kitsune Brewing Co. has been open for less than a year, but it’s quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood staple and a draw for craft beer fans. Owner Tyler Smith and his brew team have stretched their offerings beyond the beers that they opened with — including Forager Hazy IPA and Fox Diver Brown — to include a regularly rotating sour program that leans into nostalgic flavors — both real and imagined — such as orange creamsicle and Bantha Milk, the creamy blue milk from the yak-like crea- tures in “Star Wars.” You’ll often hear Smith before you see him. His infectious laugh bounces across the space as he chats with guests. While we’re still anxiously awaiting Kitsune’s upcoming and adjoining ramen bar, a rotation of on-site food trucks sates your hunger as you order another round. Liar’s Club 130 N. CENTRAL AVE. LIARSCLUBPHX.COM After navigating through a bumpy path to opening, Liar’s Club welcomed its first customers into its funky digs in downtown Phoenix in late 2022. The long, narrow space features a bar on one wall and high tables and booth seating on the other. Dim, warm lights illuminate the tables, high- lighting the artful drinks and drool-worthy pizza that everyone orders. The food and drinks don’t quite match — Detroit-style squares of nostalgic cheesy goodness, wings and fries paired with high-level mixology — but it works. The contradic- tion fits the name and the space, which is perfect for a chill date night or a quick bite before heading to a concert downtown. And, a giant plastic alligator perches on one wall, because, well, why not? Tyler Smith launched Kitsune Brewing Co. Sara Crocker Top 100 Bars from p 13 >> p 16