Allison Young Sips from p 35 Ragged Sailor, made with coffee and chic- ory-infused vodka and topped with a light green pandan cream. Customers can sit inside the very small bar located behind the also recently opened Lom Wong Thai restaurant or enjoy the larger patio space, strung with glowing lanterns and decorated with black-and-white murals that contrast with bright, floral tablecloths. Music and conversation hum throughout the space as reservations fill up each evening. The Ostrich 10 North San Marcos Place #B1, Chandler 480-917-4903 crustrestaurants.com/the-ostrich There are two ways in to The Ostrich, and both are hard to find. This downtown Chandler bar is set up like an old-school speakeasy, complete with a red lightbulb that lets you know you are in the right place. The outdoor entrance is located to the side of Crust Simply Italian on Commonwealth Avenue. Descend a staircase that looks like it should be just for employees, and enter the darkness. Alternately, find a door covered in kitchen utensils inside the pizzeria and enter that way. Once downstairs, notice sparkling chandeliers and plush velvet chairs that contrast with the hard, gray concrete shell of the space. A brightly lit bar draws you in, with bottles of spirits and glasses that sparkle. At The Ostrich, the menu is full of unusual ingredients such as absinthe, green Chartreuse, and banana liqueur. Pick a drink from the list, or order a Dealer’s Choice and let the experienced bartenders create a cocktail just for you. On a recent visit, a customer asked for “something fun with vodka.” A few minutes later, she received a champagne flute filled with a bright blue cocktail complete with a swirl of edible glitter. 36 The Rose Garden 101 North First Avenue 602-899-2988 therosegardenaz.com Floral wallpaper, artwork in antique frames, flamingo pink-fringed light Sit on the patio or inside the small bar at Khla. fixtures, and a life-size stuffed peacock set the tone at the Rose Garden, a new botanical-themed cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix. The drinks, which are just as beautiful as the space, come adorned with an array of creative garnishes such as flowers, sticky honey, and a flash of green pistachios. Some of the cocktails are light, bright, and summery, while others offer a deeper, darker finish. On a hot afternoon, cool down with the bright and refreshing Yellowjacket, made with tequila, peach, coconut, kiwi, lime, and rhubarb bitters. To end the night, indulge in a Wolfsbane, which includes bourbon and the chocolatey notes of mole. From the decor to the drinks, the Rose Garden is a secret worth sharing. The White Rabbit 207 North Gilbert Road, Gilbert twr.bar The White Rabbit is yet another speakeasy-style bar, this time complete with a required password. But don’t let the gimmick deter you. The cocktails make everything better. And don’t take things too seriously, as a little treasure hunt can be fun. Around the side of the historic Heritage Court building, look for a staircase topped with a red light. Hint: The doorman waiting at the bottom also gives the location away. Once inside, you’ll enter a hallway with a secret door that leads to the bar. The atmosphere of the bustling downtown Gilbert nightlife district melts away, replaced by an air of elegance. Don your evening best, and grab a seat at the bar or along a double row of throne-like booths. Smoked-glass chande- liers sparkle overhead, and 1920s-style portraits adorn the walls. While QR code menus quickly bring customers back to 2022, the drink list itself is full of gems. Try the Lil Tricky for a bright, fruit- forward cocktail with passionfruit, guava, and more than a hint of smoke; or skip straight to dessert with the 1837, a creamy bourbon-based creation garnished with a cinnamon stick and dried banana slice. OCT 13TH–OCT 19TH, 2022 PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | FEATURE | NEWS | OPINION | FEEDBACK | CONTENTS | phoenixnewtimes.com
