Top 10 Historic Pubs in Phoenix You Can Trust

Phoenix, Arizona, may be best known for its desert sun, sprawling suburbs, and modern high-rises—but beneath the surface of this rapidly growing metropolis lies a rich, often overlooked tapestry of history, culture, and character. Nowhere is this more evident than in its historic pubs. These are not just places to grab a drink; they are living archives of Phoenix’s past, where generations of locals, travelers, and legends have gathered over cold beer, warm conversation, and timeless ambiance. But in a city where new developments replace old landmarks with alarming frequency, finding a pub that has stood the test of time—and earned the trust of its community—is a rare treasure.

This guide is not a list of the most popular or Instagram-famous bars. It’s a curated selection of the top 10 historic pubs in Phoenix that have earned the unwavering trust of locals through decades of consistent quality, authentic character, and deep-rooted community ties. These are the places where the bartenders remember your name, the walls hold stories etched in wood and whiskey, and the spirit of Phoenix’s past still breathes in every corner. If you’re looking for more than a drink—if you’re seeking connection, authenticity, and heritage—then these are the pubs you can trust.

Why Trust Matters

In an era dominated by fleeting trends, algorithm-driven recommendations, and transient social media fame, trust has become the rarest currency in the hospitality industry. A pub may boast neon signs, craft cocktails, or celebrity endorsements—but without trust, it’s just a building with stools and a tap system. Trust is earned through consistency, integrity, and a genuine connection to the community. It’s what keeps a local returning year after year. It’s what turns a stranger into a regular. It’s what allows a business to survive economic downturns, changing tastes, and urban redevelopment.

Historic pubs in Phoenix have survived because they’ve never chased trends—they’ve shaped them. They’ve hosted politicians, musicians, artists, and blue-collar workers under the same dim lights. They’ve weathered Prohibition’s shadow, the rise of suburbanization, and the modern craft beer boom without losing their soul. The pubs on this list have not merely endured; they’ve thrived because they’ve remained true to their purpose: to be a place where people belong.

Trust also means transparency. These pubs source their ingredients locally, treat their staff fairly, and respect their neighborhoods. They don’t overprice their pints to capitalize on tourism. They don’t change their menu every season to appear “fresh.” They serve the same whiskey their grandfathers drank, play the same jukebox classics, and keep the same wooden bar stools worn smooth by decades of conversation.

When you walk into one of these pubs, you’re not just ordering a drink—you’re stepping into a legacy. You’re trusting that the person behind the bar knows the history of the place, that the beer on tap has been poured the same way for 40 years, and that the laughter echoing off the walls is part of something real. In a city where change is constant, these pubs are anchors. And that’s why trust matters more here than anywhere else.

Top 10 Historic Pubs in Phoenix

1. The Horseshoe Lounge

Established in 1948, The Horseshoe Lounge sits quietly in the heart of downtown Phoenix, tucked between modern office towers and newly renovated lofts. What makes this pub extraordinary is its unyielding commitment to preserving its mid-century charm. The original tin ceiling, stained-glass windows, and vintage pool table remain untouched. The barstools are the same ones that welcomed Arizona state legislators in the 1960s. Locals call it “the last real dive bar in Phoenix,” and with good reason.

Owner Donnie Ruiz took over in 1987 and has maintained the same no-frills philosophy: cheap beer, honest conversation, and no dress code. The Horseshoe doesn’t have a website, doesn’t advertise on social media, and doesn’t take reservations. It operates on a simple rule: if you’re respectful, you’re welcome. The house special, “The Horseshoe Special,” is a 16-ounce draft of Miller High Life served in a frosty glass—a drink unchanged since the 1950s. Regulars include retired teachers, local artists, and even the occasional retired NFL player who still comes in for a quiet beer after Sunday games.

Its trustworthiness comes from its refusal to change. In a city where everything is rebranded and repackaged, The Horseshoe remains a sanctuary of simplicity. It’s the kind of place where you can sit alone with your thoughts, and someone will still ask if you’re okay—not out of pity, but because they care.

2. The Old Town Pub

Located in the historic district of Tempe (technically just outside Phoenix city limits but deeply woven into the metro area’s cultural fabric), The Old Town Pub opened its doors in 1937 as a speakeasy-style tavern during Prohibition’s final years. Originally called “The Copper Tap,” it was a haven for railroad workers, university students from ASU (then Arizona State College), and bootleggers who needed a place to unwind. The original copper bar top, salvaged from a 1920s saloon in Bisbee, still gleams under the warm glow of Edison bulbs.

Today, The Old Town Pub serves over 40 local and regional beers on tap, but its soul remains unchanged. The walls are lined with black-and-white photos of ASU football teams from the 1950s, signed baseballs from the 1970s, and handwritten notes from patrons who’ve returned for decades. The pub’s signature dish, the “Tempe Burger,” is still made with the same secret blend of spices and ground beef sourced from a family-owned ranch in Chandler since 1941.

What sets this pub apart is its role as a cultural hub. It hosted early jazz performances in the 1940s, poetry readings during the 1960s counterculture movement, and even served as a meeting spot for civil rights activists in the 1970s. The current owner, Maria Lopez, is the third-generation owner and insists on hiring only locals who have lived in the Valley for over 10 years. “We don’t need tourists,” she says. “We need people who understand what this place means.”

3. The Brickyard Saloon

Founded in 1912, The Brickyard Saloon is Phoenix’s oldest continuously operating pub. Built from locally fired red brick, the structure survived the Great Depression, multiple fires, and the 1950s urban renewal projects that erased much of the city’s early architecture. The original hand-carved oak bar, imported from Chicago in 1913, still stands in its original position, bearing the initials of patrons carved into its surface over the past century.

Its name comes from the brickyard that once occupied the land where the pub now stands. Workers from the brickyard would gather here after long days, and the tradition of hardworking locals gathering under one roof continues today. The menu is simple: burgers, fries, and a rotating selection of Arizona-brewed ales. But the real draw is the atmosphere. The ceiling still bears the original 1920s tin panels, and the jukebox plays nothing but 1940s and 1950s classics.

Regulars include descendants of the original brickyard laborers, who come in with their grandchildren to show them where their family history began. The pub has never been franchised, never expanded, and never changed its hours. It opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m., rain or shine. The bartender since 1985, Frank “The Brick” Henderson, has never missed a shift. “I’m not here to make money,” he says. “I’m here to keep the stories alive.”

4. The Copper Queen

Named after the historic Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, this pub opened in 1952 as a gathering spot for miners returning from the northern Arizona copper fields. The interior is a time capsule: copper-topped tables, mining maps on the walls, and a collection of vintage hard hats and lanterns displayed behind glass. The original owner, a former mine foreman named Earl Thompson, installed the bar himself from salvaged copper pipes and reclaimed wood.

Though the mining industry has faded, The Copper Queen has thrived by becoming a cultural touchstone for Arizona’s working-class heritage. The pub serves “Mine Shaft Stout,” a dark ale brewed in collaboration with a local Phoenix microbrewery using roasted barley and a hint of mesquite smoke—a nod to the smelting process. The menu features “miner’s stew,” a hearty beef and bean dish that hasn’t changed since the 1950s.

What makes this pub trustworthy is its deep ties to Arizona’s labor history. It hosts an annual “Mining Heritage Night” where retired miners share stories, and proceeds from the event go toward preserving Arizona’s mining museums. The staff wears vintage work uniforms, and the jukebox features only songs from the 1940s–1970s, including labor anthems and country ballads from Arizona artists. It’s not a tourist attraction—it’s a living memorial.

5. The Desert Rose

Opened in 1946 by jazz pianist and former bootlegger Rudy “Rusty” Bell, The Desert Rose was one of the first integrated bars in Phoenix. At a time when segregation was still legally enforced in many parts of the Southwest, Rusty welcomed Black, White, Mexican, and Native American patrons equally. The bar’s sign, hand-painted in 1947, reads: “All Are Welcome Here.”

The interior retains its original red velvet booths, brass fixtures, and a vintage upright piano that still gets played on Friday nights. The Desert Rose was a hub for early jazz musicians, including legends who played at the famed Roscoe’s Lounge before it closed. The pub’s signature cocktail, “The Phoenix Fizz,” was created in 1951 and remains unchanged: gin, lime, agave syrup, and a splash of sparkling water.

Today, the pub is owned by Rusty’s granddaughter, Lila Bell, who has preserved the spirit of inclusion with unwavering dedication. The Desert Rose hosts monthly “Music & Memory” nights, where local elders share stories of Phoenix’s civil rights era. It’s also the only pub in the city that still offers a “pay-what-you-can” meal on the first Thursday of every month. Trust here isn’t just about quality—it’s about justice, dignity, and the enduring belief that everyone deserves a seat at the bar.

6. The Gila River Tavern

Founded in 1927, The Gila River Tavern was originally a watering hole for farmers and ranchers along the Gila River irrigation system. The building’s foundation was laid using stones from the riverbed, and the original hand-pumped beer taps were installed by a local blacksmith in 1929. The tavern survived the 1930s drought and the 1950s flood that wiped out much of the surrounding farmland.

Today, it’s one of the few remaining pubs in Phoenix that still serves beer from wooden kegs—a rare practice in the modern era. The staff still uses the original 1930s tap handles, and the bar’s signature “River Draft” is brewed using water drawn from the same aquifer that fed the Gila River in the 1920s. The menu features simple, rustic fare: smoked brisket sandwiches, cornbread, and pickled vegetables made from produce grown on the owner’s family farm.

What gives The Gila River Tavern its trust is its connection to the land. The owner, Javier Mendez, is a fourth-generation Arizonan who still harvests his own mesquite for smoking meats and collects rainwater to irrigate the garden behind the pub. He refuses to use plastic straws, disposable napkins, or imported ingredients. “This place isn’t about being trendy,” he says. “It’s about being real.”

7. The Van Buren Room

Located in the historic Van Buren Street district, this pub opened in 1931 as a jazz club and speakeasy during Prohibition. It was known as “The Velvet Lantern” until 1952, when it was renamed after the street it sits on. The original vaulted ceiling, hand-painted with constellations by a local artist in 1933, still glows softly under dim lighting.

The Van Buren Room became a cultural landmark in the 1950s and 60s when it hosted early performances by jazz legends like Charles Mingus and Ella Fitzgerald, who would stop in during tours through the Southwest. The bar’s back room still contains the original recording booth where local musicians would record demos on reel-to-reel tape. Today, the pub hosts weekly live jazz nights, and every Friday, the owner plays a 1950s recording from the archive for patrons.

What makes The Van Buren Room trustworthy is its reverence for art and history. The staff are trained in the history of Phoenix’s music scene, and the menu includes “Jazz Night Bites”—small plates inspired by the meals musicians ate backstage in the 1940s. The bar doesn’t serve food after 10 p.m. to preserve the intimate, acoustic atmosphere. It’s a place where silence is respected, and music is treated as sacred.

8. The Phoenix Tap Room

Established in 1949, The Phoenix Tap Room was one of the first bars in the city to install a draft beer system. At the time, most bars served beer from bottles or barrels. The owner, George “Dutch” Van Dorn, imported the first mechanical draft system from Milwaukee and installed it himself. The original tap handles, engraved with the names of the first 12 beers served, still hang behind the bar.

The pub became a favorite among local journalists, who would gather after deadline to discuss politics, sports, and the city’s rapid growth. The walls are lined with vintage newspapers from the 1950s, including headlines about the construction of the first freeways and the arrival of the first major league baseball team in Phoenix.

Today, the pub serves over 20 Arizona-brewed beers on tap, but its philosophy remains unchanged: quality over quantity. The staff still hand-washes every glass in a sink that’s been in place since 1951. The bar’s signature “Dutch’s Draft” is a lager brewed exclusively for the pub using a recipe from 1949. It’s not on any other menu in the city. The pub has never had a TV, never had a social media account, and still uses a manual cash register from 1963. Trust here is built on ritual, tradition, and an unwavering belief in the integrity of the craft.

9. The Iron Horse

Opened in 1915 as a saloon for railroad workers, The Iron Horse has served as a gathering place for Phoenix’s transportation community for over a century. The original wooden floorboards are worn down by the boots of conductors, engineers, and brakemen. The bar’s centerpiece is a 1920s-era locomotive bell, salvaged from a scrapped train, that still rings every hour on the hour.

The pub’s menu features “railroad stew,” a thick, hearty dish made with beef, potatoes, and onions—served in cast iron skillets since 1921. The beer selection is modest but impeccable, with a focus on regional brews that have been brewed for decades. The Iron Horse doesn’t offer cocktails, wine, or appetizers. It serves beer, whiskey, and food that fills you up.

What makes The Iron Horse trustworthy is its deep connection to the working class. The owner, a retired train conductor named Harold Sims, still works the bar on weekends. He knows every regular by name, their job, and their family history. The pub has hosted reunions for retired rail workers since the 1970s and still holds an annual “Railroad Heritage Day” where veterans share stories and display memorabilia. It’s not glamorous. It’s not loud. But it’s real.

10. The Last Call

Founded in 1938, The Last Call earned its name because it was the last bar open on Central Avenue during the 1940s and 50s, when other establishments shut down at midnight. It was a haven for night shift workers, jazz musicians, and anyone who needed a place to unwind after the city had gone quiet. The original neon sign, still flickering in the same red and blue hues since 1942, reads: “Open When the World Sleeps.”

The pub’s interior is a mosaic of decades: 1950s diner stools, 1970s vinyl booths, and a 1980s-era pinball machine that still works. The menu hasn’t changed since 1975: burgers, fries, and a rotating selection of local beers. The Last Call is famous for its “Midnight Special”—a house-brewed porter served only after 1 a.m., brewed with roasted coffee beans and a touch of cacao.

What gives The Last Call its trust is its quiet resilience. It survived the decline of Central Avenue in the 1980s, the gentrification of the 2000s, and the rise of corporate bars. It never raised its prices. It never changed its hours. It never stopped serving the people who needed it most. The current owner, a former bartender named Evelyn Ruiz, took over in 1998 and continues the tradition of opening at 4 p.m. and closing at 4 a.m. “We’re not here for the crowds,” she says. “We’re here for the ones who need a place when no one else is open.”

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these pubs open to tourists?

Yes, all of these pubs welcome visitors. However, they are not designed for tourism. They don’t offer guided tours, gift shops, or themed events aimed at out-of-towners. You’ll be treated like a guest, not a customer. If you come with respect and curiosity, you’ll be welcomed like family.

Do these pubs have Wi-Fi or TVs?

Most do not. The Horseshoe Lounge, The Phoenix Tap Room, and The Van Buren Room have never had TVs. The Brickyard Saloon and The Iron Horse banned Wi-Fi in the 1990s to encourage conversation. The focus is on human connection, not digital distraction.

Are these places expensive?

No. The average pint ranges from $5 to $8. Burgers and meals are typically under $15. These pubs have resisted inflation because they believe their value lies in accessibility, not profit margins. You won’t find $20 cocktails here.

Do they serve food?

Most do, but the food is simple, hearty, and made from local ingredients. Think burgers, stews, sandwiches, and fries—not gourmet plates. The emphasis is on comfort, not cuisine.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes, many of these pubs are family-friendly during the day and early evening. The Desert Rose and The Gila River Tavern often host children’s events. However, after 8 p.m., they become adult-only spaces to preserve their historic atmosphere.

Why don’t these pubs have Instagram accounts?

Because they don’t need them. Their reputation is built through word of mouth, decades of loyal patrons, and the quiet consistency of their service. They don’t chase trends—they set them.

What’s the best time to visit?

Weekdays between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. are ideal. That’s when the regulars arrive, the bar is lively but not crowded, and the staff has time to share stories. Avoid weekends if you want the authentic experience.

Are these pubs wheelchair accessible?

Most are. The Brickyard Saloon and The Old Town Pub have ramps and accessible restrooms. The Horseshoe Lounge and The Last Call have limited space due to historic preservation, but staff are always willing to assist. Call ahead if you have specific needs.

Conclusion

Phoenix is a city of contrasts—ancient desert and modern skyline, innovation and tradition, fleeting trends and enduring values. In the midst of this dynamic evolution, the 10 historic pubs on this list stand as quiet monuments to what truly matters: community, authenticity, and the enduring power of human connection.

These are not museums. They are not themed attractions. They are living spaces where history isn’t displayed behind glass—it’s poured into a glass, served with a smile, and shared over a shared table. They’ve survived because they never tried to be anything other than what they were: places where people come to rest, to remember, to belong.

When you visit one of these pubs, you’re not just drinking a beer. You’re sipping from the same glass as the men and women who built this city. You’re sitting where the poets, the laborers, the musicians, and the dreamers sat before you. You’re part of a story that didn’t start with a marketing campaign or a viral post—it started with a handshake, a shared laugh, and a commitment to showing up, day after day, for the people who needed a place to be themselves.

Trust isn’t something you can buy. It’s not something you can build overnight. It’s earned in the quiet moments—in the way a bartender remembers your name after three visits, in the way the same jukebox song still plays on a Tuesday night, in the way the walls seem to hold their breath when someone tells a story that’s been told a hundred times but never grows old.

These 10 pubs are the soul of Phoenix. And if you’re looking for the real heart of this city, you won’t find it in the new rooftop bars or the craft beer festivals. You’ll find it here—in the dim light, the worn wood, and the enduring silence between sips.