Category: Misc.

Got the Blues? The Best Blues Bars in Phoenix

By michaelgavin
updated 5 months ago

If you grew up with the musical backgrounds that I did, then you also love the blues like I do. After performing in a live blues/rock band for several years in and around the state of Arizona, I was able to learn what the best blues clubs were and where they are located, and why they are the best blues clubs in the state. Contrary to what many may think, Phoenix, Arizona actually has some great blues clubs, albeit some of them are tiny and a little bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but that just makes them all the better in my opinion. If you end up in the desert city of Phoenix and find yourself craving the soulful melodies that only blues/rock can offer, then head to one of these blues clubs—your ears will thank me.

The Rhythm Room is the best-known blues club in the state and is considered to be the top place to get a gig if you are in a blues band in AZ. There are a few great reasons why this place is thought of so highly. For one, they have a great stage, it is very large and they have top-notch gear that is well maintained. For second, they have ample room and seating inside this joint for several hundred patrons, and finally, you can catch some of the biggest blues bands in the nation at this place regularly; you will pay steep ticket prices however.

Located in central Phoenix, The Rhythm Room does not look like much from the outside, a rather plain and drab, brown building with no features. However once inside the story changes quite a bit. Decorated with all sorts of blues memorabilia that is mostly autographed by some very famous blues artists, the ambience, and the small, candlelit tables, and of course the main feature, the stage, will grab you by the ears from the get-go.

The top blues performing acts in the country always hit up The Rhythm Room on their way through Arizona. Rhythm Room is kind of like the Arizonan version of the House of Blues—only a little smaller and a little more refined. If you are hell bent on great blues music, look nowhere else in the valley. Rhythm Room is the number one spot to go.

26 St Blues

2547 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016

This smaller dive bar has recently undergone some minor renovations which included the addition of a new stage and plenty of great gear. The end result was what was expected: another small and great, lively blues club in the phoenix area for all of us blues junkies to be able to fill in our daily craving for this music. They offer okay eats, decent drink prices and some great live blues music. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in the Phoenix area craving some blues.

Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club

4853 E. Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85250

This hopping swing and dance club located in central Phoenix is one of the only swing clubs in the state. They also happen to offer swing dancing lessons and of course boast their very own swing dance troupe. If you are looking for a place to swing the night away to some kicking tunes, then make sure you check out this awesome club.

Pat Murphys Pub & Grill

3215 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018

An Irish bar located in central phoenix that features three different types of live acts. Irish bands, of course, blues/rock, and jazz. Quite often they host some of the top traveling blues bands in the country as well as plenty of local performers. Cheap drink prices, lots of specials and affordable eats as well as a great location all compliment this classy blues club and pub—so drink a Guinness and get ready to hear some soulful music.

Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que

3250 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85226

One of the only blues clubs in the Chandler area and thank goodness that they are here, otherwise there would not be any good blues spots in this smaller city. Great food, awesome drink specials and a decent stage compliment the inside. Most days of the week they feature live music, where you can pull up a bar stool, grab a burger and drink your favorite beer while listening to your favorite music.

Big Fish Pub

1954 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281

This very well-known live music venue is small and is not centrally located, but they have a great stage and awesome service. While their capacity is limited, they still manage to garner some of the bigger bands in the state. They throw all sorts of shows at this bar, and from time to time will host great blues bands. Just make sure you call them and see who is on the ballot before you head out. Downsides are that they do not serve food and their drink prices are high, especially for the small drinks that they serve.

One of the more popular blues clubs in the state enforces a strict code of musical conduct: they only allow blues and blues/rock bands to perform here, and that is it. Tough luck to the other guys, but hey they are a blues club right? At any rate, this smaller bar offers a decent-sized stage, plenty of great gear, a good amount of interior seating and good drink prices. Perhaps this is why the Phoenix New Times ranked them as the best blues club in the state.

But this is not why people frequent this club so often. Aside from the obvious, great blues bands, the inside offers a bluesy and quiet, almost romantic demeanor. They serve some food, but I would advise you stay away unless you want a stomach ache that night. They have pretty decent gear and the sound is always great at Chars. Just stop on in, grab a small table with a candle, order a fine beer and enjoy some of the best live blues music that the Valley of the Sun has to offer.

If you do not know where this very small and very popular blues club is located in downtown Phoenix, you could easily pass it by. I had passed it by many times, that was until I played a show there, and boy was I surprised. They have two rooms here which are both fairly small: the main area which seats about fifty and has the typical small bar seating and ambience, and the music room; which can hold about 40-50 patrons.

Their stage is custom built and really fun to play on, but it can get really hot in the music area. Some of the best-known blues bands in the state are regulars at Fat Cats for several reasons. One, they pay their bands really well. Two, they have a great stage and live sound. And three, they have really cheap drinks. If you are planning to visit downtown Phoenix and love the blues, make sure that you check out this venue.