Explore Artsy Neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona

The arts and culture scene in Phoenix, Arizona has attracted creatives from everywhere, and murals, cafes, and First Fridays’ capture the vibrant spirit that thrives in this Southwest city. Next time you’re in Phoenix, explore these three hip, artsy neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona to get your creative juices flowing.

The Melrose District

This 1-mile curvaceous road stretches from Indian School Road to Camelback Road and is known as the “gayborhood” for its LBGTQ+ hot spots, trendy mid-century modern antique shops, and its award-winning elevated cuisine. Go explore the restaurants and bars. Grab a coffee from a converted gas station at Copper Star Coffee, and then walk over to James Beard Award nominated Valentine for brunch, where you can also peruse for antiques at Modern Manor. For lunch, try Fry Bread House, where their big, fluffy native-style tacos will leave you more than fulfilled (featured in our Top 3 Taco Spots in Phoenix, AZ). Across the street, you’ll see the entrance to the canal, where you can stroll and admire local art on the murals as you walk next to the water. For dinner and craft cocktails, head over to Belly for fresh, elevated South Asian cuisine. For nightlife, start off at Stacy’s @ Melrose, grab a few photos by their iconic rainbow angel wings wall, the rainbow crosswalk, and the only glow-in-the-dark mural in Phoenix, Arizona, before heading in for a wild night of fun. End your night at Charlie’s, Phoenix’s favorite and largest LGBTQ+ bar, which hosts nightly shows with award-winning entertainment, and has been for the past 35 years.

Roosevelt Row District

Locals know to head over to Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix during the First Friday Art Walk, one of the largest public art walks in the U.S. It seems as if the whole city comes alive during First Friday, with throngs of people walking everywhere enjoying live music, the smells of delicious food, and the art of local artists. Roosevelt Row truly is the heart of Phoenix’s arts district. Enjoy the nightlife of Roosevelt Row, try the speakeasy at Rough Rider, inspired by Teddy Roosevelt himself, or for Asian-inspired cocktails, try Khla, where you can order the purple Manila Vice. There’s an anime-themed Hi-Score Club next door to Cobra Arcade Bar, and there’s Lucky’s Indoor Outdoor for live music and a rotating food truck. Head over to women-owned and inspired Greenwood Brewery or Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. to enjoy a beer outside. To get a sense of the community, head over to The Pemberton or the shipping containers at The Churchill, where the 1½ Street Mural Project is right behind. During the day, you can take a yoga class or catch a drag disco brunch at Kahvi Coffee + Café, shop for local gifts at Bunky Boutique, or simply enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies of this colorful Phoenix neighborhood.

Historic Grand Ave. 

You’ll know you’re on Historic Grand Ave. when you start seeing trees wrapped in knitted afghans and your sidewalk starts to change colors. This artsy neighborhood in Phoenix is filled with surprise and delight. There’s the purple Prince mural, an homage to the late artist, with paintings of Selena, Amy Winehouse, and other notable late artists nearby, and across the street is one of the only and oldest tiki bars in Phoenix, Bikini Lounge, which has been around since 1947. Pick up an old-fashioned vinyl record or two from Grand Ave. Records, voted by Spin Magazine as “One of the 10 Great Record Stores in America.” If you’re thirsty, go to Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge to grab a matcha tea while people-watching as you sit cross-legged on a pillow in the window. If coffee is more your scene, try El Charro Hipster Bar and Cafe, which also serves non-alcoholic beer, chapulines-grillos (crickets), and organic coffee. Finish your evening with tasting a Sonoran dish and a craft cocktail, and maybe picking up a handmade pinata, at Bacanora, named by Esquire as one of the “40 New Restaurants in America” in 2021.

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