The Valley culinary scene has long offered imaginative dining options, especially in recent years. However, a new wave of epicurean outposts is raising the curtain on something far more theatrical: experiential drinking and dining. From immersive supper clubs where dinner doubles as a show to clandestine speakeasies where cocktails whisper stories, the Valley is being transformed into a stage for epicurean imagination and indulgence.
Supper Clubs: Dining as Theater
Leading the charge is SHIV Supper Club, a first-of-its-kind upscale concept in Old Town Scottsdale. Much like its namesake culinary tool, Shiv is crafted with precision, sharp in design, daring in its menu, and unforgettable in its atmosphere. With its cascading drapes, sculptural accents, dramatic lighting, and live music that reverberates with curated energy, the space feels like its own universe. The culinary program mirrors the stage, serving artfully plated dishes built on luxurious ingredients. Imaginative martinis, bespoke cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list tie it all together, ensuring every moment feels like part of the performance. At Shiv, dinner isn’t just a meal; it is fine dining amplified, offering a feast for eyes, ears, and palate alike.
In Chandler, Vybe Restaurant offers its own sensory playground. As the anchor of The Forum entertainment complex, Vybe is designed to be a “choose your own adventure” kind of evening. Inside, wall-to-wall video projections set the backdrop while ambient performers glide through the dining room, creating a constant sense of surprise. A soundtrack of smooth lounge beats from rotating DJs provides rhythm while plates and cocktails deliver flavor and flair.
Not far away, another Chandler hotspot is helping to redefine Arizona nightlife. Warren’s Supper Club is quickly gaining a reputation for offering guests an intimate blend of dining, cocktails, and entertainment. With its elevated cuisine and stylish atmosphere, Warren’s takes the traditional supper club model and infuses it with modern Valley energy. Expect a place where every table feels special, every plate has a story, and every night offers an air of exclusivity.
For those seeking something even more elusive, The Ra Ra Room sets the gold standard. Hidden inside the Phoenix Suns’ downtown arena, this membership-only destination is the nation’s first private dining club tucked within a sports venue. Its entrance, marked only by a glowing martini glass, hints at the glamour beyond: a lavish Art Deco lounge awash in gilded details and smoky intrigue. Created by Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia alongside culinary icon Mario Carbone, The Ra Ra Room indulges members with upscale favorites paired with world-class wines and spirits. Membership includes concierge service, valet parking, curated events, and early access to arena happenings. Open for select nights and home games, The Ra Ra Room proves supper clubs can be both timeless and cutting-edge.
Speakeasies: Secrets Worth Sharing
While supper clubs dazzle with spectacle, Arizona’s new breed of speakeasies thrives on mystery, intimacy, and nostalgia. These hidden rooms are not simply spots to have a sip but also escapes into other worlds.
At The Peacock in DC Ranch, slipping behind The Living Room restaurant feels like entering Scottsdale’s best-kept secret. Just 1,000 square feet in size, the space hums with Prohibition-era charm, oozing ambiance thanks to its low-lit interiors, avant-garde animal prints and accents, and plush seating. Whether guests come for a nightcap or to linger with friends, the speakeasy slows time in the best possible way.
Just north of The Peacock, Poppy’s Office offers another kind of intimacy—one steeped in legacy. Tucked beside Liberty Station in North Scottsdale, the speakeasy is a tribute to the late Paul “Poppy” Keeler, a beloved figure in Arizona hospitality. Guests enter through a replica of Keeler’s own office, then pass into a warmly lit lounge adorned with family photos and mementos. Drinks at Poppy’s are as meaningful as they are beautiful, with seasonal creations that tell stories and signature pours that honor Keeler himself.
Finally, in Central Scottsdale, there is The Madam, which is hidden above the lobby at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton. Inspired by the 1920s, the ultra-intimate space is only accessible to those with the secret password. To find it, explore the brand’s social media or connect with the staff while on the property. Once you know it, make your way up a staircase to a hidden room of edible and drinkable wonder.
A Culinary Evolution
Together, these supper clubs and speakeasies are reshaping the way Arizonans approach a night out. They prove that dining and drinking are no longer about simply what is on the plate or in the glass alone. It is about the story, the stage, and an upscale adventure.