Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

It is unacceptable to find (in this day and age) a place were customers are nice and down to earth, the service is amazing and bartenders get to know you like old friends.
They have an ungodly long drink menu with delicious drink that will suit any palette and their food is right sized and right priced.
I feel disgusted they make me feel good after a bad day …
See you next week!

UPDATE: I got a very thoughtful reply from a staff member on my review suggesting that my unfortunate interaction with a staffer was probably not representative of how things go down overall, even in the cases a bartender feels compelled to make a cautionary note on a requested substitution. AND SO! I am going to happily eat crow and update my review to reflect my experience suppressing memory of that negative interaction. See ya soon, B&T. Let’s have Scotch next time.
What’s quick and dirty on Bitter & Twisted? The drinks are good and fairly priced, the liquor selection is great, and the barstools are above-​average comfortable. I had three drinks, two off the menu, and then for the last one I just asked the bartender to make something he thought sounded good. They were all really good! You kinda get the vibe that the place takes itself a bit too seriously, but don’t we all in our own way?
I didn’t have one, but the Long Island comes in a can, which is pretty cool imho.
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So like, I predicted that the reviews on this place would be largely positive with a few really negative reviews from people complaining about rude staff. Guess how I guessed that?
Lemme tell you what had happened…
My body hates rye. If I consume rye-​based alcohols, I break out in hives, my body temperature increases a lot, I get far more intoxicated than I should for the amount consumed, and no one has a good time. Especially not me the morning after when my bowel decides to just murder me from the inside. That said, it seems pretty unique to rye. I can drink bourbon, whiskey, Scotch and have a great time.
So, I go here with my buddy after catching David Sedaris at the Orpheum, as one does. I naturally want to try the Sazerac, but I ask the bartender if he can make it with bourbon instead of rye whiskey because «my body has a really weird reaction, and I break out in hives. It’s suuuuuuuper lame.» At this point, I’m jovial. Playful. Kittenish.
The look I got? Ew. And then in a mildly condescending tone, I got a wee sermon on «the intention» of the cocktail and how I shouldn’t be disappointed if I mess with the recipe and don’t like it.
Dudebro, I did NOT just ask you to make me a Vesper with Absolut Vanilla. Calm yourself down. But also, you think I’m just guessing I have a serious inflammatory reaction to rye? You think I’m just shooting in the dark on that? Did you listen to me when I said what I said to you?
I get it. You worked really hard to come up with these recipes. You’re not a bartender, you’re a purveyor of fine cocktails, and you like your menu so much you put an ISBN on it.
But like, I just told you I have a negative physiological reaction to an ingredient, and more importantly you did not invent the Sazerac, and let’s just talk about that for a second. The Sazerac is a cocktail that was originally made with (and named for) a brand of Cognac and is the official cocktail of New Orleans. Since that time, it has commonly been made with rye and bourbon whiskey as a base, and people have even played with swapping Absinthe for Herbsaint, which is also produced by the Sazerac Company. A bourbon-​based Sazerac is not blasphemy. It’s part of the drink’s history. If you wanna claim purity, make the damn thing with cognac.
I don’t care if you acted the way you did because you weren’t listening or if you are just that invested in your vision for these drinks (which I turn into pee, by the way). But as a matter of principle, don’t tell a customer her health comes at the expense of your artistry.

Wholly yumminess — I was in town for a conference and decided to stop in. I sat at the bar and after looking at the overwhelming menu for a few minutes — I just asked the bar tender to make me any drink. He was incredible. My first drink was a Chocolate Sazerac, then a Gin Fashioned, then the Honey bear drink. All three were absolutely phenomenal and so creative. I’ve never had drinks like that before so it was a nice experience. Decently priced for a good, «spirit forward» drink!

I closed down Bitter & Twisted on ⁵⁄₁₄ for my Bachelor party, and what a way to end the night. Bitter and Twisted has, without a doubt, the best Mojito I can recall having in the state. I only feel bad about ordering so many of them (according to a bar tender that I read occasionally, it’s one of the more labor intensive drinks to make). The atmosphere of the bar is second-​to-​none, is well decorated, with just the right amount of light and noise. Service was excellent, fast, and attentive. The menus? Honestly — who has menus that are worth talking about in a review? Bitter and Twisted. That’s who. I grew up in the 80s so it was a very welcome dose of familiarity and nostalgia.
For food, there wasn’t much of it that we consumed. Basically a few orders of popcorn which was surprisingly excellent. My only regret of the evening is that we weren’t early enough to really experience more of Bitter and Twisted’s food and drink menu (although considering the amount of mojito’s I had, in addition to libations consumed through the evening, this would probably have been a very bad idea).
Highly recommended.

Gave this place another try only due to friends we were out with who encouraged us to try again. I was open minded and hopeful that our second time around would be better — but unfortunately it wasn’t. The same rude guy was at the door and demonstrated the same rude behavior (judging us based on looks and saying we couldn’t come in). They don’t have to give a reason to turn you away, they can just say you aren’t welcome. If you question their judgement they just become even more rude!!!
The place obviously gets a lot of business because there is a line to get in each time we have gone (or walked by) but not sure how when they cast such judgement on people. They don’t allow standing in their bar area, it’s seating only. Who ever heard of a bar like that?
I’m really shocked at the number of positive reviews this place gets, they must be paying people or something. Go to Copper Blues across the street. The drinks are great and the staff is nice and respectful!

I was staying in downtown Phoenix for a convention and decided to go out one night with my sorority sisters. We were looking for a bar and a chill scene and we found this place on Unilocal!
It was in walking distance of the hotel we were staying at and one of the places that was open till 2AM on a Saturday. When we got there, it looked kind of sketchy with the glass windows tinted so that you can’t see inside of it and a bouncer was at the front checking IDs. There was no line and no wait which was great! However I’ve never been to a bar where the bouncer looks on an iPad for seating inside the place.
You do have to be 21+ to enter, so take note of the that before! When we entered the location, there were curtains blocking the view of the place and a little opening where the hostess was standing. She looks at another iPad and seats you.
The décor reminds me of the 50’s mixed with the Victorian ages. There is also loud music that is playing with some of today’s music and some oldies, which gives it a club type feel (but there is no dancing room).
The one thing I loved about this place is that they have a booklet filled with different types of drinks depending on what you’re looking for! I got a fruit filled drink with watermelon and the waitress was very knowledgeable about all the drinks.
I gave this place 4 stars because everything was great but the drinks (mine and what my sisters ordered) did not really taste any alcohol in them so it seemed like just juice for the price of an alcoholic drink. Also, we ordered a cheesy bread and I kid you not, it was the size of one piece of garlic bread cut into four pieces. The presentation was nice and I would come back but I wish I would get more bang for my buck.

Best meal I had in Phoenix. Hands down.
Such a low-​key restaurant and bar. You go into this building and past the red curtains. It’s a huge place and they hand you a menu that looks like a video game manual. I love that they map out all the different types of cocktails for you. You choose based on how strong and how eclectic you want your drinks.
Cocktails I had:
— Strawberry «sundae»: zubrowka bison grass vodka with cream, strawberries, chocolate, vanilla and banana liqueurs — LOVED this!!!
— Tiramisu — dessert in cocktail form? YES PLEASE
Food:
— Typhoon chicken: fried chicken and 8 spice salt, bread crumbs, chilies, scallion, garlic and watermelon kimchi lettuce cups. Highly recommended.
— Ramen «Momo» Burger: the bun was replaced by crispy ramen, and meat cooked to your liking.

Basis for my starred ratings (which skews heavily to the food or drink):
1 star: Never again.
2 stars: Poor food, poor experience, extraordinary measures in order for me to come back.
3 stars: Average, nothing really special, nothing particularly bad.
4 stars: Very good, would definitely return.
5 stars: A favorite, one of the best.
Very solid cocktail bar, very good addition to the downtown scene.
We’ve been here a few times to eat and drink, last night just to drink. We got a lemongrass collins and the house punch. The punch was quite good, very well-​balance citrus with the underlying milk notes that its description promises. Hints of bitter and tart, it was a well constructed cocktail, especially for a punch. It was also $ 14 for a teacup full (they actually served it in a teacup, which I did not mind at all). A little steep for a pre-​made cocktail of that size without knowing more about what goes into it.
The lemongrass collins was very good too. Almost a perfect cocktail with one exception — too much vanilla. Vanilla sugar goes into the cocktail and the vanilla overwhelms the other great flavors in the drink. If they reduced the sweetness by 25−45%, this would be a perfect summer cocktail — citrusy, sweet, tart.
We’ve ordered food here before and I think it’s the only place in the Valley that serves a ramen burger. I’ve had the original in LA, this one is a good approximation. It’s worth getting. We’ve also gotten the Typhoon Chicken and the Yum Yum noodles. The chicken is crispy in the Typhoon Chicken, pretty well seasoned, but the watermelon kimchi throws it off a bit and soggies it up a little. The Yum Yum noodles were pretty tasty, a little salty, but good to have along with drinks.
Props to Bitter and Twisted for coming downtown and making a stand and coming up with a very comprehensive and aggressively ambitious cocktail menu. It’s no PDT or Employees Only (both NYC) or Varnish or Edison (both LA) or Canon (in Seattle), but it’s a solid cocktail bar worth visiting.

Overall service was awesome.
From the time we walked in to the time we left, all the servers were attentive. We had one main waitress, however, 3 additional servers came to us to top our waters off or simply asked how the food was.
Food was amazing as well as the drinks. I love the whole idea of picking a beverage depending on how you would want to feel after finishing the drink: Get to the Point, Refresh, Divergent, and Play it Safe. The drinks served was spot on.
I will definitely come back a third, fourth, fifth time!

With the use of Unilocal and some friends recommendations stopped at this place. They seated our large party quickly and service was great. The Manhattan’s are soooo smooth here. If you go please do yourself a favor and get a Ramen burger. Absolutely amazing dish and all of the flavor was beyond what I had expected.

My experience at cocktail parlor is like a story from a wild and crazy time, the 90’s.
Imagine two friends driving across country to see there favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan. Sure, the hype is huge but you must see it in person.
–Consequently, I’ve heard the hype had to try it.
Yet when they get there, they realize they have left the tickets at home.
Disregard the fact that my friend’s birthday happened to be 31 days ago, and yes albeit the law may say 30 days but this is where it gets bad. The staff made us wait 15 minutes until they could find the manager to ask if she could come in. Not only did we wait longer than cancer to form, but the manager didn’t even have the decency to come out and tell us that she isn’t allowed. Instead he hid behind the curtains like a scared little weasel. Unacceptable. Poor business practices and poor leadership qualities.

Glad to be review number 400 for this place; straight out a noir graphic novel, I finely lit prohibition watering hole that makes you glad the 21^st amendment was repealed.
Went in for a friends Feelin’ 22 bday bash and were very surprised at this bar tucked away in the corner of an Art Deco building; hand crafted cocktails (beyond creamy White Russians) and small plates make it my new favorite fancy ass place in downtown.

I wasn’t here to eat, I was here to drink and just walking in I could tell that the level of cocktail making was going to be super high. The cocktail menu is genius and a bit intimidating but the servers are very helpful and willing to help.
I did have a bite of my husbands ramen burger and it was delicious! So I’d recommend ordering that!

This place serves up the finest cocktails in the valley! The comic book themed menu has pages of beverages to choose from, so everyone’s palette gets pleasured. You get what you pay for as far as quality AND quantity!!! Quality liquor and fresh ingredients. It’s mixology at its finest!
Clean establishment. Excellent and friendly service.
Hey, don’t hmmm and haaa over the Bathtub beverage… just order it you dirty bastard. It’s tasty and great for groups of 3+!

Hands down my favorite cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix! It’s in an awesome location, though parking is found on the street and often metered. The bartenders are all incredibly seasoned and skilled at what they do. The first night I ever went I chatted with the bartender who happened to not only know some of the other bartenders at my other favorite restaurants but was willing to craft original cocktails for me based on my taste preferences.
Going during happy hour will give you the best bang for your buck. Their thrifty cocktails are a good gateway drug to becoming a regular here. It’s on the pricier side, with most drinks averaging at about 10 $. You can’t come here and not eat some of their food. It’s mostly Asian fusion, but they manage to do it pretty well. The Typhoon Chicken is some of the best fried chicken EVER. It’s super crispy and juicy and it comes with lettuce wraps and watermelon kimchi. It’s a must try. The Smashed Chips are great for you if you want to fill up your stomach a little with some starch. The Angry Panda is perfect for spice lovers and also comes with lettuce to wrap and eat like finger food.
The main attraction, the drinks, are a wonder. Their distinct menu takes a while to fully absorb and is filled to the brim with creative cocktails. And if the menu isn’t enough for you, they’ll pretty much make you any drink under the sun.

On a recent trip to Phoenix, one of my buddies raved about this place! Kept saying, we’ve gotta go! They’ve got great mixologists. Coming from San Francisco I was a little skeptical since this city has some pretty amazing mixologists but I thought I would give it a try.
OH-​EM-​GEE! This place is godsend. Such a big bar area for seating and the restaurant offered some great seating options as well. On my visit, we sat at the end of the bar and really had an awesome time. Here’s what you do. When the bartender takes your order, you tell them your favorite drink and why it’s your favorite drink. Describe the flavors that you like and what you don’t like. I promise, he’ll come back with the most amazing cocktail! I don’t know the name of it but I told him I LOVE and old fashioned. Also mentioned that I like the orange hint and love anything with whiskey. He came back with gold! The price was certainly reasonable as well.
This place is located in a great part of town and their handcrafted cocktails are on point. If you’re in the Phoenix area, you need to try this joint out! The experience is mad crazy!

Restaurant agréable, bon cocktail, tres bon fish & chips, service soigné! Le dumpling burger vaux le detour également ! On aime !

Finally got to try this place out for a night cap and a late night snack. They are good for both!
A trendy & hip spot so be sure to look your best!
Lots of fun and different cocktails offered. A handful of late night plates including noodles and burgers and even sweet treats.
I had the Oriental Squeeze with Vodka swapped for Gin and the Lemongrass Colin’s. Both had interesting flavors! I really enjoyed both drinks. We shared the Yum Yum noodles with pork belly and I have been craving them ever since!
Handcrafted cocktails aren’t cheap so keep that in mind when choosing your destination.
Great service and great ambiance. I’ll definitely be back.

I fell in love tonight! This bar or «cocktail lounge» as they call it is amazing!
The menu is extensive so be prepared to take your time picking out which cocktail you want to try first. The staff is very nice and not pushy at all, they will give you plenty of time to decide and they are also happy to help. I managed to try three different cocktails this visit. Before I get to that, I want to mention a little more about the staff… Super friendly, no attitude and very good service. The staff seem to work together as several different people checked on my table to see if I needed anything.
I started off with the Oriental Squeeze, then moved on to the Kaffir Lime and finished with the Wibble. I can honestly say that not one of these drinks is better than another. They are all AMAZING! The three cocktails I had all have citrus ingredients in common, something I tend lean towards. Please be patient, these cocktails are all handcrafted and made to perfection… This will of course take a little longer, but it’s well worth the wait!
They serve food late which is always a good thing. Nice menu with a limited but still really great late night menu. I had the grilled cheese bites for an appetizer and the green chili mac (macaroni and cheese) as my entrée. Oh so good! One of the top mac and cheeses in the valley!
I saw a few desserts come out to other tables, they look pretty epic! I’ll try to save room next time!
Check this place out! It’s in a great old building and is very well done. Very comfortable! I also want to mention how clean the restrooms are!
Enjoy!

Finally, the hubby and I stopped by on a Friday evening around 530p — we needed alcoholic drinks pronto as we had such a long workweek! Happy hour til 7p and there was no wait for a table: sweet!
I ordered the mojito, yum yum noodles with pork belly, the happy hour chicken, green chili mac with bacon and for dessert, the banoffee pot. Everything was fantastic! Every bite and every sip just made me forget the worries of the workweek and I fell in a relaxation bliss, finishing my cocktail before hubby finished his. That’s a first…
It was all too great — the best way to start my weekend. The only issue was parking — they don’t validate the parking structure at Cityscape, but I just went to CVS and got my parking ticket validated there.

Still one of my favorite bars in Downtown Phoenix! Ross serves up great drinks and their food menu is definitely exciting and is best described as a fusion of Asian flavors with an innovative touch.
I came here with a couple of gals for a GNO (girls night out) and started with yummy cocktails and some small plates to share. I decided to go with something a little different instead of my go-​to Whiskey or Rum and went with a Gin-​based cocktail, the Singapore Sling. For food we shared the Smash Chips and «Yum Yum» Noodles with Chicken & for dessert «Campfire» Marshmallows.
The Singapore Sling comes in a tall glass, filled with ice and topped with cute garnish. Lovely, refreshing and light. Tropical and fruity, plus with Gin you know it’s going to make you feel nice and relaxed, which was exactly what I was going for.
I’ve had the Smashed Chips and «Yum Yum» Noodles before and feel that both are strong in Asian and Spanish flavor. The Sambal chili type of flavor and the Salsa Verde, Avocado & Crema work well in this dish. Very interesting. This is definitely one to share as it is very filling! Hello carbs!
The «Yum Yum» Noodles use egg noodles and reminds me of a Mi Goreng meets Pad Thai, pretty good but something I feel you could order at any other Asian restaurant.
The only let down was the «Campfire» Marshmallows. Don’t get me wrong the presentation was lovely. It was presented with squared marshmallows on pretzel sticks in a wood holder and served with a side of chocolate. The marshmallows were very airy, didn’t have much flavor and the «roasted» parts seemed soggy like they were pre-​made as they were room temp. The pretzels seemed a bit stale, no crunch to them and the chocolate which I was expecting to be a rich, decadent Ghiradelli or high quality chocolate was runny and tasted just like Hershey’s syrup. Boo! Do not order this dessert as it was not worth the price.
Besides the dessert here, everything I’ve had thus far has always been amazing. The service is always spot on and fast. Great spot to hang out with friends and the menu is always eclectic and changing.