Phoenix is a city that offers much more than its desert landscape and high-rise skyline. For those interested in experiencing the local drinks scene, the city provides a variety of memorable tours. Whether you’re into ghost stories and historic pubs or want to pedal through downtown with friends, Phoenix has something that can turn any night into a fun-filled adventure. I particularly like the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour for its spooky vibe and historical insights, and the Pedal Bar Crawl for a lively, social experience on wheels. For a more personalized day, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour lets you tailor your tastings, and if you’re eager to learn how to make sushi and enjoy wine, the Sushi Making Class adds a culinary twist to your stay.
No matter your style, these options showcase why Phoenix is a surprisingly versatile destination for drinking tours — from ghostly pubs to craft breweries and lively pub crawls. Let’s explore each of these experiences so you can pick the one that best fits your mood and schedule.
1. Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
At number 1, the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour offers a spooky twist on your typical night out. This tour [] takes you through some of Phoenix’s most haunted and crime-ridden bars and historic buildings, all while sharing stories about the city’s darker past. Meeting your historian guide just north of downtown, the small-group format ensures an intimate experience—perfect if you want a deeper dive into the city’s true crime stories and ghostly legends.
The tour visits notable sites like the George and Dragon English Pub, site of one of the most horrific acts in US history, and the Hotel San Carlos, known for its resident spirits. Each stop is free to enter, but the stories you’ll hear are the real highlight. With reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and humor, this tour stands out for its storytelling and atmospheric venues. It’s ideal for those interested in local legends, haunted locations, and crime history with a side of nightlife.
Bottom Line: If you love tales of ghostly encounters and old Phoenix crime stories, this tour offers a mix of history, spookiness, and a few drinks along the way.
2. Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix
Coming in at number 2, the Pedal Bar Crawl Tour is a lively, social way to explore downtown Phoenix. For around $70, you and up to 14 friends can hop on a Party Bike guided by a professional who handles the driving. [] This tour combines the fun of pedaling with visits to three different bars, with VIP access and drink specials included.
Starting at the Arizona Wilderness full bar, you’ll pedal to spots like the Stardust Pinbar, a hidden speakeasy, and Pedal Haus Brewery, a bicycle-themed brewery in Roosevelt Row. The bike’s sound system and LED lights create a festive atmosphere, perfect for celebrating a bachelor/bachelorette party or just a fun night out with friends. Guests can BYO drinks on the bike, making it flexible to your preferences.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, active way to sample downtown Phoenix’s nightlife with friends, this guided pub crawl on wheels is hard to beat.
3. Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour
At number 3, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour offers a personalized experience that can be tailored to your tastes. This private tour [] covers local breweries, wine regions, or even mead producers, depending on your interests. With a flexible schedule of 4 to 8 hours, it’s ideal for a group wanting to explore multiple beverage options without worrying about transportation.
Your guide handles all logistics, so you can focus on enjoying tastings—whether at breweries in Downtown Phoenix or in the Verde Valley Wine Region. Guests rave about the friendliness of the guide and how much they learn during the drive. This tour is best suited for those who want a customized, hassle-free day of tasting and are comfortable with a private, often more relaxed pace. It’s also suitable for groups interested in wine as well as craft beer or mead.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who prefer a tailored experience with a focus on local breweries and wineries, with the convenience of private transportation.
$325.00 per person
4. Phoenix: Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar
Number 4 on our list is the Sushi Making Class at a Local Wine Bar. For $75, you’ll learn how to roll sushi with a professional chef guiding you step-by-step. Held at a local wine bar, this experience [] combines culinary skill with wine tasting, making it ideal for foodies wanting to add a Japanese twist to their Phoenix trip.
During the class, you’ll make dishes like blackened ahi tuna sushi, spicy shrimp rolls, and crispy vegetable wraps. The hands-on nature makes it engaging, and you get to enjoy your creations afterward. This experience is perfect for a date night or a small group wanting a more intimate, interactive outing. The pairing with wine adds a relaxing element that complements the culinary activity.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in learning new skills and combining food with drinks, this sushi class provides a fun, social, and delicious option.
$75 per person
5. Phoenix Bar Crawl
Rounding out the list, the Phoenix Bar Crawl is a straightforward, app-led adventure perfect for spontaneous exploration. Although it lacks reviews at the moment, the concept involves discovering landmarks and hidden spots through trivia and puzzles. With a duration of about 1.5 hours and a cost of just under $15, it’s an affordable way to add some interactive fun to your night.
This experience can be tailored to your pace and interests, making it suitable for smaller groups or solo explorers who want a guided activity without the commitment of a full tour. It offers a different approach—more game-like and puzzle-oriented—compared to the other, more traditional pub experiences.
Bottom Line: Best for those who enjoy interactive challenges and exploring independently but with a guided framework.
$14.99 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Phoenix
When selecting your ideal Phoenix drinking tour, consider your budget, interests, and the experience you’re seeking. If spooky stories and historic pubs excite you, the Haunted Pub Ghost Tour is a top pick. For a lively group outing, the Pedal Bar Crawl offers fun on wheels, while the Custom Brewery Tour suits those who want a personalized, relaxed tasting day. If culinary adventures are more your style, the Sushi Making Class combines drinks with hands-on cooking.
Also, think about your time constraints: the Bar Crawl is quick and easy, whereas the Brewery/Vineyard Tour offers a full-day experience. For last-minute plans or spontaneous fun, the Phoenix Bar Crawl can be booked easily via the app. Remember to book early, especially for private and popular experiences, and consider visiting during the cooler months for a more comfortable outing.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix provides an appealing mix of historic hauntings, craft breweries, lively pub crawls, and interactive classes. The variety ensures that no matter your taste, you’ll find a tour that fits your mood—whether that’s spooky, social, or culinary. For those wanting a mix of history and storytelling, the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour is a standout. If celebrating with friends on wheels sounds appealing, the Pedal Bar Crawl is hard to beat. And for a personalized day of tastings, the Custom Brewery/Vineyard Tour offers flexibility.
No matter which you choose, booking early guarantees you’ll secure your spot for these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Phoenix’s best drinking scenes—sip, learn, and enjoy!