GetOut Magazine

Party's in the bathroom at Scorch Bar
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
Dec. 12, 2002

Some shake their derrières on the dance floor, others mingle by the bar. But most patrons at Scorch Bar are hanging out where the real party is: the restrooms.

At the 3-month-old Desert Ridge nightclub, a carefully positioned window between the two restrooms gives both men and women a rare glimpse into each other's worlds well, at least the area in front of the mirrors.

I met a really hot guy last week after I came out of the bathroom, says Heidi Blyther, 23, of Scottsdale. We made eye contact when I was fixing my makeup. When I was done, I came out and he was waiting for me. He came up and introduced himself. We ended up hanging out the rest of the night.

For 21-year-old Jessica Morton of Tempe, the bathroom is just plain freaky. Ive seen drunk girls flash guys in here and then come out and wonder why their new bathroom buddies wont quit hitting on them. It makes me self- conscious to know that guys can see into here.

If you make it out of the bathroom, youll soon find more treats at Scorch Bar. The underground nightclub located at Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard looks like something out of Los Angeles. Inside, DJs spin anything from Top 40 to house to R&B while a crowd of twenty- and thirtysomethings pack a small dance floor. Theres a translucent screen where dancers can entertain the crowd with their shadowy figures. A towering lava lamp adds a hot feel to the bar, while plush booths offer an area for people to relax.

Be aware: Theres only one bar and its outside. People flock to it almost as quickly as they do to the unique restrooms.

This is my first time here, says Jason Contes, 28, of Phoenix. "Its pretty cool. I like that theres finally a cool place to go dancing down here. Its a great place to check out the ladies and have fun. Oh, and did you see the bathrooms?

Scorch Bar

Where: Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday
How much: $5-$10, no cover Tuesdays and Sundays
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