Clubs

WILD OUTSIDE: Revelers dance on the patio Saturday night at Phase 54 in Tempe. The club is located in an industrial park.

Morgan Bellinger For Get Out

Phase 54 is a hidden find in south Tempe

By Kelly Wilson, Get Out

March 12, 2008

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The scene: South Tempe’s Phase 54 is not an easy find. The nightspot, off Harl Avenue and Elliot Road east of Interstate 10, sits in an industrial complex. It’s easy to pass, but purple lights decorating the trees outside the bar should help catch your eye. The two-story bar, which has a loftlike, rock ’n’ roll feel, is connected to the Phase Four recording studio.

A DJ is spinning on a platform on the patio. There’s a small dance floor, bar and a small handful of people drinking outside. While the scene is certainly mellow, a woman who appears to be extremely intoxicated — in fact, we’re surprised she hasn’t been kicked out — takes center stage. The buxom brunette in a Bebe tube top, is making out with a much older white-haired and bearded gentleman who she refers to as “Santa.” And when she’s not making slurping kissy noises with Mr. Claus, she’s hitting on us. It’s a bit much for a Wednesday.

“

It doesn’t get much more hidden than this Tempe hangout.

”

Gold records from Megadeth, Jamie Foxx and Insane Clown Posse adorn the walls. There are a few comfy sofas, a flat-screen TV and candles that give the inside a lounge vibe. Downstairs, there’s a large area to watch live music.

The menu: Phase 54 doesn’t serve food and doesn’t offer a cocktail menu of froufrou drinks. The choices are beer or well drinks, from what we see.

The music: DJs spin everything from Gwen Stefani to Gnarls Barkley. Bands perform downstairs Wednesday through Saturday inside the club.

Happy hour: While there isn’t a happy hour, the bar offers drink specials nightly.

The verdict: I’ve been to Phase 54 before, and there’s no doubt I’ll be back to catch some live jams. I love a good hidden bar, and it doesn’t get much more hidden than this Tempe hangout.

Phase 54

Where: 1700 W. Drake Drive, Tempe
Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday
Admission: $5 (free when there’s no band performing)
Information: (480) 551-3970 or phase54.com

Contact Kelly Wilson by email, or phone (480) 898-5691

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