Phoenix is a city that’s often associated with its sizzling deserts and stunning sunsets, but it also has a lively side perfect for drinking tours. Whether you’re after spooky stories and haunted pubs or a fun night pedaling through downtown, Phoenix offers a surprisingly diverse range of options.
We particularly like the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour for its mix of history and chills, and the Pedal Bar Crawl Tour for a lively, social experience.
Both tours showcase Phoenix’s unique character—one with ghost stories and old west crime tales, the other with a fun, pedal-powered pub crawl.
If you’re more interested in sampling local brews or wines, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour offers a flexible, private experience that includes options like mead and wine.
For those who want to learn how to make their own sushi and enjoy a good drink at the same time, the Sushi Making Class provides a hands-on culinary adventure. And for quick, casual fun, the Phoenix Bar Crawl promises a lively hour and a half exploring the city’s bar scene.
Quick Overview
Phoenix’s best drinking tours span a variety of styles—from haunted pub adventures to pedal-powered bar hopping, to custom brewery trips. Whether you’re interested in spooky stories, craft beers, or trying your hand at sushi, there’s something here for every taste.
All these tours are designed to give you a local, authentic experience, with options for private bookings or small groups. Now, let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
At number 1, the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour offers a 3-hour journey into the city’s darker side. This tour takes you through Phoenix’s old pubs and historic buildings with a haunted reputation, like the George and Dragon English Pub and the Hotel San Carlos. It’s a small-group experience, which means you’ll get personalized stories and a more intimate atmosphere.
Your guide, a historian with a flair for the spooky, shares tales of true crime and ghostly encounters, making this tour perfect for those who love a little thrill with their history.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on true crime and ghost stories intertwined with Phoenix’s past. It’s not just a walk—it’s a storytelling experience with spots like the site of a horrific act at George and Dragon and the haunted Hotel San Carlos, where you’ll meet permanent residents.
Reviews highlight Jared’s lively, knowledgeable narration and the fun, social vibe. The tour costs $75 per person, making it a good value for its mix of history, storytelling, and spooky fun.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy haunted tales, historic pubs, and a touch of local crime lore, this tour offers an engaging and memorable evening.
2. Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix
For around $70, the Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix offers an energetic, social experience perfect for groups of up to 15 friends. It’s a 2-hour guided pedal bike ride through downtown, stopping at three lively bars, including The Duce and Pedal Haus Brewery. The bike features a state-of-the-art sound system and LED lights, making it a festive way to explore.
This tour is ideal for celebrating special occasions like bachelor or bachelorette parties, or simply enjoying an evening with friends. The designated driver is the professional pilot who keeps everyone safe while you pedal and party. It’s BYO drinks, so you can bring your favorite beverages along.
The stops include a mix of a warehouse bar with photo opportunities, a secret speakeasy behind a pizza joint, and a bicycle-themed brewery in Roosevelt Row.
According to reviews, the tour is fun, lively, and great for socializing. Its value comes from the combination of guided transportation, multiple bar stops, and the lively atmosphere. The only potential drawback? It’s only 2 hours, so if you want a more extensive experience, you might prefer other options.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for groups wanting a lively, interactive night with friends, especially if you enjoy music, drinks, and a bit of pedal-powered fun.
3. Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour
A more personalized experience, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour is ideal for those who want to explore Phoenix’s craft beer scene or enjoy wine tastings in style. It’s a private tour, priced at $325 per person, lasting between 4 and 8 hours.
You can choose your stops or let your guide pick for you, visiting breweries in downtown Phoenix or venturing to Verde Valley Wine Region in northern Arizona.
What makes this tour special is its flexibility; it’s tailored to your interests, with options to sample mead or wine alongside local beers. Transportation is taken care of, so you can relax and focus on tasting. One of the highlights is the visit to local breweries in the historic downtown and railroad district, which takes about 2 hours, offering a chance to learn about brewing and enjoy tastings.
An added bonus is that you can customize your experience to suit your preferences—whether that’s a half-day or full-day adventure.
A review notes how friendly and accommodating the guide was, making it a smooth, stress-free experience. This tour is best suited for groups that want a more exclusive, relaxed experience and are willing to invest a bit more for customization and comfort.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re a craft beer lover, wine enthusiast, or want a private tour with personalized stops.
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, where you can learn sushi craft from a professional chef in a relaxed setting. This 2-hour experience is perfect for foodies who want to combine culinary skills with a drink or two. You’ll learn how to roll and prepare sushi, including dishes like spicy shrimp rolls and crispy Asian vegetable options.
This class emphasizes hands-on learning, so you’ll be rolling your own sushi under expert guidance. It’s a fun, interactive way to spend an evening, especially if you’re interested in Japanese cuisine or just want a break from traditional bar scenes.
The class includes instruction on the art of sushi-making and tasting, making it ideal for those who enjoy cooking classes or trying something different. The price is $75 per person, which includes all ingredients and some wine or drinks at the bar.
Guests have praised the friendly instructor and the fun atmosphere, making it a well-rounded culinary experience. No previous experience is needed, making it accessible for everyone.
Bottom Line: If you love food and want a memorable, hands-on activity that ends with delicious sushi, this class is a fantastic choice.
5. Phoenix Bar Crawl
Last but not least, the Phoenix Bar Crawl is a quick, lively tour offering an hour and a half exploring the city’s bar scene. Although it currently has no reviews, it promises a fun, app-led adventure with trivia, puzzles, and hidden spots. It’s a flexible way to discover some of Phoenix’s best bars, perfect if you’re short on time or want a casual, social experience.
This tour is budget-friendly at just $14.99, making it accessible for spontaneous nights or those on a budget. It’s a guided walk that highlights some of the city’s landmarks and hidden gems, with a focus on fun and interactive discovery. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy a little challenge and want to explore Phoenix’s nightlife without committing to a longer tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, inexpensive way to get to know Phoenix’s bar scene and have some fun with friends or family.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Phoenix
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a spooky, story-rich experience, the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour is hard to beat. If you want a lively, social night with friends, the Pedal Bar Crawl provides pedal-powered fun. For a personalized tasting experience, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour offers flexibility and exclusivity.
Also, think about your activity level. If you’re into hands-on cooking, the sushi class will satisfy your culinary curiosity. On a tight schedule? The quick Phoenix Bar Crawl is perfect for a short evening out. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your spot and ensure a memorable experience.
Phoenix’s drinking tour scene is surprisingly varied, offering everything from haunted pubs to craft breweries and interactive bar crawls. Whether you’re into ghost stories, craft beer, wine, or sushi, these tours help you experience Phoenix like a local.
For a spooky, atmospheric night, the haunted pub tour is a standout. If you’re celebrating or just want to have a good laugh, pedal through downtown or customize your brewery visit.
No matter your style, Phoenix’s drinking tours promise a fun, memorable way to see the city’s spirited side. Be sure to reserve your spot early — these experiences fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss out.