Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in East Valley

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in East Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Brickyard Downtown

4.7

4.7 (49)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Chandler

About the restaurant

The Brickyard Downtown is a locally-owned cocktail bar nestled in the beautiful community of Chandler, AZ. This stylish and sophisticated venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The dining room is decorated with urban style brick walls, visible industrial piping, comfortable leather seating, an oversized bar, a blend of contemporary lighting and wall-mounted televisions.

Outside, the Brickyard Downtown customers are invited to dine on the lovely patio, which is decorated with comfortable seating and charming details

The Brickyard Downtown offers full service dining, complete with a custom-made cocktail book and an artfully crafted tapas menu, boasting sharing plates and entrees.

Top review

JeffreyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Loved our waiter and cocktails. Food was pretty good

Thirsty Lion – Tempe, AZ

4.5

4.5 (1265)

$30 and under

American

Tempe

About the restaurant

Scratch-kitchen that features globally inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. At the bar, craft cocktails are made with fresh fruit purees, juices, and premium liquors, with a wide range of local craft beer, and a curated selection of wines. Enjoy lunch, dinner, daily happy hour, or weekend brunch while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, central bar, and a patio that soaks up the sun. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or lunch with the whole office, Thirsty Lion is the perfect destination for any party size, including large groups and events.

Top review

LauraVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

The food and service were terrific as usual at Thirsty Lion. I enjoyed the Ahi salad with mango and my two friends had sandwiches.

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Experience

Daily Happy Hour 3-6pm!

Experience

Late Night Happy Hour

Bar Louie - Tempe

4.5

4.5 (12)

$30 and under

American

Tempe

About the restaurant

At Bar Louie, we're passionate about delivering flavor packed experiences. Defined by our award-winning handcrafted martinis and cocktails, our lunch, dinner and happy hours elevate the top-shelf bar experience. In a vibrant atmosphere energized by our local community, we serve all guests looking to create unforgettable moments - making us the go-to-spot for all occasions, from a spontaneous happy hour hangout to a celebratory spot for milestone events.

Top review

MarioVIP

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

We had a great dinner, we ordered, burgers and flatbreads and they were delicious.

Thirsty Lion - Chandler, AZ

4.5

4.5 (667)

$30 and under

American

Chandler

About the restaurant

Top review

PilarVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always good food. Good atmosphere seems like it’s a little louder nowadays so it’s hard to converse.

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Experience

Daily Happy Hour 3-6pm!

Experience

Late Night Happy Hour

Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant - Tempe

4.5

4.5 (38)

$30 and under

American

Tempe

About the restaurant

Serving up honest food & drink in the American Tradition, Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant will offer rotating daily favorites, house craft cocktails and more. This industrial yet approachable all day dining venue offers both indoor and outdoor dining, communal tables for reconnecting with friends after a busy day, and something new for every visit.

Top review

HeidiVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

We were dining before a play and the server was great about expediting our order. Food was really good and a surprising value for a hotel restaurant. Will be back!

The Forum Lounge

4.5

4.5 (51)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Chandler

About the restaurant

Revel in the lavish and alluring ambiance of the Forum Lounge, a trendy 21 and over sanctuary tucked away in the East Valley. This upscale haven is a well-guarded secret, offering a taste of Las Vegas-style glamour right in your backyard.

Our mission was clear: to craft a trendy, hip lounge where top-tier entertainment, exquisite cocktails, delicious food, intimate surroundings, and unparalleled service come together to redefine the nightlife experience in the East Valley.

Whether you're seeking an enchanting evening of live music, an intimate date, a fun night out with friends or VIP table service. Discover the Forum Lounge for an unforgettable nightlife experience that is unique to the Valley!

Top review

sharon

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Great hidden venue. Great entertainment. Guy is fantastic as are they other entertainers there.

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Experience

VIP room Party Packages

Experience

VIP room Party Packages

Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert

4.4

4.4 (334)

$30 and under

American

Gilbert

About the restaurant

Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row is an American Gastropub unlike any other. In a crowded industry, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row stands out with award winning food and drinks, exhilarating nightlife, and a rock & roll attitude inspired by Dierks Himself. Whether you join us for happy hour, enjoy live acoustic music during our Backyard Brunch, or jam out and dance the night away with our live bands on the weekends, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row has something for everyone.

Top review

Terry

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Good experience. Drinks were a little slow but the servers were very friendly. Live music was great.

The Porch - Tempe

4.2

4.2 (11)

$30 and under

American

Tempe

About the restaurant

The Porch Tempe is a retro haven blending creative pub food, signature cocktails, and yard games. Moreover, it’s an ideal venue for sports fans, with numerous TVs showcasing their favorite games. Additionally, The Porch in Tempe offers flexible indoor and outdoor seating, ensuring comfort for any event. The lively ambiance, paired with exceptional service from friendly staff, guarantees an enjoyable visit every time. Whether you’re planning a casual evening out, a festive celebration, or a friendly gathering, The Porch Tempe caters to all, making every occasion memorable.

Top review

Andrea

Dined on May 13, 2025

We sat outside and our server was friendly, helpful and attentive. The Porch has fun vibe , good food and great drinks. We enjoyed it .

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Experience

Trivia Night Wednesdays

Salt Tacos y Tequila - Gilbert

4.1

4.1 (84)

$30 and under

Mexican

Gilbert

About the restaurant

Step inside Salt SanTan and enjoy authentic Mexican food with a modern twist. From our signature tacos to a selection of over 120 tequilas, there is something here for everyone.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined on May 16, 2025

Loud and lively. Excellent service. Vampire tacos…. We will be back for those!!

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch

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