Celebrating My 21st Birthday in Style

[pannikin]

Hello fellow drinkers!

It is my 21st birthday on Saturday, November 13th. I will be getting a limo for barhopping and I am assembling an elite party crew for a night of partially unforgettable mayhem. I have all my ducks in a row, except I have no destinations! Help!

To help you help me, let me tell you a little bit about my tastes. I am not a trendster. I know that no matter what bar I go to, I will run into trendsters, bros, and just plain obnoxious people. That is OK. I just don't want to be up to my eyeballs in frosted tips.

For legal purposes I am not an avid drinker >.>, but lets say, if I was, hypothetically, I like all kinds of beverages. Scotch, mixed drinks, I hypothetically enjoy most things. I do not have much experience ordering at a bar, and really do not know what is good. I know a lot about beer, but I want to go all out and try new things.

And finally, atmosphere. I don't think I would be very comfortable in a 'club' setting. I cannot speak on experience, because I have never been to a club, but a dance floor is unappealing to me. I will have safe transportation to hit all the chillest spots in town, and I am not afraid of a variety of different bars (no gay bars) and hotspots. I am starting the night with a hearty meal at the Rockerij on 16th street.

So three questions:

1. Where are the bars at?

2. What should I drink at said bars? Whats good?

3. What kind of atmosphere should I expect at said bars.

Any type of bar wisdom is welcome as well. Thanks for helping me out!

[HerculesRockefeller]

Hi Pannikin!

I usually just peruse these boards because I'm not sure how great my advice is, but I wanted to offer some help! Congratulations on your upcoming birthday--very exciting. I'm in my 20s, live around the area, and am and more of a bar, less of a club person as well. Here are some thoughts on your birthday:

The Rokerij is a great choice for dinner! Get there early and have a drink at the bar downstairs--you won't be disappointed.

I know you have a limo, but there are a few bars around that area that sound like they would appeal to you. All different vibes. Not sure how busy they will be on a Sunday night, though--check to see how late these places are open.

The Vig Uptown
16th St & Bethany Home
Hip but laid back. Huge enclosed patio w/bocce ball court. Have a "Vignature cocktail"

Merc Bar
24th St & Camelback (Esplanade)
Upscale, dark lounge atmosphere. Highly recommended. Famous martinis.

Rosie McCaffrey's
9th St & Camelback
Roaring Irish pub, casual and fun. Have some whiskey or a Guiness.

Stingray Sushi & Christoper's Crush
24th St & Camelback (Biltmore)
These are both technically restaurants with great bar areas. Both hip and upscale, and you can walk from one to the other. Sake bombs at Stingray and then maybe a glass of champagne at Crush?

Hope this helps! Happy birthday!

-----
Stingray Sushi
4302 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Rokerij
6335 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016