Handlebar J

Big issue trying to get seated. They won't let a single diner sit in a 4 person table or higher. Just do it anyways. RIBS were definitely top notch as was fries and biscuits. Country cover band was playing and they were average. Good crowd for a $10 Friday night cover charge. Had a well done burger and cole slaw for$15

Camille had roses and food ready for my wife's 1 year anniversary! She was amazing and took amazing care of us. Great music great dancing and our favorite spot every time we come to Scottsdale!! Thank you Camille

This place was a lot of fun! Line dancing lessons were a blast. The instructor was great and very helpful. I didn't step on any toes, so I call that a win. We had appetizers that were delicious. The chicken bites and jalapeño poppers hit the spot with a cold drink. The atmosphere of this restaurant is just downright fun!

I don’t have much experience with country music bars, but this great honky tonk will be the benchmark against which I will judge all others. The inside harkens to a better saloon than Hollywood could imagine, with neon bar signs, deer heads, antique guns, brothel mirrors, bull horns, farm implements you can’t identify, Western paintings, irreverent signs, and a wood-plank dance floor. Every inch of the beamed ceiling is covered with cowboy hats of the famous and not-so-famous. There are only two rules, which need not be enforced: have fun and no snivellin’. On our first visit we happily squeezed 6 people around a high top in the middle of the action. On future visits our favored spot will be at the outside side of the bar on a warm night, where we can see the inside action across the very busy bar: the live band in the corner (without chicken wire — name those movies) and the dance floor just big to swing or dip your partner, and just small enough to make it intimate. Before the band starts inside, there is some lower-key live music on the spacious outside patio, which is also a great place to escape to if you prefer conversation to the hoopin’, hollerin’, and boot stompin’ inside. Before the excellent, request-only country band took over for the recorded music, they led the entire bar in a standing Pledge of Allegiance (you never forget these words, no matter how long it’s been). This part amazed me but I’ve since been told by country bar flies that the National Anthem is more common. We loved it and were gratified that people are proud to be proud of this great country. As for food, the much-vaunted ribs were excellent, as was the pulled pork sandwich. We both ordered wine and didn’t even fear being beaten up (other tables had some too; safety in numbers). Our server was excellent, and how she kept up with the crowd was plum amazin’. We’ll be back. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

First of all…. I have never had so much fun at a bar in my entire life! When I tell you that I danced for 3 hours straight… I mean that! The owner Joanne is absolutely amazing and made me feel extremely welcome! As a black woman… I can CONFIDENTLY say that the handlebar J is my new hang out spot! The vibe at this place is just unmatched! They also have some kick ass ribs… and these white folks know how to season their food! Yall come out in join me… just ask for Adisa! Oh… and if you are looking for a cowboy… they are here in ABUNDANCE!

What a wonderful experience! The atmosphere was fantastic, with a perfect mix of great vibes, delicious food, and welcoming staff. We especially enjoyed the live music and the patio seating—it made the night even more enjoyable. The employees truly made the evening special; by the time we left, we felt like part of the family. A huge shoutout to Yvonne, Ashi, Camille, and Blayne for their outstanding service and hospitality. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for amazing food, great music, and a staff that goes above and beyond!

After paying a $10 cover charge per person, We ordered our food. The lettuce in the salad was brown, the bun for the burger was burnt. The water was tap water, not filtered. After eating and not complaining, we were told we had to leave our table so others could be seated to eat. There was no where else to sit. The only good thing about this establishment was the band that was playing. We left and will not go back in the future. To many other places to enjoy!

The tasty quesadilla went very well with the cocktails. The atmosphere at this place is always lively, especially when a band is playing. Look out for the line dance lessons.

If you are a drummer or love music in general, this is the place to be. You get to see Gary Bruzesse and Ray tear it up weekly. Food is great as well.

Handlebar J is not just a Scottsdale institution--it is a place with heart, and our recent private event proved exactly why they have stood the test of time. We hosted a surprise college graduation party for my son, and from the very first conversation, Joanne, the entire Handlebar J team, and the Herndon Brothers went to the moon and back to make sure every detail was flawless. This was not just another event for them--this was personal, and it showed in every single moment. The menu was incredible--beautifully presented, thoughtfully curated, and absolutely delicious. The service was seamless, warm, and attentive, making every guest feel genuinely cared for. But what truly set this experience apart was the emotional support and compassion they extended to everyone in attendance. This celebration held deep meaning for our family, especially for a brother who lost his little sister, and the Handlebar J team handled it with grace, sensitivity, and love. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with amazing country music, outstanding food, or a venue that will treat your private event like it's the most important one they've ever hosted, Handlebar J is the place. I cannot recommend them highly enough--contact them immediately if you're considering an event. There are two true testaments to a great business: longevity and loyalty. Handlebar J has both. There's a reason they've been here for decades and why people keep coming back--it's their passion for people, their dedication to their craft, and their genuine love for the community. In a world where so many places come and go, Handlebar J endures--and it's because of their staff, their entertainment, and the undeniable heart behind everything they do. Thank you, Handlebar J, for making a once-in-a-lifetime moment truly unforgettable.

Today it has been 2 months since I celebrated my birthday on the patio at Handlebar J. Jordan and Keith were wonderful with serving everyone. Freida and Monica did a fabulous job with the food. Everyone is still talking about how wonderful it was and how much fun they had. My middle son said this week: "tomatoes are tomatoes, onions are onions, but the taco meat!!! and then he groaned. I am so grateful to Ray, Joanne, and Keith for making it happen, for Keith and all his organization, and sweet Jordan who had a smile on his face the entire time. Thank you for making my birthday extra special! The cake was AMAZING and everyone wanted more. Yum!

We have been coming to HBJ for 40 years or more. Always good food and excellent music!!

I said it before - this is one of my all-time favorite spots in Scottsdale...one of the few remaining "old" (meaning genuine) spots in town that looks and feels like it did 20, 30 years ago - probably longer. Always a great vibe, awesome patio, and great country music (often live) if that's your jam. The place is fun, the staff is friendly, and there are few better spots on a nice fall or winter evening than on the patio. Hurts to say, though, I'm not sure I'll be visiting too often in the future. I'm not cheap, but Handlebar was always one of those spots you could have a few drinks and not feel like you got fleeced. (There's plenty of options to do that in Scottsdale). So imagine my surprise when I ordered a "premium" margarita - small highball glass PACKED with ice (as in unable-to-stir-the-drink packed) - and a Coors Light. TWENTY BUCKS for the less-than-average margie and $7 for a domestic draft???? Had to look around... I could have sworn I had been transported to one of the too many douchy spots in Old Town. Please tell me this was dynamic pricing at a premium for a Friday evening at 6:15....

I love HBJ!! Been going there since 1988! My kids surprised me for my 60th Birthday at HBJ, so much fun! Ray is the ultimate host and such a WONDERFUL musician!

Love HBJ! The food, the drinks, the atmosphere is all the best. I threw a surprise birthday party for my wife there years back and they could not have been more helpful and accommodating. Nothing has changed! My kids also love doing the ribs, burgers, and wings as a Friday night take out option.

I went here for a birthday and it was definitely not my favorite place. Service was very slow- I do understand I went there on a late Friday night but it probably took about an hour and a half to get a menu, order, and have my food delivered. Food also seemed a little overpriced I got two sliders with fries and it was $16. The sliders were definitely mini + fries were very low quality. There was a $10 cover because there was live music but the security guard gave me a fuss about bringing in cookies for a birthday. I do understand sometimes you can't bring outside food in but there weren't signs and this is a pretty casual venue that I assumed it wouldn't be an issue. Music was pretty loud but would be fun for a couples night if you are into country!

Yelp did me dirty on this one. Wanted to take my daughter to a fun country bar for live music & line dancing. Well it started off with a $20 cover at 6p even though we were having dinner & main band didn't start until 8p. So if a fun night for you is $140 for a quesadilla, mid pulled pork, & 3 cocktails AND you are over 40 (at least) then this is your jam. Service was friendly but I'm pretty sure only "out of towners" are getting charged cover fees. Really the MOST disappointing activity of our trip. A stop at Jeni's ice cream made it less of a terrible night Hard pass on this place for us.

The ribs are very good here. Got a 1/2 rack with fries and a biscuit for $24. They fell off the bone and wete top notch. Get an extra side of sauce. Some issues with seating if your a single dinner. They only want 4 or more people to eat food apparently.

The place has lost its crowd , 20 minutes to eat dinner , then you are forced to leave the table. Outrageous cover charge, water down drinks. Third part meat suppliers . No one likes McBride and the ride. Never a gold record. Go elsewhere because this place is outrageous. Ambiance terrible, so sad used to be a decent place.

Has long been one of Scottsdale's best places for great entertainment. HBJs has been a favorite for decades. Have had more memorable nights here than just about any place else in town. Highly recommend!!

Scottsdale/die bar lol great place to go in this July local music country themed. Decent food if you want to take a group and eat outside patio that great Arizona Summer but they have very small inside area for the bar and teeny teeny tiny dance floor so don't go if you want to really swing your partner around the dance floor. Bathroom with a two stall for girls what a mess that is people standing by the door conversation and not letting me through, but I think that's typical the bar scene The food is barbecue bar food. Everything drinks are good. Everything is crazy expensive because they're in Scottsdale. Keep that in mind.

Fun place but the food isn't good. My first beer was an IPA and it didn't taste right but I ordered a Coors thinking it would be a safe bet. They obviously don't clean the taps very often because it was gross. I told the bartender the tap is bad and she didn't know what that meant. The ribs are their advertised best special but they just aren't good. Sorry for the bad review but it's just not good. Nice atmosphere though.

Far too expensive for an old dive country bar. I've been drinking here since I was underage! I'm approaching 60. I love this place for many reasons. And dislike it for many more.

A great place for bbq and good music plus dancing BUT they've discontinued their 2 step lessons. Bring back the 2 step lessons!!!!! Please!

Bouncer wouldn't let me in because "my id didn't look like me". gave him 2 more forms of photo ID and he still wouldn't let me in. don't waste your time ubering out just to be denied :(

$6 for a Diet Coke is fucking insane! Music was good but a $10 cover fee for a glorified dive bar is crazy.

Nice Ambiance. Indoor and outdoor seating. Nice vibe. Just stopping in for a cocktail. Huge selection at the bar and a huge dance floor. One of the best Old fashions we've had. Bri and AJ were great waitresses

My spouse and I stopped in on a Friday night around 5:45 PM hoping for a quick drink and appetizer. We were surprised and disappointed to learn there was a cover charge, especially since we only stayed for about an hour. It doesn't seem fair to charge a cover so early for someone just wanting drinks and a snack. We might consider trying the ribs another time, but the cover charge was a definite deterrent. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive.

How refreshing to find a good bbq spot in Scottsdale! Everything Ed great from the entry to service to food to the check. Well with it. Definitely will be back.

Fun great atmosphere! Group classes! Food is just ok-typical bar food but the dancing is a riot!

Service was just ok. Fried zucchini horrible. Got a double vodka soda and think they forgot the vodka. Music was good though

Great food, great service, and the live music is amazing! Highly recommend, its an experience!

This is the Arizona country bar in my opinion. There is live music, dancing and I even had a dance lesson here one time! I had a blast. There is a cover charge (only during peak hours to pay for the great live entertainment) so be prepared- bring some cash and a good attitude. The crowd is always friendly and the patio is large. I always enjoy myself here. Fun spot. If you love country- this is not to miss! If you even like country a little- not to miss. *closed on sundays* Last night, I noticed that they sell some fun merch too.... Pictured here the "welcome to the "shitshow" hats! Cute.

I am sending out a second review after the owner of this place was tacky enough to write a negative response! He responded that a night out should cost each person that goes to his bar $100. Really?? lol!! How ridiculous. He did not acknowledge the unusually high price nine dollars for a plain club soda !! nor the attitude of the gentleman bartender who is rude and acts like he's doing you a favor, giving you a drink! The night we were there, he gave someone a drink, and the patron did not want a lime on the drink. He took the lime off of the drink and threw it across the bar floor like he was some macho, angry dude.!! Mr Hernan defends the fact that his prices are normal for this type of bar I was not kidding when I said you could go to Ruth's Chris have an appetizer and a drink for less than $25 Mr Hernan said he spent $400. there?? I don't believe he has ever even stepped into that establishment If he did, he certainly must be a good tipper. To pay that Mr Hernans establishment has been around for a long time, but it's going downhill quickly the reputation is plummeting sadly enough In the past it was a fun ,inexpensive place to go to the management was known to be friendly. This has all changed dramatically Raising prices like this it's not just going along with the changes in the economy. It's price gouging.!! The owners unwillingness to acknowledge criticism, shows not only lack of respect to a patron, but unprofessionalism running a business I am a business owner in the area myself, and I would never talk to anyone who had a complaint like this but after reading some of the other reviews, people had very similar complaints about being treated rudely , high prices for junk food, not prepared well , bouncers that he probably pays low wages to employ acting like they are some sort of celebrities , and actually kicking people off the patio because they spent too much time enjoying themselves having drinks !Mr Hernan somehow feels like $100 per night per person is acceptable for the type of bar that this is??? I think if he feels this way, he should upgrade his restaurant It doesn't matter what type of entertainment you put in it. It is a local dive bar and one of the most expensive ones in Scottsdale !!! Even the dirty dog and Ernie's do not charge those prices if you want to compare it with similar bars in the area Shame on you Mr Hernan

While visiting Scottsdale, I was on a mission to visit all the cowboy bars. This one showed up on the search and did not disappoint. We sat outside because the weather was beautiful and the ambience was what I was looking for. There was live music playing country songs. My husband and I enjoyed our dinner. We started with the fried zucchini and ranch, which was a solid appetizer. For dinner, he had the ribs with a killer biscuit which was salty with a touch of sweetness. It was probably one of the best biscuits I've ever had. I had the pulled pork sandwich with really good french fries. We both had margaritas. There was plenty of parking outside. We arrived early for dinner, so there was no cover charge. I enjoyed the food, music and experience and definitely recommend it.

Best country bar and restaurant on the planet. Was a twice a week regular when I lived there, and still try to get there when I visit

We came to Scottsdale for the TPC and stopped in to your place. The food was awesome (ribs), the ambience was awesome (nice folks, fun, dancing), and the music was awesome (classic rock band - forgot their name). Definitely coming back when we can!

HBJ's is a great place , I have personally been going for decades, And with that it has always been a great time with fantastic food , awesome drinks and Amazing Music and Environment . I could not help but browse some other reviews and I just cannot believe there are people that complain about what they complain about .. One in particular , She apparently has no idea what things cost in the world these days or has somebody else paying . That broad was way off with the economics... Anyways , Keep doin what you guys do , HBJ is loved by Many ! Maybe she should get a job to support herself instead of complaining ...

Great place and even better people! Food was hot, fresh and delicious! Perfect little country bar for dancing and fun entertainment! 5's

Had a awesome time last night been a while since my friends and I went to Handle Bar Jay new staff are friendly and caring Sat outside because they don't remove the bar chair After working 12 hrs at the hospital than going out Like to sit They remove the chairs from the Bar have to stand not good especially for us elderly customer Was on the way to order food Thought they still have all u can eat fish like used to be bar tender said no hand me Menue little on it I did price increase. I understand. About paying employees food order liquor order plus pay for entertainment. You should have happy hour ends 7 than start appetizer by 10 pm so no one drives home Drunk Still had a good time If only I could dance no one ever ask . So I just listen to good country Western music Reminds me my dad used to play .

Still hals Western bar atmosphere food was delicious. The service was on a spot !line dancing going on, but we stayed out in the patio. Enjoyed the nice night and then delicious food. Looks like everybody was having a great time inside.

The food the service and the ambience at handlebar J's is fantastic. Always a family, favorite, and great to bring guests to when they're in town.

Good food, great atmosphere. Band was okay but not as great as they promised. Plus it was the owners band which made it worse by wanting $10.00 cover for their own band??

Historically, I have been a huge fan of handlebar J last night I went with a friend from out of town bragging about how exciting this was going to be. I was charged $10 per person for cover for a band that was not worth $10 per person cover, and then my bill for the two of us was $150. The rack of ribs was a half rack for with a muffin and no other sides, my boyfriend got a pulled pork sandwich, which was decent, but again not worth the amount of money that we were charged what happened to this place? It used to be so perfect to take friends to enjoy country music..... PS the drinks were overpriced and not good. I'm so sad. I guess I don't go back..... An Addition to the previous comment I was charged for barbecue sauce, ranch and coleslaw with my ribs, in addition as I look at my receipt, I was charged an additional $10 along with the $10 admission per person!!!! the seat I was sitting at was very dark. I couldn't have read this receipt there now as I'm reading it. It makes me sick.

Service & Security were unacceptable. I went in to watch a friend perform and got violently escorted out for sitting at a community table.

I've never left a review on this app before. However, I have to leave one for this incredibly dissatisfying experience. Bouncers are very proactive, which I can understand with how entitled most individuals are. There was no room in the bar for a small group to mingle, and the dance floor was incredibly small. All of this aside, I HAD TO PAY 6 BUCKS FOR A WATER! Never have I ever had to pay anything for a water. 1 dollar? Sure. 2 dollars? Fine I guess. But 6 dollars is ridiculous. Never coming back here again.

10 dollar cover charge is CRAZZYYYYY work!!! My husband and I came to enjoy a nice meal and I ended up paying an arm and a leg for a mid dinner and over priced drinks. I could go anywhere else and I will next time. This is a crime you're robbing me blind of my hard earned money.

On none of the advertisement that I see there was a $20 door cover. Eight people out with us. So that's $160 to walk in the door. They could argue that they had a live band and that's why the cover charge to listen to the live band and dance. We try dancing, but only about six couples could possibly fit on the tiny dance floor. The rest of the dance floor was covered with tables that they put out to hold more people. Drinks and food are regularly priced for a downtown Scottsdale establishment. So our tab was a little bit on the high side. Which is to be expected I guess from Scottsdale. The staff was very friendly, however a little overwhelmed with the amount of people.

My kids say this is the best restaurant in all of Scottsdale. They love the service, the ambience, the food, and the owner. They say our family feels so welcomed here

It's the best place in Phoenix for dinner and a show. I love the ribs and the pulled pork sandwich. I'm also a big fan of the Jemeson and Dos X. While the food is excellent, the live music is even better. Ray and his band are some of the best musicians I have ever seen live and regularly host shows for local talent. This is a must-see type of place.

An Arizona ICon, live handlebar j's. The food is good the live music is great and the atmosphere is electric!

Big Time country bar they could use some different country bands and drinks are pretty costly $12 just for a Tito's vodka on the rocks pretty high for just average country bar plus a $10 cover makes you think about their prices a little more, if you're a regular it gets pricey!!

Wow...what a disappointment. I have always wanted,to go here and finally for my bday along with 2 other bdays to celebrate my friends and I went. Holy cow, definitely bring your credit card, cash etc bcuz it's gonna set ya back. 1 Tito's/cranberry, $11, $14 after the band starts. Even the food was expensive!! $19 for 9 wings? Then one of the ladies brought cupcakes to celebrate the b-days, they charge a $25 cake cutting fee!!!!! What!!!! I have never heard of this. Was to.d because they have desserts? Soooo! I've been to a lot of bars and restaurants where I've brought in my own nothing but bundts, or cupcakes or homemade cakes never had a problem. This is the first time I've ever ran into anything like this absolutely ridiculous. Once we found that out we finished what drinks we had and we left, as much as I love the atmosphere, and it's probably the only bar that has country western live music and dancing Probably won't go back. AND there is a cover charge on top of the crazy prices!!! My suggestion: go have dinner and drinks somewhere else and then just come for the live music and dancing.

We went for a quick drink and appetizers. We ordered wings and zucchini. Both came out so fast and were delicious. Our server Karen was awesome and so kind. We ended up staying for several hours. Live music, dancing and god vibes. This place is so fun. I highly recommend for food, drinks, dancing and live music. And if you're lucky enough to have Karen as your server, it's bound to be a great time.

The food is great, the staff is excellent, and the music is amazing! From time to time you get amazing guest artists who are nationally known. You can't go wrong with this place. Highly recommended!

Hadn't been to Handlebar J's in years but went for St. Pat's Day. Service, food was great and we loved the band Elvis Before Noon....such a festive evening!

Went to a private event here and I cannot say enough good things about this place! Bartender was professional, quick and kept a clean bar. But the best thing is the ladies room. Never seen a ladies room at a bar/restaurant tbh is clean! Impressive!