UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand

Cocktail bar · Camelback East

UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand

Cocktail bar · Camelback East

1

3626 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018

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UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null
UnderTow Arcadia at Century Grand by null

Highlights

Immersive train car bar with craft cocktails and themed scenery  

Featured on Bon Appetit
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3626 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Get directions

bartershake.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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3626 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Get directions

+1 602 739 1388
bartershake.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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UnderTow, Platform 18, and 36 Below Are Phoenix Cocktail Bars With a Big Touch of Theater | Bon Appétit

"UnderTow is intended to look like the 19th-century clipper ship of a character named Captain Mallory. Voyages, told through the story at the back of the menu and the scenery seen from your porthole, change regularly." - ByLanee Lee

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/phoenix-cocktail-theme-bars
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Joy Ward

Google
Was traveling from out of town and went to this place as a recommendation from a friend. The ambience was very cool. They had an actual drink menu which for a lot of bars I've been to seems like a foreign concept. For the price I was very happy that I wasn't served some watered down run of the mill fruity drink. The drinks served were thoughtfully crafted and you didn't feel like you had to keep ordering drinks. I really appreciate this place being an actual bar and not taking advantage of customers and actually providing a lovely experience! 10 stars!!!!

April Carnahan

Google
Hands down the best tiki bar I’ve ever been to. I may be biased but also make it a point to seek out tiki where ever I travel and undertow never seems to be beat. The drinks are well worth the value, the staff is super friendly and accommodating and the vibes are IMMACULATE. See for yourself 🤍 the perfect oasis to seek refuge from the hot desert sun 🌴🍹

Jennifer Bell

Google
Fun pirate theme with portholes that change scenes. Bartenders were very theatrical yelling man your stations. Made it entertaining. And it has the best tiki drinks in Az. By far. So stinkin good! I just wish they had more snacks. I was starving. The trail mix is yummy but, not as filling. Maybe have bags of popcorn or soft pretzels. Even coordinating with the restaurant next door would be a good option.

Andrea Y

Google
Our bartender Megan was awesome! Very friendly. We had a great time chatting when she wasn't working on drinks. The atmosphere is very well done here and detailed. It was super loud from one group of people which was unfortunate but everything else was great. We loved the different drinks we tried. We even brought home a dead Tim tiki mug. I just really wish they had sizzle sticks! We enjoy collecting these at all the Tiki bars we visit but this place doesn't seem to have them. We will definitely come back here again

Melissa Denise

Google
The first time we visited the undertow it was at their other location in Gilbert. We had such an amazing experience there so when we came back to Arizona we wanted to check this place out. This location is definitely bigger because it's attached to their two other interactive bars. Reservations are a must since it's super popular. Sadly though we were disappointed with the undertow at this location. Firstly, the bar was blasting rock music which didn't fit the pirate theme. At the Gilbert location they actually played sound effects which made you actually feel like you were at sea! The bartenders were also not as interactive as the ones at the other location. We prefer sitting at the bar and getting to know our bartenders, but when we came here, our bartenders took our drink order then would disappear. Not much customer service or effort to make rapport. The menu here was also super small! At the Gilbert location you get an actual book full of different unique cocktails. At this location we got a laminated page. I felt bad for my boyfriend because he had such an amazing experience the first time he came to the undertow in Gilbert. He was looking forward to experiencing that a second time but instead he was let down. I felt bad watching him sit at the bar here!

Frank Oborny

Google
Fabulous experience with amazing ambiance. Reservations required, arrived early but was able to be seated anyway. Was seated at the bar with the drink station in front of me. For me this was great as I could watch the different drinks being made and ask questions. Decker ( hope I got the name right) was the bartender, she was on point, attentive and engaging. Patient with all my questions. I had a Mai Tai and a Three Dots and a Dash. Don’t come hungry, not really any food available, only one snack tray as I recall. Still great experience and excellent drinks. I went alone but would be great for a couple or small groups.

Jeff Byers

Google
This place is so cool! We visited while on a long weekend trip from North Idaho. The main lobby area is so awesome! The train car is very impressive. We tried a variety of specialty drinks and had a great overall experience. Some are bourbon based, vodka, and even tea infused. Definitely take the time to check this place out. The drinks are strong so uber or have a dd if you plan on trying more than one! We will definitely be back during another trip. Have fun and enjoy!

Gabriela Mendez

Google
This bar has amazing drinks & ambiance. Keep in mind there is no food or appetizers. Also, you have to make a reservation and make a deposit ahead of time.
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Felicia S.

Yelp
We are in town visiting family and my sister-in-law made reservations here weeks ago. We were all excited to go not knowing exactly what to expect. Most of the experience was 5-stars with a couple of less than stellar points to mention. First, I'm glad I didn't read the Yelp reviews before we went because I would have been disappointed that we did not receive free champagne, as was mentioned in many reviews. Because I didn't know about it, I didn't miss it. Just be aware it seems they did away with that aspect. We received only free water immediately upon being seated, which was refilled regularly. Excellent service! Ambiance: 5 stars. See some of the other reviews for a detailed description of the place. The 1920s NYC train vibe is spot on. We loved getting dressed up and enjoyed the atmosphere. I love how they called their bartenders "conductors," and it really seemed as though our bartender conducted our experience expertly! Drinks / selection: 5 stars. There's something for everyone here. Whether you like sweet, sour, alcohol forward, shots, bubbly, straight spirits, or beer, there is an interesting selection with fun names. The cocktails are crafted with fascinating flavors and it seems as if the ingredients are infused or mixed in house ready to be included in each cocktail. Even the garnishes are thoughtfully included to complement the flavors in each beverage. I don't typically drink, so I was pleased to have three distinct mocktails to choose from that were not mere afterthoughts or plain juice sugar bombs. They put as much thought and care into these non-alcoholic creations as they did the rest of the menu. I greatly enjoyed my two drinks! Service: 5-stars We sat at the bar (more on that in a moment), and our conductor was attentive from the moment we sat down until "last call," when we had to leave for the next party to arrive. He was so patient with our almost machine-gun barrage of questions at the beginning, and came up with an awesome option when my husband said "surprise me," for one of his 5 drinks. Our conductor was friendly and conversational to the level we engaged with him, following our lead. Comfort: 2 stars. The train car is small! The seats at the bar are padded bar stools, but they are close together and fastened to the ground. There are no backs to them - just the round stool. My powerlifter 6'4" 270-lb husband had to lean well into my space to avoid crowding the person next to him on the other side. As I looked around for somewhere else to sit, which wasn't an option anyway, none of the places for 4 would've been more comfortable because they are all tiny spots. As a result, I would not recommend going with more than one other person, and know you're going to be crowded together, especially if you're not built like a Barbie doll or horse jockey. Also the A/C kept cycling on and off, which on a cold night in January was uncomfortable. I had to keep putting on and taking off my coat because it ranged from really cold when the A/C was blowing to too warm to keep it on. There's nowhere to hang a coat or jacket or even a purse hanger from the bar, so it was a lot to manage, taking away from the enjoyment of the experience. 90-Minute Time limit: 3 stars. While we were at the point of feeling about finished anyway, I personally do not like to feel like I'm being kicked out of a place. I get why they do it - the place is very small and unique and I could see how some guests would want to linger, but given the lack of comfortable seating, I think people might naturally just be done anyway. Food ... none to speak of. Don't go hungry. They have one snack to nibble on that includes olives, popcorn, and cheese but that's it. This is a drinks only kind of place. We knew this going in and had dinner before we went. If you're looking for creative and fun themed small plates to go with your beverages, this is not the spot for you. Sure, some drinks have a tiny piece of chocolate with them, and there are a few ice cream options; so I'd say this place is better for dessert if you want to eat something (and my hubs loved their take on Irish coffee!). The waiting area called Grey Hen is a whole other theme, also densely packed, with a whole different vibe and creative menu presented in a newspaper. We sat there while waiting for our ride after the train car experience. Again ... no comfortable seating, and there are just 5-6 tiny tables, but the chairs thankfully have backs. Good luck snagging one. Most people sit on the brick half wall or benches against the walls. Servers come to you, which is nice. You can also walk up to the bar... again it's tight and there are few places to sit. Overall, we had a fabulous evening, despite the lack of comfortable seating. There are enough great things about this place that if you enjoy a craft cocktail in a unique and immersive environment, it's definitely worth a visit with your sweetie or bestie!
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Denyce M.

Yelp
As we were in town visiting good friends, they knew when we were coming in and made a reservation for us to spend some time at Platform 18 before dinner. Platform 18 is identified as one of the top 50 North America's bars, but looking at the outside, it didn't give the impression of anything special. It was so hot the day we went but as we stepped inside, we stepped into a train platform. It was cool to see that the station had an apothecary on one side and train car on the other. Initially I thought it was my imagination when we stepped inside, but there was an actual breezing, which was wild. Looking up you could see stars in "the sky". Once we got escorted inside the train, the view opened up to a simulation of a vintage carriage in motion. Although the scrolling scenery was fake rolling by the windows, it felt great, like I was on an adventure. I myself don't do cocktails, but hey, when in Rome, do it Roman style. I started out with The Gibson Girl (Grey Goose Vodka, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Sōtō Junmai Daiginjo Sake, Orange Bitters, Lemon Oils, Stirred with extra Onions). This was made to perfection, and I mean that. They were very accommodating about giving me the extra onions, which was my snack. After that, I switched over the G.H. Mumm for the rest of the trip on the train. I finished off the experience with The Mae West (Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Cacao, Branca Menta, Ice Cream, Fernet Cookie & Chocolate Sauce). This was sweeter than I normally do, but I finished every bite cause it was goooood! The Queen got these two cocktails: Texas & Her Mob (Don Fulano Blanco, Seabuckthorn, Grapefruit, Carbonated, Passion Fruit White Chocolate) and Texas and Her Mob (Haku Vodka, Bergamot, Aperol, Prickly Pear, Carbonated). She said they were "dreamy". She finished with the Conjuring Valentino (Ketel One Vodka, Espresso, Hazelnut, Ice Cream, Reàl Hazelnut & Roger's Salted Caramel) and said it was wonderful. Our friends did get the olives, popcorn and parmesan cheese to snack on. I would have preferred a slider myself, but que sera sera. The Doctor is not a cocktail drinker but had a shot of bourbon and then beer to follow. Overall this was a very good time and one of the few places in Phoenix , AZ that could make me go back, just to go here again. But maybe I could sneak in some pate, cheese and bread *hint, hint*
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Doreen N.

Yelp
I've been itching to hop aboard Platform 18 since it opened and was excited for their family Christmas experience! It was like a holiday miracle, transforming the adults-only bar into a winter wonderland. For a prepaid $34 ticket, you get custom hot cocoa and holiday sugar cookies. Adults have the option to make their hot cocoa boozy for $6.50 (with peppermint, Bailey's or hazelnut liqueur) As we "coasted" through the snowy Colorado mountains, my son thought we were headed straight for a sledding adventure, not just a train ride. Santa made a cameo to collect wish lists, and the staff were so generous they tossed in a cocoa refill and extra marshmallows for my son--because who doesn't need more fluff? Just a heads-up: if you're prone to motion sickness, staring at the LCD screen might have you feeling like you're on a rollercoaster. As you head out, make sure to see Santa again in the Barrel room! My son had a few curious questions about his reindeer and how he's able to eat all the cookies in the world. He also left us with a very punny joke. -Why did all the letters of the alphabet get coal, except for E? Because they were all included on the 'Not-E' list!" -Ho ho ho! All in all, it's a charming way to kick off the holiday season!
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Samantha D.

Yelp
Reserved a seating at the bar in advance for a party of four. Loved the theme of the establishment. Olives, popcorn, and parmesan were really good. I loved that the olives were warmed and the marinade was delicious. The togarashi popcorn wasn't too spicy. A perfect pairing to any cocktail you get. The windows have scenes of the city moving along outside. If you get motion sickness easily, I wouldn't sit facing the window. Bartenders were super friendly, easy to talk to, and helped break down the menu for us. I tried the 300 club. The cocktail was easy. Had a good taste of oolong tea. I wasn't expecting it to be presented in a teapot which was a gimmick done well.
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Kelsey N.

Yelp
Came here for the Christmas/winter vibes and the place didn't disappoint! The winter scene was going through Colorado and really felt like you were on a train. The bartenders were super friendly and had great recommendations for what to order. The only thing about this is you can't really order any drinks that aren't on the menu. They still had great options but limited if you just want a classic cocktail. The other bars were also cutely decorated and I would be excited to go back and try the other two options.
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Ruth M.

Yelp
Fantastic experience all round. Friendly and knowledgeable bartender. Tasty & creative cocktail. We enjoyed the nibbles too. We got a complimentary glass of bubbles for our anniversary too! It's such a unique concept and executed really well. Definitely an "occasion " spot but well worth it.
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Tosha R.

Yelp
So Platform 18 wasn't quite what we expected but was still enjoyable. My impression is that it's a speakeasy. They have 3 themed rooms. We were in one that posed as a train back in maybe the 20s or 30s through NYC. I loved the seating. No real food except you can purchase a small tray of snacks which consisted of marinated olives, popcorn and parmesan cheese to have along with drinks. The drinks were on the high end of cost but they were unique and feel it's part of the atmosphere that they created. Before leaving we did peek at one of the other rooms which was smaller and had a nautical theme. Service was great! Our server checked on us routinely and gave recommendations. Cute place overall.
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Gabe D.

Yelp
Great service and the theming was very immersive. Pricing was about on point for cocktail bars. We were a little bit crowded in the back of the "bar car" but it wasn't too bad. The ambiance was great, and the drinks were even better. My favorite was the "A fight a night" which is probably one of my top 10 cocktails OAT. They do a good job of mixing snacks with cocktails. Pricing is ~$19 a cocktail
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Bridget S.

Yelp
What a fun and unique spot. My brother initially became curious of platform 18 when we visited Grey Hen Rx a few months ago, so we made sure to find time in our schedules to book a reservation. Our server was one of the "conductors" of the train and he did a great job going through the different sections of the cocktail menu and what each section entails in terms of flavor and liquor. The drinks were very good, and on par for this style of venue (17-21ish $). Depending on if other parties are booked, you may not have the most private experience if you're in the seating section toward the back since they have formatted it so that there are bench seats against the wall and the tables are in the middle section (not a great description but hopefully you know what I mean) they do have a "little snacks" option that comes with olives, Parmesan, and popcorn. Albeit very tasty, that is the only offered food as a heads up During your ride, the train windows display a seasonal view. Being December, we got to ride through the Durango/silverton area of Colorado and it was very cool. Definitely a new favorite of mine
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Nami N.

Yelp
This was where my son brought us as a surprise during our stay in Arizona. It's important to make a reservation in advance at a popular spot. I don't drink alcohol, so I don't go to bars or clubs, I just followed,lol. The right hand side of the entrance was Undertow and the left hand side was Platform 18. We had booked Undertow, but we arrived early, and we wait on Platform 18. We sat at the table with four people and each ordered a cocktail except me. The menu was an old newspaper with all kinds of drinks with interesting headlines. I took a sip of the cocktail that three of us ordered. Surprisingly, all the drinks had a wonderful aroma. As for the taste, All I can say is...Strange taste. Maybe you'll want to drink a few drinks. The interior feels like I'm going back in time and drinking in Chinatown. And I was able to see a special show of the day. Casual is fine, but if possible, it's a good place to come dressed a little stylishly. I'd like to come back here if I get the chance.
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
Very cute. The food was great, drinks were amazing. And the atmosphere was spectacular. We had so much fun!

Cyndi G.

Yelp
So many drinks to chose from. Our Conductor Lily was amazing explained all the drinks. Her recommendation of certain drinks were exceptional. All of them were amazing. And the ice cream The Conjuring Valentino you must have to end the night.
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Logan R.

Yelp
We came to enjoy a ladies night out and left highly satisfied! Our "conductor" was Marty (I believe, sweet lady with blonde hair!) and she was absolutely incredible! Very personable and professional at the same time. We had the little snacks and were impressed with the Parmesan cheese. The cocktails were well done with fantastic presentations! Overall, we had a great time and I look forward to visiting again!
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Elena N.

Yelp
4.5 STARS Date: Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 Time: 2:45pm Party of: 2 What: after Lunch Drinks Reservation Made: about a month prior via SevenRooms Pre-Paid Deposit: $40 *Vodka Martini ($20) *Desire Street Market ($19) *Gentleman's Heist ($23) *Staff Benefit ($2.48) I love a good cocktail bar. Glad the hubby indulges me and lets me drag him to places. He is sooo not a cocktail guy. I first heard about this place when I read it was on North America's 50 Best Bars list. Since I was in AZ, why not try it out? I planned ahead so it was pretty easy to get a rezzie. I didn't really know much about this bar when I first looked into it. Just that it was a train concept. So a train car speakeasy with screens that emulate the scenery outside. Gotta say, I was basically right. Honestly, I don't really need all this hoopla. I just want a good drink. They give you a sort of cocktail / drink amuse before going into your beverage of choice. I honestly can't remember if it was bubbly, some other wine, or just a taste of a cocktail, but it was fine. I started with a vodka martini. I used to drink them back in the day, so decided to revisit. Plus, i knew I was going to have two drinks, so why not start with something lighter. I have to say, why did I stop drinking these? Crisp, refreshing, with the olive to contrast. Next up, was he Gentleman's Heist. Dark and interactive. They torch the rosemary right there. The hubs got the Desire Street Markwet since it has rye whiskey in it. I think it was fruitier than he expected, but a very pretty drink. They gave us white chocolate treats at the end of our seating. A fun experience with some nice cocktails. REVIEW #3461
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Tricia D.

Yelp
My partner brought me to Platform 18 for my birthday at my request. I had been wanting to come here since it had first opened and I saw the train car driving through the mountains of Colorado. I was so excited when she sent me a screenshot of the reservation confirmation. I will give you a little advice, arrive early like it tells you to. We arrived right at our schedule departure time and we were the last to be seated. While the experience was still neat, our seats lacked any of the ambiance I was looking for, again our fault that we didn't arrive early. We were seated at the bar, right next to the Service Bar so there was so much going on it just wasn't what I had envisioned. The train was set to a 1950a prohibition era set in NYC. The bartender was very nice and explained the menu to us. We ordered the little side of snacks and it was perfect. We ended the train ride with the boozy ice cream. It was so delicious, you could hardly taste the cognac in the mint chocolate chip ice cream! I highly recommend checking out Platform at Century Grand but I also recommend arriving early!
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Mariko K.

Yelp
A fun experience for sure! Loved that they leaned pretty hard into the theme. The waitress was knowledeable and helpful while trying to advise us what to order. We were able to walk in without reservations since we came right when they opened. The only downside is that it's pretty cozy seating, but since it's a timed experience it's fine for 90 minutes. The drinks were good, but didn't knock my socks off. It's worth visiting once for the experience.
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Ajea P.

Yelp
This speakeasy was such a nice vibe and exactly what I was looking for. There are 2 other places inside, unfortunately I was only able to visit one. The drinks were really good and there was a nice collection to choose from. The ice cream paired with my cocktail was the perfect touch. The servers were amazing Marty (I hope I'm not saying it incorrectly) and Jordan. Marty asked us if we were celebrating anything special and I actually was visiting AZ as one of my late bday trips, she gave us both a complimentary glass of champagne. That was so sweet! This is a perfect place to visit for a Halloween/October vibe for sure and it also gives a Harry Potter feel.
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Ray O.

Yelp
Staff is excellent, very knowledgeable. Had the Irish coffee and ice cream. Was very delicious. Was fun taking the train from Durango to Silverton. The ambiance was nice. Overall it was a very good experience.
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Travis S.

Yelp
One of the coolest bars in Arizona, and one you definitely need to visit! Platform 18 is so much more than grabbing a drink, it's a full experience! We came here excited and with high expectations and can easily say those were exceeded. The experience takes you back to the Prohibition era. The whole menu book is intertwined with this story and history of the era. Each drink is detailed and explained very well, and even better tasting! The servers really do an incredible job. We were seated in Kendall's section, which was the couch area in the very back. It was awesome. Kendall was amazing and put the night over the top! Every drink we tried was delicious and sophisticated. Much more than your typical bar drink. The first round we started with the Americana and Texas & Her Mob. Both drinks were great starters and absolutely delicious. Next, we had the Miss Illinois and the Harding Hotel. Much different drinks than the first round and again, so good! Lastly, we finished with their boozy ice cream which was fantastic! The whole 90 minute experience was above and beyond! You need a reservation and the fee gets directly applied to your final bill. It's definitely worth coming to and experiencing foe yourself! You will not be disappointed!
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Lauren T.

Yelp
I cannot recommend this place enough! It's located in Century Grand but secluded in a train car. Definitely make a reservation and be ware, it is close quarters. It perfectly mimics a train car with a classic bar, small tables and all of the decor. The windows are LED screens that depict the outside of train while moving. They switch up the theme every so often. When we went, they were doing an ode to women's month and the theme was prohibition New York! The drink menu is customized based on the theme. There is one small food item (cheese and popcorn) that provides a nice little palate cleanser between cocktails. Typically, I am boring and just get a standard martini but I branched out and tried 3 of the craft cocktails on the menu. There was not one item that we didn't like. Highly recommend for a happy hour, date night, and/or night cap.
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Denise M.

Yelp
This bar is SO cool! It is actually on old Pullman train car furnished like it would have been in the hey day of train travel--small booths, lots of wood, heavy velvet curtains. The staff is dressed to match, as well. The coolest thing about it is that the windows have video that makes it look like you are traveling in a train! The cocktails are out of this world--the mixologists are true artists. We had champagne, cocktails and whiskey infused truffles. It was amazing! I think everyone should come to Platform 18 at least once.
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Ayla J.

Yelp
I seen this place online and I had to come! This place was beautiful!!! Loved the train theme and Service was great! our server went over everything with us being it was our first time. Made us feel like we were on an actual train. She was great! Drinks were also Amazon some of the best drinks I've tasted. Will definitely return

Dave L.

Yelp
Very cool experience with craft cocktails and knowledgeable bartenders and a great ambiance. It feels like the train is moving and the scenery is neat to watch.
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Kaelyn G.

Yelp
A fun experience overall. You definitely get the sensation of being inside a train car. The drinks were good. Service was very friendly, but just a tad slow. By the time our second drinks arrived, we were rushed to finish them. I would not recommend Platform 18 for groups larger than 2-3. We had a group of 5 and were sat in the back. The seating was uncomfortably tight. I think if we came back and sat at one of the two tops, it would have been an immensely different experience. However, had a good time overall and would definitely return!

Dave H.

Yelp
Probably the coolest bar I've ever been to. You are sitting in a train car with video in all the windows of snowy landscape passing by. Honestly, it can make you a little dizzy if you're staring at it and moving around. Very cool experience, though. On the drinks, very unique set with creative names. I actually didn't love all the drinks I ordered, but I think that was more based on my personal preferences. I started with the A Fight a Night which was supposed to be patterned after Shepherd's Pie, interestingly enough. It was unique in that they served it with white cheddar chips which you were supposed to take a bite of before drinking. I didn't love the drink - I'd call it a more smoothed out Old Fashioned, similar to what I've made before using certain Canadian Whiskeys. I tend to like them spicier with more bite, generally using a rye, so again, was a good drink, just not up my alley. My wife, who is not a whiskey drinker, liked it. The second drink I got was the Larry Fay, a shot of the El Fay Club. Didn't like this one. It was supposed to taste like apple/pear spiced cider, I think. I ended up truly shooting this one. Finally, I had the Southern Club, which turned out to be a dessert. Not sure why I expected a Sazerac with the ice cream on the side, but all the ingredients are in the scoop. The first few bites were a little strong, but it grew on me. I definitely had no problem finishing it. My favorite drink was one my son got - the Club Intime. That would be my first drink the next time we visit. And all others in our party liked most of the drinks they ordered. Servers were fantastic here, very friendly and gave great drink descriptions. Also, a member in our party was having a big birthday, so they started us all off with some champagne - a very nice touch. Definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a unique and fun bar experience.
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Ian S.

Yelp
I heard about Undertow from a buddy who owns a tiki bar while in town for St Pat's, and any recommendation from the owner of a tiki bar moves to the top of my list, so the first time I went to this bar it was for Undertow. However, while waiting for Undertow you get to take a look at Platform 18 and it really intrigued me. So, when I went back rather than revisit Undertow I checked out the train bar. Not disappointed. One of the coolest bars I've ever been in, and I try to specialize in visiting bars all over my travels. I've never seen anything like it, and every time I go back there's a different theme which makes it a different trip. The first time I went it was through the Rocky Mountains in the middle of winter (mind you it was 90 degrees outside the building); this most recent time it was an evening trip through 1920s New York highlighting prohibition era cocktails. Our server was knowledgeable, interesting, and kept us entertained. Do the math. This is a showstopper, a must visit if you are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area, and you will absolutely not be disappointed. I've seen a few people give less than four stars due to parking or price, FYI, you're going to a bar, take an uber ffs, and you're going to an insanely impressive bar expect to spend 15 to $20 a craft cocktail you cheap...well you know. If you wanna spend $40 walk to your local dive bar and maybe buy eight bud lights but don't complain about the price where they've literally built a bar inside of a train and a moving panorama that transports you both geographically and in time.
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Mike D.

Yelp
Wow, Platform 18 was everything I hoped it would be and more! We "boarded" right on time... and scored a seat at the bar.Remington was our conductor and got us started off with a welcome, a little history, a brief story about the current theme (the Bayou), and some suggestions based on our preferences! I was going to start with the Desiré Street Market, but Remington suggested that it is a better second cocktail, so I instead started off our journey with a Clover Club. It was the best one I have ever had! It went down easy and quite smoothly... and I was ready for my next cocktail fairly quickly. So this round I opted for the Desiré Street Market. Also another highly recommended choice for those bourbon drinkers out there! I rounded out this fun and enjoyable ride through the Bayou with my favorite - a Whiskey Sour (with an egg). The only choice I faced was which whiskey to go with.. so after shortly mulling it over, I chose Basil Hayden. Good choice, and a truly amazing cocktail! They don't offer any food, so plan to grab a bite to eat beforehand to help soak up some of that wonderful glorious alcohol. Overall, a wonderful experience! *****FIVE STARS*****
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Jamie S.

Yelp
We had an amazing time and experience at Platform 18! Our conductor was so knowledgeable and personable! I highly recommend, such a fun and nostalgic little adventure.
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Jessalyn S.

Yelp
Have come here three times in the last 6 month and continue to love this place. Definitely get a reservation as it usual is booked out. If you're waiting for your reservation you can always go to Me Lee's in the same building right across. The decor is amazing and it really feels like you're on Train. The train horn goes off every hour and it's so fun to hear and watch the fog/steam. The servers act as your train conductors and the menu is broken up into sections based on what flavors you like in your cocktails. There's a good selection of drinks which different liquid so it's great for adventurous drinkers and there's bound to be something everyone would like. The popcorn has a spicy kick to it if you get it. The seating is timed so you'll prob have time for three drinks if you're fast and two if you're down. I don't think it's a good place for big groups as most tables are for 2 or 4 people since seating is very narrow as trains usually are. I will definitely be going many more times especially with friend that visit.
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Susanna D.

Yelp
Such a great experience. You really feel like you've been transported into a train car. Obviously the cocktails are fantastic but the real star of Platform 18 are the bartenders. They are phenomenal and amazing at recommending drinks that you'll enjoy.
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David B.

Yelp
A very unique experience with some of the best craft cocktails I've had in years. The liquor selection was top notch and the drinks were imaginative. The effect of the train was hypnotic and fun. Above all, our mixologist was super talented. A fun place to visit.
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Cassandra O.

Yelp
Super cool vibes, reservation required, so go online or call to make them. You get 90 minutes which was enough for us to each have 2 drinks comfortably. Huge high end drink menu with a lot of liquor selections, and the bar background changes every few months, so you feel like you're riding in different seasons via a train, which is pretty cool.
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
Great experience, things have changed a bit since before covid. The train used to go through the snow. I liked that. But New York during the prohibition era wasn't bad. Our service was good, We ordered a few drinks and snacks. It's a cool place for getting together with a few friends and having some craft cocktails. This is not a dinner spot so eat before you come or have dinner plans afterwards. Reservations are a must.
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Jamiee W.

Yelp
Love this place! All the drinks are themed to NYC in the 20's so loads of gin. Very bright, crisp, simple Cocktails. The snacks really aren't a lot for the cost but they are delicious.
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Scott M.

Yelp
Great cocktail experience. And so very unique! My wife and I have taken trains together through the mountains and countryside in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and soon we will add Spain to that list. These trips have made for great memories and have brought us closer together in our marriage over the years. Normally we would be traveling on our anniversary but this year just had both of us too busy with work and other commitments so we had planned to just buy something special together and have a glass of champagne at home. But when I heard about Platform 18 I knew that this would be our opportunity to enjoy a scenic train ride together right here without even having to leave town. So I booked "tickets" for our hour and a half experience and just could not have been happier. We ubered it to Platform 18, boarded our train where the conductor seated us at a wonderful two top against a "window". We were able to take in the scenery as we passed through the bayou and the windows are so large you can easily be fooled into feeling like you're ALL ABOARD a luxuriously legit moving Pullman Car. You'll be faced with the tough decision of ordering from a comprehensive list of craft cocktails. We each had two drinks which were phenomenal...and packed quite a punch ;) Anyway, my wife really felt like this was a thoughtful way for me to plan our 8th anniversary given the circumstances, and we had a wonderful time before heading on to dinner. Make reservations, plan for great cocktails and eat elsewhere if you're hungry because there's no food at Platform 18. Thanks to Platform 18 at Century Grand for helping make our 8th anniversary a memorable one! Cheers!
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Jon G.

Yelp
Took my friend out for her birthday here, wanted a place that was unique and memorable. This was definitely the place to take her. When you first arrive, you wouldnt know what to expect but after sitting inside for a few minutes, you forget where you are and think you're sitting in the bar in a moving train. We order quite a few drinks from the menu so can't really recall the names, might have to make another trip since all were pretty good.
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Kati C.

Yelp
Extremely unique, bar with top-notch stiff cocktails and an incredible staff! It's inside the Century Grand along with two other concept bars, Undertow and Grey Hen Rx. All three an absolute experience from start to finish! I checked in with a young woman and gentleman, both very professional and welcoming as I came in knowing I would usually need to make a reservation but decided to try my luck as I was coming in solo and wouldn't be upset with having to wait, going to one of the other two bars or even be turned away, they're worth the reservation! I was checked in and directed through a doorway that opened to what appeared to be a beautiful dark foggy park/street in front of a quiet cafe with people sipping cocktails and enjoying the atmosphere and exploring while waiting for their reservations. I don't remember how long a wait I was quoted as they called my name in what felt like less than 5mins and lead me back to the first stop of my evening. Jared my bartender, gave me the full story of both the bar and the Queens of New York inspired menu as we traveled through 1920's New York in a small private train car/speakeasy. I got the Miss Illinois, a bright gin based cocktail with Yuzu and Watermelon and topped with fresh dill, perfect for a warmer Arizona evening! I took a minute before my last sip to go back to the host stand to see if I could find myself a seat at Undertow, down a different corridor off the entrance. The same wonderful hostess and young man assisted me in setting up a reservation at Undertow in a little over 45mins which was perfect! I went back to finish my cocktail and pay my tab and was able to do so promptly and left with well wishes from the staff as I told them my plan of trying my luck at 36 Below, a different underground bar in the coffee shop next door before my Undertow reservation. "Expensive" cocktails but you're getting so much more than just excellently crafted cocktails with a story behind them but an experience worth every dime! I can't speak highly enough about the staff I worked with at all 3 establishments I visited at Century Grand and will be back with friends and for date nights!
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Kaloni S.

Yelp
My partner and I are visiting from LA and SD and I wanted us to try something new! Found this place and we were definitely not disappointed. We ubered, so parking wasn't an issue. There is a small lot in-front. This place is super cool with 3 different speakeasy bars in one location. They all have very different vibes. Definitely recommend making reservations as it was super crowded. We had reservations at 9pm on a Saturday night. The entrance was super cool, like you were walking onto a train. The bar itself is very small and intimate. The windows make it appear is if you're moving on a train. It was so awesome! The bar was beautiful and all the servers were amazing. We had Marti and she was a rockstar and super sweet. She made really great recommendations (we were overwhelmed with the drink options) and we were both very pleased with our drink options. The only reason I would give a 4.5 star: My partner and I were seated in the back with a bigger group of 6-8 people which was not ideal and kind of took away from our experience. They were SO loud.
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Stephen L.

Yelp
A place where you take your drinking friends when they come to Phoenix. This location has 3 different bars within: platform 18, undertow, and something that resembles a London vibe. All bars specialize in their own drinks such as undertow is more on the sweeter, tropical side. Whereas platform 18 is more cocktail drinks. The bartenders are very knowledgeable on all their drinks, but expect to pay for the 1.5 hour experience as drink prices are around 18-25 bucks each and requires reservation

Christie W.

Yelp
Such a cool concept - you'd never believe from the outside that it could truly feel like a traincar inside. They have a fun drink menu, but worth noting that they really prefer you to order from that menu. We tried to order classic cocktails that were not on their drink menu like martinis and cosmos; the bartender kindly acquiesced but there was a question of whether they would or not. The other watch out is that the seats are small! Like a real old school train, the seating is compact - we had four people in our booth and it was a tight squeeze. This added to the experience for us but may not be preferable for others.
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Sylvia C.

Yelp
OMG! I absolutely adore this place! The atmosphere is out of this world. The drinks are delicious, and the service is spot on! I had some type of drink that was close to a spicy margarita, and it was delicious! In fact, I had two of them! We also started the evening with a little drink, called honey and saffron, and it was awesome! it was supposed to cleanse your pallet and it did just that. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. My husband who is very difficult to please. Love this place! He had something called dad with nobody? Or nobody no evidence? I can't remember the name of it, but it was close to an old-fashioned and he absolutely adored it! I can't wait to come back with more friends!
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Elicia N.

Yelp
The concept for this bar is SO neat. Entry into the waiting area before you get seated is exquisite, the little speakeasies off to the side are adorable. The train bar was honestly a tad disappointing, but I went in with very high expectations. I didn't love having to put down a deposit but beyond that, it felt a bit musty inside the train bar, and the "views" outside the train screens were a bit underwhelming. It was more fun to sit at the bar than at individual tables given spacing but still a great place to check out at least once to say you did!
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Erica W.

Yelp
I'd give this place 4.5 stars really. Remington was amazing and knowledgeable. They made the experience enjoyable for our party of 3 and was very educated on the whole menu in offering yummy suggestions. The drinks were delicious and we'd definitely return!
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Vickey H.

Yelp
First of all, the ambiance in this bar is off the charts! Great service, unique drinks, appetizers that have me still craving for more of the heated green olives!!!!! Our Daughter-In-Law is the guru of travel and best places to eat and drink, she booked this all the way from Louisiana to Arizona just so that we could have an early Mother's Day Celebration this year. She loved the little lamps on the table and thanks to Amazon, I was able to click a photo of it and order one just like it for her as a remembrance! We will be coming back and sharing this experience with others! It is, as I said earlier, off the charts in Ambiance!!!!!!! V. Helmer
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Wesley A.

Yelp
Drinks were trendy and well made. Ambiance was great. Amazing options for cocktail lovers. Our bartender Marty was very knowledgeable, friendly and charming. I would 100% recommend this place
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Alexis Andrea N.

Yelp
Completely met any expectations I might have had for a cocktail bar car in a simulated train car. The sounds and vibrations of the train tracks really made me feel like I was on a train passing through New York City. The service was amazing and the snacks and drink pre delicious than I expected! It's such a cozy, intimate and unique experience. Definitely recommend making a reservation!
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Erikka T.

Yelp
The whole experience was just what I hoped! This themed bar takes you to New Orleans on a Train Car in the early 1900's. We truly felt transported to another place and time! The staff and the drinks were absolutely fantastic. We will definitely be back!
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Krissy H.

Yelp
This is such a great place love the atmosphere. It's like you're on old elegant train. It was our favorite out of the three bars in here.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
Amazing ambience! Superb drinks! And fabulous staff! The cookies and ice cream were delish!