There are several things about the Melrose District in Phoenix that are outstanding. The first point that I like most is that it’s LGBTQ friendly, offering cool places to hang out for a cocktail at neighborhood bars like Bunkhouse, Boycott, Charlie’s Phoenix, The Rock, or Stacy’s which has more of the nightclub vibe with a memorable, dazzling, multi-colored cathedral type window facing the dance floor. All of these bars have patios which are delightful to enjoy drinks and banter especially during November through April (before the summer heat takes over). After that, it’s much better inside with the air conditioning!
Each of these venues also have a variety of events such as dart leagues, drag shows, karaoke, dancing, and holiday themed parties for every entertainment interest. The Thunderbird Lounge has retro 1970s-80s arcade decor, serves great craft cocktails and has the biggest patio of the bars listed here. There is also no lack of good places to eat, as the mile long Melrose District contains a variety of them on 7th Avenue between Indian School & Camelback Roads. Among the best are Copper Star Coffee which has delectable baked goods along with great coffee, and the Fry Bread House which features fried dough dishes containing a variety of scrumptious fillings and has been a huge local hit for thirty-three years now.
My second favorite aspect of the Melrose District, though, are the array of choices for antique, nostalgia, and vintage shopping which rank among the best in the vast Phoenix area. Among these are Classic House, Michael Todd’s Treasures, Modern On Melrose, and Retro Ranch have awesome selections of mid-century modern furniture and decor, while Time Bomb specializes in cool, affordable period clothing. This just might be just the place to check out for costume party ideas! The Exposed Studio & Art Gallery always has intriguing artworks in a variety of mediums and hosts related events throughout the year.
My third favorite thing about Melrose are the displays of classic cars which can be viewed during the annual Melrose Fair. That occurs this year on Saturday, March 1. The vehicle displays here are the best in the Phoenix area outside of the Martin Auto Museum & Event Center in north Phoenix (which I’ve written about twice in my “Armchair Travelogues” series) or the annual auction hosted by the Barrett-Jackson Auto Company in Scottsdale. Before I forget to mention it, there are a number of wonderful murals found on businesses throughout the neighborhood which make great photo-ops, which many people like myself enjoy for “souvenir” type pix!
