Seven Phoenix evenings starting with a pub plate

Pub plates set my baseline.

Butler's Easy suits the cocktail hunter who wants evidence before excitement: local spirits, a black countertop and no password ritual. I would start with its pretzels, almonds and gherkins, then ask the bartender for a pour that fits. That makes a modest opening order more useful than chasing an unverified drop. Keep the pub plate ahead of another round.

Barrels and bottle shelves turn Tuesday toward Magnum's Cigars Wine & Liquor, a retailer and lounge with a bourbon focus. This is for spirits hunters who value context more than a supposed secret doorway. After Monday's pub plate, a single explained cocktail gives the week a cleaner benchmark. Ask the bartender about the bourbon selection before ordering. Favor a considered pour over collecting bottles.

Wood-fired dough earns the midweek slot for eaters who photograph dinner but still inspect the fundamentals. Base Pizzeria pairs organic pies with inventive toppings and a Ploughman's board. After two bar-led evenings, this is the food-first correction rather than another drinks comparison. Ask about the Cowboy Ranch or Sweet and Spicy before ordering. My pick is one specialty pie, not an unfocused spread.

Patio comfort comes first at Windsor for companions comparing rooms as closely as drinks. Follow its retro cocktails and comfort food with Sauce Pizza & Wine's pizzas, pasta and wine list. Anyone researching natural wine in Phoenix should check bottle styles rather than assume. Check the walking route between these north-central addresses; this is not a timed transfer. Reserve this pairing for contrast, not exclusivity.

Wall art frames Friday's switch to Casa Corazon Restaurant, where the food case includes cochinita pibil, chile rellenos and aguachiles. For someone deciding where to eat in Phoenix, this makes a stronger dinner proposition than guessing which bar has a secret release. Tequila supplies a change of register after whiskey and pizza. Ask about aguachiles first; prioritize dinner over an unsupported scarcity story.

Rotisserie gives Saturday a reason beyond another bottle. Doughbird suits the eater who wants a food-first comparison after Friday's tequila and Mexican dishes, pairing chicken with pizza, house-made doughs and desserts. I would start with the rotisserie before deciding whether a pie adds anything. That order tests the kitchen instead of chasing a release rumor. Ask about the chicken first; opt for variety over another pizza photograph.

Backbar shadows make Highball my closing comparison for drinkers who prefer a considered cocktail to a louder finish. Inventive, balanced recipes and snacks from Chef Devan give this evening a different brief after Saturday's kitchen comparison. Ask the bartender to explain one recipe before ordering; a clear recommendation beats a blind second round. Bar seats, high tops and tables offer options. Finish with conversation instead of collecting glasses.