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Nu Towne Saloon
Bars

Nu Towne Saloon

Arizona first and longest established LGBTQ+ gathering place

Phoenix, USA
4.4
264 reviews

Neighbourhood

Phoenix

Category

Bars

Vibe

Food, Happy Hour +1

Official website

About Nu Towne Saloon

Nu Towne Saloon has been a staple in Phoenix's LGBTQ+ scene since 1971, making it the oldest gay bar still in operation in the area. Nestled on East Van Buren Street, it sits right across from the historic Tovrea Castle. This long-standing venue has a laid-back, dive-bar vibe, complete with a quirky decor that includes a seven-foot plaster rooster and a replica of the Eiffel Tower on its roof. Despite a devastating fire in 2010, Nu Towne Saloon has remained resilient, keeping much of its retro charm intact through a rebuild. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, thanks in part to friendly staff and a mix of regular patrons who make everyone feel right at home. The back patio is a popular spot, especially after recent upgrades, featuring a canvas roof that makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings. Sundays are particularly lively with the beer bust special, offering 16-ounce cups of Budweiser or Bud Lite for just $2, drawing a consistent crowd. Inside, patrons can enjoy a game of pool or check their fortunes with the vintage Merlin fortune-telling machine. With its mix of nostalgic charm and a strong community feel, Nu Towne Saloon continues to be a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.

Vibes

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Location

Nu Towne Saloon

Nu Towne Saloon, East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.4

264 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps and Yelp.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    4.4
  • Google Maps
    4.3
  • Yelp
    4.5

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Well, I was doing a Door Dash delivery here while my adult daughter waited for me. I went in and saw many men playing darts and having a great time. I yelled out a name and several men answered and pointed for the guy I would deliver to. I went to the back. This was my first time ever in a bar as a 46-year-old. I delivered the item and got back in my car. My daughter said to me, "Mom did you notice that there were only men and you were the only woman in there? You just delivered in a gay bar." That makes so much sense. It never dawned on me why it was all men in there. I am such a noob. Haha. Anyhow, they were all just having a blast of playing darts.

Review from Google Maps

Kevin Markman
Kevin Markman

3 years ago

52 year old saloon been around as long as l have. Friendly staff and helpful. Comedy night was great. The place looks deceptively small and goes back and back like a row house. Good fun. Very welcoming.

Review from Google Maps

Nicole Pelroy
Nicole Pelroy

9 months ago

Had to pass some time while in town, stopped by & had the BEST watermelon Moscow mule made by Josh! He was so sweet & welcoming. We will definitely stop by when in town again!

Review from Google Maps

C L
C L

2 years ago

This used to be the local hang out. I’ve moved away and don’t frequent this place like I used to. …..now I visit when in town on business. Kudos to the new owner for updating a few things but to be honest I really miss the old vibe and the old bartenders. Every holiday there were decorations galore… does this no longer happen? I will return in the future but really did prefer the eclectic dive bar atmosphere it once had.

Review from Google Maps

Giovanni Ponce
Giovanni Ponce

4 months ago

Always a great atmosphere. Thank you to Josh, Angelo, and Trevor for the fantastic service and drinks. TLC is my favorite event here!

Review from Google Maps

Featured Yelp review excerpts

Excerpts provided by Yelp. Read full reviews on Yelp.

Neal W.

Neal W.

20 Jun 2026

Ricky is the best. Handsome and very good customer service and a great smile. I love him in the gay men's chorus. He's a keeper

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Alishia R.

Alishia R.

19 Aug 2025

Another local bar that is lgbtq+ friendly long pours good prices. Pool darts and an outside patio. From what I could see there was no food.

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

JR R.

11 Jun 2026

Terrible bartender experience. I've been going here for years, but will not be going back after my experience last night. Unreal!

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

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Listing details

Last updated
30 November 2024
Listed in
Phoenix › USA
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp