Arizona Watcher
USA TODAY released its Bars of the Year 2026 list on July 29, naming 38 bars from across the United States.
Two Arizona venues were included on the list: Sunny’s Lounge in Phoenix and Yucca Tap Room in Tempe, both cited among the 38 national selections.
Sunny’s Lounge opened in September 2023 at 2701 E. Indian School Road. Operated by the Barter & Shake team, it’s an intimate neighborhood cocktail spot with booths, a small patio, a pool table and about 15 core craft cocktails.
Yucca Tap Room, at 29 W. Southern Ave on Danelle Plaza in Tempe, is a longtime live‑music fixture (capacity roughly 165–200) that has hosted bands like Gin Blossoms and The Refreshments.
The USA TODAY list spans a range of bar types—from neighborhood dives to high‑end cocktail bars—and highlights 38 venues without assigning a single overall ranking.
Arizona Republic critic Bahar Anooshahr described Sunny’s as a "sophisticated cocktail bar cosplaying as a dive." Mat Snapp of Barter and Shake offered a brief reaction: "Stop it right now."
USA TODAY released its Bars of the Year 2026 list on July 29, naming 38 establishments from across the country. Two Arizona venues — Sunny’s Lounge in Phoenix and Yucca Tap Room in Tempe — were included on the list.