Phoenix Rising
Dive Bars · Oklahoma City, OK
About
"Cutest bartenders ever" is a line from one review that sums up the charm here. Phoenix Rising serves up cheap drinks with a side of drag shows and go-go entertainment, all in a laid-back dive bar atmosphere. The crowd spans 20-somethings to 50-somethings, locals mixed with visitors.
The back deck is a nice spot to chill away from the dance floor inside. Reviews mention the staff is friendly and the kamikaze shots pack a punch. Note: Yelp data suggests the venue may be permanently closed, so call ahead before heading out.
Located in the NW 39th Entertainment District, Oklahoma City's historic gayborhood, just a short walk from other nightlife spots.
Features
- ✓Cheap drinks and friendly faces
- ✓Drag shows and go-go entertainment
- ✓Large dance floor and outdoor back deck
- ✓Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd, locals and visitors
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 12 reviews. 53 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“wonderful place”
The place is smoky but the staff are nice and the drinks are strong. The decor is sleek and there are plenty of seats.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Worst Place Ever”
I went there hoping to dance and have a good time, but as soon as I walked in, people stared like I wasn't wanted. While waiting for my friend to come out of the bathroom, the bartender started claiming we were too drunk and accused us of saying we were high, which we hadn't. He threatened to call the police and told us we weren't welcome, then pulled out a bat from behind the bar and menaced us with it, hitting the bar. My friends are Black, and he kept staring at them in a way that felt racist. We left as soon as my friend was done. It's no surprise the place was empty on a Friday night. I'll never go back to that racist establishment. We went to other bars on the strip and had a great time. I've never been treated so poorly. Avoid this place at all costs.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Really Friendly”
The staff are always friendly and the kamikaze shots are very strong. The bar seems to have started as a leather bar but is now welcoming to everyone. They have drag shows, and often they're quite good.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Unfriendly spend your $ elsewhere”
It took a while to get served and people seemed unfriendly. I gave it another chance but it was the same. This time I didn't even wait for the bartender, I just left.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Hmmmm.”
The Phoenix Rising in OKC provides an alternative to the bars at the nearby Habana resort area, though it's debatable if it's better. The hotel bars had bigger crowds and more lively fun, but the Phoenix is nice if you want to relax away from the crowds in a leather-themed setting. The back deck is pleasant. The interior is also nice, but maybe not grungy enough for a proper leather bar. There's a large dance floor, great for those who love to dance. Some patrons I encountered were oddly paranoid and unsettling, not in a fun, sexy leather bar way. However, the bartenders were incredibly cute, and the staff were great. I had fun dancing wildly, and most people seemed chill and accepting.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Phoenix Rising have drag shows? +
Yes, drag shows are a regular feature here, and many reviews say they put on good shows.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, there is a nice back deck area for outdoor seating, confirmed by Yelp.
What are the hours? +
Phoenix Rising is open Wed-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am, and Sun 3pm-10pm. Note: Yelp also notes it may be permanently closed, so it's best to confirm before visiting.
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