In this issue, we’re shaking things up by swapping our usual chef’s picks to see where two cocktail pros like to drink and dine.
This year, Highball, the chic cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix, added two more notable distinctions to its growing list. Owner Libby Lingua snagged a Tales of the Cocktail Regional Spirited Award nomination for Top 10 U.S. Bartender of the Year, while she and co-owner Mitch Lyons, along with their talented crew, were recognized as honorees for Best U.S. Bar Teams – U.S. West.
Together, Lingua and Lyons have created an intimate oasis where exposed brick and a gleaming copper bar set the stage for their innovative cocktails. Their current menu leans into Asian influences, offering unexpected twists like the Tokyo Drift, a guava-laced margarita accented with togarashi and Japanese citrus, or the Land of the Mountains, reimagining the classic Daiquiri with melon liqueur, lemongrass, and tangerine.
This combination of creative drinks and a welcoming vibe is what keeps people coming back. “It’s a comfy, cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge where you can relax, whether you’re on a date night or hanging out with friends,” says Lingua. “Have a cocktail, something served neat from our great backbar selection, or even just a beer and a shot. We take the pretension out of cocktails and want everyone to feel welcome.”
Highball doesn’t just shine in its everyday operations; they’re also known for immersive pop-up events, hosting special guests and liquor showcases. This year alone, they welcomed guest bartenders from award-winning hotspots in San Diego, Chicago, and New York, just to name a few. “We like to go all out,” says Lyons. “When we host someone, we make Highball their home for the night. We change the music, lighting, and décor to create a completely different atmosphere to highlight the guests and their cocktails.”
Want to know where these bar stars hang out when they’re off-duty? Lingua and Lyons share three of their favorite spots.
Lingua Loves:
Where: Glai Baan – 2333 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Why: Cat and Dan are family to us. They’ve supported me and Mitch since back in our early UnderTow days and we’ve done several events with them. We’ve even had cocktails on our menu that were inspired by them, like Far from Home on our previous menu, fashioned to taste like their mango sticky rice dessert.
Favorites: I love everything there, but the dumplings and Wishing Star cocktail are my go-to starters.
Where: Hana Japanese Eatery – 5524 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Why: I’ve been a regular for a long time. During the pandemic, and now still, I always get their sushi to go because their take-out experience is just as good as in-house. I absolutely love their food, and I could eat my body weight in sushi there.
Favorites: I love the classic staples, like pork gyozas, tonkatsu ramen and the uni shooters. And I always get their rainbow roll and add smelt roe. They used to be BYOB but now they have a great selection of Japanese beers, sakes, and whiskeys. I need to get back for the dine-in experience now that they offer cocktails.
Where: Harvey’s Wineburger – 4812 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Why: I love that grungy—in the best possible way—dive bar atmosphere and, surprisingly, they have a great backbar selection too. You can get a neat pour of really great bourbon for a fantastic price, and their food is awesome as well.
Favorites: A patty melt with a neat pour of Elmer T. Lee or a beer like Coors Banquet or Dos Equis.
Lyons Loves:
Where: Waamo – 5050 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Why: It’s one of my favorite hidden gems, with Somalia-forward African cuisine and a little bit of Mediterranean. You feel like you’re in someone’s home, and I’m probably there once a week.
Favorites: I love the goat and they make an amazing lamb shank served over a mixture of noodles and rice. One of the coolest things is when you sit down, they’ll bring you soup and tea. The tea is absolutely delicious, with lots of African spices, and I always get another cup or two.
Where: Taco Boy’s – multiple locations in Phoenix and Tempe
Why: They have a few locations, but the one I frequent the most is at Roosevelt and 7th Street. They just crush street tacos with the high quality of their meat and freshness of their salsa bar. It’s my go-to spot whenever I host a pop-up—I take everyone there so we can all try a little bit of everything.
Favorites: As many tacos—like tripa, carne asada and pollo—as I can eat, and a Mexican lager, usually Pacifico.
Where: JT’s Bar & Grill – 4829 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Why: I’ve always been a divey bar kind of person and a sports bar with good food always gets my attention. And without a doubt, I think they have the best wings in town. Never too fatty, always cooked nice and crisp, and the sauce is delicious with plenty of flavorful heat.
Favorites: Buffalo hot wings double-dipped, a beer, and usually a shot of Jameson—because, why not?
written by: christina barrueta | photographed by: luke irvin
highball: 1514 north 7th ave, phoenix, az 85007
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