05/01/2025 | 4 Min. Read
Alright y’all.
Let me keep it a buck — I love highlighting Black-owned spots (that’s the whole point of blkphxaz.com), but sometimes people just wanna know:
“Where can I go to hear some actual music, see my people, and not feel like the only one in the room?”
Because look, if you’ve lived in Phoenix long enough, you already know — it’s not the easiest place to spot a good Black crowd. But if you’re new here or just visiting and don’t feel like rolling the dice, I gotchu.
These 5 spots? They’re not all Black-owned (just keeping it real), but they’re definitely Black-attended, Black-leaning, and Blackity Black once the DJ hits play. All in downtown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale — so no need to travel across the valley like it’s a Marvel mission.
Let’s get into it:
Evolutions — Downtown Phoenix
22 E Washington St Suite #2 Phoenix AZ 85004
This one right here? A certified hotspot.
It’s giving grown, sexy, but still down to get ratchet by midnight. You walk in, and it just feels right — Black folks, Black music, and zero judgment if you start singing Ne-Yo at the top of your lungs with strangers.
Great spot for a night out with your crew or a solo mission if you’re bold like that. Either way, the vibe never misses.
Samsara (Hookah Lounge) — Downtown Phoenix
901 N 4th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Sometimes you don’t wanna go out out. You just want a lil’ hookah, some dim lighting, and a DJ who understands that 90s RnB is undefeated. That’s Samsara.
GO on Sundays! People pull up looking smooth. You might catch someone playing spades in the back while “Back That Thang Up” plays like it’s still ‘99. The crowd? Our people. The vibe? Chill but not boring.
It’s a vibe for sure — perfect pre-game or wind-down spot.
Oasis — Old Town Scottsdale
4441 N Buckboard Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Look, I know when y’all hear “Scottsdale” you start side-eyeing. But let me tell you something — Oasis is where Scottsdale forgets it’s Scottsdale.
As soon as you walk in? Boom. Melanin. Bottles. Beats. Vibes. It feels like homecoming, minus the long flights. This is where you bring your fit fit out. No slides, no weak ankles — you will be seen.
Get there early though. That line don’t play.
11:11 — Old Town Scottsdale (Black-Owned)
4280 N Drinkwater Blvd #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
If you like your nights served with a side of manifestation and a sexy crowd, pull up to 11:11.
It’s giving “this is where the cute people hang out.” The energy is a lil more upscale, but still us — nobody’s playing EDM in here, don’t worry. The music stays on point, and the vibe is chill but elevated. Great drinks, better people-watching.
Bring your best ‘fit and your intentions. The universe just might deliver.
Pretty Please Lounge — Old Town Scottsdale
4426 N Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
And last but definitely not least — Pretty Please.
The name might sound soft, but don’t let it fool you. Once the lights go down and the speakers go up, it turns all the way up. This is where you go when you wanna sweat out your hair, sing along to every lyric, and dance with strangers like you’ve known them for years.
It’s giving basement party energy but in a cute, velvet-rope package. You’ll definitely run into other Black folks looking for the same release you are — good music, good people, and a good time.
Real Talk…
Phoenix might not be known for its Black nightlife, but once you know where to go? You’ll find us. All of these spots aren’t Black-owned, but they do know how to bring our culture to the forefront — whether that’s through music, energy, or the fact that half the club smells like cocoa butter and loc gel (you know the smell).
So if you’re tired of places that don’t play our music or serve our crowd — now you’ve got options.
Go outside. Be cute. Dance hard. And if you see me there? Buy me a drink (lol jk… unless).
🖤 blkphzaz.com
“Know another spot where we show up heavy? Drop it in the comments or DM me @blkphxaz on IG — let’s keep the list growing!”
One response to “5 Spots in Phoenix & Scottsdale Where the Vibe is Blackity Black — Even if They’re Not Black-Owned”
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where are the black and grown (35 and up) New Years Eve Parties/Events?
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Black Phoenix Arizona 
Whats the word?