Photo courtesy of Tell Your Friends.
When a new hot spot opens in Scottsdale, I’m among the first to say “yes” to an evening out—especially when the buzz is as electric as it’s been around Tell Your Friends. Recently, a dear friend and I ventured below ground to experience this stylish new speakeasy, and yes—it lives up to every whisper.
Located underground beneath The Americano, Tell Your Friends is a seductive, 52-seat hideaway entered through a discreet side door. A dimly lit holding area and velvet-draped entry lead you down a moody staircase past a neon martini sign and into an opulent lounge straight out of a Gatsby-era dream.
Photo by Jill McNamara.
Rich maroon banquettes, black marble, gleaming mirrors and dramatic arching lights create a scene that feels equal parts high-society supper club and modern jazz lounge. Velvet floral carpet and shimmering disco balls lend a playful edge to the sophisticated vibe, while a sleek bar beckons you to settle in for an indulgent evening.
The culinary program at Tell Your Friends is the vision of celebrity chef and Food Network personality Beau MacMillan, who brings his signature blend of elevated comfort food and sophisticated flavors to the speakeasy’s small-bites menu. In collaboration with Clive Collective and Creation Hospitality, Chef MacMillan designed a menu of shareable plates that complemented the inventive cocktails and vibrant, jazz-infused atmosphere of this underground lounge.
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We began our evening with a few elevated bites—a round of well-curated appetizers like the Terra Farms Wagyu beef carpaccio and jumbo shrimp cocktail, followed by the true indulgence of the night: caviar bumps served with icy chilled vodka.
Photo by Jill McNamara.
The inventive cocktail program at Tell Your Friends was crafted by Keifer Gilbert, a legend in Arizona’s craft cocktail scene with numerous “Best Of,” “Top 10,” and “Hall of Fame” accolades, alongside Ashley Cibor, the award-winning beverage director known for her innovative work at Phoenix’s acclaimed tiki bar UnderTow. Together, they’ve created a cinematic, culinary-inspired menu featuring more than 20 original cocktails and reimagined classics from candle-wax–cured whiskies to smoke-trapped presentations. Their collaborative vision has already earned Tell Your Friends the title “Bar of the Year” by The Bar and Restaurant Expo.
For my first sip, I chose the Velvet Inferno—an alluring, layered cocktail with smoky complexity and a seductive finish. Later, I couldn’t resist the sparkling, elegant Flapper Fizz—vodka, apple, vanilla, amaro, lemon and Champagne in a glass that was as photogenic as it was delicious.
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My friend embraced the classics, starting with the Pepperoncino Martini—a bold twist on the traditional—followed by a perfectly executed Old Fashioned. Every sip throughout the evening showcased the expertise behind the bar and the attention to detail that makes Tell Your Friends stand out.
As the evening progressed, conversation mingling with live jazz and the subtle clinking of glassware by stylish guests filled the room. We lingered, savoring both the drinks and the scene, already planning our next visit before the night was through.
Do tell your friends.
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