UnderTow

Comments about UnderTow

Tiki Kiki

Tiki Kiki is a semi-regular at UnderTow.

October 13, 2017, 9:37 PM

Tonight was my 2nd time at UnderTow, and it was even better than the last time I was here. The lightning is phenomenal! With the low ceilings, you really feel like you are in ship’s hull or at least what one would think an old ships hull would look like in pirate time. If you read their forward in their bar menu, you can see they have a little story they try to stick to via their portal video and occasional lightning and thunder theatrics, similar to Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The Tropical Itch drink was our favorite of the night. Excellent balance of of sweet, sour and alcohol. Of all the tiki bars I have been to, this one is by far my favorite. The ambiance is excellent from the the lighting to the aromatics of the smoking clove and cinnamon drinks. Not many tiki bars can add aromatics to their bar descriptors! Plus, for us looking for souvenirs, they have plenty if swag with their logo from mugs to shirts to back scratchers! Once again, Undertow is a Must for those looking for an all encompassing tiki experience. Can’t wait for my next visit!

Tikipike

Tikipike is a semi-regular at UnderTow.

September 14, 2017, 6:36 PM

UPDATE! Undertow has revised hours and are now open daily. Drink menu has been revised, with the top 5 traditional and specialty mixes remaining. The new drinks continue the Undertow quality with incredible flavors. Complex, delicious and while not the least expensive, are the finest cocktails I have ever had. Bravo Undertow Staff! The ship sets sail to new waters!

auntangi

auntangi is a regular at UnderTow, and is usually there 8/19/17.

August 22, 2017, 12:08 PM

I love UnderTow!!!! The space is immersive. The drinks are top notch. The 'special effects' are improving with each visit. And the mixture of wood, rum and smoke is a delightful smell. The bar staff is mad talented and really nice/easy going. On our last visit, when I told the bartenders (Libby, Mitch and Lindsay) that it was my husband's birthday, they put a flaming lime in our Rum Keg as a candle. Such a lovely treat.

arcadiandj

arcadiandj is a regular at UnderTow, and is usually there Once every couple weeks!.

August 19, 2017, 9:46 AM

So, this summer, my wife and I did a "Tour de Tiki" that included Tiki Ti, Don the Beachcombers', and Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar (our first and favorite tiki bar-to give you a frame of reference). We have also been to the Tonga Hut and Bootlegger Tiki in Palm Springs. In our humble opinions, Under Tow has the best bartenders and quality of drinks/drink menu out of all of those bars. FWIW. Trader Sam's is still our favorite, but Under Tow's space/ambiance is MARVELOUS, and the quality of their drinks and likeability of their bartenders is truly special!

Tiki Kiki

Tiki Kiki is a semi-regular at UnderTow.

March 20, 2017, 10:55 AM

I would like to reiterate the review from Tikipike. My experience at UnderTow was very similar so no need to repeat. Also went on a Thursday night. Didn't need a res. It was busy but not crowded, which was perfect. The drinks were some of the best tiki drinks I have had and I have been to a lot of tiki bars. Well balanced, exotic and unique ingredients. My favorite was the Bridge of 2 Cultures. UnderTow is a must see (and taste) for tiki fans! Arizona is lucky to have such a good bar. They did have a white version of their mug too that I was lucky enough to get my hands on. Will post a pic.

tikiglees

tikiglees has visited UnderTow.

February 18, 2017, 12:06 PM

Stuck in Phx overnight and checked out UnderTow. Wow, what a gem. Bartenders were slinging it and the overall vibe was tip top... ran into Martin Cate as well who was there for a Plantation tasting. It's small but a great spot

tikiglees

tikiglees has visited UnderTow.

February 18, 2017, 12:04 PM

Stuck in Phx overnight and checked out UnderTow. Wow, what a gem. Bartenders were slinging it and the overall vibe was tip top... ran into Martin Cate as well who was there for a Plantation tasting. It's small but a great spot

alexismilan

February 11, 2017, 4:25 PM

This place is AMAZING! A fully immersive experience with ambiance that transports you to another time. The drinks are amazing. I love it more each visit. A must see!

Hang10tiki

Hang10tiki has visited UnderTow.

February 1, 2017, 8:51 PM

Tough to find the first time. Small but awesome, great decor, awesome drinks, great service. Sold me a menu for 5.00, but were out of mugs. Must see if in town.

Cheap bastard

Cheap bastard has visited UnderTow.

January 27, 2017, 7:22 AM

Sorry...those drinks are strong! Let me try again this morning. You can't see this place from the street. It's in the basement of a place called Sip. This is a very small place. It's actually hard to sit at the bar. It's one of the best decorated tiki bars on the level of a Disney production. The drink menu is extensive and even starts with an expert from a novel. They have souvenir mugs that are pricey but that comes with the territory. They play exotica music. Very well done . This place is a must see.

Cheap bastard

Cheap bastard has visited UnderTow.

January 26, 2017, 11:06 PM

Beware...this place is hidden like 3 dots and a dash. You won't see a sign on the road. It's in the basement of a coffee bar named Sip. Follow Google maps and ask. It's downstairs . Decor is awesome. Menu is awesome.. it's. Novel. I'm drunk. Little small... Lott sap....looks a great

gmaletic

January 4, 2017, 5:29 PM

I had a hard time finding UnderTow. The flower-filled outrigger hanging from the ceiling made me think I was already in it...but then, why are all these people drinking coffee, and why is the band playing acoustic Pink Floyd covers?

After questioning the bartender, turns out I was in "Sip", the upstairs coffee bar. Follow the stairs under said outrigger and you'll find an exceptionally designed tiki bar, with decor that's beautifully restrained, yet as rich and atmospheric as anything I've experienced. Themed like a ship's hold—but featuring intricate tiki carvings in the timbers—it's a motif I've never seen before, avoiding "nautical" cliches while creating something unique and intimate. I didn't want to leave.

My one drink—a Navy Grog—was a bit too sweet, I'd say. But the careful work put into it gives me confidence that other drinks would be better. Fantastic music (Les Baxter and similar), subtle but dramatic lighting effects... drink caveat aside, this has real potential to be my very favorite tiki bar.

WesleyJames

WesleyJames is a regular at UnderTow, and is usually there Wednesdays.

January 1, 2017, 5:54 PM

If you're interested in watching us design and build UnderTow, check out Blue Collar Backers on Discovery Channel. It's either episode 3 or 4. Had a wonderful time designing and building this bar with Danny Gallardo. I've recently updated the porthole effects and added several more effects to the back bar. Also we've resolved an issue we were having with music volume. Check back as we plan to keep updating and adding effects and special touches.
In designing the bar we wanted to tell the story of tiki cture in America. The back story is that you've walked below deck of a late 19th century sailing ship. The crew has sailed all over the world, but fell in love with the South Pacific. They pushed the cargo into the back of the hold and carved their own tiki bar into the very bones of the ship. This way they can take it with them wherever they may sail!
There are hidden details and nods to tiki in every corner of the bar.

arcadiandj

arcadiandj is a regular at UnderTow, and is usually there Once every couple weeks!.

December 9, 2016, 9:59 PM

I love this place. What they have done with the space is so creative and immersive! We love the drink selection-a marvelous selection of classic and modern recipes that my wife will enjoy until they or we pass on. Best of all, we have really enjoyed our interactions with the bar tenders who are not only nice people, but professionals who have provided us with education that has helped improve our enjoyment of tiki drinks.

Stabby

Stabby has visited UnderTow.

December 4, 2016, 11:22 AM

Absolutely loved my recent visit to the undertow! Bartender blew me away with her "level 3" rendition of the Painkiller. Later met one of the owners at his other bar, Counter Intuitive , had such a great chat with him. He even sent us home with a partial bottle of OFTD rum!

Tikipike

Tikipike is a semi-regular at UnderTow.

November 13, 2016, 9:04 AM

Upstairs, a brightly lit hipster haven for beer, coffee, food and conversation. Downstairs, a dimly lit hold of the tall ship UnderTow. Just a splash of imagineering to the decor and this ship sets sail every 50mins. Not Disney, not kitschy, it's classy classic Tiki.

While the space is small, just 35 patrons, the cocktails are on point! Fresh squeezed ingredients, infused spirits, quality and correct pours. I sampled six of their creations, starting with the Mai Tai...not too sweet, super fresh ingredients, balanced acidity, and ended with the cold brew "Ain't no Bali Hai Enough" a refreshing blend of coffee, rums, spices, I want this in my tumbler to get me through the day!

Weekends are supposed to be non stop turns with a reservation required. We went on a Thursday night and on arrival the bar was half full. Staff was friendly, I didn't order a specific drink, I wanted to sample many. Pricing was right on, maybe even undervalued for the quality of each drink.

Most patrons are not lovers of the tiki and it's lifestyle like members of this site. They've probably never subscribed to Tiki Magazine, and that's fine, because those are the people that keep these places open, while we are the ones that keep them honest. This place has an honest Tiki adventure feel and maybe the best drinks I've had anywhere.

Tiki lovers give this place a try, and tell the staff you are a Tiki Lover!

arcadiandj

arcadiandj is a regular at UnderTow, and is usually there Once every couple weeks!.

October 20, 2016, 8:25 PM

While I am new to the world of tiki, I think this place is awesome! The decor is marvelous, and while the space is small, it is very immersive and I would say the quality of the fixtures is amazing. Then you have the drinks-WOW. These are some of the best cocktails I've had. While I have gravitated towards their classic recipes, my wife has tried several of their original drinks and all of them have been marvelous. Be advised, they are quite popular right now and you want to make reservations several days in advance to avoid a long wait or getting turned away.

BillBuitenhuys

BillBuitenhuys is a semi-regular at UnderTow.

September 8, 2016, 12:02 PM

It's a tiny place but it's done right. Super active décor, wonderful drinks (both classic and signature), and love the vibe. The music is low (which I love!) giving the place a more intimate feel. You can talk with your friends, the bartenders, or with those around you without having to shout.

Zona_man

September 7, 2016, 11:09 AM

I didn't rate the music higher because I can hardly ever hear it when I'm in there. However, the selection of music that I have heard was top notch!

Regulars and Visitors of UnderTow

Regulars

People who go to UnderTow at least a few times a month.

• John S. james
  Once month!
• ridric
  Happy Hour or early evenings
• Tobin
• arcadiandj
  Once every couple weeks!
• WesleyJames
  Wednesdays
• Dutch
  Weekend
• tikiboss
  Thursdays for HH and other random drop ins
• JustLis0222
  once or twice a week
• Tiki_JC
• LoloHaole
  Happy hours
• auntangi
  8/19/17

Semi-Regulars

People who go to UnderTow at least a few times a year.

• 
  DanNowicki
• 
  Tiki Kiki
• 
  BillBuitenhuys
• 
  Tikipike
• 
  Tiki_Will
• 
  MrHo
• 
  Iamnotagiant
• 
  tangle13
• 
  Leaseapenny
• 
  TikiMutt
• 
  DesertTiki
• 
  Mongoose
• 
  azblueagave
• 
  Aubrie

Visitors

People who have been to UnderTow at least once.

• 
  Lokelani
• 
  Tiki Mark
• 
  Hang10tiki
• 
  keepitwildtv
• 
  Tiki-D
• 
  Shop99er
• 
  Cheap bastard
• 
  tikiglees
• 
  soldiersdisease
• 
  Baggy_Billy
• 
  Castaway Kevin
• 
  lunarlimelight
• 
  NuclearDan
• 
  sawalker
• 
  AmandaAnne
• 
  Creepykate
• 
  JentikiPDX
• 
  carvingbike
• 
  Robot Tiki
• 
  CosmoReverb
• 
  twocaledonias
• 
  alohaboydean
• 
  Stabby
• 
  Mnchuck
• 
  Misterkingdom
• 
  TikiBobby
• 
  TPA2LAS
• 
  Vanillagreaze
• 
  craigbestjr
• 
  fun4robots
• 
  SneakyTiki842017
• 
  miss_hilda
• 
  Cape FM
• 
  traderandy
• 
  Tipsy Foxxe
• 
  Gaeriel18
• 
  AWESOM-O
• 
  GeekyTiki
• 
  productivepenguin
• 
  TikiGreg
• 
  Red