I love the explosion of Phoenix’s craft cocktail scene. One of my favorites and new to the scene in the past year is Chandler’s The Ostrich. The Ostrich is located underneath Crust in Chandler’s downtown. In Speakeasy style, the unmarked entrance is found to the side of Chandlers Crust. Upon entering ,you feel like you are transported back to Chandler’s speakeasy days. The basement space was once used to house Ostrich feathers.

Located below Crust, look for the red light.  Follow the stairs down into the dimly lit, rustic speakeasy. Brandon Casey recently unveiled a new cocktail and food menu. The cocktails have playful names, creativity

The Butcher, The Baker, and the Candlestick Maker

The Butcher: Lagavulin 16, Don Zolio, Amontillado, spiced stone fruit syrup, poured over cut ice topped with a cherry mint bouquet presented in a metal glass keeping it perfectly chilled.

The Baker: Bulleit Rye, Montenegro Amaro, Cocktail and Son’s King Cake Syrup, AZ Bitter Lab’s Figgy Pudding bitters, lemon juice. Presented in a coupe glass topped with a frothy egg white layer.

The Candlestick Maker: Montelobos Joven, Caskwerk’s Apple Pie, Yellow Chartreuse, lemon juice sprinkled with mulling spice

Irish Banana Hammock

Power’s Irish, Cream Sherry, Montenegro, Amaro, Sibona Amaro, Giffard Banane, Bresil du Brasil, AZ Bitter Lab’s Figgy Pudding

Under the Norman Sun

VSPO Calvados, Rye, desert blossom honey syrup, AZBL Orange Sunshine, Peychaud’s, Pernod Absinthe Rinse finished with a lemon twist.

Love Tiki? Check out Tiki Tuesday’s with specialty dishes and cocktails. The Totem was quite a presentation. Towering skewers of grilled fruits and meats including steak, pineapple, bananas, and SPAM, yes SPAM.

Disclosure: I was invited a media preview to sample the new menu. All opinions are my own.