Carry On, a luxury travel-themed cocktail bar has been getting much attention since its opening on November 15, 2024. Beverage director Jax Donahue was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2025. The bar’s design won the Best Bar Design Award at North America’s 50 Best Bars. And the unusual cocktail bar continues to add to its national accolades. On July 30, USA TODAY named the downtown Phoenix cocktail bar one of the 29 USA TODAY Bars of the Year for 2025.

“Oh wow! That’s so nice. Carry On has been on a hot streak and I’m so glad to see it resonating with people,” said co-owner Theodore Myers after hearing the news. “To be doing this for eight plus years and be recognized is a very special moment. So, thank you for the good news.”

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What makes Carry On stand out.

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The bar’s design was inspired by the luxurious style of travel in the ’60s and ’70s.

Guests pick up their pre-purchased tickets at adjacent restaurant Wren and Wolf, then line up at the plane’s door. Once inside the walnut and gold-accented interior, guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail before and their trip begins as the plane takes off. Visual simulations in the windows add to the effect, as do details like the flight attendant uniforms worn by servers and a phone on the wall, which guests can pick up to listen in on the conversations in the cockpit. And keep an eye out for the penguin — the airline’s mascot as penguins don’t fly and technically, neither does this particular plane — which appears like an easter egg throughout the space.

With limited seating and only three to four “flights” per night, reservations at the intimate bar are not easy to come by. Those looking to experience the bar must register to receive a weekly email with a link to reservations for the week. Though there can be as many as 1,000 people in a virtual line for tables, the best course of action is not to let the number intimidate you and follow the emailed instructions carefully.

Prices are $40-100 for reservations, which entitle guests to a welcome cocktail and light snacks inspired by the departure and arrival cities. Additional cocktails are $17-$20, $12 for non-alcoholic drinks, $5-$12 for beer and wine.

The upgrade: Carry On offers a limited number of First Class tickets for $100, which include four courses of light bites, a welcome cocktail, airplane snacks and three additional craft cocktails of the diner’s choice. First Class tickets are not available for the 9:30 p.m. reservation.

What to order at Carry On

Each year, the origin and destination cities change. As of this writing, Carry On was operating between San Francisco and Mexico City with a menu that pays homage to the two cities with cocktails and snacks.

Once airborne, flight attendants, dressed in period attire will come around with a martini cart, offering a variety of martinis shaken to order.

The Carry On menu is divided into three sections: Classic drinks (modernized by award-winning mixologist Jax Donahue), Mexico City and San Francisco.

Some examples of the classics include:

  • Rusty Nail: made with single malt scotch, rye, honey liqueur, peach, sesame paste and oregano.

  • Gin & Bubbles: made with gin, Aperol, floral liqueur, iris root, valerian root, lemon and sparkling wine.

  • Vodka Drink: made with vodka, aperitivo, turmeric, beet, passionfruit, pineapple and lemon.

Since cocktail cravings are mood-based, it’s best to choose your adventure based on the desires of the moment. To help, flight attendants recommend the best drink based on your specific likes and dislikes.

Visit Carry On in downtown Phoenix

Reservations are required and flights last 90 minutes. Doors close for the duration of the flight, so plan on staying for the entire 90-minute window.

Insider tip: Airplane snacks, which recently included spiced peanuts and cookies, are small, so don’t show up hungry unless you have a First Class ticket.

Details: 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 101, Phoenix; carryonphx.com. Instagram: @carryonairlines.

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix bar named 1 of best in US for glamorous escape