The Phoenix beacons as alternative to boring old bar scene

“Be different, burn brighter” is the motto for The Phoenix Bar & Lounge, a pub that doubles as a club at Sahara Avenue and Arville Street.

A neon sign flashing rainbow colors hangs above the entrance, and the outside is painted with the mythical creature that is its namesake. The 100 percent locally gay-owned and -operated Phoenix features 4,800 square feet of space with a lounge atmosphere. The one-page dining menu features twists on classic bar food, with everything made fresh and cooked to order.

The $5 options include Phoenix Fingers, deep-fried chicken strips served with orange marmalade and three kinds of fries (original, jalapeno and garlic Parmesan). Six wings are $8 and include sauce options of Phired Up (sweet and sour, spicy and buttery) and Jack D (Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce). Salt & Pepper features jalapenos, garlic and scallions.

The Wrap It Up comes with Asian slaw, wontons and sweet chili vinaigrette, while Sweet Summer Salad features California spring mix with toasted almonds, D’Anjou pears and honey mustard dressing.

Tapas are $7 and feature Gambas Al Ajillo, which is garlic shrimp with chipotle sauce, and the Fatty Pig, glazed pork belly. Kalbi skewers have ribbons of beef marinated in ginger and pear. The burgers are $9 and include the Blazing, a ground beef and jalapeno blend loaded with Swiss cheese, fried egg, grilled onions and bacon and served with spicy habanero sauce. A vegetarian option is the grilled portobello, smothered in Swiss, roasted peppers and roasted pepper aioli. Two sliders with fries is $8, with choices including bacon blue cheese and pulled pork.

The most expensive item on the menu is the $10 lobster roll, featuring chopped lobster tail bathed in butter and spices. The unique Waffle-Wich ($8 for six pieces) is a waffle-encrusted sandwich with three kinds of grilled cheese topped with strawberry rum coulis and strawberry whipped cream. Taco-Naut, ($6 for four pieces) is an Asian fusion dish combining the classic potato chip with sushi elements, featuring crispy wonton skins covered in sushi rice and grilled miso salmon and drizzled with spicy mayo and unagi. Another option is Vege Pakora ($6 for six pieces), which is spiced Indian fritters paired with cucumber raita.

The Phoenix hosts a slew of weekly events, including Burner Mondays, Funerware Tuesdays, RuPaul Drag Race Viewing parties, Lady Nation and Blazing Art. There also is a dance floor, a large flat-screen TV used for screenings and video game tournaments, Video Poker, pool tables and dart boards, but be warned: Smoking is allowed inside, although there are two outside patio areas with tables and chairs, decorated with twinkle lights.

The Phoenix is open 24 hours daily.