I Never Visit Anthem, Arizona Without Stopping at The Bearded Barber for a Pizza and Margarita

I love discovering a gem in an unassuming strip mall in the cities and towns of Arizona. I believe some of our best restaurants are tucked away among shops, some of which are off the beaten path, and that is the case for my favorite spot for dinner and cocktails in Anthem, Arizona. The Bearded Barber is a speakeasy; as you may have guessed by its name, you must enter a barber shop to find it. You will need a password, but your efforts will be rewarded once you get in. This is my go-to spot for dinner and drinks anytime I visit Anthem, just north of Phoenix. Try it sometime, and it may become your favorite spot, too!

Anthem is best known for its sprawling outlet mall on the west side of the I-17, which is hard to miss when driving through town on your way to northern Arizona! However, if you take some time to explore Anthem, you may discover something wonderful among the quiet neighborhoods. When my fiancé was living in Anthem, I visited him often and, together, we found what became our favorite date-night spot.

Tucked away from the road in a strip mall, The Bearded Barber has to be the coolest spot in Anthem. It's a speakeasy in a town I never thought a speakeasy would exist, but it's here, and my partner and I are all for it! To get into the speakeasy, a password must be requested before arrival. The password changes monthly, so get on the email list so it's automatically sent to you.

Once you enter through the doors, you'll notice you're stepping inside a working barbershop, with a friendly barber who will greet you. Next to a bookshelf is a phone with a sign that states, "Dial 1776." Just pick up the phone and dial the number, and someone will pick up and request the password. Once you give it, you'll hear the bookshelf unlatch, and then you can walk right through and into the speakeasy.

With pale brick walls, apothecary cabinets, wood tables surrounded by red leather chairs, and two bars (one on each level), The Bearded Barber has an air of romance that complements its old-fashioned vibe. This is the perfect spot for a date night, which is what my partner and I discovered the first time we came here.

Each time we visit The Bearded Barber, we order pizza and margaritas. Served in a rocks glass and garnished with a fresh lime wedge, the margaritas are among the best I've had in the state. We absolutely love the hand-crafted pizza here as well. My partner typically orders The Bearded Butcher pizza, topped with marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, grilled chicken, hot Italian sausage, and smoked bacon—if you love meat, this pizza is for you! My order is much simpler—a margherita pizza with marinara, mozzarella, garlic-infused olive oil, and fresh basil. I get mine with a gluten-free cauliflower crust. While the pizza is our favorite at The Bearded Barber, the menu offers a wide selection of dishes, including burrata, charcuterie, salads, and meatballs for starters and chicken marsala, slow-braised beef, and oven-roasted salmon for main courses.

We love The Bearded Barber. If you drive to Anthem to try it, remember to get the password, and enjoy a night out in a unique, romantic ambiance. You may love it just as much as we do!

Have you been to this hidden speakeasy in Anthem yet? See why it's my favorite spot for pizza and margaritas (and date nights!) in town. If you're looking for more date night ideas, take a look at our list of candlelight restaurants in Arizona.

You may be wondering how to get the password for The Bearded Barber. It's easy—you can request the password through the speakeasy's website and keep up with events by following The Bearded Barber's Facebook page.

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