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Coabana Revives Its Havana-Inspired Lounge in Downtown Phoenix
COABANA ELEVATES ITS MIAMI-INSPIRED LOUNGE VIBE IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX
PHOENIX, AZ (PRESS RELEASE) – Coabana, the downtown cocktail oasis that transports guests to the soulful streets of Little Havana, announces a return to its highly acclaimed roots. In response to requests from local nightlife enthusiasts, the bar has completed an interior transformation—re-introducing its signature layout focused on conversation areas and high-vibe lounge energy.
Rooted in a Cuban and Taíno (indigenous Caribbean) context, the name Coabana translates to ‘great place’ and is considered a linguistic origin of the word “Cuba.” The venue’s revamped space honors this heritage, trading standard dining tables for clusters of sofas, cozy booths, and stylish rattan seating. The interior design offers a contemporary, old-world play on 1950s Cuban style, enveloping guests in warm pink tones, green accents, classic black and white tiles, and striking hand-painted murals.
A focal point of the lounge is a stunning wall mural depicting Havana’s famous habaneras—the iconic "Cigar Ladies"—wearing vibrant, floral headwraps and smoking cigars, setting a soulful, authentic backdrop for seamless culinary and atmospheric escapism.
The visionary team at The Whining Pig Hospitality Group, known for local powerhouses Rough Rider, Pigtails, and The Whining Pig—has realigned Coabana’s concept to prioritize an exceptional beverage program featuring Cuban classics. Drawing inspiration from Miami’s Café La Trova, one of the world’s top 50 bars, Coabana serves an enticing selection of handcrafted cocktails made with time-honored techniques.
While the curated cocktail menu is unapologetically rum-forward, the lounge caters to all palates—offering everything from an immensely popular Skinny Margarita to a countertop smoke infuser that adds a decadent layer to any neat whiskey order. The bar program radiates unmistakable tropical flair with inventive creations like the Banana Hammock, a rich blend of Chairman’s Reserve rum, banana, PX Sherry, Demerara, and tiki bitters, alongside the vibrant La Bruja, crafted with Myers’s Platinum Rum, Select Aperitivo, raspberry, pineapple, and fresh lemon. Rounding out the lineup are expertly executed Cuban classics, including the Coabana Mojito, a traditional Cuba Libre, and a crisp Hemingway Daiquiri mixed with Flor de Caña Rum, Pamplemousse, fresh grapefruit, and lime.
Stealing the spotlight on the menu is Coabana’s signature take on the ever-popular Carajillo. This Cuban espresso martini honors its Latin roots, combining fresh-brewed espresso with the vanilla and spice notes of Licor 43. Shaken vigorously and served over pristine crushed ice, it is finished with a dusting of freshly shaved nutmeg. It is a sophisticated, high-end ‘liquid dessert’ designed for guests looking for a premium pick-me-up to end their evening.
To complete the sensory escape, the atmosphere is fueled by a transportive soundtrack of Cuban and Latin tunes, setting a modern yet relaxed mood. Low-back stools line the picturesque accordion window along Central Avenue, creating a breezy, street-side vibe during ideal Phoenix weather that transitions effortlessly from sun-drenched tropical lounge to low-lit hidden hideaway.
While premium mixology takes center stage, Coabana’s mouthwatering menu makes it a prime destination for a full evening, pre-show drinks, or late-night noshing. Guests can order a streamlined menu of high-quality tapas tailored specifically for social sharing, featuring five varieties of artisan empanadas, crispy tostones, golden ham croquetas alongside fresh oysters on the half-shell and chilled shrimp. For something more substantial, the signature Cubano sandwich comes generously layered with slow-roasted pork, smoked ham, sliced pickles, Swiss cheese, and yellow mustard. To round out the evening, an indulgent Affogato, featuring two scoops of ice cream drowned in fresh, hot espresso, provides the ultimate sweet finale.
From Little Havana to Hidden Speakeasy
Adding to the destination’s allure is a "bar within a bar" design that showcases two distinct environments occupying a single footprint. Passing through the doorway marked by a pink neon ‘Cocktails’ sign, guests experience an immediate sensory flip from Little Havana’s vibrant energy into Pigtails — a hidden speakeasy, with no second rideshare required.
Delivering an unpretentious take on the modern cocktail lounge, Pigtails operates on a welcoming "No Reservations, First-Come, First-Served" policy—skipping the exclusionary passwords and rigid reservation books of typical hidden bars. The space caters to craft cocktail enthusiasts with an elegant, dark, and moody vibe brought to life by a lush living wall, sleek copper accents, and superb hospitality.
Combining top-notch mixology with a playful, unpretentious vibe, Pigtails serves up a creative drink menu of shaken, stirred, and zero-proof cocktails. Standouts include the Drew Barrymore, crafted with mixed-berry-infused vodka, grapefruit, lime, and green-tea mint cordial, alongside the Pornstar Martini, served with house vanilla-infused vodka, passionfruit, lime, and a sidecar of bubbles. Guests can pair their drinks with a raw bar selection of fresh oysters on the half-shell and chilled shrimp.
ABOUT COABANA: Located at CityScape, in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Coabana is a vibrant Miami-inspired cocktail and tapas lounge that transports guests straight to the soulful streets of Little Havana. Positioned just steps from major downtown sports and entertainment destinations, the lounge pairs an inventive menu of Cuban-style tapas with an expert mixology program crafting Cuban libations, rum-forward specialties, and inventive handcrafted cocktails built on time-honored techniques. Beyond its lively energy and tropical style, Coabana also serves as the entry point to its sister speakeasy, Pigtails. Located at 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, Coabana is open daily from afternoon through late night for cocktails and small plates. For menus and hours, visit coabanaphx.com or follow @coabanaphx.
ABOUT THE WHINING PIG HOSPITALITY GROUP: The Whining Pig Hospitality Group is a Phoenix-based restaurant and bar collective known for creating distinctive neighborhood and speakeasy-style concepts. Its portfolio includes The Whining Pig, a local favorite beer and wine bar with locations in Desert Ridge and Downtown Phoenix; Rough Rider, a subterranean, 19th-century-inspired restaurant and cocktail lounge recognized by Chowhound and Imbibe Magazine; Coabana, a vibrant cocktail and tapas lounge bringing the spirit of Little Havana to Downtown Phoenix; and Pigtails, an elevated craft-cocktail speakeasy with hidden bar-within-a-bar locations in Desert Ridge and Downtown Phoenix. Together, TWP Hospitality Group’s concepts are rooted in thoughtful design, award-winning mixology, curated bites, and immersive environments with a strong sense of place.
W Scottsdale Introduces the Living Room
W Scottsdale Debuts Transformed Living Room, Ushering in a New Era of Social Connection
A bold redesign inspired by the Sonoran Desert transforms the hotel's iconic gathering place into an all-day destination for work, music and connection
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRESS RELEASE) – W Scottsdale, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Entertainment District, today announced the official debut of its newly transformed Living Room, introducing a bold new social destination inspired by the Sonoran Desert and redefining the way guests gather, work, celebrate and connect from day to night.
"W Scottsdale has long played a defining role in Scottsdale's social scene, bringing together visitors and locals through music, culture and memorable experiences," said David Cronin, general manager of W Scottsdale. "The debut of the new Living Room is a natural extension of that legacy, elevating a signature experience at the heart of the property. From morning meetings to evening cocktails, the new Living Room reflects our passion for delivering spaces that are as dynamic as the guests who experience them."
The redesigned Living Room is an immersive social destination inspired by the natural rhythm of the Sonoran Desert. Designed by MONOGRAM at BBGM, the transformed space introduces a bold yet refined design shaped by the colors, textures and movement of the surrounding landscape. Intentionally designed to reflect the progression of the day, the Living Room transitions effortlessly from daytime gathering place to evening social destination. Whether stopping in for a morning meeting, connecting over cocktails at sunset or settling in for a night of music and entertainment, guests will find opportunities for connection woven throughout every moment of the experience.
The design is anchored by a palette of canyon desert rose, dune and sun-washed neutrals, layered to create warmth and depth, with new lighting features that subtly shift from sunrise to sunset, transforming the space over the course of the day. A signature "blue thread," inspired by the rare and powerful presence of water moving across arid terrain, carries throughout the design, while organic curves draw inspiration from desert serpent forms to reinforce a sense of movement. Architectural enhancements, including a renewed emphasis on the property's grand staircase and raised platforms, create a greater sense of openness and a collection of inviting spaces throughout the Living Room. By day, thoughtfully scaled banquettes, integrated charging tables and intentional lighting create a welcoming setting for meetings, remote work and casual gatherings. As evening arrives, the lighting shifts to a warmer, more intimate glow, creating a moodier atmosphere that naturally draws guests from workday conversations to cocktails, live music and the energy of the Living Room after dark.
The debut of the transformed Living Room marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter of programming at W Scottsdale. Anchoring the experience is Living Room Live, a weekly series featuring performances by emerging artists every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. Additional music programming, cultural collaborations and special events will be announced throughout the year, reinforcing the Living Room as a dynamic gathering place for both visitors and the local community.
As the Living Room transitions into its evening experience, a new menu of signature cocktails and elevated shareable plates becomes available daily beginning at 4 p.m. The culinary offering, by acclaimed Chef Jason Franey, is designed to complement the Living Room’s live music and social gatherings, with handcrafted cocktails alongside chef-driven bites, from fresh seafood and Roman-style flatbreads to indulgent sandwiches and desserts.
The transformed Living Room is part of the ongoing evolution of W Scottsdale, reinforcing the property's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every aspect of the guest journey. In spring 2025, the property debuted Sexy Roman, a decadent, design-forward Italian dining destination operated by Alliance Hospitality Group complementing longstanding highlights including the iconic WET Deck, Arizona’s only chilled pool, and AWAY® Spa, home to the state’s first AI-powered Aescape massage experience.
W Scottsdale has further expanded its accommodations in 2026 with the debut of its new Presidential Suite, adding to the property’s collection of 45 suites. Among these signature stays, 18 Penthouse Suites feature expansive layouts, sweeping skyline views and a residential-style sensibility, ideal for private hosting, social gatherings and extended stays.
Recognizing the growing role health and fitness play in today's travel experience, W Scottsdale is also preparing to unveil the newly enhanced FIT fitness center later this fall, introducing a modern indoor-outdoor training space that pairs elevated design with advanced technology.
For more information on W Scottsdale, visit marriott.com/PHXWH.
About W Scottsdale (www.marriott.com/PHXWH) : W Scottsdale marked the debut of the only W Hotel in Arizona. This sultry Southwest oasis, where innovative design mixes with urban sophistication, features 242 guest rooms including 45 lavish suites. A true insider escape, W Scottsdale offers chic destination lounges – the newly transformed Living Room, Cottontail Lounge and Wet Deck – along with new culinary destination Sexy Roman. The property also features AWAY Spa, a full-service spa that offers a variety of customized treatments from soothing massages to invigorating facials. Located in downtown Scottsdale, W Scottsdale provides guests access to discover the city’s high-profile shopping, innovative restaurants, eclectic arts district and vibrant nightlife. Signature services and amenities include the Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, Wheels® valet, FIT® fitness center, WET® and P.A.W. – Pets Are Welcome™. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/PHXWH or call to schedule a reservation 877 W HOTELS.
About W Hotels: Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With more than 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today’s guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.