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.