Drift Lounge

Been closed awhile, the website lives on FOREVER

We mourn the loss of the Drift Lounge!
The drinks were pretty good, the décor was cool.
It wasn’t a vintage or original tiki joint, and the owners were trying to create a sort of upscale, trendy tiki experience to cater to the Scottsdale club scene. They had DJs there on weekends, the rest of the time it was like top 40 radio.
Inside, there was a big tiki statue near the back. Really nice area around the bar, which had a giant fish tank. The booths were all really slick and modern, but with a hint of the vintage early 1960s. Outside, there was a porch with tiki torches.
The service was good, the crowd was usually of the clubber variety.
The Drift mai tais were a bit watery, but pretty good. I was more a fan of their volcano bowls and the ginormous GROTTO, which was like 5 quarts of booze.
Bön Voyage, Drift Lounge!

Matt and I will admit that we are total booze hounds. So no wonder why we love Drift. I can order a pitcher of mojitos for $ 20 and Matt can order a pitcher of draft beer for $ 9. What a steal of a deal!
Normally it costs me $ 10 – 15 for a single mojito. But at Drift, my $ 20 goes much further. I can get a pitcher that provides 4 – 5 glasses! And a pitcher of draft beer for merely $ 9? A lot of places charge $ 9 for one glass!
At Drift, the two of us can grab a comfy booth, take pitchers of our favorite drinks to the dome and drift away to the DJ’s beats.
Does it really get any better than that? Actually, yes it does…
Now the next part of my story has nothing to do with the fact that on this specific occasion at Drift, each of us drank our own pitcher of booze plus some pre-​gaming before our night out. We would totally do something like this sober (just ask friends, family or people who’ve invited us to their wedding, they’ve seen our antics).
Matt and I really enjoy breaking it down on the dance floor. Our moves are legendary. I challenge anyone to a dance off. We’ll chew your moves up and spit them out.
Anyway, that particular night at Drift, we loooved the DJ’s music because he was playing more than just the standard overplayed pop radio hits.
Suddenly… MJ’s «I want you back» came on… I couldn’t hold back any longer… I grabbed Matt’s hand and pulled him onto the dance floor… We unleashed our moves…
We brought out the robot, the shimmy, the shake, the fax machine, the sprinkler, the arm sway, the twist down and up from the floor, the running man (just to name a few). Matt even did his famous Michael Jackson dance.
Normally, our dancing isn’t so welcome at Scottsdale clubby spots where people are bumpin and grindin. Those pretty people clones just aren’t cool enough to let loose and be themselves. However, the crowd at Drift is a little different. People were not only smiling and laughing (normally they just give us the stink eye or look at us like we are aliens — I mean heck, maybe we are!) but they joined us on the dance floor and started having fun too!
Then, I started the Macarena. I don’t do that dance often as its special, and only reserved for specific occasions. But I felt the need to share this awesomeness with everyone. I HAD to get people to Macarena with me.
And you know what? I got a group to join in! It was awesome. People were thanking us, saying that they haven’t been that «silly» in quite some time — wow I thought to myself; you must lead such a boring life! I dance like this all the time!
Moral of the story is, be yourself! And Drift has that fun, laid back, be yourself kind of atmosphere. It’s a friendly spot! Of course there are some d-​bags and super skanks like a usual Old Town hang out, but Drift is a little more watered down than a place like Axis (puuuuuuuke).
Drift’s tiki-​themed interior is pretty intricately designed with dim lighting, tiki statues, bamboo shrubbery, cozy seating and greenish blue coloring. I also really enjoy drinking my mojito pitcher out on the patio. They have awesome happy hour specials and a great atmosphere for any sized group. Every time I’ve been it hasn’t been uncomfotably crowded either. Oh, and did I mention that I love their DJ’s music?
If you’re ever at Drift and you see two crazies on the dance floor, come join us! We just might convince you to join our electric slide, conga line or limbo how low can you go contest. You never know!

The big ol’ bowl of blue punch was delicious. Only wish I had stuck around my table long enough to have more than a sip of it!
As part of a Bachelorette Party group, we were roaming the place, trying to convince guys to help us complete our super long scavenger hunt list. I was amazed at how friendly the dozens of patrons were… and for the record, our group won the game (we even convinced a guy to drop his pants and give us his boxers… drunk guys are fun).
This looks like a fun spot to return to for a happy hour in the near future… and maybe then I’ll be able to make a second attempt at drinking the punch :)

I might be too generous considering I’ve only consumed vodka tonics here, but man! I love this place.
It’s quite simple, really. Starting a Friday or Saturday night off right to me, means coming to Drift for beverages, eye candy, booth dancing, and giggles.
I love the layout. Its very cool and classy. The lighting is just sexy too. Luckily, when I’ve been here it hasn’t been over crowded and there was a live dj who i wanted to give a big fat kiss on the lips. Amazing place to start prior to a night of dancing your ass off in old town Scottsdale.

Went here after escaping from American Junkie. .Much better atmosphere and scene. Dig the décor… met some guy from Cali who works for a toilet paper company. Very awkward pick up lines… But the bartenders were hot. and hooked us up with some free drinkies. So I would definitely go back. Next time I hit up the PHX.

I liked the tiki theme and torch lights in the patio area. During the past few times that I came here, it was normally packed inside and I always ended up finding a seat outside. Since it was packed the last time I came, getting drinks took a while, but it wasn’t too bad. Drinks were cheap and not stingy compared to CA. Music was not the typical main stream songs that you hear on the radio, which wasn’t my favorite and the crowd consisted of older professionals. Definitely not a dress up type of lounge, everyone was dressed casually.

I’ve been here twice. Unfortunately the first time I was a bit too intoxicated to remember much except a really cool large bowl of alcohol that I shared with 3 – 4 other people. That probably added to the lack of memory.
I went recently with the BF and his cousins and was more sober this time around. We arrived on a Friday night around 11pm and it was pretty packed! Beautiful people all around. We finally got a round of drinks with the bartender and headed to the patio where we were able to find some seats.
They play pretty cool music, not your standard overplayed radio songs and their décor keeps the vibe low key but fun. The crowd is young professionals, not crazy college kids but not old fogies. Drinks run about $ 5−7/each, which is pretty cheap compared to CA!

I can’t say I have ever been to Drift other than late at night. It is usually pretty packed and the drinks aren’t horribly overpriced.
I found one weekend, when I went two nights in a row, the doorman remembered me from the first night, and didn’t card me, makes you feel important.
The décor is Polynesian with a giant fish tank behind the bar. The layout at times can be a bit frustrating when you’re trying to move around, or find the bathroom and its crowded. The table area is relaxing to sit down, and the cocktail waitresses are quick to serve you.
I’d recommend it for groups and a good place to end your night. There are plenty of taxis to catch, but after 2am there are so many people outside, finding an empty one can take 20+ minutes.
Oh and the music is pretty good, and the DJ takes requests.

Updated… they stopped serving Malibu Rum last year so it’s no surprise they’ve closed and changed the theme of the place. MRB REJECT!
Prior Review:
Ahhhh. Happy hour in the islands. Fruity drinks. Lots of Malibu Rum. Wait! I’m in Scottsdale? Darn! Still a cozy little tiki bar with great happy hour specials! Great, friendly staff. Go forth and drink fruity island drinks, people!

So, an update with another fun conversation from Drift.
Standing at the bar waiting for my drink, I turn to see some guy smiling at me and tipping his drink in my direction as if to say hello.
Me: «What are you drinking?»
Guy: «Beer.»
Me: (duh) «What kind of beer?»
Guy: «Budlight.»
Me: «Oh…well, that’s pretty average.»
Guy: «What do you mean average?»
Me: «I mean common, I guess.»
Guy’s friend: «I’m drinking a Blue Moon.»
Me: «Oh, that’s not bad.»
Guy: «Well, fuck. I’m not rich.»
Me: silent stare
I probably should have said something snarky back to him, but I just slowly side stepped away while giving him the ‘you are crazy’ look.
The guy tried to talk to me again later that night. I told his friend that he was mean and somehow that escalated to his friend doing some sort of weird hand hold thing with me every time he walked by. It was like his hand raped my hand in order to make me feel better about his friend being weird. I don’t know, I was a little drunk and it seemed so comical that I just went along with it.
I also have to add that it is pretty easy to grab a drink at the bar even when it’s crowded. I never have to use the trick where I pretend that I am about to throw up so that people will move aside. Ok, I’ve never actually had the guts to use that trick, but I am sure it would work.

This has always been a favorite Scottsdale location of mine, but recently it seems to have gotten even better. With 6 lounge and Mickey’s Hangover closing and Dirty Pretty, American Junkie, and The Lodge opening on the NE end of the Old Town party scene has grown, and Drift is right in the middle of it. The drinks are good, and the bartenders are very courteous considering that they are getting slammed now a days. There never seems to be an issue with your entire group getting into the bar, even when it is slammed busy. Beware that drift tends to slow down after midnight as everyone tends to make this stop at about 10 o’clock, and then move on to the other Old Town hot spots.
What you may not know about Drift is that they have wonderful food. The sandwiches are really good, and the Asian bowls are as well good. It’s a great way to start out a Saturday night with a late dinner before getting it started.
Drift is definitely a staple in the Old Town rotation, and should be a stop when you are hitting up the scene.

Drift is a pretty middle of the road establishment amongst the Scottsdale bar/​club scene. I don’t think I’ve ever ate here (well…maybe appetizers once many moons ago, but I couldn’t tell you what I had).
When I lived in Scottsdale my friends and I would make this an occasional stop while romping through Old Town, and when I was visiting this past weekend we decided to stop in for drinks on a Friday night. The place has kind of a cheesy «island» décor, which is actually kind of perfect, because it also attracts a cheesy crowd. I don’t mean that in a bad way necessarily. It seems like its the type of crowd that isn’t quite yet too old to be hitting up Scottsdale clubs, but there certainly getting there. It’s okay though, because this place is by no means a «club» it’s more of a bar/​restaurant.
I do like the patio here. There’s plenty of seating and it’s great for people watching. This last time I was there the waitress we had while sitting on the patio was very quick with our drink orders and had no problem keeping track of individual tabs for 6 or 7 different people (which can be difficult for anyone).
I can’t complain about the bartenders or bouncers, there cool. Everything about this place is just A-​OK and I can’t really think of anything that stands out (for better or for worst). I really had no idea how many stars I was gonna give this place before writing this review, but I was leaning towards 3. You know what though, I’m gonna make it 4. I’m in a good mood…

Well, this review would have been very different had I written it after the first time I went to Drift. I had a blast! It was a friends birthday, there were a lot of people, and good music was playing. Granted it was a Saturday night. My most recent visit, a Thursday, left a lot to be desired. I went with people from work and we aren’t the most raucous group, but we aren’t sticks in the mud.
We walked in at about 7PM and the place was D-​E-​D dead! Maybe their HH just ended, but there were like 12 people there. We were going to sit outside, but there weren’t enough seats to accommodate a group of 8. So inside at a booth it was. When our server came over it felt like were messing up her day. She was cute, but had the personality of wet drywall. Not even a smile for a witty remark about how she was going to hate us in 10 minutes or that she might already. She was a total downer. Then it seemed like they turned on the heat, because a couple of us started sweating. We all left thinking that we should have gone somewhere else.
All in all a poor experience and will not mind if I don’t go back.

I had a great time here!
The patio was fantastic and very comfy. Lots of fire and couches.
The service was the best!
The drinks were tasty and super fun, as they were served in big bowls and tiki cups. Pitchers of mojitos for $ 20? Yes please!
I LOVED the food.
We had:
Tuna Poke– Deeelish and a bit spicy, but nice and light
Egg rolls things– Filled with shrimp, chiles and cream cheese!
Ribs, Potstickers, Steaks, Luau pork… lots of different dipping sauces which were divine on their own
If only I lived closer… I love love love it.

My brother, who was on leave, loves this place. Seeing my brother happy is what matters. So, 5 stars goes to Drift.
Granted, it was a lowkey Thursday night. Only a few patrons were sprinkled around the place; some even outside close to the fire.
I ordered a pitcher of Four Peaks’ Island Ale. Why? Because as they said in Boston, it’s cheapah! Besides, I had never had it before; it’s quite good! Our server was kind enough to let me sample the Kona Lager and the Ale before I ordered. Did I finish the pitcher? Heck no. Can one person seriously drink all that? Wowza.
My bro enjoyed their Jack and Cokes.
And the music was cool. A very interesting mix. At one point, my bro requested «Pepper» by the BHS. They played it! That made my brother’s night, and, like I said earlier, seeing my bro happy is what it’s all about.
I ordered their little kabob app — one shrimp, one chicken, one beef. It was merely okay. I wouldn’t order it again. Frankly, I wasn’t impressed with their menu. I probably wouldn’t suggest eating here, but if you want to stop in for a drink or to try the rare Four Peaks’ brew, then it’s a great spot. I like the outside area (minus the smoking) and enjoyed the décor of the inside.
Oh, and the servers look like they’re actually comfortable at work — comfy shoes, track suits. They’re also very nice, unlike other Scottsdale establishments.
Like John V said, this place is a cool spot to wind down… or, if you’re looking to get out for a little bit, go on a lowkey night. You’ll likely have the place to yourself.
Again, 5 stars for makin’ my lil brother happy.

2 for 1 mai tai’s?! You gotta be kidding me! For $ 10?! Hellz yes!
I’m from San Francisco, people. We pay $ 6 for a beer. Singular. In a dive bar. On a Wednesday at 5 p.m. I could move in here and be perfectly happy. Well, if only I could figure out where the sensor on the massive bathroom sink was to make water come out of the spout.
The vibe is great, as I love me some tiki lounge. It’s nicer than the Bamboo Hut in SF, by about a mile (no offense, Steveo). The food is meh, but you have enough mai tais and who cares! Next time I would probably forego the appetizer platter in favor of just the free aps and grab some real food elsewhere. (Like paying for a boat at Roy’s or the pupu platter at Trader Vics.) The staff was friendly and totally on top of it. I was there for a happy hour but could see checking the place out for later in the evening too, after I’ve had aforementioned «real» food.
We sat at one of the booths but next time I think I’ll be heading to the outdoor patio with the comfy looking blue chairs or sitting by the fire on one of those oh so freezing Scottsdale nights.
But when I head back to this fair town for spring training, I will fo’ sho’ be hitting up Drift again and drinking more mai tais than is probably a good idea.

Not a terrible place to grab exactly TWO cocktails. Anything less and you’ve wasted your time reaching the densely cocked bar area, anything more, and you’ve been chatting far too long with some maxipad who would mainline toilet water given the absence of blow.
Get your two and bug out.

WTF happened to this place?!
They used to have great burgers, fries, noodle bowls, food, etc.. .
Now it all tastes like doodoo.
Food=2 stars
Humpability of the ladies who frequent Drift=3.5−4stars
Oh well. If you want to get your pre-​nightclub mack on, Drift is a great place to do it.
Just don’t eat there.

«Where should we go now?»
«I think Drift is nearby… have you guys ever been there?»
«No…where is it?
«Let me look it up on my phone… it says its less than a mile away…»
***5 minutes later…***
«Um, where are we? This looks pretty residential… are you sure this place exists?»
«The GPS says to make a left, let’s just keep walking…»
«Are those… are those Tiki Torches?»
«They are! Thank you technology!»
If you didn’t know where it was, there is no way you would know it existed.
I stopped in with Bonnie G, Erica O., and the Poop Guy after SMoCA and I really enjoyed myself. We had a great little booth in the corner, ordered some very strong and interesting drinks that came in fun glasses, ate some yummy vegetable spring rolls, watched a drunk douchebag hit on the hostess (she’s the hostess, she can’t get away!), and talked about our television habits when we were 11. The makings of a good night indeed.
The kitsch factor is high, which is good because I love me some kitsch. Dare I say, its also surprisingly almost authentic touristy Hawaiian. Our waitress was friendly and checked on us often and the food came out super quick. I didn’t think that the DJ was that intrusive. It was good people watching (not as good as other places in Scottsdale) yet surprisingly laid back.
I will say that they really should add Don Q to their «Exotic Rums» list. That would have garnered them a 5 star review from me for sure.