Since it was first incorporated in the 1970s, Lake Havasu City has always been an oasis of open space for spring breakers and boaters seeking a warm escape from city life. The town serves the tourists well even when they aren’t enjoying watersports on the lake, offering a diverse roster of unique bars to suit almost every sensibility.
The London Bridge at night (Photo: JM’s Photos & Stuff via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Martini Bay
Just beside Lake Havasu’s recreation of the 1831 London Bridge lies Martini Bay, a welcoming cocktail bar and restaurant with a patio overlooking the bustling marina, prime territory to watch one of the city’s amazing summer sunsets. Even on colder nights during the off-season, generous specialty cocktails like the flaming Fire N Ice, as well as dueling pianos and other live entertainment, make it worth stopping in to enjoy the night.
1477 Queens Bay, (928) 855-0888
McKee’s Pub & Grill
While Martini Bay may be perfect for tourists staying in the adjacent London Bridge Resort, McKee’s is the quintessential bar for Lake Havasu locals, a lovable Irish dive with enough hospitality to spare for out-of-towners. Both the food and drinks are basic, delicious and oh-so-cheap, and the smoker’s patio and billiards tables are great for making fast friends on a busy night.
2112 McCulloch Blvd N, (928) 453-8400
Flying X Saloon
The Flying X Saloon is the only bar around that lives up to the iconic Old West scenery surrounding Lake Havasu City. This is a real country bar where the beer is always refreshingly cold and the honky-tonk music is always blasting, whether just from their impressive stereo system or from a live band on the frequent special event nights. Be prepared to learn a few square dance steps after you’ve enjoyed a bourbon and some unique bar grub like Diana’s Armadillo Egg.
2030 McCulloch Blvd N, (928) 854-3599
A busy night at Flying X Saloon (Photo: Arizona Moonshine via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
The Office Cocktail Lounge
Though The Office is a little removed from the city’s main drag, it’s worth visiting if only for the fantastic deals on drinks, whether you crave a Saturday morning Bloody Mary for $2.50 or a $3.50 half-pitcher of beer during happy hour. The kitschy tiki-style décor comes second to the wonderful service and the friendly atmosphere, which becomes even friendlier for the lively karaoke nights.
2180 Acoma Blvd W, (928) 855-9583
Octane Wine Garage
Octane does feel like an old garage, albeit one that’s been transformed into a beautiful den, the perfect place to sample all the wine bottles stored throughout the place. The knowledgeable staff are always willing to recommend the perfect varietal and food pairing. The menu is full of entrees and appetizers that make each sip of any Napa Valley blend that much better, including pastrami sliders and several distinct types of bruschetta.
2198 McCulloch Blvd, (928) 680-2675
Turtle Beach Bar
The Turtle Beach Bar is uniquely suited to serve boaters in between river excursions with its location just at the mouth of Havasu’s main channel. The shaded, palm-lined patio is a nice place to beat the heat and enjoy their generous menu of burgers and wraps. Still, nothing beats taking one of their shareable bucket-sized blended daiquiri drinks to go and drinking it while submerged in the warm lake water.
1000 McCulloch Blvd, (928) 855-1897
College Street Brewhouse (Photo: Scottb211 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
College Street Brewhouse
Havasu’s harsh desert climate isn’t ideal for agriculture, but it provides enough to make a series of delectable themed craft beers using local ingredients like dates, Arizona wildflower honey and of course, plenty of hops. The six-flavor flights at the College Street Brewhouse let guests try a lot of unique brews for only a little cash, while the food menu goes beyond standard pub fare to offer stylized American specialties like cheese fries slathered in green Verde chili or chicken marsala finished with a blueberry-cream sauce.
1940 College Dr, (928) 854-2739