Overview of Platform 18
Platform 18 is a one-of-a-kind, immersive cocktail experience tucked inside Century Grand in Phoenix. Designed as a meticulous replica of a 1927 Pullman train car, this intimate, 36-seat bar transports guests to the glamorous days of early 20th-century rail travel. Ideal for cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, and groups celebrating special occasions, Platform 18 combines theatrical storytelling, history, and mixology. Each 90-minute “journey” follows a themed narrative—such as Prohibition-era New York or the Rockies—guided by a charismatic host. Between the rich wood paneling, vintage décor, and ambient audio-visual effects, visitors enjoy meticulously crafted cocktails while imagining themselves aboard a bygone luxury railcar. Click here.
History of Platform 18
Platform 18 opened its doors in October 2019 as part of Barter & Shake’s Century Grand complex, which reinvigorated a Phoenix strip-mall into a hotspot for themed cocktail bars. Inspired by the art deco glamour of both the Orient Express and the roaring twenties, founders Jason Asher and Rich Furnari aimed to create immersive experiences beyond standard nightlife—a vision sparked by a London subterranean bar. After a pandemic pause, Platform 18 fully reopened in late 2021 . It gained national attention, earning a spot in North America’s “50 Best Bars” in 2023. Since then, it has continued to evolve with rotating themes and menus rooted in era-specific storytelling and artisan mixology.
Points of Interest
Immersive Train-Car Ambience
Platform 18’s core attraction is its beautifully crafted replica of a Presidential Pullman-style train car—complete with polished wood paneling, leather-upholstered seats, art-deco lighting, and vintage details. Digital “windows” show shifting landscapes—from rainy New York streets to Rocky Mountain trails—and synced sounds of train whistles and rumbling tracks enhance the immersive illusion. Guests feel transported across time and place during their 90-minute session. The attention to detail—from décor to audio cues—invites patrons to fully suspend disbelief, making each visit a theatrical performance, not just a drink.
Curated Cocktail Journeys
Each seating at Platform 18 centers around a carefully designed cocktail journey. Menus are month-themed—such as Prohibition-era New York in 1924—with cocktails named after boroughs or historical elements. Drinks blend rare spirits, house-made infusions, and whimsical techniques—like popcorn-infused tequila or bon-bons with Campari cotton candy. Beverage lists evolve regularly, offering vegan boozy ice-cream options, clarified milk punches, and decadent dessert-style cocktails. The experience is storytelling through taste, appealing to both craft-curious drinkers and immersive-experience seekers.
Performance & Theatrical Hosting
Platform 18 isn’t a silent bar—it’s a performance. Conductors, dressed in 1920s attire, guide each group through the storyline, introducing drinks as chapters in a narrative. From the elegant champagne welcome to the concluding boozy chocolate truffle, the journey is structured yet fluid. Locals describe this interaction as attentive, immersive, and refined, with bartenders doubling as actors and educators . This theatrical delivery transforms what could be a standard cocktail night into a curated experience—making Platform 18 feel like a short, sensory-rich escape rather than just a bar visit.
Places to Eat Near Platform 18
Grey Hen
Situated within Century Grand just steps from Platform 18, Grey Hen is an intimate, apothecary-inspired whiskey saloon that complements the train-themed bar. Its cozy ambiance and refined selection of whiskeys and cocktails draw cocktail aficionados looking for a quiet pre- or post-Platform drink. The menu highlights small-batch spirits, classic whiskey blends, and sharable plates like gourmet charcuterie—perfect for couples or small groups craving sophisticated libations in a lounge-style setting before or after your immersive ride.
UnderTow
Also part of Century Grand, UnderTow is a nautical-themed, Prohibition-style “clipper ship” bar that follows the immersive concept of Platform 18. Featuring rum-forward cocktails, tropical décor, and dramatic ambiance—think portholes and oceanic soundtracks—it provides a contrasting but equally theatrical experience. Visitors often pair an evening at Platform 18 with UnderTow for a varied yet cohesive night out. The vibe is energetic and playful, drawing adventurous cocktail-lovers and groups who appreciate bold themes and layered storytelling across venues.
Places to Visit near Platform 18
Arizona Canal Walking & Cycling
Just a few blocks north of Century Grand, the Arizona Canal path offers a scenic 7-mile route ideal for walking, biking, and casual strolls. The paved trail weaves through Phoenix neighborhoods, lined with palm trees, local art, and urban greenery. It’s a popular choice for locals seeking outdoor activity easily combined with a visit to Platform 18—perfect for a pre-evening walk or cooling off after your immersive cocktail journey. The canal’s proximity provides a peaceful urban retreat without disrupting the evening’s momentum.
Phoenix Art Museum
Located a short 10-minute drive away, Phoenix Art Museum is the largest in the Southwest, featuring global and regional exhibits from classic to contemporary works. Visitors can explore rich collections in painting, modern photography, fashion, and design before heading to Platform 18. Its rotating exhibitions and Friday evening events attract culture-seekers, making it an excellent daytime complement to your evening’s immersive cocktail story. The synergy between thoughtful artistry and creative mixology makes this pairing particularly appealing.
Practical Information
- Address: 3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Hours: • Tuesday–Thursday: 4 p.m.–12 a.m. • Friday–Sunday: 2:30 p.m.–12 a.m. • Monday: Closed
- Reservations: Required ($20 refundable ticket deposit); walk-ins welcome based on availability
- Admission & Parking: Cocktail ticket required; parking available at Century Grand lot on Indian School Road.
- Official Website: https://centurygrandphx.com/platform18
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Landscaping Service
Transform your yard into an immersive oasis that echoes the elegance and thematic flair of Platform 18 with Rising Tide Landscapes’ expert Landscaping Service. Inspired by century‑style materials and immersive design, their team blends stone walkways, shade structures, and native desert plantings to create outdoor spaces that evoke ambiance and storytelling. Whether you envision a patio reminiscent of a Pullman carriage lounge, a thematic entertainment area, or simply a serene retreat, Rising Tide combines sustainable techniques with creative design. Ideal for homeowners who appreciate artistry, function, and ecological care—visit Rising Tide Landscapes today to start your transformation!
Driving Directions
- Start at Platform 18 (3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ).
- Exit the Century Grand parking lot onto E Indian School Rd, heading east.
- After about 2 miles, merge onto AZ‑51 North via the ramp to Scottsdale.
- Travel approximately 5 miles, then take exit 65 for Shea Blvd East.
- Continue on Shea for 3 miles to Pima Rd, then turn left (north).
- Merge onto AZ‑87 North / Bush Highway toward Prescott Valley.
- After about 15 miles on AZ‑87, take AZ‑69 South toward Prescott.
- Continue on AZ‑69 South approximately 20 miles to downtown Prescott, AZ.
- Rising Tide Landscapes is located near the town center—look for signage or use GPS to guide you to their office.