After a nearly decade-long hiatus, one of the Valley’s most iconic cocktail competitions is making a bold return. Bar Brawl, the legendary bartending showdown created by celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan, is set to relaunch with an all-new energy and venue on August 3.
First introduced in 2015 at Jade Bar, Bar Brawl became a summer staple, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to witness the Valley’s best bartenders go head-to-head in high-stakes mixology battles.
Now, in 2025, the event is back with a fresh twist and a new home at Tell Your Friends, Chef Beau’s North Scottsdale hotspot. Every Sunday throughout August, the space will transform into a battleground of shakers, spirits, and serious talent.
Hosted by MacMillan, alongside The Americano’s Executive Chef Peter McQuaid and Tell Your Friends’ Beverage Director Ashley Cibor, the weekly showdowns will feature two top-tier bartenders clashing in a friendly, but fierce, contest for cocktail supremacy.
Each night promises an electrifying atmosphere, driven by a high-energy crowd and soundtracked by DJ Hybrid Thirty3. Attendees can sip along, enjoying crafted cocktails and upscale bar bites from a special menu tailored for the event.
Celebrity judges – local and national – will decide the fate of the competitors, culminating in a grand finale on August 31, when the final four contenders will return for one last face-off. The winner will take home a championship belt and bragging rights, as well as a coveted grand prize.
Bar Brawl kicks off on August 3 with Sydney Erlandson of Little Rituals taking on Dan Choiniere from Toro at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The following weeks will see a parade of heavy-hitting talent from across the Valley, culminating in a finale night that’s sure to bring the house down.
Doors open each Sunday at 6 p.m., with the battle beginning at 7:30 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations via OpenTable are strongly encouraged due to limited capacity.
For those looking to witness the Valley’s finest bartenders in action, fueled by fierce competition and community spirit, Bar Brawl’s long-awaited return is the must-see event of the summer. Learn more at tellyourfriendsaz.com and RSVP here.
