The Arizona Nightlife Industry Association (AZNIA) recognizes exceptional individuals, staff, bars and nightclubs of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale nightlife. The AZNIA awards ceremony honored those who dedicate their time and energy to help promote and expand Arizona’s nightlife industry.

This year’s awards ceremony took place at Stand Up Live with host and comedian, Travis Thurman. A total of 63 awards were presented, categories ranged from Best Nightclub and VIP Host of the Year to Best Lighting and Sound. All winners were chosen by an online voting process, hosted by the one and only, Arizona Foothills Magazine. 

Here is a recap of the award winners from each of the 63 categories.

●       Best Bar Food in Phoenix: The Vig

●       Best Bar Games in Tempe: Monkey Pants Bar & Grill

●       Best Barback in Tempe: Kenny Kacenga (School of Rock Mill Ave)

●       Best Bartender in Scottsdale: Ashley Marcantonio (The Mint)

●       Best Beer Selection in Tempe: Four Peaks Brewery

●       Best Birthday Spot in Glendale: The Shout! House

●       Best Charity Event at a Nightlife Establishment in Scottsdale: Matt Metzer Tribute

●       Best Cinco de Mayo Party in Chandler: Sandbar Mexican Grill

●       Best Cocktail Server in Scottsdale: Jenna Sperry (Smashboxx)

●       Best College Bar in Tempe: Tavern on Mill

●       Best Cougar Bar in Phoenix: Blue Martini Lounge

●       Best Day-Drinking Spot in Scottsdale: El Hefe

●       Best Dive Bar in Tempe: Baer's Den Bar & Grill

●       Best Door Host in Scottsdale: Matt Metzer (Axis/Radius)

●       Best Door Staff in Scottsdale: PussyCat Lounge

●       Best EDM DJ in the Valley: DJ Thomas James

●       Best Entertainment Programming in Scottsdale: Axis/Radius

●       Best Fashion Event or Series in Scottsdale: Betsey Johnson at W Scottsdale

●       Best Gay Bar in Phoenix: Amsterdam

●       Best Go-Go Dancer- Individual in the Valley: Jessica Lynn (Ms. Giggles)

●       Best Graphic Design Firm in the Valley: Colores Media

●       Best Halloween Party in Scottsdale: Voodoo at W Scottsdale

●       Best Happy Hour / Drink Specials in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Best Industry Event in Scottsdale: Bar Olympics at Dos Gringos

●       Best Industry Night in Scottsdale: Martini Ranch Sundays

●       Best Karaoke Bar in Chandler/Scottsdale: Ernie's Restaurant and Bar

●       Best Lighting or Light Show in Scottsdale: Wild Knight

●       Best Liquor Selection in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Best Live Performer in Scottsdale: Javier Garcia

●       Best Local Celeb in the Valley: Chris Illgen

●       Best Management in Scottsdale: Smashboxx

●       Best Margarita in Scottsdale: El Hefe

●       Best Mexican Bar in Chanlder: Sandbar Mexican Grill

●       Best New Kid on the Block in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Best New Year’s Eve Party in Scottsdale: Cirque Noveau at W Scottsdale

●       Best Nightlife Photographer in Phoenix: Jeremiah Toller

●       Best Open Format DJ in the Valley: DJ J.Alan

●       Best Patio in Scottsdale: RnR Scottsdale

●       Best Place to Bring a Date in Scottsdale: Living Room @ W Scottsdale

●       Best Place to Go if You’re Single in Scottsdale: American Junkie

●       Best Place to See a Band in Scottsdale: The Roxy Lounge

●       Best Place to Work in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Best Pool Scene in Scottsdale: WET Deck/SHADE Lounge

●       Best Promoter in the Valley: Alex Fajardo

●       Best Promotion/Event Weekly in the Valley: UK Thursdays

●       Best Promotion Event One Off in Tempe: Soundwave

●       Best Promotions Company in the Valley: Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations

●       Best Resident DJ of the Year in the Valley: DJ J.Alan

●       Best Rookie DJ in the Valley: EM Boys

●       Best Sound in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Best Sports Bar in the Valley: Majerles

●       Best St. Patrick’s Day Party in Tempe: Casey Moore's Oyster House

●       Best Staff Uniform in Scottsdale: Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

●       Best Video DJ in the Valley: DJ Jeff Metcalf

●       Best VIP Area in Scottsdale: Axis/Radius

●       Best VIP Host in Scottsdale: Misha Tschen (The Mint)

●       Best Wait Staff in Scottsdale: Sushi Roku

●       Best Wine Bar in Scottsdale: Kazimierz World Wine Bar

●       Favorite Bar in Scottsdale: El Hefe

●       Favorite Lounge in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Favorite Nightclub in Scottsdale:Axis/Radius

●       Most Exclusive Spot in Scottsdale: The Mint

●       Most Original Theme Party in Scottsdale: W of OZ at W Scottsdale