The Pemberton had been a staple of the Roosevelt Row scene since its COVID-era opening. When it unexpectedly announced its closure in March 2024, owner Jonthan Vento reported receiving a large response from the community asking him to reconsider.
“I had all these texts from people like, we got married at Pemberton, and one guy said he had 37 first dates at Pemberton, and (that) I was going to ruin his love life,” Vento said. “It was a pretty strong emotional outcry. And my family kind of sat me down and said, ‘listen, you get in there and do it and do something permanent.’”
With that idea in mind, he began work on what he and his team call “The Pemberton 2.0.” The original iteration was more of an outdoor courtyard, with several shops inside the house. The new version is a maze of in-house bars and restaurants, connected by murals and art pieces designed by Arizona artists.
Vento revealed that he essentially “tore everything down” from the old location and started from scratch. It took him about a month to create the new design. He had a few key ideas when creating the new space, and inclusion was one of them.
“I have a 32-year-old daughter, so I knew I wanted to create a safe place for women to come and have a good time without being pestered,” he explained. “So first it was designed as a safe place for women, and then it became a safe place for the LGBTQ community, a safe place for the Native American community, and a safe place for the African American community. And the community started to grow and respond.”
As guests walk through, they’ll notice unique seating areas, like some arranged to look like the honeycombs of a beehive, or others that are built into bench swings. The layout offers a range of options for enjoying their night. The artwork guides visitors through the space, providing a visual feast at every turn.
Pemberton 2.0 brings to life diverse cultures and stories across every part of the space. From the tucked-away “Black Flamingo” to Tokyo-inspired “Kanpai” to the Ibiza Pool, the property provides something for everyone and guarantees a unique experience every time. Vento describes the location as a place where people can “create their own experience each night.”
Guests can enjoy the art without having to purchase anything, Vento said – although the cocktails are so good you’ll probably be tempted to buy one anyway. As guests approach the entrance, they may notice painted flamingo footprints on the sidewalk. Throughout the bar, flamingo iconography is evident. To Vento, the flamingo symbolizes the freedom Pemberton offers.
“The flamingo, if you notice, will be judged,” Vento said. “People look at her and go, ‘Oh, she’s frail and pink.’ You instantly judge a flamingo. You judge the book by the cover. Too often, we are judged on our outward appearance. I thought that was a fitting metaphor… because, again, this is a safe place. You don’t get judged here. Everybody is welcome, and you can kind of let your freak flag fly and be yourself.”
Now reopened for almost a year, this playground for grown-ups hosts various events, including “girl dinners,” astrology-themed dinner parties, and dance nights. While these events are ticketed, they typically occur in specific sections of the space, leaving plenty of room for those who just want to come in and hang out.
With a lineup of fantastic events and even better ambience, the Pemberton provides the perfect space for anyone in Phoenix looking for a night out on the town. Learn more at thepemberton.com.
