You won’t find many pictures of Trophy Room’s cocktails online. That’s because the speakeasy-style, reservation-only lounge has a strict no phones or cameras policy, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience instead of their Instagram feed.
Attendees of this weekend’s Summer Cocktail Camp (Sunday, August 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.) will get an even more intimate peek behind the curtain of the cocktail bar, camouflaged inside modern steakhouse Wren & Wolf in Downtown Phoenix. Lead bartender Lex Patino will guide guests through a series of unique libations meant to spark conversation. “We focus on thoughtful, technique-driven cocktails that are as fun to drink as they are to talk about,” she says. “Every drink has something to say.” Patino also breaks down the quiet confidence of the Old Fashioned and Trophy Room’s emphasis on presence and personalization. Learn more about PHOENIX magazine’s Summer Cocktail Camp here.
Tell us about the Trophy Room experience.
Trophy Room is meant to feel like… a forgotten World War II halls meets hunter’s den turned cocktail sanctuary. It’s cozy, a little mysterious and fully immersive. We ask guests to put their phones away not because we don’t want them to remember but because we want them to feel it. It’s about being present, connecting with the moment and indulging in the world right in front of you. There’s a certain kind of magic that only happens when you’re not looking through a screen.
When it comes to the drinks, we want you to really go in. When you’re busy snapping pictures, you’re not really tasting what we’ve made for you. We only get one shot to serve you that cocktail at its best: fresh, balanced and full of flavor. But more than that, we want it to spark something. Maybe there’s a flavor you’ve never had before or a technique you’re curious about. Ask us! We want to open up new conversations… That’s what makes the experience unique to each guest. We’re not here to just serve drinks – we’re here to create a moment that feels personal.
Tell us more about Trophy Room’s cocktail program.
Each cocktail tells a story, whether that’s through texture, presentation or a nostalgic flavor. We play with advanced techniques like fat washing, milk punch or foams, but always with purpose. It’s not about being flashy, it’s about creating an experience.
How did you get your start in the F&B industry? How did you find your way to Trophy Room?
I actually started way back in 2007 as a hostess and worked my way up over the years – barback, server, bartender – you name it. Like a lot of us, I got into it just trying to make more money and pay my bills. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the industry, but somewhere along the way, I did.
About a year and a half before landing at Trophy Room, I had just started getting into craft cocktails… or at least I thought I was. Then I got here, and that half-open door got kicked wide open. I was introduced to real technique, bold flavors and a whole new level of intention. And for the first time in my career, I had true mentors. Trophy came into my life exactly when it was meant to, and it completely changed the way I see the craft.
What’s a classic cocktail you think is misunderstood or gets an unjustified bad rap?
The Old Fashioned, hands down. People either think it’s supposed to be overly sweet, super boozy or just something their grandpa drinks. It’s not supposed to taste like a melted candy or come with a fruit salad floating in it. A good Old Fashioned is spirit forward, smooth and confident. It’s the kind of drink that knows exactly who it is. It’s not trying too hard, [and] it doesn’t have to. When it’s made right, it’s all about balance: a great base spirit, a kiss of sweetness, a couple dashes of bitters… that’s it. No theatrics, just timeless style. Think of it like the little black dress or well-fitted suit of cocktails.
How does Trophy Room’s location (within Wren & Wolf in Downtown Phoenix) inform its menu and ambiance?
Being hidden inside Wren & Wolf adds to the magic. It’s like discovering a secret world within the city. Downtown Phoenix has this pulse, this energy, and we mirror that in our space. There’s an old-world charm in the design, but we balance that with bold, modern techniques and a touch of whimsy. It feels intimate and elevated but still grounded in the Phoenix spirit.
What can guests expect at Trophy Room’s Summer Cocktail Camp this Sunday?
The goal isn’t to make it feel like a class, it’s more like you and all your friends came over for a drink. We want people to feel comfortable, curious and welcomed. It’s a chance to learn something new, sure, but more than that, it’s about creating a space where everyone feels like they belong. Come hang out, sip some delicious cocktails and feel inspired to ask questions, share stories and just enjoy the moment. Because honestly, that’s what Trophy Room is all about. We want to create that same energy and feeling every time someone walks through our doors, like this is their space too.
