The Pemberton, a maze-like art and entertainment venue anchored by the circa-1920 Pemberton House on the northern fringe of Roosevelt Row, recently underwent a major creative refresh. True North Studio founder Jonathon Vento originally opened the space in 2021 as a community-driven incubator, hosting rotating food, beverage and retail vendors like Saint Pasta, Baby Boy and Black Amethyst. In October 2024, it closed for a six-month metamorphosis, reopening last year as an immersive creative playground with 13 themed bars and lounge areas, more than 100 vivid, large-scale works by local artists, and interactive experiences around every corner.
3 Things To Do
Stereo Wall
A mosaic of vintage boomboxes pumps beats between Day of the Dead-themed lounge Muertos and New York subway-inspired hangout Yellow Submarine, encouraging guests to stop to listen, push buttons, twist knobs and snap selfies.
Ibiza Pool
Usher in swimsuit season at The Pemberton’s resort-style, Mediterranean-inspired pool. Live DJs, themed parties, cabanas and rum-forward cocktails also bring the pulse of Ibiza nightlife to the desert.
Vintage Photo Booth
Commemorate your trip with a frame-worthy black and white analog photo strip from this Gatsby-themed booth designed by Foto Comercio, which has built custom photo booths in iconic locations like the Wynwood Art District in Miami and the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
3 Places to Eat & Drink
Sarah’s Hideaway & Black Flamingo
Get a taste of The Pemberton’s robust food and drink program across more than a dozen internationally inspired bars. The historical Pemberton House itself now houses two signature concepts – lively, club-like Sarah’s Hideaway on the first floor and moody, laid-back cocktail bar Black Flamingo upstairs.
Pronto Pies
Grab gourmet, wood-fired pizza at this homegrown food truck, now permanently parked at The Pemberton. Stop by for adventurous daily specials, from the spicy, New York-style Hot Pep to an al pastor taco-inspired pie.
MB Foodhouse
Phoenix musician-turned-chef Kristen Martinez slings revelatory “new-era Tex-Mex” – think breakfast tacos, hot chicken tortas and Hatch chile smashburgers – from her modest mobile kitchen on the complex’s northeastern edge.
Overnight Option
Cambria Hotel Phoenix
True North Studio also developed this urban hotel – featuring a rooftop lounge, full-service restaurant and museum-quality art curation – less than a block away from The Pemberton.
222 E. Portland St.
602-675-3500, cambriadtphx.com
Photo Op
“Alter” by Mike Murray
Phoenix artist Mike Murray’s immersive ofrenda serves as a tranquil, pic-worthy centerpiece inside of Muertos.
