Name: Cool Nihongo at Japanese Friendship Garden
Start: 2027-07-10
End: 2027-07-10

First & Last is a neighborhood restaurant. Inspired by our community surrounding downtown Phoenix, we wanted to create a space that fits every mood and occasion. Pop in for happy hour at the bar, dress up for date night, or catch up with old friends over a long dinner. Whatever the reason, we’ll always meet you here with an ingredient-driven menu that rotates and changes with the best of what’s in season, interesting wines from small producers, playful cocktails, and a curated tap list. It’s all about the ingredients at First & Last. We love working with our local farmers and purveyors, but we also don’t shy away from bringing in the best meats, seafood, and produce that we can find throughout the country. Seasonal for us means bringing together the decadent flavors and unique offerings that the land has to offer from different regions throughout the year.

First & Last

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel regularly debuts a new cycle of exhibitions every four months throughout the entire hotel as part of the FOUND:RE Contemporary art program. The selection of art is based on a 360-degree view of arts and culture that includes a range of visual and performance mediums. The FOUND:RE Contemporary art program is produced in partnership with Artlink, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the arts, business and community.

FOUND:RE Contemporary

FOUND:RE Phoenix is a reinterpretation of the boutique art hotel concept. Instead of merely creating a museum or gallery-like environment by placing artwork throughout the hotel, the FOUND:RE expands upon this concept by extending the artistic vision into every area of human culture within a hospitality venue. Art, design, food, music, products, services, and social interaction are all included in this unique hotel experience. While art plays a major role in the FOUND:RE experience, it does so in a broader sense. Just as a sculptural foundry manufacturer's raw materials and forms mold from which sculptors produce works of art, FOUND:RE Phoenix creates new experiences for its guests.

FOUND:RE Phoenix

MATCH Restaurant & Lounge is a neighborhood eatery, serving modern comfort food with unique cocktails and craft beers, located inside the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. Martini Hour Monday | All Day Tuesday - Friday | 2 PM - 6 PM

MATCH Market & Bar at FOUND:RE Phoenix

Fair Trade Cafe is conveniently located in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona where we serve shade-grown, organic fair-trade coffee and offer an assortment of in-house baked goods, artisan crafted sandwiches, and an unmatched menu of delicacies. Come to study, check our local rotating art gallery, or even take part in our collaborative community events.

Fair Trade Cafe

GenuWine is a self-serve wine bar with a focus on all things local. Enjoy a comfortable atmosphere complete with a build-your-own charcuterie menu along with a small plates and other bites. This unique concept is the perfect venue for a group gathering wanting to experience Arizona wine, beer, and food products. HAPPY HOUR Monday - Friday | 11 AM – 6 PM & All Day Tuesday

GenuWine Arizona Wine Bar

Rough Rider is an award-winning underground speakeasy restaurant and cocktail lounge in downtown Phoenix, known for craft cocktails, a refined raw bar, and adventurous American fare inspired by Theodore Roosevelt. Tucked beneath Roosevelt Row in the Ten-O-One Building at Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street, and accessed via the middle elevator, the space unfolds into a richly detailed and moody, 19th-century-inspired interior that blends historic character with a 21st-century casual fine dining experience.

Rough Rider

BARCOA Agaveria is a two-level bar that honors the spirits of Mexico. Tequila, mezcal, and all things agave are the stars here. Located walking distance from the Phoenix Convention Center, Footprint Center, and other Downtown Phoenix attractions, BARCOA offers two distinct vibes -- a casual, back-alley cantina and patio, serving affordable classic cantina cocktails, as well as a sexy basement lounge serving craft cocktails, flights of agave spirits, and a 40-page menu to help you learn about the spirits. The patio is bright and cheery, and features Provecho taco truck most nights. Almost everything at BARCOA was built by hand in Mexico. Locally owned and operated, it took over two years to build out the space, located in a historic 1928 Hardware Store. BARCOA pays homage to the hard-working men and women who produce agave spirits, and hopes to honor their craft with every sip. Happy Hour is offered weekdays in the Cantina, and on Wednesdays all night in the basement lounge. Check website for details. Also on the website: reservations for the basement bar, details on exclusive tasting experiences, and an online bottle shop!

BARCOA Agaveria

Casual eatery turning out tacos and other Mexican eats with beer, hard liquor, and cocktails.

Huarachis Taqueria

A meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory is an experience. We invest meticulous attention to our décor so our guests feel as though they're stepping into another world. Every location is adorned with antique lighting, intricate stained glass displays and an old-fashioned trolley car that doubles as a dining hall. Nearly every item on The Old Spaghetti Factory's menu is made on-site, from scratch, using fresh ingredients. Unlike most restaurants, when you order our entrées, we serve you a complete meal, which includes bread, soup/salad, a drink and dessert. We encourage families to feel at home in our restaurants. The Old Spaghetti Factory is still family owned and operated and we welcome your family to join ours for a memorable dining experience.

The Old Spaghetti Factory Phoenix

A cheeky tiki-inspired bar located on Roosevelt Row, blending classic tropical elements with a gritty, punk rock edge. The intimate space features dark, immersive décor with custom murals, skull-themed accents, vintage lantern lighting, and playful details that give it a dive-bar-meets-tiki-lounge personality. The drink menu spans classic tiki cocktails, daiquiris, and bartender-driven rum concoctions designed to feel both irreverent and inventive.

Tropic Thunder

Casual eatery serving customizable meals that will leave you satisfied without burning a hole in your wallet. We offer a family recipe rice, yakisoba noodles, or a simple spring mix topped with dumplings and sauce. You choose your food adventure with flavor mixes that reflect whatever your vibe is.

Lovebite Dumplings

It's time to go beyond. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure.

Visit Phoenix Sports & Events 

**Discover Japan through Language & Culture at Cool Nihongo!** Nihongo means “Japanese language” — pronounced *Knee-Hone-Goh* — and just like that, you’ve learned your first word!

Each month from September through June, our instructors introduce seasonal themes and cultural traditions, from fall festivals and New Year’s greetings to spring ceremonies and summer celebrations. Through interactive activities, cultural insights, and practical language practice, you’ll explore Japan in a fun and approachable way. Handouts are provided to support your learning, and there’s time to mingle and practice with fellow participants.

Your Cool Nihongo ticket also includes complimentary admission to the Japanese Friendship Garden — a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the Garden before or after class.

Cool Nihongo at Japanese Friendship Garden

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