36 Below, a new fully-immersive cocktail lounge, is taking over the former UnderTow space below Sip Coffee and Beer Garage in Arcadia with plans to open early this summer. Josh Katz and Maurice “Moe” Murillo, the owners of Sip Coffee and Beer Garage, and Sheldon Wiley, co-founder of new hard seltzer brand Becky, are the owners and visionaries behind the new concept. 36 Below will be a Walipini speakeasy, an underground greenhouse bar, not only the first of its kind in Phoenix, but in the nation. 


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“We wanted to create a new, completely unique concept that allows guests to escape reality and indulge their senses,” said Katz.

36 Below will transport guests to a new locale each season through the use of wall-to-wall video screens and audiovisual effects. The first virtual destination will be Flagstaff, an ode to Katz’s favorite place to escape Phoenix and his college days at NAU. Designed by House of Form, the 600-square foot lounge interior will be reminiscent of a lush garden with a plethora of plants and flowers. The menu will feature inventive cocktails crafted from the elements and a selection of small bites, many of which will be plant-based.  

“Our menus will be innovative and represent who we are by capturing the essence of our vision with a modern spin on the simplicities of nature’s offerings,” said Wiley.

36 Below also will include a new private event space called the Rose Garden, accessed through a secret door, for intimate gatherings of up to 12 guests. The Rose Garden will open a few months following the opening of 36 Below.

Katz and Murillo both have a background in hospitality and restaurant management and Wiley is a three-time Guinness World Record holding mixologist who’s dubbed the “world’s fastest bartender.” All three partners will oversee operations of 36 Below and Wiley is creating the cocktail program. 

36 Below is planning to open early this summer and is currently looking to hire 20 team members for front and back of house positions. Interested parties can apply by emailing info@36belowaz.com.