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The Stillery – AZDCMA 2025 Best Indoor Venue (Central AZ – Maricopa County)

When you walk into The Stillery, you don’t just grab dinner — you step into an experience.

That’s exactly why it was named AZDCMA’s 2025 Best Indoor Music Venue – Central AZ (Maricopa County) at the unforgettable 1st Annual AZ Desert Country Music Association Awards — a night Cowboy Lifestyle Network described as a black-tie celebration that signaled a new era for Arizona country music.

And honestly? The Stillery embodies that movement perfectly.

From Nashville Roots to Arizona Soul

Founded in 2015 by Steve and Alane Kovach in Nashville, Tennessee, The Stillery was built around three simple ideas:

  • Southern comfort food done right
  • Mason jar cocktails
  • Live country music every night

The first location opened in Downtown Nashville, followed by Midtown in 2017. It quickly became a staple for locals and visitors looking for authentic Tennessee flavor paired with high-energy entertainment.

By late 2020, the founders brought the concept west — opening in Downtown Chandler and expanding to Goodyear and Happy Valley — giving Arizona its own slice of Nashville.

And they didn’t water it down. They brought the full experience.

The Vibe: Rustic, Rowdy & Real

The Stillery isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a stage, a dance floor, and a gathering place.

Think:

  • Roll-up doors that blur indoor and outdoor energy
  • Spacious patios at select locations
  • A buzzing crowd singing along to country anthems
  • Artists playing originals right alongside your favorite covers

It’s the kind of place where a Tuesday night feels like a Saturday.

The Food That Built the Legend

Let’s talk about the food — because it absolutely deserves its own spotlight.

Fan favorites include:

Nashville Hot Chicken — famously served on top of mac and cheese
Brick-fired pizzas
“Two-handed” stacked sandwiches
Crispy Brussels sprouts
Steak fingers
Mason jar cocktails that have become a Stillery signature

It’s bold. It’s indulgent. It’s Southern comfort with personality.

A Stage for Nashville & Arizona Talent

What truly sets The Stillery apart — and what made it a standout at the AZDCMA Awards — is its commitment to live country music.

The Stillery promotes:

  • Touring Nashville country artists
  • Rising regional acts
  • Arizona country performers
  • Local singer-songwriters building their fanbase

In a time when live music venues are more important than ever, The Stillery has created consistent opportunity. Artists know they’ll be treated professionally. Fans know they’ll get quality sound and real country energy.

It’s a venue that doesn’t just host music — it invests in it.

A Perfect Fit for the AZDCMA Vision

At the 1st Annual AZDCMA Awards, the atmosphere was described as a “black tie revolution” — a moment that elevated Arizona’s country scene while staying true to its roots.

That’s The Stillery in a nutshell.

It honors tradition.
It celebrates community.
It delivers excellence.
And it keeps the music loud.

Being named AZDCMA 2025 Best Indoor Venue – Central AZ isn’t just about popularity. It’s about impact. And The Stillery continues to impact Arizona’s country music scene in a major way.

The Stillery Fest — Big Fun at Phoenix Raceway!

Just when you thought The Stillery couldn’t get any bigger in Arizona, Stillery Fest revves up the fun at Phoenix Raceway during Spring Race Weekend, March 5–8, 2026  during the NASCAR action-packed schedule.

This four-day celebration transforms the raceway’s campground into a Western-meets-festival playground that’s totally free to attend (with optional bull riding tickets available).

Expect:
Live music throughout the weekend — from powerhouse vocal performances to fan-favorite bands lighting up the stage after the racetrack’s engines quiet down.
Bull riding — Thursday and Friday nights feature heart-pounding bull riding (ticketed), blending rodeo grit with country roots.
Food & drink vendors ready to keep your belly happy between sets.
A Ferris wheel & fun festival atmosphere complete with retail booths, activities, and nonstop energy.

It’s the perfect example of how The Stillery isn’t just a home for nightly music and iconic food — it’s a brand that brings folks together with big-hearted experiences that celebrate music, culture, and community whether you’re on a dance floor downtown or soaking up the desert sunset at Phoenix Raceway. Click on the link below to get your tickets and the directions for this action packed weekend ahead!

If you haven’t experienced it yet — grab your boots, bring your friends, order the hot chicken, and stay for the second set.

Because at The Stillery, the music doesn’t stop… and neither does the energy.