Looking for the hottest spots to party post-ballgame or simply the best Phoenix nightlife? From high energy bottle service to laidback classy cocktails, karaoke bars and historic speakeasies, there’s plenty to be experienced (and drank) in the Valley of the Sun. Keep reading for some of the best places to hit up during your time in town.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Entertainment District
If you’re looking for a hub of upscale nightclubs and bars, it’s safe to say that Old Town Scottsdale’s Entertainment District is where you want to be. Like a “mini Vegas,” the area is packed with all different types of outlets from country bars to day clubs with pools and cabanas and is often the nightlife destination of choice for tourists and locals alike.
For heart-pumping music and premier bottle service, opt for tropical-themed Riot House, Bottled Blonde, Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails, The District, Whiskey Row, El Hefe, Bevvy or Barstool Scottsdale — all within steps of each other. For a day-night option, Maya Day + Nightclub throws Vegas-esque pool parties in the day and transforms to a high-energy nightclub after dark, often hosting DJs, celebs and star-studded guests on the weekends. During winter months, the pool area is covered up and transformed into the ultimate backyard playground, the Clubhouse at Maya. Enjoy oversized yard games, picnic benches, arcade games, a custom treehouse bar and more.
Still in the middle of the action, W Scottsdale offers a quieter, but stylish lounge bar. Casa Amigos and Skylanes make up a two-story concept featuring a boutique bowling alley and bottle service upstairs and a Mexican-themed bar downstairs. If you wander a little further, Wasted Grain, Boondocks and Social Tap offer more relaxed settings. Another noteworthy spot is Geisha A Go Go, a high-design lounge with private karaoke rooms that serves cocktails and sushi.
Tip: The Entertainment District is a short distance from Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and the boutique shops and restaurants that Old Town Scottsdale is known for (and even more bars and lounges — see below). Grab one of the many golf carts cruising the streets for a quick ride anywhere. And if you happen to wake up in a club, there’s plenty of trendy brunch options around. In fact, many of the nightclubs double as restaurants and serve brunch on the weekends.
Old Town Scottsdale
If Vegas-style nightclubs are too much for you, Old Town Scottsdale has more laidback options that are just as enticing. Kelly’s at Southbridge is an indoor-outdoor traditional pub with comfy couches and a large patio. Nearby Beverly on Main is an intimate, upscale cocktail lounge, reminiscent of a speak-easy. For a true Western-themed bar, visit tourist-favorite Rusty Spur Saloon. To see rotating art pieces at a trendy bar and restaurant with great atmosphere and music, visit AZ 88. Or head to Scottsdale’s oldest tavern, Coach House, a small, laidback bar that’s been family-owned since 1959. If local craft beer is your jam, Goldwater Brewing Co. is a small brewery with 20+ of their own brews. Make sure to check out The Goldmine, the bar’s underground tap and barrel room. For a trendy indoor-outdoor wine bar, head over to Postino, a local favorite known for its bruschetta boards and extensive wine offerings.
Phoenix
Downtown & Central Phoenix
The Valley’s urban center is home to an eclectic art scene, sports arenas, concert halls, a thriving dining scene and plenty of nightlife options, many that hold quite a bit of local history.
For a truly historic spot to grab a drink, visit Hanny’s, a former department store built in 1947 that now serves as a bar and restaurant. The building features three stories, a basement and a mezzanine level. If sipping on innovative cocktails sounds like your thing (calling all cocktail snobs), Bitter & Twisted features a book of them and is constantly winning local and national awards including recently being voted one of the top 10 “World’s Best Cocktail Menu” in 2019 by Tales of the Cocktails. It’s housed inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters and has a vintage, stylish vibe. The Churchill is a unique gathering space made up of shipping containers housing local small businesses. The Pemberton has something for everyone; with over 15 airstream trailers and trucks with food, beverage, retail, and art vendors. These two open-air spaces are ideal for great weather days.
Copper Blues, located in Cityscape, is a rock bar and restaurant with live music every night. The stage is lined with beer tap handles and its menu emphasizes local craft beers and signature cocktails. Post up next door at Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge or Châm Pang Lanes for a night of bowling and drinks. If bowling isn’t your vibe, you can set out to find some of Downtown’s speakeasies. Valley Bar is located underground and features a small music venue, game room and central bar. For a real speakeasy experience, head to the basement of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel where you’ll discover Melinda’s Alley. Find it by venturing down the narrow alley between Adams and Monroe Streets off Central Ave. Look for the single red light under a large mural-covered wall. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays and allowing just 69 guests at a time, the tiny bar features eight new cocktails every week. For a secretive and exclusive experience visit the Trophy Room inside Wren & Wolf. But be warned, you will have to lock your phone up before entering.
Perhaps the most unique place you’ll find is The Duce, a 1928 warehouse that really just needs to be seen to be understood. The large venue features a bar, soda fountain, bleachers from a local Phoenix high school, tons of backyard games, a boxing ring, a kitchen housed inside a camper and more funky features, plus their handcrafted cocktails are delicious.
Angels Trumpet Ale House boasts one of the top patios (dog friendly too!), a chalkboard menu of its extensive craft beer selection and homemade pop tarts. Take it back to Phoenix in the 1960’s at The Womack. The classic cocktail lounge tribute to the former Chez Nous — known for its cocktails and soul music — and is a dark and swanky hideout.
If you’re looking for some classic Arizona sunset views while sipping on a cocktail you need to visit these top three rooftop bars in downtown Phoenix: Eden Rooftop Bar, Floor 13 and From the Rooftop.
Tip: Depending on where you’re located in the Valley, the Light Rail offers a quick and easy way to get around. Stretching from East Mesa to upper Central Phoenix, it’s ideal for traveling back and forth between Downtown Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. The station has stops on Arizona State’s campus as well as multiple ones in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Ride once for $2 or all day and night for $4.
Arcadia
Inspired by New Orleans, the Grey Hen Rx whiskey bar at Century Grand by Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment in Arcadia features innovative drinks developed by award-winning mixologist Jason Asher. Also in the Century Grand building is Platform 18. Book a ticket to travel back in time on this 90-minute journey that follows a fictional railroad tycoon hero in the bayous of Louisiana. The Century Grand is also home to UnderTow, a nautical-inspired cocktail bar serving tiki-style drinks in a subterranean space designed like an old-world ship.
Don’t miss speakeasy-style cocktail bar 36 Below right next door. Enter Sip Coffee & Beer and head downstairs to be transported to Arizona’s very first Walipini-inspired lounge, which is a pit greenhouse that is covered and located below ground so plants can grow year-round.
Heading south on Indian School Road to 27th Street is Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment’s latest creative craft cocktail concept, Sunny’s Lounge (Say Less). This neighborhood bar aspires to be the go-to spot for people working in the service industry to provide some respite and relaxation with a handcrafted drink after a long shift. It will open in September 2023.
North Phoenix
North Phoenix’s Desert Ridge has recently become more nightlife-friendly with the addition of CB Live. The venue features two areas, The Rock Pub, featuring a restaurant with free live music, and The Showroom, a ticketed venue hosting bigger musical performances, comedic acts and more. Within walking distance, The Whining Pig is a laidback underground bar featuring beer and wine and cheap eats like charcuterie boards and grilled cheese. Furthermore, their happy hour lasts until 8 p.m. daily. For family-friendly fun, Dave & Busters is steps away.
Neighboring High Street also offers late-night fun. Blue Martini is a chic cocktail lounge with a sophisticated yet playful vibe. Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy offers up endless laughs with a lineup of A-list comedians plus food and drinks. Inside The Stir Coffee Bar is Gin & Reel, a classic speakeasy experience. Visit their Instagram to find the monthly passcode.
Heading further north, you have to check out Buffalo Chip Saloon for that classic Arizona Country flare. From live music to line dancing to bull riding there is something for everyone.
Tempe
Downtown Tempe
The center of Arizona State University’s nightlife scene, Downtown Tempe is within walking distance of the campus. Home to famous Mill Ave., expect everything from small dive bars to larger, bottle-service clubs. While you can find nightclubs similar to that in Scottsdale, this area tends to lean more to the casual side. Find sports bars, dive bars, restaurants and boutique shops sprinkled all around the college town.
Located just off Mill Ave., Culinary Dropout at Farmer Arts District offers a trendy atmosphere. Enjoy comfy couches and games like table tennis, bean bag toss and more. For one of Phoenix’s most popular breweries, head to Four Peaks. Their large 8th Street Brewery (the original) is housed in a small neighborhood in an 1890s brick building. As the original location, it attracts all types of people, from families to college students. If you’re looking for an Old Town Scottsdale vibe in Tempe, stop by Society by EVO.
Mill Ave.
Along Mill Avenue itself, there’s plenty of options for a night of drinking. Head to Casa for game day fun, where guests can sip their famous 32-oz. buckets of booze on the patio. For a longstanding favorite, head to Cue Club, a pool hall that features cheap drinks including their infamous Long Islands. A great indoor-outdoor option, The Handlebar has a 2,000-sq.-ft. patio and extensive beer list. For live music, Low Key Piano Bar is an underground dueling piano bar with signature syringe jello shots. On top of Low Key is Varsity Tavern, known for its second-floor patio and mechanical bull. Pop over to Pedal Haus Brewery for a great lineup of local craft beers.
Glendale
Westgate Entertainment District
For West Valley nightlife, Westgate offers plenty of dining and entertainment. While some of the dining options are chain, several local options are perfect for a night out. PopStroke is an experiential golf and casual dining concept (designed by Tiger Woods and his TGR Design Team) while Bodega exudes a high-energy, Cuban-inspired restaurant with menus catering to brunch-goers, nightlife clubbers and everything in between. There is also a movie theater, comedy club, axe throwing bar, Dave & Buster’s and Chicken N Pickle, an indoor/outdoor entertainment complex that includes a casual, chef-driven restaurant and sports bar.
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Looking for something else? For an ultra-classy way to spend the evening opt for a stylish hotel bar at one of Arizona’s countless upscale resorts. Trust us, they’re worth visiting. With award-winning mixologists, city views and many specials, these are just as hot as the nightclubs. Stay up to date with the latest nightlife around the Valley all year round here!
