By Craig Bennett Group
Scottsdale's bar scene is one of the most diverse and genuinely entertaining in the Southwest. From iconic Old Town martini lounges and hidden speakeasies to rooftop terraces and craft distilleries, the city delivers a drinking experience that suits nearly every mood and occasion. Here's our guide to the best bars in Scottsdale worth putting on your list.
Key Takeaways
- Old Town Scottsdale is the epicenter of the city's bar scene, with more than 100 bars and lounges within walking distance of each other.
- AZ/88 and Citizen Public House represent the gold standard for craft cocktails in the area.
- Scottsdale has several excellent hidden and speakeasy-style bars for those who prefer something off the main drag.
- The city's rooftop and patio bar culture is exceptional — particularly during the cooler October through April season.
AZ/88: Old Town's Iconic Martini Bar
AZ/88 has been a fixture of Old Town Scottsdale's bar scene for over 35 years, and it earns that longevity every evening. Known primarily for its exceptional martini program, the bar strikes a balance between sleek and approachable that few places in the city have managed to replicate. Rotating art installations keep the interior perpetually fresh, and the outdoor patio is one of the finest places in Old Town to sit with a drink when Scottsdale's weather is doing what it does best.
What to Know Before You Go
- 15 martini variations with cocktails running around $15–18 — quality that justifies every dollar
- The AZ/88 Experience offers a four-course meal with two specialty cocktails for a properly curated evening
- Rotating art installations throughout the space give the interior a consistently changing energy
- One of the most walkable locations in Old Town, making it an easy first or last stop on a longer evening out
AZ/88 is the kind of bar that becomes a default recommendation — and it rarely disappoints.
Citizen Public House: Craft Cocktails and Creative Pours
Citizen Public House in downtown Scottsdale earns its reputation through a cocktail program that takes creativity seriously without losing its sense of fun. The barrel-aged cocktail menu alone is worth a visit — the Rose Garland (bourbon-heavy) and The Alchemist (silver tequila-forward) are standouts for anyone who appreciates a well-developed spirit.
What Makes Citizen Public House Stand Out
- Barrel-aged cocktails alongside creative originals like the Ol' Razzle Dazzle — tequila blanco, tamarindo syrup, lime, and raspberry
- An expert bar team known for thoughtful, precise preparation rather than volume-driven service
- Happy hour offerings that make the price point even more attractive for early evening visits
- A polished but unpretentious environment that works for a solo seat at the bar or a table with a group
36 Below: Scottsdale's Best Speakeasy Experience
For something off the well-trodden path, 36 Below delivers one of the most distinctive bar experiences in the city. Hidden inside Sip Coffee Bar with a staircase entrance that's easy to miss, the speakeasy features an ever-changing cocktail menu inspired by rotating themes. Cocktails are presented as genuine works of craft, with custom glassware and effects like smoke and glowing ice that make the experience genuinely theatrical.
What to Expect at 36 Below
- A themed cocktail menu that changes regularly, ensuring the experience rewards repeat visits
- Private hidden room available for intimate gatherings and special occasions — reservations strongly recommended
- Extremely limited seating makes booking ahead non-negotiable, particularly on weekends
- One of the few Scottsdale bars where the presentation matches the quality of what's in the glass
36 Below is the answer to the question of where to take someone who thinks they've seen everything Scottsdale has to offer.
Jade Bar at The Phoenician: Views and Premium Pours
When the occasion calls for something elevated, Jade Bar at The Phoenician delivers both the setting and the substance. Perched with views of Paradise Valley, the bar is named for its authentic backlit jade onyx drink rail — a design detail that genuinely earns the attention it receives. The cocktail program leans on premium spirits and locally sourced produce and juices, resulting in drinks that feel as considered as the surroundings.
What Jade Bar Offers
- Sweeping views of Paradise Valley and the surrounding desert that rank among the finest from any bar setting in Metro Phoenix
- Cocktails built on farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients alongside a premium spirits selection
- The Lover Girl — Grey Goose, Aperol, hibiscus wine cordial, peach, lemon, and bitters — is a signature worth ordering
- A setting that transitions elegantly from sunset cocktails to a proper evening out
Jade Bar is Scottsdale's best answer for when the setting needs to match the occasion.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to enjoy Scottsdale's bar and patio scene?
October through April is the peak season for outdoor bar culture in Scottsdale. The weather during this window is exceptional — warm evenings, low humidity, and clear skies make patio and rooftop bars the preferred experience. Summer is entirely viable thanks to the city's indoor bar options, but the outdoor magic is a cooler-weather phenomenon.
Is Old Town Scottsdale worth visiting beyond just the nightlife?
Absolutely — but Old Town's nightlife is a genuine reason to be there. The concentration and variety of bars and lounges within a walkable area is hard to match anywhere in the Phoenix metro. Whether you're looking for craft cocktails, live music, rooftop views, or a classic hotel bar, the Old Town district has a credible version of each.
Does Scottsdale's entertainment scene matter to real estate buyers?
More than many buyers initially realize. Proximity to walkable dining, bars, and cultural amenities is a consistent factor in the desirability of Old Town and central Scottsdale neighborhoods. Buyers who prioritize lifestyle access regularly find that areas within reach of this entertainment corridor hold their value exceptionally well.
Find Your Right Address with Craig Bennett Group
Scottsdale's bar scene is one more dimension of a lifestyle that consistently attracts buyers from across the country. We're a local team passionate about connecting people with homes that genuinely fit the way they want to live — in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and throughout the Metro Phoenix area. Whatever your right address looks like, we're here to help you find it.
