Best Rooftop Bars in Scottsdale

Rooftop bar hopping is a must during the cooler months in Scottsdale, Arizona – which is kind of right now. Whether you are looking for something a bit more low-key, or something bougie to enjoy a splurge with the girls, there is a bar with a view for everyone on this list:

Outrider Rooftop Lounge

7142 E. 1st St.

When I think of rooftop bar options in Scottsdale, Outrider is the first one that comes to mind. Here, you get a great view of Camelback Mountain and Old Town Scottsdale. You also get a variety of cocktails, wines, draft beers, and even seltzers!

I’m a fan of mezcal so my choice is going to be the paradisis with mezcal, raspberries, lemon juice, and Giffard pamplemousse. For those visiting in the late Spring or Summer try one of their famous slushies!

They rotate flavors weekly, so be sure to ask your server which ones are available when you’re there. They also have some non-alcoholic drink choices for the designated driver in your group including a CBD-infused sparkling water, flavored coconut waters, and an alcohol-free beer. 

Cottontail Lounge

7277 E Camelback Road

Located on top of the W Hotel in Scottsdale, here you get access to the W’s Wet Deck, which features rooftop pools, outdoor bar seating, and popular, visiting DJ’s that are all set up to create the perfect pre-game or all-night vibe for your upcoming night out in Old Town.

Check out their “Rabbit Hole” Thursday’s, which offer an extended happy hour with lower pricing from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Currently, their featured drink is their famous espresso martini which will offer the perfect pick-me-up before hitting the clubs.

They also offer some bar snacks like tuna hanabi, calamari, tempura vegetables, and the extra special truffle kennebec fries, all of which are included in that happy hour pricing. 

Balcony Bar at The Social Tap

4312 N Brown Ave

Make your way upstairs to the large patio-style balcony that sits on the second floor of The Social Tap. Before it gets too hot, check out their brunch menu served from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.

Here, you can get the popular “Brunch Board”, which serves up pancakes, waffles, French toast, and free fruits and berries charcuterie-style. Pair it with one of their champagne specials to start your Bachelorette party off right!

For the boys, you can get the “Hangover Package,” which includes one bottle of Pinnacle Vodka, one bottle of bloody mary mix, olives, six breakfast burritos, and a platter of tots – all for only $95. Pretty solid deal when it comes to Old Town pricing.

The Jade Bar

5700 East McDonald Drive 

If you are looking for a more elevated rooftop experience to enjoy in Scottsdale, look no further than the Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Resort at Camelback Mountain. You can’t go wrong with a burger, especially the Jade’s American Wagyu Burger.

What makes this burger special are the high-quality ingredients and “fancy” sauce. Normally, I’m a mezcal and tequila fan, but “The Holstein” features gin, grilled pineapple, cinnamon, and brown butter and is decadent without being overpowering.

It has some pretty unexpected flavors for a gin cocktail and is a fun way to switch it up. If you are a die-hard tequila drinker the “Lost Dutchman” features tequila and guava juice, with turmeric, vanilla, and saffron elements, and is a delicious choice as well. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Goldwater Brewing Co. 

3608 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Yes, Goldwater Brewery isn’t a bar exactly but it does have a very casual, cool little rooftop area on its back patio. Pick up a beer in the taproom and then walk it through the back patio until you find a small staircase that leads up to a narrow seating area with bar stools and high-top tables.

This is the perfect day-drinking spot. Chad and Dillon McClelland opened up this boutique brewery under the guidance of their father in 2015. Together with business partner Jimmy Disken they made the brewery a staple of the Old Town drinking scene.

Now they have three tap rooms, with the other two in Mesa and Tempe, but this location is my favorite because of the patio space. Right now, you can get their “Hazy Gates Hazy Pale Ale” inspired by the San Francisco Giants fans as they take over Old Town for Spring training. Their signature “Hop Chowda Hazy IPA” is another favorite with a cute Campbell’s soup-inspired design.

There are other Rooftop bar options throughout the Phoenix area, especially as you make your way into Central and Downtown Phoenix.

You can’t go wrong, but I will say that these are definitely the top choices for getting you drink on in Scottsdale.

If you’re looking for some brunch with your drinks, make sure to check out our list of Scottsdale’s best boozy brunches!