There is no shortage of things to do in Scottsdale. Full of culture and recreation, the vibrant Scottsdale lifestyle keeps locals and visitors well-stimulated around the clock. Unsurprisingly, when it comes time to kick back and relax, there is no shortage of amazing bars and eateries at which to grab a drink or two.
Whether you want a quick happy hour or a more full-scale date night experience, keep reading as we analyze the 21 best cocktail bars in Scottsdale (in no particular order)!
1. The Beverly on Main
7018 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Dubbed “Scottsdale’s best kept secret” since 2015, The Beverly on Main is the place to go for an upscale cocktail. With delicious drinks and great ambience, one visitor called The Beverly “an absolute gem for a refined drinking experience in Old Town.” Featuring cleverly named signatures such as the Hot Mess and Backhanded Compliment, The Beverly is truly a one-of-a-kind location for your bachelor(ette) party, corporate gathering, or simple night on the town.
2. Second Story Liquor Bar
4166 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Second Story Liquor Bar has a mission of telling a story through their carefully crafted cocktails. The world-class bartenders provide a journey with every drink they prepare, drawing inspiration from the classics and perfecting them with their own meticulously-honed imagination and expertise. Guests love the immaculate vibes and low, moody lighting that set the stage for an unforgettable night in Scottsdale.
3.Riot House
4425 N Saddlebag Trail #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The aptly-named Riot House is the place to go in Scottsdale if you are looking to get your party on. Dubbed as Old Town’s celebration destination, Riot House is a multi-use space that offers a party bar, night club, sports bar, and restaurant. This is not the place to go if you are looking for a quiet evening over a drink.
The endless flow of tropical cocktails and rockin’ live DJ regularly create an environment of thumping, shoulder-to-shoulder fun, which ultimately makes it one of the most fun bars Scottsdalel has to offer.
4. Hula’s Modern Tiki
7213 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Hula’s Modern Tiki brings a much-needed cool, tropical atmosphere to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. With an indoor-outdoor layout for streetside dining and two large communal island tables, it is the very definition of laid back. Hula’s offers $4 off its signature cocktails during happy hour—along with an extensive appetizer list—making it a favorite watering hole for visitors looking to recharge after a fun day in the desert sun.
5. Straight Up Whiskey Bar
5101 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Located in the stunning Hotel Adeline just northeast of Fashion Square, Straight Up Whiskey Bar is the go-to speakeasy whiskey bar in Scottsdale. Featuring curated flights, specialty cocktails, and an extensive list of rare and premium whiskeys, Straight Up is truly a must-visit for those with a refined palate.
Playing on the old-time speakeasy aesthetic, Straight Up has a bit of a hidden entryway, and a password is required for admittance. Fear not, though, the desk staff at Hotel Adeline is always happy to lend a helping hand.
6. One Handsome Bastard Distillery
7042 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
One Handsome Bastard Distillery aims to preserve the craftsmanship that goes into making a cocktail. With an extensive menu of drinks featuring house-made vodka, 1HB dares guests to push boundaries, take time to relax, and savor every bad-ass cocktail.
In an ode to family member Brad Ritchie who lost his battle with cancer far too young, owners the Ritchie family donate 10% of all 1HB profits to cancer research. Where else can you get your drink on for charity?
7. Bourbon and Bones
4200 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Featuring signature cocktails, extensive bourbon offerings, and prime-grade steaks, Bourbon and bones is a premier chophouse experience in Old Town. Provocative cocktails, such as the Sexy Tickler and Bitter Kitty, set the stage for a fun, yet elegant, date night. Guests rave about the endless selection of rare bourbons and quality of cuts, making Bourbon and Bones an upscale experience worth paying for.
8. B&B Cocktail Lounge
4222 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located in bustling Old Town, B&B Cocktail Lounge is the perfect spot for guests who crave ambience above all else. Despite having an extensive list of spirits and wines, the world-class bartenders and amazingly attentive staff are what truly steal the show. With breathtaking interior decor and a relaxing patio dining area, visitors can expect to experience the spectacle of drink making, with the unparalleled mixology perfecting the sophisticated vibe of B&B.
9. The Plaza Bar
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Located inside the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, The Plaza Bar is the ideal locale for drinking in the desert atmosphere under the Arizona stars. Featuring flowing indoor and outdoor spaces, it is a polished, mixology-driven lounge with an inviting patio and fire pits that create the perfect backdrop for any evening.
Guests rave about the immaculate condition of the property and friendly staff, with the extensive list of craft cocktails, local beers, high-quality cigars, and wine by the glass putting the cherry on an unforgettable evening experience.
10. 50 Shades of Rosé
7419 E Indian Plaza B, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Who doesn’t love a vacation within a vacation? That is exactly what you get with 50 Shades of Rosé, a pop-up bar located in Old Town Scottsdale. Currently featuring MIAMI NIGHTS, 50 Shades offers an immersive Miami experience, decked out with neon lights and beach-themed cocktails.
Although 50 Shades is regularly rotating its theme, guests agree that Christmastime is always the best, with the cool vibes combined with Martha Stewart-worthy elegance creating a Christmas party experience unlike any in Scottsdale.
11. Thirsty Camel Lounge
6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located within The Phoenician resort, Thirsty Camel Lounge provides an extensive selection of bourbons, whiskeys, premium spirits, and hand-crafted cocktails for guests and locals to enjoy. Included in Forbes Travel Guide’s list of “World’s Best Hotel Bars,” Thirsty Camel is renowned for its stunning, panoramic views of the resort and desert valley.
In addition to the unmatched views, visitors appreciate the calming presence of live acoustic music that is loud enough to enjoy without drowning out your conversation.
12. The Back Door Lounge
7330 E Main St Suite 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Nestled between bustling shops in the heart of Old Town, The Back Door Lounge is a premier martini and wine bar. It is the perfect location for guests to experience an oasis of sophistication while taking a break from a busy day of Scottsdale activities. If you can make it during a live music performance, even better–visitors note the unmatched atmosphere for completing a luxury drinking experience.
13. Hush Public House
14202 N Scottsdale Rd #167, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Hush Public House offers an upscale, yet inviting, dining and drinking experience that is perfect for date night. Located in North Scottsdale, Hush prepares a wide selection of artistically-presented dishes, offering fresh takes on traditional classics as well as some of Chef Dom’s original specialties.
It’s just not the food that gives Hush such a romantic vibe, though–guests agree that the cocktails, mocktails, and desserts are worth the visit in and of themselves.
14. The Living Room
20751 N Pima Rd #120, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Located in the DC Ranch neighborhood in Scottsdale, The Living room is a wine cafe and lounge that provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. With soft seating inside and a wrap-around porch overlooking Market Street, guests can pick their poison in terms of ambience.
Although The Living Room has an extensive cocktail menu and whiskey library, it is most well-known for its massive selection of over 200 wines. Thirty of these are located on the innovative wine wall, which gives guests self-service access to pour the glass of their choice.
15. Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Located in the Andaz Scottsdale, Weft & Warp provides a custom food and beverage experience for guests and locals to enjoy. As its name implies, Weft & Warp is all about the artistry of the dining experience. Guests can sip a hand-crafted cocktail while sitting at the chef’s table in the exhibition kitchen for a privately curated meal, or enjoy the breathtaking views of picturesque Camelback Mountain from the dining room or patio.
Visitors highly recommend Weft & Warp for date night, as the custom cocktails from the world-class bartenders and scenic sunset on the patio create unparalleled romantic vibes.
16. Sorso Wine Room
15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Sorso Wine Room happened the same way as any great adventure–with no set plans. Looking for the next step in life after a 12-year career in Major League Baseball, founders Mark and Lauren Teahen fell in love with Italian wine rooms while exploring Europe as a potential post-baseball home. Blown away by the attentiveness of Italian wine professionals, Mark and Lauren hatched the idea to share their experience in Scottsdale.
The result is one of Scottsdale’s premier wine bars. Sorso (Italian for “sip”) is an ideal gathering spot for visitors to relax and work their way through more than 150 wines. Guests rave about the fun, laid-back atmosphere and the vast wine knowledge of the staff.
17. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 West Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003
If you are a history buff with a strong sense of irony and refined palate, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is a must-visit experience. Located in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, the one-time home of Arizona’s prohibition headquarters is now one of the world’s leading innovators of hand-crafted cocktails.
Known as The Valley’s go-to spot for a stylish and sophisticated drinking experience, Bitter & Twisted annually makes numerous lists of “World’s Best Cocktail Menu.” Visitors are consistently blown away by the staff’s unparalleled knowledge of spirits and pinpoint recommendations.
18. Coach House Entertainment
7011 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Affectionately dubbed Old Town Scottsdale’s dive bar, Coach House has been serving up daily drink specials in its open-air setup since 1959.
A blast from the past when a bar was a place to grab a cheap drink and watch a game, Coach House offers a refreshing reprieve from the upscale ambience for which Scottsdale is famous. Visitors particularly enjoy Coach House during the holidays, where the over-the-top lights and decorations create a fun atmosphere that leaves an indelible impression.
19. Old Town Tavern
7320 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Voted Scottsdale’s #1 live music venue, Old Town Tavern calls itself the “Biggest Little Stage in Old Town.” Nestled on a path that leads right to the Scottsdale Civic Center, it is a true gem for anyone wanting good times, live music, and amazing cocktails. Guests can always find a drink that fits the budget at OTT. Every hour is happy hour at OTT, with at least one drink on special during all hours of operation.
20. Cottontail Lounge
7277 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Part of the W Hotel, Cottontail Lounge is a next-level mixology experience with a flirty and fun atmosphere. An upscale party venue that upholds a dress code, Cottontail brings in a world-class rotation of live DJs to elevate the W experience. The lounge may be best known for its exclusive WET deck that features sweeping pool views, shaded outdoor seating, and refined atmosphere amid playful design choices.
21. AZ/88
7353 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Off the beaten path of Old Town, AZ/88 has been a favorite Scottsdale contemporary bar for locals and traveling visitors for 35 years. Known for its martinis, crafted cocktails, and consistent cuisine, AZ/88 features an ever-changing collection of artwork, much like the various museums throughout Old Town.
Guests love the vibe of this place, as it expertly blends the lines between “easygoing” and “sophisticated.”
Check Out One of Scottsdale’s Best Cocktail Bars Today
Scottsdale is full of amazing cocktail bars that can help you unwind after a long day. By sifting through our expert-vetted guide and including it as part of your Scottsdale itinerary, you can help find the perfect venue for making a memorable stay complete.