6 Best Cocktail Bars in Scottsdale, AZ for Perfect Drinks

Scottsdale, Arizona might be best known for its sunshine, golf courses, and spa resorts, but its cocktail scene deserves just as much attention. Whether you’re sipping on a smoky mezcal margarita in Old Town or a perfectly stirred martini in North Scottsdale, the city is packed with incredible cocktail bars serving some of the best drinks in the Southwest.

From hidden speakeasies to stylish lounges, these craft cocktail bars in Scottsdale are mixing up innovative drinks, locally inspired flavors, and creative presentations that make every sip worth the splurge.

There are hundreds of places to grab a drink, but these six stand out for their expert mixology, fun atmospheres, and unforgettable cocktails.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Expect to pay around $15-18 per cocktail – totally worth it for the quality.
• For Old Town favorites, don’t miss The Beverly or AZ/88.
• Head 10 minutes outside Old Town for themed and speakeasy-style bars like 36 Below and Grey Hen.
• If you’re bar-hopping, most spots are walkable or a short Uber away.

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Map of Cocktail Bars in Scottsdale

Check out the map below to see all the cocktail bars mentioned in this guide. Whether you’re staying in Old Town or venturing a few minutes to Arcadia, every spot is an easy Uber ride away.

1. The Beverly on Main

• Hours: Daily from 4 PM – 2 AM
• Food Available: Yes
• Average Price per drink: $15-25
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday from 4 PM -7 PM
• Good to Know: Reservations recommended on weekends

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, The Beverly on Main is where sass meets sophistication. The plush, moody interior feels like a modern speakeasy, and the menu is every bit as bold as the decor.

The drink list covers all the cocktail classics like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, plus cheeky signatures like the M.I.L.F (Tequila, agave nectar, orange cognac, chili rim) and the Hot and Bothered (Chai-spiced rum, Beverly butter batter, Angostura bitters, and nutmeg).

Feeling extra fancy? You can splurge on The Ultimate Sick Chick – a $500 cocktail crafted with Hennessy Paradis Imperial cognac and Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire. No joke. Yes, you read that right. There is an option for a single cocktail priced at $500.

During happy hour, $4 off their “Classic” cocktails makes this an easy win. Pair your drink with one of their flatbreads or charcuterie boards for the full experience.

2. Hula’s Modern Tiki

• Hours: 7 days a week
  • Monday -& Tuesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Average Price per drink: $12
• Happy Hour: 
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 3:30 – 6 PM
  • Wednesday from 3:30 – 10 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (drinks only)
• Good to Know: Great brunch cocktails and group-friendly vibe

For a tropical escape in the desert, head to Hula’s Modern Tiki in Old Town. Between the bamboo bar, tiki mugs, and palm-filled patio, it feels more like Hawaii than Arizona.

Their drink menu is pure vacation energy, filled with fruity classics like the Mai Tai and Zombie, plus modern creations like the Pineapple Express and Island Hopper.

If you’re budget-conscious, happy hour is the time to go – all signature cocktails are $7 (except the Scorpion Bowl, which serves 2-4). Grab a friend or three and sip your way through paradise.

3. AZ/88

• Hours: Daily from 11 AM – 12 AM
• Food Available: Yes, full menu
• Average Price per drink: $13-19
• Happy Hour: No
• Good to Know: Known for creative art installations and martinis

Located in the heart of Old Town, AZ/88 is one of the city’s most iconic cocktail bars – and it’s all about martinis. With 15 different styles to choose from (including one of the best Espresso Martinis in the valley), this spot takes the “craft” in craft cocktails seriously.

Inside, it’s sleek, bright, and modern, while the outdoor patio is perfect for soaking up Scottsdale’s endless sunshine. The rotating art installations keep the vibe fresh – from disco balls to avant-garde doll pyramids, there’s always something wild to see.

For a splurge-worthy night, book The AZ88 Experience: a four-course meal with two specialty cocktails for $120 per person.

4. One Handsome Bastard Distillery (formerly Blue Clover)

• Hours:
  •  Monday-Thursday: 11 AM -9 PM
  • Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM -7 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Average Price per drink: $14
• Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 7:30 PM
• Good to Know: Gin and vodka distilled on-site

If you’re looking to sip handcrafted spirits made right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, One Handsome Bastard (formerly Blue Clover) is a must.

They still bottle their signature Blue Clover gin and vodka, both distilled on-site. The vodka is silky smooth with a hint of sweetness, while the gin is fresh and floral, perfect for a simple martini or a creative house cocktail.

Their drink menu extends beyond their own spirits, featuring whiskey, tequila, wine, and beer. On weekends, you can snag a $10 brunch with picks like the Green Chile Breakfast Burrito or an Egg and Bacon Grilled Cheese.

Happy hour here is one of the best in Old Town – half-price cocktails and $7 house spirits make this distillery-bar hybrid a local favorite.

5. Bourbon & Bones

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Monday: 5 PM – 9 PM
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
• Food Available: Yes (steakhouse menu)
• Average Price per drink: $20-22
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 4 PM – 6 PM (bar only)

Whiskey lovers, this is your paradise. Bourbon & Bones blends an upscale steakhouse experience with an extensive whiskey selection featuring over 100 bottles from around the world.

You can sample neat pours, whiskey flights, or a range of house cocktails like the Barrel-Aged Negroni and the Whiskey Smash. Beyond bourbon, their mixologists also craft elevated gin, rum, tequila, and vodka drinks – though we’ll be honest, it’s hard to stray from whiskey here.

Their “reserve” cocktail list runs from $30–$300 for ultra-premium spirits, but even during happy hour, you’ll find some $16 options that justify their price tag. (The complimentary thick-cut bacon doesn’t hurt either.)

This is one of the priciest cocktail bars in Scottsdale, but if you appreciate top-tier spirits, it’s worth every sip.

6. The Ends

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Average Price per drink: $22+
• Happy Hour: Everyday 4-6pm
• Good to Know: Food and Booze inspired by Anthony Bourdain

New to the scene and already making waves, The Ends opened in 2024 and brings an elevated cocktail and dining experience to Old Town Scottsdale. Inspired by the spirit of Anthony Bourdain, it was created by the minds behind Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar and Second Story Liquor Bar – two Boozing Abroad favorites (both have since closed).

This sleek restaurant-bar hybrid celebrates “the art of good living,” offering refined small plates and cocktails that riff on classics while introducing bold new twists.

We haven’t made it in yet, but early reviews are glowing. It’s officially at the top of our list for our next Scottsdale visit – and we recommend booking a reservation if you plan to go.

BONUS: Grand Century – Themed Cocktail Bars in Arcadia

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday – Sunday: 2 PM – 12 AM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes, small bites
• Average Price per drink: $13-20
• Happy Hour: No
• Good to Know: Reservations highly recommended for all three themed bars

Just a few minutes outside of Scottsdale in Arcadia, Grand Century is a can’t-miss stop for themed cocktail lovers. This multi-room venue houses three distinct bars – Platform 18, Undertow, and Grey Hen – each with its own immersive atmosphere and drink menu.

We’ve been to all three – multiple times (and even brought both sets of parents), and it’s easily one of the most creative bar concepts we’ve experienced in Arizona.

If the cocktail list feels overwhelming, just ask your “train conductor” – aka your bartender – for a recommendation.

Platform 18

Step aboard Platform 18 , an immersive train-themed cocktail bar that transports you to another time and place – quite literally.

Each visit brings a new adventure, with past themes taking guests through the snowy mountains of the American West, the misty bayous of Louisiana, and now, the bustling glamour of 1920s New York City. The current experience, “Transport Yourself to NYC 1924,” places you inside a Presidential Pullman-inspired train car, complete with moving “windows” that project the scenery rolling by as you sip.

The bartenders here play the part of your train conductors, ready to guide you through a menu of 45+ classic and creative cocktails. Expect elegant riffs on Prohibition-era drinks and adventurous originals that match each theme.

Undertow

Enter a pirate ship-themed tiki bar that brings you right into the hull of an old vessel. Between the thunder effects, creaky sounds, and stormy sea projections, Undertow is pure fun from start to finish.

The menu leans heavily tiki – Mai Tais, Zombies, and rum-forward originals – along with creative stirred drinks. If it’s your first visit, start with one of the Shots Fired options for a quick taste of adventure.

Grey Hen Rx

A cozy, apothecary-style speakeasy, Grey Hen feels like stepping into a 1930s pharmacy where your “doctor” prescribes gin instead of medicine.

Expect pre-Prohibition favorites like the Sidecar and Negroni, along with signature originals such as the Marigold Mule made with ginger beer and marigold-infused vodka.

Every bar here is intimate, with seating for just a few guests at a time, so we strongly recommend making reservations in advance. If you walk in, expect to wait – but trust us, it’s worth it.

While technically located in Arcadia, Grand Century is only an 8-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, and it’s absolutely worth the detour.

BONUS: 36 Below

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday & Saturday 4 PM – 1 AM
• Food Available: Yes, elevated bar bites
• Average Price per drink: $18-22
• Happy Hour: No
• Good to Know: Hidden beneath Sip Coffee Bar; rotating themed cocktail menus

Just across the parking lot from Grand Century, 36 Below is another standout speakeasy worth adding to your Scottsdale cocktail adventure.

Hidden inside Sip Coffee Bar, the entrance is easy to spot – look for the staircase. Once inside, you’ll find an ever-changing cocktail menu inspired by rotating themes like Ancient Greece or Under the Sea.

Each cocktail feels like a work of art, from the presentation and glassware to effects like smoke or glowing ice.

You can also reserve a private hidden room for an intimate experience (perfect for special occasions). Reservations are highly recommended since seating is extremely limited.

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale Cocktail Bars

If you’re planning a night out, timing can make or break your cocktail crawl.

• Early Evenings (4–7 PM): Hit happy hours at The Beverly or Bourbon & Bones for discounted drinks and smaller crowds.
• Golden Hour (6–8 PM): Perfect for sipping martinis on AZ/88’s patio or tiki cocktails at Hula’s.
• Late Night (9 PM–12 AM): When The Beverly turns lively and The End’s energy peaks.
• Pro Tip: Sunday through Wednesday are great nights to visit for locals-only vibes and easier parking in Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocktail Bars in Scottsdale

What is the best cocktail bar in Scottsdale?
If we had to choose one, we’d say The Beverly on Main wins for creativity, quality, and atmosphere. But for whiskey lovers, Bourbon & Bones is unbeatable.

What cocktail bars in Scottsdale have happy hour?
Happy hours vary, but The Beverly (4-7 PM weekdays) and One Handsome Bastard (4:30-7:30 PM) offer some of the best drink deals.

Are there any speakeasies near Scottsdale?
Yes – just minutes away in Arcadia and downtown Phoenix, you’ll find incredible speakeasies like Grey Hen Rx. For even more, check out our Phoenix Speakeasy Bars Guide.

What are cocktails in Scottsdale priced at?
Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per drink, depending on the bar. Higher-end lounges like Bourbon & Bones may charge more for reserve spirits.

Do Scottsdale cocktail bars serve food?
Yes, many of them do! You’ll find small plates and charcuterie at The Beverly, tiki bites at Hula’s, and full dinner menus at Bourbon & Bones and The Ends.

Do I need reservations for Scottsdale cocktail bars?
Most Old Town cocktail bars take walk-ins, but spots like The End and Grand Century require reservations, especially on weekends.

Final Sips: Cocktail Bars in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s cocktail scene blends sophistication, creativity, and a dash of desert flair. From tiki bars to moody speakeasies, every stop offers a story in a glass.

Still thirsty? Keep the good times going with our other Scottsdale and Phoenix guides:

• 6 awesome wineries in Scottsdale
• Top 10 beer bars and breweries in Scottsdale
• Boozy brunch in Old Town Scottsdale
• The best dive bars in Scottsdale for cheap drinks
• The best speakeasy bars in Phoenix