7 Best Dive Bars in Scottsdale, AZ for cheap drinks

Scottsdale, Arizona might be known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and swanky cocktail lounges, but there’s another side to this desert city – one filled with neon lights, cold beers, and a whole lot of character. Hidden between the high-end rooftops and fine dining spots are some seriously kick-ass dive bars in Scottsdale that keep things real.

These spots may not have velvet ropes or craft mixologists, but they deliver what matters: cheap drinks, a laid-back vibe, and a local crowd that knows how to have a good time. Whether you’re ending a long day on the golf course or just looking for a place that doesn’t charge $18 for a cocktail, Scottsdale’s dive bars hit the spot.

If you’re a fan of no-frills watering holes, sticky floors, and bartenders who remember your name, this guide is for you.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways: 

• The oldest dive bar in Scottsdale is Coach House, a local legend since 1959.
• Looking for a rowdy crowd? You’ll find it at Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge.
• For live music every night, don’t miss the Rusty Spur Saloon.
• Most of the dive bars in Old Town Scottsdale are within easy walking distance.
• Cheap drinks, friendly locals, and plenty of character define Scottsdale’s dive bar scene.

This post was originally published in April 2023, and was updated in October 2025.

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Map of the Dive Bars in Scottsdale

What Makes a Great Dive Bar in Scottsdale

Scottsdale might be known for luxury resorts and rooftop cocktails, but some of the best nights happen in the city’s no-frills dive bars. These local watering holes aren’t about bottle service or dress codes – they’re about character, cheap drinks, and the kind of regulars who know the bartender’s life story.

When we think of a true Scottsdale dive bar, we’re talking:

• Affordable drinks that don’t break the bank (think $4 beers and $6 well cocktails).
• Laid-back vibes with neon lights, pool tables, and music from the jukebox, not a DJ booth.
• Local crowds that welcome everyone from golf pros to barstool philosophers.
• Personality-packed spaces where time seems to slow down, and there’s always a story unfolding.

Whether you’re bar-hopping through Old Town Scottsdale dive bars or venturing out for a night away from the polished cocktail lounges, these spots prove that “cheap” doesn’t mean “boring.” They’re the heartbeat of Scottsdale’s nightlife, one sticky bar top at a time.

Rankings of the Best Dive Bars in Scottsdale

We have some pretty strong opinions about what makes a great dive bar, but we like to back those opinions with data – and maybe a few cold beers.

Instead of just telling you which ones we love, we created our own ranking system to find the best dive bars in Scottsdale using four key factors:

1. Public ratings from review platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp
2. Popularity and consistency across those ratings

For this guide, we averaged public ratings from two major platforms and added popularity points to highlight the true local favorites. If you want to dig into the details, check out our full ranking formula here. 

These rankings combine public ratings, local buzz, and plenty of firsthand experience. Because when it comes to Old Town Scottsdale dive bars, numbers don’t lie – but the real fun is testing them out for yourself.

1. The Rusty Spur Saloon

• Hours:
  • Daily from 10 AM – 1 AM
• Food: Yes, but only until 3 PM
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $5 – $13
• Good to Know: Small space that fills up fast, arrive early for live music

Yeehaw, hold on to your hats because we’ve got the scoop on the best dive bar in Scottsdale!

Located right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, The Rusty Spur Saloon iis an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a bar that’s equal parts honky-tonk, history, and good old-fashioned fun.

Housed inside a converted 1950s bank, this local legend is dripping with Western charm. The walls are covered in dollar bills, cowboy hats, and decades of stories that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a piece of Arizona history.

The drinks are cheap (as they should be), the bartenders are friendly, and the live music keeps the place rocking every single night of the week. From classic country and blues to a little rock and roll, the energy here is contagious.

If you catch local favorite Harry Luge performing, you’re in for a treat. He usually brings in a crowd, so grab your seat early and get ready to tap your boots.

The space may be small, but the vibe is larger than life. Between the over-the-top Western decor, the laughter spilling over the bar, and the crowd that feels like instant friends, this spot has everything we love about dive bars.

If you’re ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time, the Rusty Spur Saloon is waiting for you.

2. Old Town Tavern

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM
• Food: Yes, things like hotdogs and pretzels. Only from 11 – 3 PM.
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $6 – $13
• Good to Know: Best patio in Old Town for live music and people watching

Just a block away from the Rusty Spur sits another Scottsdale staple – Old Town Tavern. 

This spot has been holding it down for over 30 years and is everything you want in a local watering hole: affordable drinks, a lively atmosphere, and live music every single day of the week.

Inside, it’s cozy and no-frills, but what really makes this place shine is the patio. It’s one of the best in Old Town and a prime people-watching perch while you sip your drink and listen to local musicians.

When we popped in, I ordered a vodka soda that came with a very generous pour – at 10:30 AM, mind you – while Chris stuck with an ice-cold beer. If you find yourself here on a Sunday, take advantage of their $5 all-day mimosas, which feel like a steal in Scottsdale.

Whether you’re starting your morning off right or ending your night strong, Old Town Tavern keeps things simple, fun, and a little rowdy – just how we like our dive bars.

3. TT Roadhouse

• Hours: Daily from 12 PM – 2 AM
• Food: Yes, food truck only
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $4.50 – $8
• Good to Know: Cash preferred, killer beer list, and the smallest bathroom in Arizona

If you’re into whiskey, bikes, and loud music, TT Roadhousewill feel like home. This bar oozes old-school charm from the moment you see the satellite dish on the roof and step inside to find vintage decor, dim lighting, and a crowd that looks like they’ve been coming here since the 80s.

TT Roadhouse is one of those spots where time slows down – the music’s loud, the beer’s cheap, and the crowd’s full of regulars who make you feel like one too after your second pint. Speaking of pints, they’ve got an awesome craft beer lineup with 30+ rotating taps, and weekday happy hours keep prices around $4.50 a pint until 7 PM.

They host local bands regularly, with a mix of rock, punk, and heavy metal. Music usually starts early, so get there before sunset if you want to catch a set.

While they don’t serve food in-house, there’s often a food truck parked outside, or you can grab a bite from one of the nearby restaurants. Just fair warning – the bathroom is tiny and dark, but hey, that’s part of the charm of a true dive.

If you want a real-deal dive bar with grit, great tunes, and no pretense, TT Roadhouse is your spot.

4. Coach House Entertainment

• Hours: Daily from 6 AM – 2 AM
• Food: Food truck possible
• Pet Friendly: Yes, on the patio
• Average Price per Drink: $5 – $12
• Good to Know: Go early to skip the line; faster service at cash-only bar outside

Open since 1959, Coach House is the oldest bar in Scottsdale and one of the most legendary. It’s survived decades of development around it and still manages to keep that authentic, no-frills dive bar vibe we all crave.

This place is famous for its cold beer, cheap drinks, and year-round Christmas lights that make it feel like the holidays never end. Step inside (or, more accurately, outside) and you’ll immediately see why locals and tourists both love this spot.

When we stopped by at 3 PM on a Wednesday, the place was absolutely packed. A group of friendly regulars offered me (not Chris) a seat, and we ended up chatting for an hour like old friends. That’s the magic of Coach House – everyone feels welcome.

Most of the bar is outdoors, with only a few seats inside. There are multiple service bars, including a cash-only bar that keeps things moving quickly when it’s busy. And busy it gets – especially when the weather’s nice. We’ve heard stories of people waiting over an hour just to get in.

Our advice: go early, grab a seat on the patio, and settle in for one of the most classic dive bar experiences in Arizona.

If you want a true taste of Old Town Scottsdale history, Coach House Entertainment is as iconic as it gets.

5. Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge

• Hours: Daily from 8 AM – 2 PM
• Food: Yes
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $5 – $8
• Good to Know: Dollar bills cover every inch of this place – bring cash if you want to add your own

Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge has been holding it down in Old Town Scottsdale for over 50 years and hasn’t lost an ounce of dive-bar charm. As the neighborhood around it got fancier, Pattie’s proudly stayed the same – cheap drinks, loud music, and a crowd that knows how to have fun.

Walk in and you’ll immediately notice what everyone talks about – the dollar bills covering every wall and ceiling. It’s estimated that over $50,000 worth of bills hang in there, and it gives the place an instantly recognizable, chaotic, and cozy vibe.

Inside, the lighting is dim, the music is loud, and there’s always something going on. You’ll find pool tables, ping pong, and shuffleboard, plus a few bars scattered around so you’re never waiting long for your next drink.

During the day, it’s pretty relaxed. At night, though, Pattie’s transforms into a rowdy, shoulder-to-shoulder party that still somehow feels friendly and local.

If you’re looking for a dive bar with personality, history, and a little bit of wild energy, Pattie’s is your spot.

6. The Well

• Hours: 6 AM – 2 AM daily
• Food Available: Yes, but maybe skip it
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $4 – $6
• Good to Know: Power Hour from 10-11 AM and Happy Hour from 4-6 PM with $2 beers

A bar that opens at 6 AM? That’s right. Welcome to The Well, a true Scottsdale dive bar south of Old Town that takes “early start” to a whole new level.

The inside is dark, smoky, and small (or as we like to call it, “fun-sized”). There’s a pool table, a jukebox, and a few arcade games to keep you busy between rounds. It’s everything you’d expect from a no-frills local dive.

Drinks are cheap all day, but their Power Hour and Happy Hour deals are some of the best in town – $2 domestics and $4 well drinks. When we stopped in outside those hours, our total was still under $20 for four drinks. You can’t beat that.

A quick heads up – smoking is allowed on the patio, and when we visited, nearly everyone out there was lighting up. If you’re not a fan of cigarette smoke, you might want to grab a table inside.

The Well is the kind of bar where regulars greet you like family, the drinks come fast, and the morning crowd might just surprise you.

7. Giligin’s

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 1 PM – 1 AM
  • Thursday – Friday: 1 PM – 2 AM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 PM – 2 AM
• Food Available: Yes, bar snacks
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $5 – $12
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4 PM – 7 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 3 PM – 6 PM ($3 domestic pints, $5 double wells)
• Good to Know: Home to the “Wheel of Booze” and one of the largest liquor collections in Arizona

Giligin’s is one of those places that perfectly captures the heart of Old Town Scottsdale’s dive scene – unpretentious, a little chaotic, and a whole lot of fun.

Family-owned and operated since opening back in 1995, this bar has stayed true to its come-as-you-are roots while the city around it has changed dramatically. What started as a small business dream between two brothers has grown into a Scottsdale staple where locals, tourists, and industry folks all rub elbows at the bar.

The vibe is relaxed and a little wild, with an eclectic, divey-cantina feel and a crowd that’s always ready to have a good time. But don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you – Giligin’s might just have the best liquor collection in all of Old Town.

We’re talking over 900 spirits, beers, and wines, including 450+ whiskies from around the world and 100+ tequilas on hand daily. Add in 38 beers on tap, and you can see why this place has earned its legendary reputation.

And if you love a bit of mischief with your drink, don’t skip their infamous “Wheel of Booze” – give it a spin and see where the night takes you. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Giligin’s may not have velvet couches or overpriced cocktails, but it’s got something better: personality, great drinks, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time.

Honorable Mention: JT’s Bar & Grill

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 3 PM – 11 PM
  • Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Friday: 12 PM – 12 AM
  • Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Food Available: Yes – order the wings, seriously
• Pet Friendly: No
• Average Price per Drink: $4 – $8
• Good to Know: Technically in Arcadia, but close enough to earn a spot

If we could hand out an award for Best Dive Bar Wings, JT’s Bar & Grill would take it home – hands down.

Located just ten minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, JT’s has been serving cold beer and saucy wings for over 25 years. It’s a classic local dive where regulars greet the bartenders by name, TVs are always tuned to the game, and the air smells like fryer oil and nostalgia.

Inside, it’s dimly lit and packed with regulars, especially late at night. Seating is tight, but that just adds to the vibe. When we stopped in, we lucked out with a small table near the door, ordered a round of drinks, and immediately went for the famous wings everyone talks about.

And let us tell you – they live up to the hype. Juicy, crispy, perfectly sauced, and even better when paired with a cheap beer. Don’t skip the fries either. They were perfection, especially after a few rounds.

While technically just over the line in Arcadia, JT’s Bar & Grill deserves an honorable mention here because it’s one of those bars that perfectly captures the dive bar spirit: unpretentious, lively, and full of flavor – literally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dive Bars in Scottsdale

What is the best dive bar in Scottsdale?
If we had to choose one, we’d say Coach House tops the list for the most classic dive bar vibes in Scottsdale. It’s one of the oldest in the area, with cheap drinks, holiday lights year-round, and a local crowd that keeps it real.

Are there dive bars in Old Town Scottsdale?
Yes, most of the city’s best dive bars are right in Old Town. You can easily walk between a few favorites like Rusty Spur, Old Tavern, Coach House and Pattie’s if you’re looking to make it a night.

What makes a bar a dive bar in Scottsdale?
For us, it’s all about character, not polish. A true dive bar has affordable drinks, a loyal mix of locals, and a “come as you are” atmosphere. Bonus points if the floor’s a little sticky and the music’s a little too loud.

What time do Scottsdale dive bars close?
Most close between midnight and 2 AM, though hours can vary by location. The earlier you go, the better your shot at grabbing a good seat and chatting with the bartender.

Do Scottsdale dive bars serve food?
Some do, but most stick to classic bar snacks or quick bites. If you’re looking for something more substantial, grab dinner nearby in Old Town first, then hit the dive bars for drinks after.

Final Sips: Scottsdale’s Best Dive Bars

Whether you’re chasing a cold beer after a round of golf, two-stepping to live music downtown, or spinning the Wheel of Booze at Giligin’s, Scottsdale’s dive bar scene delivers plenty of character (and maybe a hangover or two).

From historic spots like Coach House and Rusty Spur Saloon to no-frills watering holes like TT Roadhouse and The Well, these are the places that prove you don’t need bottle service or a dress code to have a damn good time.

Each bar has its own flavor – some with live bands and rowdy crowds, others with legendary drink specials and strong pours. Whether you’re here for the atmosphere, the history, or just the cheap beer, these dive bars in Scottsdale show off the city’s fun, unpolished side.

So next time you’re in Old Town, skip the velvet ropes and head to one of these local legends instead.

More Arizona Drinking Guides

Still thirsty? Keep the party going with our other Scottsdale drinking guides:

• Beer Bars and Breweries in Scottsdale
• Best Cocktail Bars in Scottsdale
• Wineries in Scottsdale
• Wine Bars in Scottsdale
• 5 best speakeasy bars in Phoenix