Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Scottsdale, AZ to catch a view

Are you looking for the best rooftop bars in Scottsdale? 

A lot of the “best rooftop bar” articles for Scottsdale out there include bars with outside drinking spaces. But when we say rooftop, we want to be up and with a view, not necessarily just on an outdoor patio. 

In our article below, we are only listing true “rooftops” and excluding patios. 

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• All the rooftop bars in Scottsdale have some food option
• In our opinion, do NOT miss Outride Rooftop. It’s our legit favorite view.
• Visit during a happy hour to save some money

This post was originally published in April 2024, and was updated in October 2024.

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Map of Rooftop Bars in Scottsdale

1. Outrider Rooftop Lounge at The Canopy Hilton

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 AM – 11 AM
• Happy Hour: No
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: Yes, we highly recommend making one

We will argue this with people: in Old Town Scottsdale, the Outrider Rooftop Lounge is the best rooftop.

1. It’s the tallest (so it has the best views)
2. You can watch the sunset
3. You can reserve a cabana for sunset

We’ve spent several months a year in Arizona over the past 4 years and when our family and friends come to visit us, this is our first stop for showing off the beauty of Scottsdale. 

Offering a full bar menu and heavy hor d’oeuvres, this bar will make you feel like you are a bird soaring over the valley (if you’ve drank enough, at least). Or, at the very minimum, it will take you to new heights (literally).

If you want the best seats, we highly suggest making reservations, especially during peak season. In winter, there are heat lamps and fire pits, but the wind up on the roof can be something fierce. Do yourself a favor and take a sweater. 

2. W Scottsdale – Cottontail Lounge

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Thursday – Sunday: 10 AM – 2 AM
• Happy Hour: No
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: Yes, VIP Tables only

Nestled on the 2nd floor of W Scottsdale, the Cottontail Lounge is semi-poolside, only steps from the Wet Deck and Donabe Restaurant. We debated not putting this on here as it lacks a stunning view like Outrider above, but, by definition, it is a rooftop bar, so here it is. 

The Cottontail Lounge combines luxury with a lively ambiance. Its shaded rooftop offers views of the Wet Deck Pool, Camelback Mountain, and Fashion Square Mall.

The wraparound bar borders the pool deck but has large leather booths along the back wall or a few cabana-esque seats along the wall.  There is a ton of light that seeps into the space with only 3 walls and a large open-air setting. 

This is a great option if you want to be outside on a roof in Scottsdale, but don’t want to fight the lines and crowds for a sunset view at the Outrider/Canopy. Also keep in mind that during pool party season, this place can get packed so plan accordingly. 

3. Rockbar

• Hours:
  • Monday & Tuesday: 3 PM – 12 AM
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 2 AM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 3 PM – 7 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: No

Unlike the first two on this list, Rockbar offers a super laidback rooftop that’s tucked into the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The bar and rooftop itself is a bit smaller but gives you the open air vibes you are craving when looking for a rooftop. 

This is a stop on the pedal bike tour and when we were there mid-day, it was fairly rowdy and full of energy. The sofas along the rail are great for people watching but there are a handful of booths as well alongside the wraparound bar. 

Rockbar’s unique vibe includes rock music, live performances, and pool tables, creating a party-centric ambiance rather than a luxury rooftop feel. They also have TVs for sports viewing, a great beer selection, well-priced cocktails, and a standard but tasty bar menu with pizza and wings. 

This is a spot to kick back and enjoy the beautiful AZ weather in an unpretentious setting. 

Given the atmosphere, stick to basic drink orders like vodka-sodas, G&Ts, mules, etc. as this isn’t a place to go if you are looking for a fancy cocktail. 

We have a whole cocktail bar guide for Scottdale here if that’s what you are looking for. 

Note: this place is a stop on a pedal bike bar crawl so people watching is great. However, the rooftop can be a bit rowdy when they are there.

4. Balcony Bar

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 9 AM – 2 AM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: Yes

Balcony Bar, located in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale, offers a lively rooftop experience that embodies the area’s social scene. Unlike the more upscale rooftop bars, it’s known for its fun atmosphere, making it a popular choice for groups of friends looking for a fun time.

Alongside drinks, they offer a variety of beers and upscale bar food, all enjoyed with views of Old Town Scottsdale.

Additionally, Balcony Bar offers a brunch menu on weekends, featuring the popular “Brunch Board” and champagne specials. They also have “party packages” which are a great deal if you have a group. 

5. SEVEN at Caesars Republic Scottsdale 

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: Yes

Opened in March 2024, Caesars Republic Scottsdale introduces a unique non-gaming hotel experience next to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Embracing the local vibe, the hotel’s new dining gem, Seven, offers a sophisticated yet energetic setting elevated by stunning views of Camelback Mountain and is slowly becoming one of the best rooftop bars in Scottsdale. 

Seven promises an elevated dining experience with a fusion of local and Yucatán-inspired flavors, complemented by an exclusive cocktail menu. Beyond culinary delights, Seven boasts numerous TVs for sports enthusiasts and access to Caesar’s Sports Book for live betting.

The highlight? The seventh-floor VIP pool and ultra-lounge provide unparalleled views and a truly exclusive experience. For drinks, the prices for cocktails start at $18 with most tipping into the $20+ range.

Your best bet to save some money is to visit during their “Golden Hour” where select cocktails are only $10 and domestic beers are under $5. 

Bonus Stop

Thirsty Camel Lounge via the Phoenician Scottsdale

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 2 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday and Saturday: 2 PM – 1 AM
• Happy Hour: Daily from 2 PM – 5 PM
• Food Available: Yes
• Reservation available: No

The Thirsty Camel Lounge in Scottsdale, AZ, caters to a variety of tastes with its range of cocktails, from refreshing mojitos to sophisticated martinis and bold whiskey sours. Known for its top-notch mixology, the lounge takes pride in its innovative drink menu that combines flavors in exciting ways.

What makes the Thirsty Camel Lounge stand out is its exceptional atmosphere. Upon arriving at the rooftop terrace, guests encounter a luxurious and relaxing ambiance unique to Scottsdale. The venue’s modern design creates an inviting space for socializing and unwinding, with stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline adding to the experience.

Beyond drinks, the lounge offers high-quality food that complements its cocktails, going beyond typical bar fare to provide a flavorful dining experience. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a gathering with friends, or a casual night out, the Thirsty Camel Lounge promises a memorable experience, perfect for celebrating or simply enjoying drinks and conversation. In 2019, Fodor’s named the Thirsty Camel Bar at The Phoenician Resort, as one of ‘The World’s Best Hotel Bars’.

There is no shortage of great rooftop bars in Scottsdale, and these are just the tip of the iceberg with the options in the greater Phoenix area. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail, an innovative new drink, or a sophisticated whiskey experience, there’s a bar in Scottsdale that will fit the bill.

Still thirsty?  We have these drinking guide for Scottsdale:

• The Best 8 Cocktail Bars In Scottsdale, Arizona
• 6 awesome wineries in Scottsdale
• Top 10 beer bars and breweries in Scottsdale
• Boozy brunch in Old Town Scottsdale
• 5 best speakeasy bars in Phoenix