By local contributor
Lauren Wise
When the sun goes down, Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of the city’s nightlife scene. No matter what vibe or environment you want—cold beers and live music, bottle service ad DJ sets, patio games and cocktails, or a taste of the Wild West—Old Town always delivers. With more than 100 restaurants, bars and night clubs in one area, it can be hard to keep up with the coming and goings of nightlife options, so be sure to check individual venues for hours.
While small, this Old Town institution is mighty. The Rusty Spur is one of Scottsdale’s oldest bars (a registered historical landmark, in fact) and is known for cowboy saloon vibes and live country music and dancing seven nights a week. Walk through the swinging doors to find cold beer, Prickly Pear margaritas and wood-paneled walls that tell quite the story through photos, license plates, neon signs and dollar bills. Don’t forget to sign a dollar bill for the décor – once a year the bounty is donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
When this tavern opened in 1957, those seeking a cold drink tied their horses to its hitching post, which still stands proudly by the entrance. A favorite among locals, Coach House is known for its Cheers vibe, shareable beer pitchers, and lower-priced, generous pours (no, really, trust us). While open 365 days a year at 6 a.m., the busiest time is November to December, when holiday lights cover turn every square inch inside and out, turning the city’s oldest dive bar into a festive wonderland.
This VIP lounge in the W Scottsdale Hotel boasts a sleek and sultry design, whimsical bunny photos, and playful service; you’ll feel like you stepped into a Vegas lounge. Expect an elevated mixology menu, and maybe a celebrity sighting or two, then take in the sweeping views of Old Town and sapphire pool on the WET Deck.
If you’re just looking for night clubs, Old Town’s Entertainment District is the place to be. Located on the southeast corner of Scottsdale and Camelback roads, some of our favorites are below—but other popular hot spots include Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails, Bottled Blonde, El Hefe and The Hot Chick.
This first of four Whiskey Row locations is, some say, the best. You can make a night of it here, starting with great happy hour deals or dinner—the Nashville hot cauliflower wings and Tennessee steak melt are winners—then dance into the late hours to live country bands or high-energy DJ. Even with a rock and roll vibe inspired by Dierks himself, you can still indulge your glam Western side with VIP bottle service.
Pretty Please Lounge is the spot for hip-hop music from some of Phoenix’s best DJs. You can find prices on the fairer side here, even though it’s all about the bottle service, dance floor, and social media-worthy neon signs adorning the walls.
Full of eclectic energy and décor, this indoor-outdoor setting is known for upbeat playlists and a menu of tropical-style cocktails—try the Kombucharta or Mexican Candy Martini—as well as Mexican fare from the Elf Hefe kitchen next door.
This club is a social media fanatics dream, from the playful Playboy mansion-style décor to the rose-adorned ceiling to the vintage bathtub full of light pink “bubble” spheres. the layout offers intimate cozy booths as well as open seating, with plenty of space to dance to the best DJs in town while ordering bottle service from lingerie-clad waitstaff.
Looks can be deceiving at Wasted Grain. Walk in and you may think there is only the bar, dance floor, and stage for live entertainment (often free, Thursday through Sunday), but keep going and you’ll find a grassy tree-shaded patio with ample seating, and stairs that lead to the lounge/dance club Old Town Ski Lounge. This casual spot is one of the largest indoor/outdoor bars in Old Town.
This vibrant bar offers an easy day-to-night party transition, with multiple rooms, weekend live entertainment, refreshing drinks and small plates. It’s known for high energy and friendly staff, with lots of open space for dancing. For a more elevated experience, check out the Skyline Rooftop Lounge for VIP treatment, a dance floor and great views of the city.
Almost Famous is the go-to for house music fans of Old Town Scottsdale, serving up house and EDM alongside a healthy dose of strobe lights and lasers. The unique layout and dance floor sets it apart from other Scottsdale clubs, along with the late-night bottle service that’s hailed as some of the best in Old Town. The tagline says it all: “House music fuels the soul, bottle service fuels the night.”
Hailed as Scottsdale’s largest climate-controlled patio, Boondocks often has a line around the block on weekends. But if you’re looking for a backyard patio vibe with an expansive cocktail menu, it’s worth the wait. Constant fixtures are live music and backyard games like bag toss, basketball pop-shot, pool tables, darts, and a giant Connect-4. The menu offers an array of traditional and contemporary options, from Old Fashioneds and adult slushies to a late-night breakfast platter and even a “doggy menu” for your pups.
You never know what you’re going to get at this “pop up” experience, with themes ranging from immersive holiday decorations to Miami Nights to 50 Shades of Sake. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a whimsical time with fun drinks, original art installations, a mix of textiles like disco ball curtains, thousands of flowers covering the walls—and a secret menu that includes a cotton candy cocktail.
Mother Tucker’s brings a retro rock and roll vibe and dive bar-style playfulness to Old Town (think antique wallpaper, beer can walls, and vintage neon signs). You can even grab a vintage cocktail and some dinner with unique menu offerings like a Scotch egg, duck fat fries, chicken bao bun, and caramel sea salt pudding.