By local contributor
Lauren Topor Reichert
There’s a world of desert splendor to explore in Scottsdale — even on a night out. From craft suds and fine spirits to sweeping Sonoran Desert sunsets, you can drink it all in (literally and figuratively) in Scottsdale. These are the best bars in Scottsdale with a view to watch the sunset.
Perched atop Old Town’s Canopy Hotel, this rooftop lounge impresses with epic views of the city and nearby Camelback Mountain. Here you can bask in golden hour light and soak up a Scottsdale sunset while sipping on a locally brewed craft beer or desert-inspired cocktail. The lounge’s fireplaces add a romantic glow, while comfy couches and chairs provide a front row seat to watch the sun go down.
Onyx Bar’s sophisticated small plates and lineup of freshly made cocktails are stunners in their own right, but the real star of this show is the patio view. Overlooking the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North’s main courtyard, it’s a desert scene that’s at once completely dynamic and stop-you-in-your-tracks peaceful, making it one of the absolute best bars in Scottsdale.
Before the craft cocktail scene was “a thing,” there was jade bar. In fact, this lively lounge is credited with ushering in a new era of cocktail culture here in Scottsdale, earning it a reputation as one of the best bars with a view, to boot. Today, imbibers can savor a shortlist of first-rate cocktails dressed up with locally sourced, palate-pleasing botanicals and spirits, and of course, an awe-inspiring view of Paradise Valley below.
Overlooking the Scottsdale Airport runway and nearby McDowell Mountains, Volanti boasts a hard-to-beat view. A happy-hour destination for jetsetters and locals alike, this North Scottsdale bar and lounge offers a lineup of seasonally inspired cocktails, wines, and a beer selection that pairs effortlessly with their full menu. If you really want to go all-out, consider booking the Helicopter Dining Experience – a flight around the city (plenty of views there!), followed by a three-course meal with wine or champagne.
What’s in a name? In the case of Orange Sky…everything. Located on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort, the restaurant is a prime locale for catching one of Scottsdale’s famous watercolor sunsets. From here, your vantage point is either the cityscape, wide-open Sonoran Desert or Scottsdale’s majestic McDowell Mountains – sometimes all three. Stop by and you can enjoy their happy hour as well.
Andaz Resort & Bungalows has displays of unique art at every turn. And the same is true for the resort’s onsite restaurant and bar, Weft & Warp. But we’re not talking about the artwork on the walls, although it’s very, very cool. With a seasonal, locally focused approach to all things gastronomy, each dish and every drink is practically a work of art. Sure, you’ll come for snacky dishes like the chipotle-glazed pork belly tacos, the impeccable wine list, and agave-drenched cocktails, but you’ll undoubtedly stay for the panoramic views of the desert landscape just beyond the patio.
What’s better than a steak dinner dreamed up by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten? Easy: A Jean-Georges meal that’s capped with blanket of stars above. Time it right, and you could start your visit with a view of the sun melting into a sea of treetops.
Equal parts casual and cool, this laidback, lounge-y joint overlooks the short course at Mountain Shadows and boasts some pretty impressive views of Camelback Mountain, too. And with a cold beer in hand and cigar service at your fingertips, you’ll very much be made in the shade at Rusty’s.
Martini, anyone? AZ88’s unrelenting popularity is largely due to its infamous martinis, but part of this uber-posh bar’s charm is its chic floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the lush Scottsdale Civic Center. While the bar neighbors nearby museums, AZ88 pays tribute to local artists with ever-changing art displays of their own, which certainly complement the bar’s picture-perfect views.
This Paradise Valley watering hole makes for an ideal spot to whet your whistle if you’re into barrel-aged whiskeys and other locally-crafted spirits. Although quintessentially Western, you don’t have to rough it. Lon’s is outfitted with comfy oversized furniture, adobe fireplaces, lush tree canopies that sway over the patio, and sweeping views of the desert landscape that will undoubtedly make you want to snag a spot on the lush patio.