Scottsdale’s natural setting is one of its main draws. Lucky for travelers, there is plenty of opportunity to experience its Sonoran Desert splendor – even on a night out.
AZ88
Tucked away in the heart of the Scottsdale Civic Center you’ll find this upscale gastropub known for its filled-to-the-brim martinis, changing art displays and sleek design. AZ88’s floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious patio provide gorgeous views of the park’s lush lawns, public art installations and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Onyx Bar
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.
Jade Bar
Ask any local about their favorite hotel bar for a drink with a view and Jade Bar is bound to top the list. That’s because this lively lounge is the unofficial birthplace of Scottsdale’s craft cocktail scene, having stirred up fresh sips long before it was a “thing.” Post up on the outdoor patio and marvel at the sights and sounds of Paradise Valley below.
The Living Room at Hearth ’61
Morning, noon or night, The Living Room at Hearth ’61 is serving up imaginative cocktails, local wines and Arizona brews. But the best time to visit is just before sunset, when Camelback Mountain is aglow with hues of red and orange. A mirror of its midcentury modern interior, the al fresco vibe at The Living Room is cozy and chic.
Orange Sky
What’s in a name? In the case of Orange Sky…everything (pictured above). 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.
J&G Steakhouse
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 a handmade Hemingway Daiquiri. Bonus: Your night ends with a 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.
Katarina Kovacevic is an Arizona-based writer, traveler, wife and mom who is always on the hunt for her next big adventure. Her favorite Scottsdale gems are the Valley views from the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, hydrotherapy at Civana Spa and the kid’s pool beach at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.
