Insider Tips From Local Experts

Scottsdale Stories

Scottsdale's Nightlife Options

No matter what your style, there’s plenty to see and do in Scottsdale after dark.


Kick Back & Relax

When you’re ready for some laid-back fun, these come-as-you-are bars are sure to please. For artisan pizzas and local craft beer, head to Old Town's Craft 64. Grab a table on the tree-shaded patio, order a gourmet pie loaded with local organic ingredients, and sample any of the 35+ Arizona beers available on tap.

Also in Old Town, Brat Haus offers local ales and imported brews from as far away as Belgium and Germany. They’re the perfect pairing for hearty fare like house-made pretzels, brats and pork schnitzel.

And for the ultimate come-as-you-are experience, nothing beats Coach House. This Old Town landmark has been around for more than 50 years and is known for its inexpensive drinks, friendly bartenders and an annual Christmas light display that must be seen to be believed.


Visit the Wild West

Housed in what was Scottsdale’s first bank, the Rusty Spur is one of the city’s oldest and most popular Western watering holes. Celebs like Blake Shelton, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston have knocked back some suds and enjoyed the live music that plays at the Spur every day and night.

If line dancing is what you seek, mosey on over to Handlebar J Restaurant & Saloon. There’s live country music every Friday and Saturday night (and some weeknights as well) with the acclaimed Herndon Brothers Band frequently taking the stage. And if your dance moves need some refining, Handlebar J offers $5 dance lessons every Tuesday night.


Listen Live

Scottsdale shines the spotlight on live entertainment at numerous venues around town. Musical expressions from around the world are on tap at Center Stage Bar at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. From Southern harmony to edgy folk and acoustic soul, listen to it all in a whimsical setting of cascading fountains and glowing fireplaces.

There’s something very “Frank Sinatra” about the nightlife experience at Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse. Take your pick from the long list of specialty martinis and settle in for an evening of masterful piano sounds. Also in Old Town, Marcellino Ristorante features authentic Italian cuisine by Chef Marcellino Verzino and live music every Thursday and Saturday evening, often courtesy of Verzino's wife Sima, a classically trained singer, and her trio.

You’ll also find seasonal live concerts under the stars at a variety of Scottsdale venues, including the Desert Botanical Garden (fall and spring) and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (summer).


Explore Cocktail Culture

If you’re looking for music served up as part of a cocktail-driven experience, these are the hot spots to try. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s stylish jade bar is the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views and exotic drinks. Here, cocktails are art in motion with handcrafted concoctions like the Lost Dutchman – a blend of tequila and guava with turmeric, saffron and vanilla.

Over at Cottontail Lounge at the W Scottsdale you'll find a next-level mixology experience in a flirty and fun atmosphere. Cottontail Lounge features local musicians and deejays every week, as well as sweeping views of the rooftop WET Deck pool, making it a scenic spot for sunset libations. Other cocktail magic can be found at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden, which crafts its cocktails using Arizona-made spirits and garden-fresh ingredients and Old Town's citizen public house featuring housemade recipes batched daily and poured into their own keg systems.


Dance All Night

Ready to hit the dance floor? Scottsdale has plenty of options. At Talking Stick Resort's Palo Verde Lounge, you can enjoy live music and dancing seven nights a week accompanied by stunning views of resort's pool complex. Here, live entertainment is the perfect companion to delicious cocktails, bottle service and a sophisticated lounge atmosphere.

For a more traditional club experience, head to Old Town Scottsdale’s Entertainment District where you’ll find hot spots like El HefeBottled Blonde and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.