Scottsdale bucket list: experience a country bar in the “West’s Most Western Town.” From the city’s oldest saloon to a modern country bar in the entertainment district, Scottsdale will have you screamin’ “yee-hawwww” by the end of the night!
The Rusty Spur opened its swinging doors 60 years ago and has become one of the most well-known saloons in Scottsdale. This cowboy hotspot transports its customers back in time to the days of the Wild West. With live music seven days and nights a week, including the Psychobilly Rodeo Band, the Rusty Spur is a great place to start or end your night alongside cowboys, bikers, 20-somethings and tourists.
Get down with recording artist Ray Herndon and family at Handlebar J, where live music plays every Thursday through Saturday night, oftentimes courtesy of Ray’s band. And if your two-step needs a little polishing, check out free dance lessons on Thursday evenings.
What’s more Western than rodeo action? Just north of Scottsdale, in the quirky Western town of Cave Creek, you’ll find the Buffalo Chip Saloon, which attracts some of the best bull riders in the state on Wednesday and Friday nights. Amateurs take over the ring on Wednesdays, while Fridays are reserved for the pros. Grab a drink and sit in the grandstands to cheer them on (but get there early as seats fill up fast!). The Chip also offers live music and dancing every Tuesday through Sunday night.
Cowboy-style fun goes high-tech at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. The 360-degree stage hosts local and national acts, including the occasional show by Dierks himself. A massive 24-foot television carries sporting events and entertainment. And . . . hold onto your Stetsons . . . every weeknight features happy hour with half-priced apps, $3 pints and $5 select wines and Redneck Cocktails.
