Paul Kushner
Elevate your experience in the Valley of the Sun by taking in its breathtaking vistas from the top.
Phoenix’s skyline is adorned with hidden gems that cater to both panoramic views and elevated vibes.
In this guide, we unveil the best rooftop bars in Phoenix where sipping cocktails meets sweeping desert landscapes.
Join us as we ascend to explore the city’s best rooftop bars. These high-altitude havens promise not just drinks, but also a natural splendor.
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 396-7168
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The Floor 13 Rooftop Bar is an urban oasis perched 13 stories over Downtown Phoenix on the Hilton Garden Inn.
It’s one of my favorite rooftop bars in Phoenix for its stunning city skyline and South Mountain views.
They specialize in cocktails, including nine Hitchcock-inspired libations inspired by the building’s appearance in the opening shot of Psycho (1960).
I loved The Paradine Case, a fruity concoction that pairs beautifully with the juniper-heavy gin foundation.
From the Rooftop
222 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 675-3500
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I recommend From the Rooftop in the Roosevelt Row Arts District for small plates and generously sized drinks.
It’s a trendy spot to enjoy your tipples, located atop the Cambria Hotel and within walking distance of the Phoenix Art Museum.
On my last visit, I had to try the La Bella Dama, with Tequila Reposado, fresh lime, and guava nectar, though I wasn’t brave enough this time to try it spicy.
I also appreciated their rotating draft selection and Ruby & Gold Mocktail with raspberry and candied ginger.
Alibi
108 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (602) 612-7871
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The breezy and beautiful Alibi is a tropical treat in Tempe.
This poolside island escape is on the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, near the University Drive & Myrtle Ave bus station.
I’m a sucker for tropical drinks, so I was delighted by the fruit-forward selections like a pineapple-laced Tropical Mojito and the Blue Sirena, a twist on raspberry lemonade with Tito’s vodka and Butterfly Tea.
The beer menu is canned-only, with ten domestics and five imports available.
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
7142 E 1st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 590-3864
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I still remember feeling my breath catch as I walked out onto the seventh-story Outrider Rooftop Lounge on the Canopy Scottsdale because of its unbelievably picturesque view of Camelback Mountain and Old Town.
Once I regained my composure, I was delighted that Outrider’s drink menu was almost as impressive as the view.
They have five craft beers on draft, eight canned domestics and locals, and a tidy collection of cocktails like the Pirate Jenny and Sonoran Strong, making it a fun place to get drinks in Phoenix.
Cottontail Lounge
7277 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (602) 405-0099
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For a posh rooftop experience following a day spent shopping at Scottsdale Waterfront, Cottontail Lounge on the W Scottsdale is my top pick.
Every square foot features intriguing textures and colors, from the agate ceiling above the bar to poolside palms on the nearby Wet Deck.
Cottontail Lounge ranks on my list of the best rooftop bars in Phoenix because of its flirty and fun cocktail selection.
I loved The Getaway featuring Don Julio with guava and plum bitters, but my favorite was the Salty Sandia.
Don Woods’ Say When
400 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: (480) 536-8998
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Don Woods’ Say When on Rise Hotel is in the heart of Uptown.
It’s a time capsule of mid-century modern decor and drinks located less than eight minutes from Enchanted Island Amusement Park to the southwest and Phoenix Art Museum to the southeast.
The late 60s-style terrace lounge is one of my favorite date night spots in Phoenix because it’s cozy and intimate next to the firepits.
My partner and I always go straight to the spritz menu, with my favorite being the herbaceous Alameda with St. George Pear Brandy.
Eden Rooftop Bar
2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 258-0231
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Among my most frequent recommendations for the best rooftop bars in Phoenix is the Eden Rooftop Bar on the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, between the Charles Korrick Fountain and the Geographical Center of Phoenix, Arizona.
They serve a praiseworthy selection of Mediterranean-inspired fare with their expansive selection of vino and spirits.
Though they do have suds on draft and in bottles if that’s your poison.
If you’re a cocktail drinker, like me, you’ve got to try the Surfer Rosa or Orient Express.
Bar Smith
130 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 821-8569
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Bar Smith, a bi-level nightclub with a rooftop dance floor, is across N 2nd Street from Symphony Hall and the Phoenix Convention Center.
While nightclubs aren’t my typical haunt, I thought Bar Smith had some seriously talented DJs handling hip-hop.
They have specials almost every day of the week on bottle service and cocktails.
For example, during Monday Madness, you can use $200 Hennessey and $150 Ciroc or $4 well drinks until midnight.
Thursdays are Lady’s Night, with $1 Long Islands and Sex on the Beach.
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
11 E 7th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (480) 968-8885
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Atop The Westin Tempe, across E 7th from the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and Artisan Court at the Brickyard, you’ll find the poolside Skysill Rooftop Lounge.
It’s the Valley’s highest rooftop bar, 18 stories above the Sonoran Desert.
One of my favorite things about this lounge is their appreciation for AZ brewers, with nearly a dozen local brews on offer.
I tried a Grand Canyon Prickly Pear Wheat that changed my life.
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