Arizona’s desert sunsets weren’t made for sitting indoors. There’s a reason they’re some of the most colorful in the country: Arizona’s dry air keeps fine dust particles suspended and drifting, and more particles in the air means more light gets scattered into those deep oranges and pinks. Across Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix, rooftop bars have become the go-to spot for watching the sky turn orange over Camelback Mountain, cocktail in hand, city lights just starting to flicker on below. Whether you’re planning a trip to Arizona, already browsing rooftop bars near you, or just looking for things to do in the area on a Friday night, this guide rounds up the best rooftop bars organized by city so you can plan your evening (or your whole itinerary) with ease!
How to Choose the Best Rooftop Bars in Scottsdale?
With so many rooftop bars in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix competing for your evening, a few things separate the good from the unforgettable:
Location
Some of the best rooftop bars in Scottsdale sit right in the middle of Old Town’s Entertainment District, walkable to everything else on your list. Others, especially in Tempe and Downtown Phoenix, are built around a specific view, for example, Camelback Mountain, the Mortgage Matchup Center, or the Phoenix skyline, so it’s worth knowing what you’re there to see.
Breathtaking Views
A rooftop bar is only as good as what’s over the railing. Look for 360-degree views, sunset-facing patios, or a signature backdrop like Camelback Mountain or Downtown Phoenix’s skyline.
Atmosphere
Do you want a laid-back poolside lounge for golden hour, or a high-energy scene with DJs and bottle service? Arizona’s rooftop bars run the full spectrum, often within the same building depending on the night.
Food & Drinks
The best rooftop bars in Arizona pair their views with a real menu featuring craft cocktails, local beer, and shareable plates that aren’t just an afterthought.
With that in mind, here’s the current lineup of standout rooftop bars across the Valley, grouped by city.
Best Rooftop Bars in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s rooftop bar scene centers on Old Town and the Entertainment District, making it easy to bar-hop between a few of these in one night.
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
7142 E 1st St, Scottsdale, AZ
Perched on the seventh floor of the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, the neighborhood’s first new hotel in over a decade, Outrider Rooftop Lounge has quickly become one of the buzziest rooftop bars in Scottsdale. Expect 360-degree views of the Valley, handcrafted cocktails like the Southwest Sunburst or Seasonal Slushie, and shareables like Honey-Balsamic Glazed Pork Belly Queso Fundido and Turkey Chorizo Spiced Meatballs. There’s a chic pool with reservable cabanas and misters for summer, plus fireplaces in winter. Outrider really shines at sunset, when the sun dips behind Camelback Mountain. Seating is first-come, first-served; no reservations here.
Cottontail Lounge at The W Scottsdale
7277 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Set on the second floor of the W Scottsdale in the heart of the Entertainment District, Cottontail Lounge is often compared to the iconic pool bars of Las Vegas, and it’s hard to argue. The WET Deck pool anchors the space, with four portholes built into the bottom that give guests in the lobby below a peek-a-boo view. It’s open year-round, cooled in summer and heated in winter. Reservations are highly recommended, and the entire pool area is 21+ Friday through Sunday, including Sunday brunch. Upscale pool attire is required on weekends.
Allegra Rooftop Bar at The Remi
4415 N Buckboard Trl, Scottsdale, AZ
Allegra sits atop The Remi Hotel with sweeping, panoramic views over downtown Scottsdale. It’s equally suited to a lazy poolside afternoon or a golden-hour cocktail, with stylish cabanas and plush daybeds for settling in. As the sun lowers, the whole rooftop shifts mood: softer light, a glowing skyline, and an evening energy that builds from there. Allegra also hosts private events, birthday celebrations, and group takeovers, with small plates and late-night energy that make it one of the more versatile rooftop bars in Scottsdale.
Best Rooftop Bars in Tempe
Just southeast of Phoenix and home to Arizona State University, Tempe’s rooftop bars combine skyline views with a slightly more laid-back, college-town energy.
The Alibi at The Canopy
108 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ
Located on the 14th floor of The Canopy by Hilton at Forest Avenue and University Drive, The Alibi feels like a tropical escape dropped into the middle of Tempe. Lush decor and sweeping views set the tone, and happy hour (3–6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays) makes it an easy after-work stop. Complimentary two-hour valet parking means you can linger without watching the clock.
Lucero Rooftop Lounge & Terrace
7 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ
The newest addition to Tempe’s rooftop scene, Lucero sits atop the Omni Tempe at ASU Hotel high above Downtown Tempe. Bold design meets starry desert skies here, with a tapas-style menu featuring crispy branzino, Moroccan lamb empanadas, and chilled lobster alongside expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a solid pick for date night or a night out with friends, and while you’re there, it’s worth checking out the hotel’s Salt & Gila Poolside Bar too.
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
11 E 7th St, Tempe, AZ
Eighteen floors up at the Westin Tempe, Skysill claims the title of the Valley’s highest open-air rooftop bar, and it delivers on panoramic views, a heated pool, a Jacuzzi, and daybeds for settling in. Try the “Highest Rooftop in the Valley” cocktail, made with CBD and Campari, alongside the Carne Asada Flatbread. Whether it’s a romantic date or a celebration with friends, Skysill is built for lingering.
Best Rooftop Bars in Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix’s rooftop bars lean into skyline views and city energy, with a few event-driven spots worth building a night around.
Eden Rooftop Bar
2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
On the third floor of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, right in the heart of CityScape, Eden Rooftop Bar has been turning heads since it opened in February 2023. Views stretch across downtown, the surrounding mountains, and the Mortgage Matchup Center. By day, it’s a sultry, relaxed poolside lounge; by night, it shifts into a higher-design, higher-energy scene built around distinctive cocktails.
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ
Floor 13 offers one of the more relaxed daytime hangs in Downtown Phoenix, with a spacious sundeck for soaking up some sun over a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Come evening, the terrace shifts into a cozier setup with a fire pit, space heaters for cooler nights, and comfortable furnishings built for long hours of mingling. With eleven beers on rotation and premium bottle service available, it’s an easy spot to settle into for a while.
Diablo Rooftop Bar
222 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ
Set atop the Cambria Hotel in Downtown Phoenix, seven floors above East Portland Street, Diablo delivers a modern, trendy take on the rooftop bar with 360-degree skyline views. The menu covers craft cocktails, wine, beer, and shareable plates made with fresh, local ingredients. Monday through Wednesday happy hour runs 5–8 p.m., and weekends bring real party energy. Diablo also hosts regular events, from morning rooftop yoga sessions to weekend DJ sets and “Cosmic Cocktails” nights themed around the current zodiac sign.
Make a Trip Out of It
Arizona’s rooftop bars are even better when you’ve already got a place to land. If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale, Tempe, or Phoenix (or you’re already here and hunting for your next stop), a GoodNight Stay puts you minutes from the scene, with more space, privacy, and flexibility than a hotel room. Better yet, book now through August 31, 2026, and get 20% off select Arizona homes with code AZSUMMER20 at checkout. Find a home near your favorite spot on this list, and turn one great night into an unforgettable Arizona trip.
