Scottsdale, AZ
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Rooftop bar

Lustre Rooftop Bar

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Location: Palomar Phoenix Hotel, 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

Description: This trendy rooftop bar is located at the Palomar Phoenix Hotel and offers an excellent view of downtown Phoenix. It has a nice combination of indoor seating and outdoor lounge areas. The bar itself is very long, giving plenty of space for people to line up for drinks. The bartenders are known for making quality cocktails with fresh ingredients, including their signature drink, the Lustre Lemon Drop (vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup). The menu also features appetizers like nachos, sandwiches, and salads. There’s entertainment on Thursday through Saturday nights from 9 to 11 p.m., including live DJs playing Top-40 hits and movie screenings on Fridays. On Sundays, they have a brunch starting at noon that includes bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys (with the purchase of an entree). They also serve lunch during weekdays from 11:30 a.m.to 2 p.m.

The Liquor Store

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Sandbar Mexican Grill Rooftop Cantina

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Sandbar Mexican Grill Rooftop Cantina is a great place to go with a big group of friends. The outdoor patio area is expansive, and perfect for large parties. It’s also good for smaller parties and can be lively but not overly crowded. As the sun sets, the umbrellas are lit up with little lights, making it romantic and beautiful.

The atmosphere during brunch is happy and festive, with lots of people celebrating birthdays. Be prepared to find many kids enjoying pizza with their parents among the groups of adults drinking margaritas at the bar. People come here to relax and enjoy a good meal without feeling pressured to “dress to impress.”

Overall, Sandbar makes you feel welcome regardless of whether you’re stopping in on your way home from work or having a girls’ night out. It’s super family-friendly during the day, while still being fun for happy hour or dinner as the night goes on!

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

For nearly three years, Arizona has been my home. If you haven’t been there recently and are interested in a visit, at least consider the local rooftops. The state’s most famous commercial rooftop is Phoenix’s Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, which exudes Old World charm and modern chic thanks to its cheeky French menu and charming cocktail bar. I’ve spent many hours here above air-conditioned diners and passing tourists on their way from the airport; it’s such a once-in-a-lifetime experience that it turns every meal into an adventure.

However, it isn’t the only reason to visit Blue Hound. There are plenty of equally inviting spots in the Valley of the Sun that have newer locations and expanded menus, including a few Eastern European places with fancy twists on traditional cuisine—such as El Chupacabra in Scottsdale (9501 North Craftsman Court) or Deutsch O’Hara Brewing Co. in Gilbert (22 West Baseline Road).

The best part about all these rooftop experiences is that they’re within arm’s reach; you won’t need anything more than a handkerchief for your lips when you order off the extensive drink list (bottled beers from Mexico City make good conversation starters) or dig into some house-made pierogies with paprika sauce, potatoes, and sauerkraut. So whether you’re looking for a place to sip Martinis on a lazy Sunday afternoon or some deftly prepared fare at 5:30 p.m., give one of these rooftops a try; I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as I do!

Handlebar J

Handlebar J is a rooftop bar in Old Town Scottsdale that’s been around since the 1960s. It has an awesome view of Camelback Mountain and is a great place to go on a first date. Handlebar J was named after its founder, Jack “Handlebar” Jackson. Handlebar J is popular for their burgers and especially the “Jack Burger,” which has barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese.

Skylanes Bowling

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The Skylanes Bowling Bar is the perfect place to go with a group of friends. With a full bar, food, and three full-service lanes, you can be sure that you will enjoy yourself. They also feature ping pong tables and arcade games in addition to pool tables! The rooftop patio is filled with cozy seating for when you are not bowling. The venue even has a dance floor for those nights that you feel like busting a move!

If you want to see the city at night, you can see it from a rooftop!

If you want to see the city at night, you can see it from a rooftop!

There’s nothing more breathtaking than looking out over the twinkling lights of a city, and that’s exactly what you get from a rooftop bar or lounge. Some of the best views are from the top! Here are some tips for having fun at these sky-high spots:

  • Make reservations in advance. It’s usually easy to get into most rooftop bars during the week, but weekends can be tough. If you don’t have an invitation or reservation, your best bet is to arrive early.
  • Dress well. Rooftop lounges often have a dress code. As tempting as it may be to wear flip flops and shorts on one of those sweltering summer nights, do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and leave those items at home!

Here are some examples of what people should wear:

  • Tucked-in button-down shirts (for men)
  • Cocktail dresses (for women)

Here are some examples of what people shouldn’t wear:

Athletic gear/gym clothes (men & women)