Scottsdale Nightlife: A Local’s Guide to the Best 6 Bars and Clubs
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
As someone who is born and raised in the greater Phoenix area, I have seen the complete transformation of the city’s nightlife firsthand. Scottsdale has completely evolved into a vibrant highlife hub and has quickly become the capital for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Whether you are local to the area or visiting, this guide will provide you with all of the Scottsdale nightlife hot spots that will make your time here even more unforgettable.
Introduction: Scottsdale Nightlife
Scottsdale’s nightlife is as dynamic as its day life. From high-energy clubs, to chill lounges, and dive bars, Scottsdale’s nightlife caters to everyone. As someone who has recovered many groups, parties, and people visiting from their night out, I can attest that the nightlife in Scottsdale is like no other. In this guide, I will walk you through the best Scottsdale nightlife, ensuring you experience this vibrant and energetic city like a true local.
Scottsdale Nightlife: All of The Hot Spots
1. Old Town Scottsdale: The Heartbeat of Nightlife
Old town Scottsdale is the heart of the Scottsdale nightlife scene. The entire area of Scottsdale is extremely walkable (maybe not in the summer due to extreme heat). Making it super easy to bar hop without needing an Uber/Lyft. There are also golf carts that are driving people all of the areas, which is perfect for the summer heat. There are hundreds of options from bars with live music, to dive bars, to speakeasies, to moody nightclubs. Whatever your vibe, Old Town has something for you.
One of the best aspects of Old Town is honestly the people watching. You will see bachelorette parties in matching outfits, to guys strolling in for a drink after a round of golf, to cooperate locals coming in for happy hour. Whether you are in the mood for a trendy spot like Bottled Blonde, relax on the patio at the Montauk, or on the lookout for a dive bar like Gilligan’s or Rusty Spur, the streets are packed, and you will absolutely find a place and a seat with your name on it.
2. Maya Day + Nightclub
If you are looking for a spot where you can party all day and literally party all night, then Maya is the spot for you. Maya is a pool, party day club during the day and a night club in the evening. They only way I can describe Maya is think Vegas pool party meets Scottsdale desert glam. Check out Maya on the weekend and you’ll find poolside DJ’s, bottle service, games, and a crowd that is dressed to impress. At night, this high energy nightclub offers special events, celebrity guest DJs, and an insane dance floor.
If you are looking for a great time day or night, then Maya is the spot for you. I highly recommend make table reservations if you want to guaranteed spot. Although, I hear the promotors at nights are walking the streets of old town recruiting ladies for a free table.
3. Rusty Spur Saloon
Rusty Spur is a true legend in Old Town. This is an original Scottsdale gem and is located in an early 1920s historic building right in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale. This is your typical dive bar. No bottle service. Nothing flashy. Just a straight up dive bar from the Wild Wild West. This bar comes equipped with saddle bar stools and you can enjoy live country music during the week.
Rusty Spur is a dive bar that will be busy with locals every weekend. This is a place where the bartenders remember your name and drink order, and everyone knows one another. Bring your $1, sign them, and put on the wall as a fun memento of visiting this iconic Old Town Scottsdale bar.
4. Riot House
Riot House is located in the heart of Old School where all of the nightlife is housed. If you are looking for high-energy, and a huge party, then Riot House is your spot. This vibrant night club has a high-octane atmosphere, bottle service, and LED infused decor through the entire establishment. This is another great place for a day party if you want to do brunch, and then come back for a fun night out.
The DJs here are spectacular and really know how to read the crowd and keep everyone dancing on the dance floor. This is a great spot for a birthday celebration or a bachelor and bachelorette party.
5. Coach House
Another legendary bar in Old Town Scottsdale is the Coach House. Famous for being completely decorated for Christmas year-round, this is a particularly hot spot around the holidays but tends to be busy throughout the entire year. It’s one of the oldest bars in Scottsdale and is extremely laid back and casual. Coach House has lots of outdoor space and is a great place to come when the weather isn’t too hot.
6. Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
Looking for a country bar? Well, Dierks Bentley’s is the place for you. Think about this bar as Kendrick Lamar meets Dierks Bentley. This half hip-hop half country bar is packed every weekend and has a great mix between the two genera’s of music. This bar was founded by Dierks Bentley who is an Arizona native and is a great place to twerk and do a country line dance.
Whiskey Row has a massive bar, elevated booths that have bottle service and even a mechanical bull on some nights. This bar is completed packed pretty much Thursday through Sunday and surprisingly enough, is also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Pro Tip: Try the sliders or Nashville hot chicken. You won’t go wrong!
Old Town Scottsdale Dress Code
The clubs in Scottsdale are known form their strict dress codes. They want you look chic and stylish and have a strict “dress to impress” policy. If you are headed to a causal laid-back bar like Rusty Spur or Coach House, then casual. You can get into a casual Old Town bar in jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers. For Maya, Whiskey Row, and Riot House, think heals, collared shirts, dresses, and usually, no sneakers. If you aren’t sure on a club or bars dress code, check their website just to make sure you don’t show up and get turned away.
Conclusion: Scottsdale Nightlife
Scottsdale is definitely known for their nightlife, and regardless of what kind of nightlife you are looking, Scottsdale has something for you. From day clubs, to night clubs, clubs, to dive bars, we have it! Whether you a local looking for a new spot, in town for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or just looking for something fun to do, I am hoping this Scottsdale nightlife guide has provided you with some new places to try out.
So, have fun, let loose, and enjoy everything that Scottsdale has to offer!