Okay let's talk Old Town Scottsdale bars. Seriously, this place is wild. I remember my first time bar-hopping here five years ago – got totally turned around near Civic Center Park and stumbled into this tiny tequila bar with live mariachi. Best wrong turn ever. Now? I'm here at least twice a month. What you're getting isn't some robot-generated list. It's straight from my messy nights and sunburnt patio mornings.
People always ask me: "What makes Scottsdale's bar scene special?" Honestly? It's how everything crashes together. You've got cowboy dive bars smelling like leather and whiskey next to champagne decks where bottles cost more than my rent. And everything in between. That energy? You gotta feel it.
The Lay of the Land: Bar Zones Explained
Old Town's bars cluster in three main spots. Get this map in your head before you go:
Main Street Drag: Tourist central but don't skip it. High-energy spots like Bottled Blonde and Riot House. Expect DJs, rooftop views, and lines after 10pm. Great for people-watching but prices sting ($15-20 cocktails).
Arts District Pocket: My personal favorite. Craft cocktails at Second Story Liquor Bar (that smoked old fashioned!), wine bars like LDV Wine Gallery, and hidden gems. Feels more grown-up but still fun.
Brown Avenue Corridor: Dive bar heaven. The Coach House has been pouring cheap beers since 1959. Cash only, sticky floors, perfect authenticity. Nearby, Boondocks Patio is where locals actually hang.
Bar Types Breakdown
Not all Old Town Scottsdale bars are created equal:
| Type | Vibe | Price Range | Best For | My Top Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightclub Bars | High-energy, DJs, dancing | $$$ ($15 cover, $18 drinks) | Groups, bachelor parties | Maya Day Club (daytime pool parties) |
| Craft Cocktail | Creative drinks, skilled bartenders | $$ ($12-16 cocktails) | Date night, small groups | Counter Intuitive (speakeasy-style) |
| Dive Bars | No frills, cheap drinks, locals | $ ($5 beers, $7 wells) | Solo drinks, pre-gaming | The Coach House (cash only!) |
| Patio Bars | Outdoor seating, social atmosphere | $$ ($8-14 drinks) | Day drinking, groups | Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila |
Top 5 Old Town Scottsdale Bars You Shouldn't Miss
After way too many "research" nights, here's what's actually worth your time:
Second Story Liquor Bar
Where: 4166 N Scottsdale Rd (above Craft 64 Pizza)
Hours: 4pm-2am daily
Must Order: "Desert Flower" cocktail (tequila, prickly pear, lime)
Found this place by accident when hiding from monsoon rain. Dark wood, velvet chairs, bartenders who actually know their stuff. Their smoked old fashioned arrives under a glass cloche – total theater. Downside? Tiny space. Get there before 8pm or prepare to wait.
Personal rant: Their $18 cocktail price hurts, but honestly? It's one of the few spots where the craftsmanship justifies it. Unlike some others charging that much for basic vodka sodas...
The Coach House
Where: 7011 E Indian School Rd
Hours: 6am-2am (!) daily
Damage: $3 PBR tallboys, $5 well shots
This is Arizona history. Opened in 1959 and looks it – in the best way. Dark paneling, neon signs, a jukebox playing classic rock. Cash only. Don't expect craft cocktails. Do expect cheap drinks, friendly locals, and zero pretension. Perfect dive bar experience.
Boondocks Patio
Where: 3930 N Brown Ave
Hours: 11am-2am daily
Vibe: Massive shaded patio, games, local hangout
My regular spot. Giant patio with misters (crucial in summer), corn hole, giant Jenga.They do solid bar food – the Arizona cheese crisp is mandatory. Mostly locals, decent prices ($7 local drafts), and no obnoxious dress codes. Feels like a backyard party.
Okay, full disclosure: Their bathrooms are kinda gross after 10pm. Bring hand sanitizer.
LDV Wine Gallery
Where: 7134 E Stetson Dr Suite B140
Hours: 12pm-9pm (Mon-Thu), 12pm-10pm (Fri-Sat), 12pm-8pm (Sun)
Unique: Arizona-only wines, $15 flights
Not your typical wine bar. Focuses ONLY on Arizona wines. Knowledgeable staff helps you navigate local vineyards. Bright, modern space. Great for afternoon sipping before dinner. Their cheese boards are legit.
R&R Rooftop at the Scott
Where: 7325 E Shoeman Ln (4th floor)
Hours: 4pm-12am (Sun-Thu), 4pm-2am (Fri-Sat)
View: Best sunset views of Camelback Mountain
Higher price point ($16 cocktails) but that view? Unbeatable. Modern lounge vibe, fire pits, great for Instagram. Go for happy hour (4-6pm daily) when drinks are $3 off. Avoid weekends if you hate crowds.
Local Tip: Most rooftop spots in Old Town Scottsdale bars get packed at sunset. Sneak in around 3:30pm to snag a good seat without the rush. Order water first – that Arizona sun dehydrates you faster than you think.
Bar Hopping Like a Pro: Routes & Strategies
Don't just wander aimlessly. Trust me, I've made that mistake. Here's how to conquer the Old Town Scottsdale bars scene:
The Casual Crawl (For Groups & Chatting)
- Start: Boondocks Patio (cheap beers, easy parking)
- Walk: 5 mins to Coach House (dive bar experience)
- Next: 8 mins to AZ/88 (artsy vibe, cool patio)
- Finish: 10 mins to Rusty Spur Saloon (live country music)
Distance covered: Less than 1 mile total. Mostly flat.
The Cocktail Connoisseur Route
- Start: Second Story Liquor Bar (craft cocktails)
- Walk: 3 mins to Counter Intuitive (hidden speakeasy, reservations needed!)
- Next: 7 mins to Citizen Public House (classic upscale bar)
- Finish: 5 mins to Jade Bar at Sanctuary Resort (splurge, epic views - Uber recommended)
Brunch & Booze (My Saturday Ritual)
Scottsdale brunch is competitive. Bar-based winners:
| Spot | Brunch Hours | Signature Drink | Food Highlight | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm & Craft | 9am-3pm Sat-Sun | "Rosemary Mimosa" ($10) | Avocado Toast Trio | Healthy, sunny patio |
| Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row | 10am-3pm Sat-Sun | Boot Beer Pitchers ($22) | Chicken & Waffle Sliders | Loud, country music, party |
| FnB Restaurant (Bar) | 10am-2pm Sat-Sun | Bloody Mary Bar ($14) | Local Farm Egg Dishes | Upscale, foodie focus |
My honest take? Whiskey Row is chaotic fun but loud. Farm & Craft is pricier but consistent. FnB has the best food but smallest bar area.
Survival Guide: Costs, Crowds & Unwritten Rules
What Things Actually Cost
Forget generic lists. Here's real 2024 pricing at different Old Town Scottsdale bars:
- Domestic Beer (Bud Light, Coors): $5-7 at dives / $8-12 at clubs
- Craft Local Draft (Four Peaks): $7-9 most places
- Well Liquor Drink (Vodka Soda): $7-9 / $10-14 at rooftops
- Signature Cocktail: $14-18 (common at craft spots & clubs)
- Cover Charge: $10-20 (Fri/Sat after 10pm at Maya, Riot House, Bottled Blonde)
- Water Bottle: $4-6 (yes, really. Ask for tap water - it's free and Arizona tap is fine)
When To Go (And When To Avoid)
Prime Time: October-April (weather perfection). Thursday-Saturday nights busiest.
Shoulder Season: May & September (hot but manageable). Sundays fundays still lively.
Ghost Town (Avoid): July & August mid-day. Seriously, 110°F kills patio vibes. Some bars close early. Stick to air-conditioned spots like Second Story.
I learned the hard way: Trying to bar hop in August afternoon heat is brutal. Stick to evenings or just embrace the pool scene instead. Hydrate like your life depends on it.
Dress Code Lowdown
Old Town Scottsdale bars range from "come as you are" to strict:
- Dives (Coach House, Boondocks): Anything goes. Hats, tanks, sandals fine.
- Craft Bars (Second Story, Counter Intuitive): "Smart Casual" - nice jeans/clean sneakers ok. Avoid ballcaps, flip-flops.
- Nightclubs (Maya, Riot House): Strict. Men: Collared shirts, dress shoes (no sneakers!), no hats. Women: Dressy tops, dresses, heels/boots common. NO athletic wear (yoga pants banned), NO hats, NO flip-flops. Security will turn you away.
Old Town Scottsdale Bars FAQ
Are Old Town Scottsdale bars walkable?
Yes and no. The core Main Street/Arts District area is walkable (about 10-15 min end-to-end). But spots like Boondocks or Coach House are further west. Wear comfy shoes. Uber/Lyft plentiful for hopping between zones ($5-10 rides). Parking is rough after 7pm – use public lots.
What's the best Old Town Scottsdale bar for a first date?
Avoid the chaotic clubs. Go for:
- Conversation: Second Story (moody, intimate)
- Activity: Boondocks Patio (games break the ice)
- Views: R&R Rooftop (sunset = guaranteed wow)
- Worst Idea: Whiskey Row on Saturday night (too loud)
Which spots have the best happy hours?
Real deals (not just $1 off):
- Citizen Public House: 4-6pm daily. $7 select cocktails, $6 wines.
- Cien Agaves: 3-6pm daily. Half-price margaritas + $2 tacos.
- Boondocks: ALL DAY happy hour Mon-Fri. $1 off drafts/wells.
- Skip: Club-focused bars usually have weak or non-existent happy hours.
Are there any Old Town Scottsdale bars open past 2am?
Nope. Arizona law shuts down all liquor service at 2am sharp. Bars close doors around 2:15-2:30am. Plan accordingly! Late-night eats: Some pizza spots near the clubs stay open late.
Is the Old Town bar scene safe?
Generally yes, especially in crowds. Standard rules apply:
- Stick to well-lit main streets (Scottsdale Rd, Brown Ave)
- Watch your drink (sadly, always necessary)
- Uber/Lyft if going beyond immediate bar zones
- Police presence is visible, especially weekends
I've walked alone (female) many times near Main Street late and felt fine. Use common sense.
Things Locals Know (That Tourists Don't)
- Water Hack: Arizona law requires bars to give free tap water. Ask for "an ice water" not bottled. Save $5.
- Summer Discounts: Many bars run "Summer Sizzle" specials June-August (discounted drinks, no covers) to lure locals.
- Parking Secret: The public garage at 1st Ave & Marshall Way is huge, cheap ($2-3/hr), and often has spots when streets are full.
- Beat the Cover: Arrive before 9:30pm at clubs (like Maya, Riot House) to usually avoid cover charges. After 10pm? Guaranteed $10-20.
- Service Speed: Big clubs prioritize bottle service. If you're just ordering cocktails? Be prepared to wait at peak times.
My Biggest Pet Peeve? Service at some of the flashier Old Town Scottsdale bars can be painfully slow on packed nights. If you see 5 deep at the bar, consider moving spots or be patient. Tip well upfront if you plan to stay – sometimes helps.
Look, the Old Town Scottsdale bars scene has something for everyone – cowboy hats and cowboy boots at the Rusty Spur, cocktail nerds at Second Story, party animals at Maya. Do yourself a favor: skip the generic "best bars" lists. Think about what experience you want. Crazy night dancing? Chill patio with friends? Impressive craft drinks? Pick your lane. Wear comfy shoes (seriously, those cobblestones are brutal in heels), drink water between cocktails, and embrace the weird, wonderful mix that makes these bars uniquely Scottsdale. See you out there – maybe I'll be the guy arguing about Arizona wines at the LDV bar.
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