With the near-arrival of the winter season, what better way is there to celebrate cooler weather than to sip cocktails and eat great food over conversation with friends, family or colleagues? Check out the top rooftop lounges to visit in the Valley this season.
Don Woods’ Say When
Phoenix
Offering a vintage, 70’s-themed ambiance and the perfect locale for catching some of Arizona’s best sunsets is Don Woods’ Say When at Rise Uptown. This office building turned cocktail lounge hosts those who want to enjoy small bites and cocktails inspired by an early era with a modern twist on flavor and garnishments. In perfect timing for the holiday season, guests can cozy up to snacks such as poppable meatloaf, deviled eggs and mac and cheese. Infamous for its “Forgotten Classics,” the staff focuses their cocktail curation on highballs and spritzes that can be favorably enjoyed beside the fire pits. This season, warm up at this Phoenix rooftop lounge with a whiskey tart, a bourbon-forward cocktail, during happy hour, which takes place all day on Monday, 4 p.m. to close, and Tuesday to Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.riseuptownhotel.com.
Lucero
Tempe
New to the scene, Lucero at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU is a coastal-chic lounge that looks out onto the city skyline. To complement the meaning of the name, Lucero—“bright star”—the menu aesthetic is focused on part of the galaxy. With beverages and bites named after phases of the moon, customers can feel like they’ve left the Arizona vibe and transported out of this world. Through Dec. 30, Lucero’s visitors can enjoy food items that are fitting to everything we love about the season. For the libation lovers, guests can expect to see new beverages on the menu starting Dec. 10. Lucero is open Wednesday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., with its kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy their dining experience with occasional live performances. For more information, visit www.omnihotels.com.
Eden Rooftop Bar
Phoenix
Staying true to the modern-luxury scene of the desert aesthetic, Eden Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenixis perfect for those who want to experience a traditional take on Southern hospitality, while also having the space to be and feel as vivacious as the lounge area itself. This lounge is meant for those who thrive on entertainment just as much as they do tasty (and attractive) cocktails. Weekly, guests are able to enjoy a DJ series every Friday and Saturday with a featured set from 6 to 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lounge guests are also able to enjoy a weekly garden party happening every Sunday—featuring rosè specials, mimosa flights, bottles of Champagne and shareable bites. Eden Rooftop Bar is open Sunday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Enjoy happy hour specials at Phoenix rooftop lounge during the week, Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit edenbarphoenix.com.
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Scottsdale
With surrounding views of Camelback Mountain, Outrider Rooftop Lounge at Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale offers its visitors a laidback yet elevated ambiance that can be ideal for catching glimpses of Arizona’s best sunsets over locally sourced crafted beers, cocktails and bites. Art enthusiasts will especially enjoy this location as its walls are painted with intricate murals representative of the mountains that surround the Valley. Offering tropical-forward beverages and inspired dishes like harissa beef and veggie skewers, guests can take in the beauty of the locality while having their tastebuds transported internationally. Outrider Rooftop Lounge is open Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.outriderrooftop.com.
Cottontail Lounge
Scottsdale
Well known among a crowd who prefers a sleek and alluring dining experience, Cottontail Lounge sits atop the W Scottsdale, in proximity to the famous WET Deck. Offering sweeping views of a plethora of palm trees and the property’s pool area, the lounge itself allows visitors to transport into a state of luxury while still staying faithful to what has become known as the “Scottsdale vibe.” With its wide-paneled windows and skylight, the space allows for the best capture of natural sunlight, the Valley’s best sunsets or a view of the stars. Adding to the ambience, the space holds frequent live performances by resident DJ’s—appealing to those who value both aesthetic and entertainment within their dining experience. Cottontail Lounge’s visitors can indulge in a true VIP experience, Thursday through Saturday, with bottle service, exclusive cocktails and great music. Cottontail Lounge is open Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight, and Thursday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. If you’d like to enjoy a VIP nightlife guest experience, you can schedule a reservation Thursday through Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, visit cottontaillounge.com.