Scottsdale isn’t just a desert town; it’s a vibrant hub for dining, celebrating, and all-around entertainment. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a romantic date, or a bachelor(ette) party, the city’s nightlife scene has something for everyone. From upscale dining to energetic nightclubs and unique late-night activities, let me take you through the best ways to experience Scottsdale after dark.
Popular Dinner Stops
Your Scottsdale nightlife experience should start with an incredible dinner. A great meal sets the stage for the rest of the night, whether you’re looking for an elegant fine-dining experience, a trendy hotspot with a lively atmosphere, or a laid-back spot to grab a bite before heading out for drinks. The right dinner choice can enhance your entire evening, providing the perfect backdrop for socializing, celebrating, or simply indulging in delicious flavors before hitting the town. Here are some top spots that set the tone for a fantastic night.
Fine Dining Favorites
If you’re celebrating or just in the mood to treat yourself, Scottsdale’s fine dining scene won’t disappoint.
- Café Monarch: an upscale fine dining restaurant in Scottsdale, renowned for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and multi-course tasting menus featuring gourmet, seasonally inspired cuisine.
- Mastro’s City Hall: a high-end steakhouse in Scottsdale, known for its prime cuts, fresh seafood, sophisticated atmosphere, and lively piano bar.
- Steak 44: a premier steakhouse in Scottsdale, offering top-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and an upscale yet inviting atmosphere with personalized service. Steak 44 is my personal favorite steakhouse in the area.
- Buck and Rider: a stylish seafood and steak restaurant in Scottsdale, celebrated for its fresh seafood (which is flown in daily), craft cocktails, and relaxed yet upscale ambiance.
Trendy Hotspots
- Toca Madera: vibrant, upscale atmosphere, serving modern Mexican cuisine, signature cocktails, and a lively, immersive dining experience perfect for a night out.
- The Montauk: offers a laid-back, coastal-inspired atmosphere. The menu features fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a lively, beachy vibe perfect for casual dining and drinks. A favorite amongst bachelorette groups!
- Thirty Three Thirty: one of Scottsdale’s newest trendy hot spots, this Asian-inspired steakhouse offers a unique atmosphere, innovative cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails. The dining room comes alive with dynamic visuals and live beats, creating an atmosphere that’s bold, immersive, and uniquely captivating. The showstopper is the panoramic screen stretching across the dining room.
- The Mission: a stylish Scottsdale restaurant offering a unique blend of upscale Latin cuisine, bold flavors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a memorable dining experience. Tableside guacamole anyone?
Pizza Parlors
Because who doesn’t love pizza? Scottsdale, and the Phoenix-metro area, is full of top-rated pizza places for all you pizza fans out there.
- Pizzeria Bianco: a renowned Scottsdale gem, famous for its wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a perfectly crisp, flavorful crust. Pizzeria Bianco was featured on the popular TV show The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network and on Chef’s Table on Netflix.
- Dave Portnoy gave his famous One Bite reviews to a few pizza shops in the area:
- Trevor’s Liquor: 8.3 and Dave claims this is “the best pizza in Scottsdale”.
- Amici Pizza: 7.7
- Lamp Pizzeria: 7.6
- Pizza by Napoli: 7.2 My father began coming here for lunch in high school in the 80s and they still remember him when he stops by when in town!
- Pizza on 40th: 7.1
- Organ Stop Pizza: located in Mesa offering specialty pizzas, pastas, appetizers, sandwiches, salad bar, desserts, a variety of soft drinks, beer, and wine. Each night, the largest theater pipe organ ever created rises above the audience on an 8,000-pound rotating hydraulic elevator to sit 10 feet above the 700-seat dining room.
Stops for Drinks
Looking for the perfect place to grab a drink after dinner? Whether you’re looking for a lively spot to keep the night going, a cozy dive bar to relax in, or something with a unique twist, these bars offer a variety of vibes and signature cocktails to cap off your evening.
First up is Old Town Scottsdale. Whether you are in town celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, a birthday, or just want a lively night out, Old Town Scottsdale is a premier party destination. Some popular stops include:
- Bottled Blonde
- Whiskey Row
- El Hefe
- Riot House
- Casa Amigos
- And much more! Most bars offer bottle service if you want.
Other trendy hot-spots will take you across the Valley for vibrant atmospheres and expertly crafted cocktails.
- Century Grand: A glamorous, 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge serving expertly crafted drinks in a nostalgic, vintage setting.
- Rough Rider: A stylish bar with a western twist, offering a great selection of craft beers and cocktails in a rustic, inviting atmosphere.
- Carry-On: A unique, aviation-themed bar offering creative cocktails, great service, and a laid-back yet trendy atmosphere.
- Undertow: A hidden tiki bar with an immersive nautical theme, serving tropical cocktails in a cozy, underground setting for an unforgettable experience.
Things to Do
Scottsdale offers more than just food and drinks; there are plenty of ways to stay entertained long after the sun goes down.
For those who love to dance, Maya Day + Nightclub and W Scottsdale are the places to be.
For the adventure seekers, Buffalo Chip Saloon is a western-themed bar with real-life bull riding. Yes, you can ride a live bull. If bull riding isn’t your thing, try axe throwing or go-kart racing at Octane Raceway.
For the gamblers, or the freshly 21 crowd, try your luck at one of the Valley’s many casinos. From Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale to the brand new Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks in the West Valley, there’s plenty of places to win big. Rather than a bar crawl, turn the night into a casino crawl and roll the dice at a few different casinos. Your professional chauffeur can get you safely between locations, so you can enjoy drinks along the way.
Navigating Scottsdale Nightlife
Here are a few tips to make your night out seamless and stress-free:
- Timing is Everything: Most restaurants and bars start getting busy around 7 PM, so plan your dinner reservation and bar hopping accordingly.
- Dress Code: Many Scottsdale venues (specifically upscale restaurants) have a specific dress code. Be sure to check the details of the location before heading out for the night.
- Transportation Tips: Parking can be tricky, and it’s always a good idea to avoid driving after drinks. Our luxury transportation options can elevate your night while keeping you safe and worry-free.
Our fleet offers various size party buses and limousines. Our Hummer stretch limousine is a great option for small groups heading to dinner and is guaranteed to make a statement. For large parties, our Tiffany party bus accommodates up to 40 guests and features all the bells and whistles: Bluetooth audio, party lights, a dance pole, and more. Reach out on live chat to discuss your night out and we can recommend the best option for your group!
Next Steps to Book
Scottsdale’s nightlife is as diverse as it is exciting. From indulgent dinners and craft cocktails to live music and dancing, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a group outing, or a solo adventure, Scottsdale guarantees a night to remember. Fridays and Saturdays sell out very quickly, so it’s recommended you reserve your transportation needs in advance. A 25% non-refundable deposit blocks your vehicle of choice off the schedule. The remaining balance is charged to the card on file 10 days prior to your trip.
So, are you ready to hit the town? Book your ride today and experience Scottsdale nightlife like a VIP!
