Whether it’s happy hour, golden hour, or after hours, there’s something about sipping from an elevated perspective that makes the cocktails even sweeter — not to mention the benefits of the open-air environment. 

To that end, we’ve rounded up the best rooftop bars in Phoenix, most of which are new or recent additions to the city’s selection of watering holes. 

 

Phoenix


 

théa

Located at: The Global Ambassador

Théa, the Mediterranean restaurant on the rooftop of The Global Ambassador, offers sweeping views of Camelback Mountain. Soak up sunset vistas of the Phoenix landscape, savor Mediterranean flavors, and indulge in handcrafted cocktails on the rooftop. Discover vibrant mezze platters at théa alongside one of the largest rosé collections in the United States. The Grand Ambassador has been one of Phoenix's most-hyped openings in recent memory. Designed by Sam Fox, the Valley restaurateur who's created over 150+ restaurants, the Global Ambassador features five unique, globally-minded restaurant concepts. 

4360 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix
480-697-6201

 

Different Pointe of View

Located at: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

While not technically a rooftop, we're kicking the list off with one of the most-unique views of Phoenix. The gem of this resort comes in the form of a mountaintop restaurant where the cuisine has been as elevated as the views for 35 years. Order from an award-winning wine list that offers over 1,000 selections — all cellared on premise — and head out to the patio to drink in the views of surrounding mountain preserve, downtown skyline and distant South Mountain.

11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-866-6350

 

Don Woods’ Say When

Located at: Rise Uptown

Located just north of the Melrose District, Rise Uptown's 1,100 square-foot penthouse cocktail lounge serves up retro-modern cocktails, throwback bar bites and 270-degree city views from the 2,000 square-foot view terrace. Choose from a small, but expert, selection of spritzers and highballs — brought to you by one of Phoenix's great cocktail artisansRoss Simon — at this hip, uptown Phoenix rooftop.

400 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
480-536-8998 

 

From The Rooftop

Located at: Cambria Downtown Phoenix Convention Center

One of the newest rooftop experiences in downtown Phoenix can be found seven floors above the Roosevelt Row Arts District. This open-air space invites you to soak in the urban ambiance of downtown — especially at sunset —with nearly 360-degree views, inventive cocktails and light bites. Be sure to check out the hotel's wide variety of art and the vents calendar for special events, live DJs and more.

222 E. Portland St. Phoenix
602-675-4108

 

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar

Located at: Hilton Garden Inn 

Hidden inside the historic Phoenix landmark that appeared in the opening scenes of Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie "Psycho," is Floor 13 Rooftop Bar. Experience the heart of downtown from this ultra-chic spot that's known for its spacious sundeck area with breathtaking views from within the Phoenix skyline. Recline in plush chaise lounges by day and settle in to one of the modern terrace setups and comfortable furnishings by night.

15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
602-343-0006 

 

Eden Rooftop Bar

Located at: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

Located right in the heart of CityScape, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix’s rooftop pool is not only a picture-perfect place for swimming and sunning, it's also been home to Eden Rooftop Bar since 2012.

2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix 
602-258-0231 

 

Rustler's Rooste

Another mountaintop perch — except this one was once a hideout for cattle rustlers — this legendary steakhouse has delivered "beef and brew with a view" since 1971. Located atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, this family friendly restaurant offers a country Western atmosphere and live music inside, with patio dining and a spectacular scenic overlook outside. If you're feeling really daring, try the rattlesnake.

8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix
602-431-6474

 

Upstairs at FLINT

Located at: FLINT by Baltaire

Relax among midcentury modern elegance with natural wood accents and vintage European furnishings, set against majestic views of Camelback Mountain and the Biltmore neighborhood at Upstairs at FLINT. Explore the a mix of Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern-inspired New American bites, as well as craft cocktails and beer and happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-812-4818 

Scottsdale

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Scottsdale


 

Cottontail Lounge

Located at: The W Scottsdale

Cottontail Lounge, located in an exclusive corner of the W Scottsdale's WET Deck, offers sweeping pool views, shaded outdoor seating and an inviting atmosphere for brunch, sunset cocktails and everything in between. WET is located on the second floor, perched dramatically above the hotel entrance with four large portholes on the bottom, allowing sneaky, cheeky peek-a-boos from below.

7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
480-970-2100 

 

Outrider Rooftop Lounge

Located at: Canopy Hilton Scottsdale Old Town

As Old Town's first new hotel in more than a decade (open since October 2020), Canopy Hilton is raising the bar. Literally. This rooftop pool, bar and lounge invites you to up to the hotel's seventh floor for handcrafted cocktails, local beers and posh plates — all set against breathtaking backdrops of the saturated Western sunsets, expansive vista of Camelback Mountain and glint of the Milky way’s shimmer in the clear night skies. 

7142 E. First St., Scottsdale
480-590-3864 

Tempe


 

Alibi

Located at: Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

Alibi is a whimsical oasis perched above downtown Tempe — the 14th floor of Canopy by Hilton to be more specific. This rooftop spot offers 180-degree panoramic with a tropical sanctuary that includes a pool, lounge seating, chic cabanas, retractable glass walls and tropical touches at every turn. Menu selections are inspired by tropical coasts from all around the world, so pair the poke bowl or the crispy kimchi and pineapple rice with a mai-tai (complete with tiki glass) and golden hour for the full effect.

108 E. University Drive, Tempe
602-612-7872 

 

Skysill Rooftop Lounge

Located at: The Westin Tempe

To reach the highest watering hole in the Greater Phoenix area, just head up to The Westin Tempe's 18th floor. This retreat offers sky-high views (on par with the neighboring peak of "A" mountain) perched with a heated infinity pool, Jacuzzi, daybeds, cabanas, a large video screen and a robust calendar of events. Savor your experience with selections from the rotating menu of craft cocktails and culinary creations from chef Alexander Robinson. 

11 E. Seventh St., Tempe
480-968-8885 

Chandler


 

Prime, A Shula’s Steak House

Located at: Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass

With the 2022 completion of the 11-story Sunrise tower (205 guest rooms) at Wild Horse Pass, comes this new fine-dining, rooftop experience. Take a ride up the glass elevator to the 11th floor — 150 feet above the desert landscape below — to Prime,  A Shula’s Steak House, where celebrity chef Demetrio Zavala serves up a fresh twist on classic steakhouse dishes. This concept, the first-of-its-kind in this part of Greater Phoenix, transforms into a cocktail bar called 11ven at Prime in the evenings.

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
520-796-1972