Up on the Roof

Wine, dine, and play amidst expansive vistas

BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Some of the most stunning things about the Valley of the Sun are its scenery—soaring mountains, majestic palm trees, lush golf courses, blue skies during the day, and stunning sunsets at night. Mix that with delicious food and unique drinks for an experience that rises to new heights.

UPSTAIRS AT FLINT

This open-air rooftop cocktail lounge, located across from Biltmore Fashion Park, offers both sweeping city and mountain views in a sophisticated, yet laid-back setting. Grab a seat and relax with a craft cocktail or a beer, and food options such as a burger, artichoke spread, or burrata. Closed Sunday and Monday. 2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; www.flintbybaltaire.com

SKYSILL ROOFTOP LOUNGE

The highest rooftop open-air bar in town, Skysill is located atop the 18th floor of the new The Westin Tempe in the heart of Tempe’s downtown district. Open to all, the locale not only features panoramic views of the area, but features a pool, Jacuzzi, daybeds, private cabanas, an expansive video screen wall, and a well-curated menu of shareable plates and craft cocktails. There

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: At Upstairs at FLINT, enjoy views of both Biltmore Fashion Park and the Valley; Prime, A Shula's Steak House, showcases views of the Estrella Mountains; and at Don Woods' Say When, enjoy a drink such as this one while taking in the Phoenix skyline.

is live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-8 p.m., and a number of various events. 11 E. Seventh St., Tempe; www.skysillrooftop.com

DON WOODS’ SAY WHEN

Don Woods’ Say When is a unique rooftop space with an intimate indoor bar and a large open-air patio with fire pits, lounge seating, and expansive views of the Phoenix skyline and Camelback Mountain. The design of the entire penthouse floor is straight out of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Here, guests can indulge with smart, freshly prepared hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while taking in the 270-degree views of Phoenix’s growing skyline, and the city's breathtaking sunsets. 400 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix; https://riseuptownhotel.com

OUTRIDER ROOFTOP LOUNGE

In the summer of 2021, Canopy by Hilton Old Town Scottsdale became the first hotel to open in Old Town Scottsdale in over a decade. In the months since, both its restaurant, Cobre Kitchen & Cocktails, and its rooftop lounge—Outrider Rooftop Lounge— have become popular destinations. At Outrider, which is perched atop the seventh floor, find a sophisticated, laid-back ambiance with stunning views of the iconic Camelback Mountain. Dine on posh plates, and sip innovative, locally inspired cocktails while

enjoying the 180-degree panoramic views. There is also a rooftop pool and chic cabanas that have direct access to Outrider. 7142 E. 1st St., Scottsdale; www.hilton.com

FLOOR 13 ROOFTOP BAR

Located on the roof of the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown, this modern, hip locale was rated the #1 Rooftop Bar in Phoenix by The Rooftop Guide. It features a spacious sundeck area, breathtaking views of the Phoenix skyline, chaise lounges, a fire pit, and a variety of beverages (pair them with one of the available light bites). 15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix; www.floor13rooftopbar.com

WET DECK/COTTONTAIL LOUNGE

At the W Scottsdale hotel, on the rooftop WET Deck, find a pool, private cabanas, VIP tables, daybeds, lounge chairs, and a bar. There are often events held in the space, including fitness offerings ranging from Pilates to high intensity workouts, and the pool becomes a 21+ space only from Friday to Sunday, with WET Weekend parties being held from noon-6 p.m. In an exclusive corner of WET Deck, with sweeping pool views, shaded outdoor seating, and a refined atmosphere, relax at Cottontail Lounge, which offers a mix of rooftop bar-lounge-club vibe. 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.marriott.com; www.cottontaillounge.com

LUSTRE BAR

The third-floor rooftop pool and bar at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is a great spot to grab a drink, step foot in the rooftop pool, and enjoy the sweeping views of Downtown Phoenix. Here, find a sun deck, private cabanas, plush seating, and dining and drink options from the resort’s signature Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant. 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix; www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

Enjoy mountain views at Outrider Rooftop Lounge; at Skysill Rooftop Lounge, menu items include this Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich; Lustre Bar features views of Downtown Phoenix.

FROM TOP: HOTO BY CODY WEAVER; COURTESY KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR PHOENIX

ORANGE SKY/ORANGE SKY LOUNGE

On the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort (which is also the home of a large casino and offers a variety of entertainment options) is Orange Sky restaurant and Orange Sky Lounge. At the restaurant, choose from a menu of top-notch steaks and seafood—as well as an extensive specialty cocktail list—while taking in the 360-degree views of Scottsdale and the Valley. The lounge area offers a world-class list of regional and reserve wines, as well as entertainment. Orange Sky has been awarded a Wine Spectator’s award every year since 2011. 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale; www.talkingstickresort.com

PRIME, A SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE/11VEN AT PRIME

Gila River Resorts & Casinos recently celebrated the grand opening of its $180 million Wild Horse Pass expansion, which included its rooftop restaurant, Prime, a Shula’s Steak House. Here, on the 11th floor, and with views of the Estrella Mountains, enjoy a fresh twist on classic steakhouse dishes, crafted by celebrity chef Demetrio Zavala. Menu options range from steaks to Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and Pan-Seared Scallops. After dinner, step outside for views and cocktails at Prime’s hip lounge, 11ven at Prime. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler; www.playatgila.com

ALIBI TEMPE

Head to the top of the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown—the 14th floor, to be exact—for Alibi Tempe, a whimsical rooftop bar and restaurant with a tropical vibe. The restaurant features dining options inspired by tropical coasts from around the world, ranging from Roasted Pork Empanadas to a Curried Eggplant Torta. The specialty cocktails embrace the fun vibe, with names such as Adios Beaches and Garden Party. The indoor/outdoor rooftop includes shaded cabanas and lounge-style seating, a pool, and expansive views of Tempe and beyond. 108 E. University Drive, Tempe; www.alibitempe.com