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Los Angeles

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Las Vegas

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Nashville

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United States

From The Rooftop

Check out the best rooftops to drink with a view this summer. 

Phoenix

Courtesy of Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen


Phoenix’s bars are rising to new heights. And no, we’re not speaking metaphorically. A shortlist of incredible rooftop bars have emerged over the course of the past year or so. With posh poolside hangouts, cabana-dotted sundecks, craft cocktail lists, epic sunset views, and of course, plenty of people watching opportunities, how could we be? Phoenix, these are the rooftop bars you need to know.&nbsp;

Make your way to the 14th floor of Downtown Tempe’s Canopy Hotel and you’ll discover Alibi Rooftop Lounge. The full-service rooftop bar and lounge is complete with shaded cabanas, lounge-style seating, a crystal blue pool, and an expansive wrap-around bar with the likes of Mules and Mai-Tais. It’s a vacation away from the everyday, and you don’t even have to leave town.

Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

Alibi Rooftop Lounge 

The Downtown Phoenix arts districts are growing. A myriad of restaurants, bars, and hotels are moving in at an expeditious pace. And that includes the modern, mural-clad Cambria Hotel. Located at the tippy-top of The Cambria is From the Rooftop, or FTR. This open-air hotspot provides picture-perfect views of the cityscape and surrounding mountains. There’s plenty of room to spread out on the comfy couches or at the bar. And the sunset views here are unparalleled.

Gilbert used to be a sleepy farm town. Not anymore. This <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/phoenix/suburbs-near-phoenix-to-visit" target="_blank">popular Phoenix suburb</a> is buzzing with restaurants, shops, and bars like Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen. Notably the first rooftop bar to open in the area, Sotol brings an assembly of agave spirits and an Arizona-inspired menu consisting of nopales fritas, housemade fry bread, and forkable desserts like Meyer lemon tarts to Downtown Gilbert. And we have to say, this spot makes for a pretty solid spot to catch an iconic Arizona sunset. Drink in hand, of course.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen

Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen

Have your brews, and views, too. Goldwater Brewing recently opened up their second story patio. The new space complements their taproom and street-level seating options. Consult the beer list where you’ll discover Goldwater’s own lineup of craft beers. Whether you’re into lagers, sours, or saisons, there’s undoubtedly something for every palate here. When in doubt, order a flight and taste through your bartender’s recommendations. &nbsp;

Courtesy of Goldwater Brewing Co.

Goldwater Brewing Co.

Get up close and personal with the city skyline at Floor 13 Rooftop Bar. This rooftop bar is at the center of it all. Really, it’s in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The spacious sundeck makes for a primo destination to snap a few golden hour selfies. And leave the superstitions at home because there’s certainly nothing unlucky about this thirteenth floor.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Floor 13 Rooftop Bar

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar 

If you’ve ever wanted to match your cocktail with an orange-hued sunset, Outrider Rooftop Lounge is here to make that very specific dream come true. With a lineup of handcrafted cocktails and shareable plates (hello, honey-glazed pork belly with queso fundido!), this Old Town Scottsdale rooftop bar sets the scene for serious hangs and sunset-watching. And really, what more could you ask for?

Courtesy of Canopy Scottsdale

Outrider Rooftop Lounge

The extensive craft beer selection and 360-glimpses of Historic Downtown Chandler are pretty great. But it’s not the drink list or views that make this East Valley rooftop bar so unique. It’s the wildlife. The Perch’s tree-lined gardenesque patio is home to more than 50 rescued tropical birds. Make friends with the birds at brunch between bites of chorizo hash and consult that beer list, where you’ll find house-brewed wheat beers, blondes, sours, ales, and IPAs, to wash it all down.&nbsp;

Courtesy of The Perch Brewery 

The Perch Pub & Brewery

This elevated hangout at Downtown Phoenix’s Hotel Palomar checks all the boxes when it comes to rooftop bars. Panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains? Check. Snackable bites? Check. Open air bar? Check. Cabanas, shaded lounge chairs, and a wading pool? Absolutely. Lustre also has an unmissable weekday happy hour and the outdoor lounge hosts experiences like live shows and pool parties on the reg.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Lustre Rooftop Bar 

Lustre Rooftop Bar

This Old Town karaoke bar has been around since the early '70s. Ready to take the mic? Get yourself some liquid courage and add your name to the karaoke list. If not, you can always hit the rooftop for a round of beers where you can watch the comings-and-goings down below.

Courtesy of The Grapevine Restaurant & Bar

The Grapevine

This poolside hotspot at The W Hotel is the essential summer hangout for the trendy crowd. The open-air bar slings booze-drenched sippers. And if you really want to flex, you can always opt for bottle service. The weekend scene is known to get wild and you can expect a high-energy day club atmosphere. Looking for chill experience? Sign-up for rooftop yoga class or quiet your mind with a zen poolside meditation.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Shade Lounge 

Shade Lounge 

Lauren Topor Reichert is a Phoenix-based multimedia storyteller, photographer, content creator, and a big fan of drinking on rooftops. Her work has been featured in travel guides, national publications, and the social feeds of some stellar local restaurants. Follow her around Arizona, and beyond, on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hungryinphoenix/" target="_blank">@hungryinphoenix</a>.

Bars

The Absolute Best Rooftop Bars in Phoenix

Best Rooftop Bars in Phoenix: Where to Drink With a View This Summer

Phoenix’s bars are rising to new heights.

From The Rooftop

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The Absolute Best Rooftop Bars in Phoenix

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