With over 300 days of sunshine and mild temperatures through most of the year, Arizona’s weather all but demands that you take your cocktail outside. Add in the kind of sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, and it becomes clear why rooftop lounges thrive here. The experience is elevated in more ways than one: great views, good drinks and comfortable outdoor seating year-round.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: THE BEST OF ARIZONA RESTAURANTS | LUXURY DINING & WINING, AZ STYLE
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
Perched 18 stories above Tempe at The Westin, Skysill Rooftop Lounge touts itself as the Valley’s highest open-air bar. By day, the space doubles as a rooftop pool and hot tub deck; by night, it shifts into a full lounge with curated cocktails and small plates. What makes Skysill a must-visit is that sweeping panoramic view of downtown Tempe and the surrounding Sonoran horizon. The bar has even earned recognition as “Best Rooftop Bar” by Phoenix New Times in both 2023 and 2024, which is no surprise. Their cocktail-forward menu borrows more from resort culture than traditional bar settings, with the drinks leaning creative without trying too hard. And the poolside atmosphere gives the whole experience a vacation feel, even if you’re just a few miles from home. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a special occasion or a regular Friday night, which explains why it has become a consistent favorite in the Phoenix metro area.
Floor 13
In the heart of downtown Phoenix, 13 floors above the city, Floor 13 Rooftop Bar sits above the street level hustle and bustle. Cinefiles may notice that the bar sits atop a historic building that appeared in the opening scene of Alfred Hitchcock’ss 1960 film Pyscho. The bar leans into thiis with nine crafted cocktails named after a Hitchcok film, giving the drink menu a playful edge.
The design is clean and modern, with fire pits, a sundeck and lounge seating that makes the skyline feel like part of the décor. In 2020, Floor 13 earned “Best Rooftop Bar” in the Phoenix New Times’ Best Of Phoenix awards. That early accolade helped put it on the map, but in recent years it remains regularly featured in local bar guides and is praised for its balance.
The height delivers sweeping views of downtown Phoenix, and the historical bones of the building create an atmosphere that newer developments can’t quite replicate.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: INSIDE SCOTTSDALE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SPEAKEASY: TELL YOUR FRIENDS IS THE UNDERGROUND LOUNGE EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Sitting atop of the Canopy Scottsdale hotel, Outrider Rooftop Lounge delivers unrivaled views of Camelback Mountain paired with an 360-degree panoramic view of Old Town, Scottsdale. But the appeal goes beyond the scenery.
Outrider functions as a true year-round venue with misters cooling guests during summer months and fire pits providing warmth when temperatures drop in winter. A chic pool with reservable cabanas adds a resort feel to the experience. The bar focuses on locally inspired cocktails like the Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita and the Camelback Spritz, while the food menu offers elevated shareables including Honey-Balsamic Glazed Pork Belly Queso Fundido and Turkey Chorizo Flatbread.
théa at The Global Ambassador
Atop the Global Ambassador Hotel, théa opens to the sky with sunsets and city lights as its backdrop. Named after the Greek goddess of light, the restaurant was created by restaurateur Sam Fox as a signature showpiece of his first luxury hotel. The space leans into its elevated perch with views that stretch west toward downtown Phoenix and east toward Camelback Mountain, framed by open air, dramatic sunsets, and a design that allows indoor-outdoor flow.
On the food front, théa’s menu is made for sharing. Mezze platters, flatbreads and skewers are joined by pastas and dips influenced by the sun-soaked Mediterranean. The cocktail program balances the familiar and the inventive, and the wine list includes one of the most expansive rosé collections in the country.
The space itself is generous: the rooftop covers approximately 18,000 square feet, with both indoor and outdoor seating, multiple bars and an event-friendly layout that makes théa a destination for regular dinner, twilight drinks and special occasions. An accolade worth noting: théa has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World.
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"*" indicates required fields
