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ROGUE BAR
This divey rock ‘n’ roll bar is a much-needed unpretentious alternative to the always-on-trend Scottsdale nightlife scene. Local bands and DJs frequent the place, playing everything from eclectic rock and metal to punk and French pop. 423 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-947-3580, www.theroguebar.com
AZ/88
If you like to drink somewhere that’s as hip as you are (or want to be), this is the spot. Well-placed large mirrors, neon-lighted bathrooms, and a secreted-away DJ booth overlooking the patrons lend an upscale minimalist urban vibe to this open, airy space. The cocktails are outstanding. 7353 Scottsdale Mall, 480-994-5576, www.az88.com
AXIS/RADIUS
Why go to one dance club when you can have two-in-one? Axis, which plays pop and R&B hits, is joined by a glass catwalk to Radius, the more Euro-style club with house, techno, trance, and live performances. That equals two DJs, two dance floors, two bars, and a whole lot of people-watching. 7340 E. Indian Plaza, 480-970-1112, www.axis-radius.com
OLD TOWN WHISKEY
Is whiskey your poison of choice? If so, don’t drink anywhere else in Scottsdale. Not only is there a bona fide Whiskey Professor mixing original whiskey cocktails behind the bar, but you can learn while you drink at the monthly Whiskey School tasting classes. Be sure to end your Saturday here in order to take advantage of the free Midnight Feast. 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., 480-970-4444, www.jdvhotels.com
KAZIMIERZ
Feel naughty, 1920s-style, by ducking into Kazimierz World Wine Bar, Old Town’s speakeasy. Stone walls, plush seating, and a dark atmosphere shimmering with candlelight will make you feel like you stumbled on a hidden wine cellar. And this one has more than 200 wines to sip while listening to live jazz music and snacking on Egyptian flatbread pizzas and indulgent desserts. 7137 E. Stetson Drive, 480-946-3004, www.kazbar.net
ZUZU LOUNGE
Part of Hotel Valley Ho’s restaurant Café Zuzu, the lounge offers a “Cool Redux” happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Every Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. there’s a tasting of a new signature drink from Zuzu’s expert mixologists, and wines and drinks are on special all night. 6850 E. Main St., 480-421-7997, www.hotelvalleyho.com
THE MINT
This restaurant/ultra-lounge draws in a wide variety of people, whether it’s for Johnny Chu’s pan-Asian food, the party atmosphere — complete with crystal chandelier and interactive LED cube — or just to check out who else is there. Don’t miss The Piggy Bank, a cocktail of shochu, pressed watermelon, and lime juice. 7373 E. Camelback Road, 480-947-6468, www.themintaz.com
