Readers react to memories of Scottsdale's most legendary nightclubs

Scottsdale spots like Martini Ranch, The Works and Axis-Radius are the stuff of local nightlife legend. Just ask any longtime Valley residents who spent countless evenings dancing, drinking, or socializing at these now-defunct bars and clubs in the ‘90s and 2000s.

Scottsdale's nightlife scene has also been home to other iconic spots over the decades: Swanky ultra-lounges such as Suede and SIX. Day-drinking havens like the original Dos Gringos and dance joints like Buzz: The Original Funbar and Sanctuary (later Myst). And concert hubs like The Rogue Bar or Cajun House.

Each of these bars and clubs ultimately closed down, often falling victim to progress, financial troubles or the ever-changing whims of Scottsdale’s entertainment district. Yet vivid memories of these beloved nightspots remain in the minds of locals.

Last month, we published a nostalgic look back at Scottsdale’s most iconic nightspots and readers responded. The retrospective trended on the Phoenix New Times website for several days and a pair of Facebook posts about Scottsdale nightlife nabbed 785 reactions and 273 comments.  Many readers, including Jennie, shared memories of spending unforgettable nights at various Scottsdale clubs back in the day:

I remember Martini Ranch in the days of Rock Lobster, Gilligan's on Witchcraft Wednesdays, Dos (Gringos), and Voodoo Lounge. That was in my 20s.

Shaunz frequented multiple Scottsdale nightspots, though his memories may be a bit fuzzy:

Suede ... Axis Radius ... E4 ... Martini Ranch many many blurry nights spent there.

Jessica recalled a life-changing experience at Martini Ranch:

I met my husband on a blind date at Martini Ranch!

Not every memory of Martini Ranch is pleasant, as Julie can attest:

I broke my foot twice at Martini Ranch during Metalhead days.

Mike loved the Cajun House and the many concerts it hosted:

Cajun House had some pretty good shows back in the day ... Jimmy Eat World, Mike Ness, Reverend Horton Heat, Joe Strummer, Cheap Trick.

Meanwhile, Eric was more of a fan of the original Dos Gringos

Dos Gringos on Craftsman Court will always be my favorite old town bar. The staff, the bar layout, and the clientele. Many happy memories from that place.

Meanwhile, Danny could only afford to go to Sugar Daddy’s

It was all about sugar daddy’s that was the spot. That’s were us broke folk went

Adam has cherished memories of The Atomic Cafe and its late owner, Randall Goodwin:

I painted the black light murals with my buddies Antonio and Greg at Atomic Cafe and threw a few events over time there. RIP Randall

Back in the day, you could find Daniel at after-hours spot Mickey’s Hangover:

Mickey’s Hangover was the shit. Grab a bucket of beers at last call and you were set!

Kris spent many a blissful evening at multiple Scottsdale nightspots:

Omg. The Works was our early club days, that place was always fun. So many good times at Barcelona. Sanctuary, Six, Martini Ranch … Mickey's was always fun after hours. Does anyone remember Insomnia? They didn't even serve liquor, everyone showed up already drunk or on X.

Kimberly was a fan of The Works during its run from 1992 to 1997:

what memories. We used to love The Works....

You could also find Jackie on the dance floor and catwalks of The Works:

I remember the ole days of being young & free. All of these were great but..The Works - I was def a regular there- it got crazy!

Shelly remembers celebrating a big occasion at the legendary double-sided Scottsdale club Axis-Radius:

Had my 21st at Axis-Radius. It was great (and loud) and we had a blast!

Jesse has memories of working at Scottsdale clubs, but isn’t dropping dime:

20 years in the hospitality industry, boy do I have some stories…

Ditto for Samantha:

All these clubs are bringing back so many fun crazy nigts and stories lol...

Liz enjoyed the nostalgia hit she got from our retrospective:

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.