Some are all about the view. They feature multiple viewing decks pointed toward the sunset or nearby mountains. The railings that keep customers safe are made of sturdy glass so the vista is undisrupted. And the fact that they have drinks, and sometimes food, is a bonus.
Then there are those that focus on the food and drinks, with creative menus and destination-worthy eats, that just so happen to be on a rooftop. These are the spots where you'll want to make an early dinner reservation before you relocate to a view-focused patio to watch the sun go down.
The wonderful thing about both types of rooftop bars is they all celebrate the Arizona sunshine, provide some instant distance from the busy city streets, and make any weekend feel like a luxury. Here are the 10 best rooftop bars in metro Phoenix.
Alibi
108 E. University Drive, Tempe
As far as hotel bars go, Alibi sweeps others off their feet. Adorning the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown hotel, this high-flying rooftop bar looks southeast across the Valley, offering views of Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains in the distance. The menu pulls from many different inspirations to provide a variety of bites perfect for enjoying outside. A selection of flatbreads are built for pairing with refreshing cocktails. A classic prickly pear margarita gets a modern twist in the El Jefe, which is made with smoky mezcal and a hint of spice. Or pretend you're at the spa with the White Linen, a gin, elderflower and cucumber tipple. There is also a large selection of beer and wine to sip indoors or out, as this rooftop bar includes a covered, indoor section, so customers can enjoy the view even when the wind picks up.Diablo From the Rooftop
222 E. Portland St.The streets that make up downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row Arts District are packed with restaurants, bars, murals and buzzy patios. If you want to get above it all and take in the sights with less of a crowd, head to Diablo From the Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the top of the Cambria Hotel on Portland Street. This large space offers a great bird's-eye view of the popular district along with a look at the lush green of the nearby Margaret T. Hance Park and the mountains in the distance. A central reflection pool bounces the sunset light as customers sip fruity and refreshing cocktails. Or stop in for dinner and peruse the menu of tacos, quesadillas, burgers, salads and more. After the sun sets and the city begins to sparkle below, a live DJ gets the party started on the dancefloor.Eden
2 E. Jefferson St.
Located on the third floor of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Eden isn't really about the view. While you can peek over the high metal railings to catch a glimpse of the Suns arena across the street, or peer through walls of trellis and cactus-filled planters to see the city streets below, Eden feels more like an oasis away from the buzz of downtown. And the focus here really is on the food. Head up the elevator or take a few flights of stairs up to the patio and shuffle past families playing in the pool to a seat at the bar or a low table surrounded by soft lounge chairs. Cocktails sweeten the deal, and many are creative creations unique to this spot. For something unusual, try the Eastern Medicine which is made with rum infused with turmeric or the From Oaxaca with Love, which blends mezcal, tequila and the flavors of mole. The food menu celebrates Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Be sure to try the rich lamb meatballs served with tomatillo salsa, bistered tomatoes and feta cheese. These warm, savory bites will make you forget about the view and focus your attention squarely on the table before you.
Floor 13
15 E. Monroe St.
At Floor 13, the top level of the historic Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown, the focus undeniably is on the scenery. This little bar is mostly a viewing deck with a cocktail list. Customers can sip and stare out at the downtown Phoenix skyline, peek into the office buildings and wonder what it must be like to live in one of the penthouse apartments that rise above the historic hotel. One cool aspect of the bar is the chance to see the roof of the 1930s Art Deco building. The thick concrete walls have castelike tops that make up the boundaries of the bar, surrounding a patio of tables and lounge areas complete with string lights and gas heaters. Up here, you are in the elements, so be prepared to feel the sun and the wind. The menu includes small bites to share such as sliders and a charcuterie board, along with strong cocktails.
For a spot to sip cocktails in the sunshine with excellent views, Outrider is tough to beat.
Tirion Boan
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
7142 E. First St., Scottsdale
After a day of exploring Old Town Scottsdale's shops and art galleries, head above the city streets to Outrider. Located atop Canopy By Hilton Old Town Scottsdale, this modern and trendy space is an L-shaped lounge that runs along the north and west sides of the building. Bartenders mix tropical drinks in a small indoor bar that fades out slowly with a covered patio space eventually giving way to a sun-drenched deck perfect for soaking in some rays. The view's focal point is Camelback Mountain, but make sure to walk around a little and look for the orange bubble-shaped buttes of Papago Park and catch a glimpse of the Superstitions beyond the pool. There's not a bad seat in the house, but a lounge chair in the sun right next to the glass-lined edge is hard to beat — cocktail in hand, of course. Just visiting? Get in the Arizona spirit with a spicy prickly pear margarita or try the Sonoran Sunset which mixes Tucson's Whiskey Del Bac with Aperol, lemon and mango. 
The rooftop at Pedal Haus Brewery in downtown Phoenix is a great spot to get above the crowds and enjoy some pub food.
Pedal Haus
Pedal Haus Brewery
214 E. Roosevelt St., #4
The Perch Brewery
232 S. Wall St., Chandler
The Perch is definitely one of the more unusual locations on this list, taking tropical to another level. The Chandler brewery's name is reflective of both the rooftop bar, which overlooks the downstairs restaurant and patio, and also the stances of the many tropical birds that inhabit the property. The owners of The Perch rescue parrots, parakeets, cockatoos and macaws in need of a loving home. The chatty and curious creatures flutter around in their aviary while customers sip on craft beer and nosh on classic pub grub. Weekday lunch specials, weekend brunch and an ever-rotating lineup of brews bring crowds back to see their feathered friends. Say "hi" to cockatoo Jazz and Bogey the macaw before heading upstairs to catch a sunset and listen to nightly live music from this unique rooftop destination.
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
11 E. Seventh St., Tempe
Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen
313 N. Gilbert Road, #301, GilbertAbove the often raucous weekend fray in downtown Gilbert is the elevated oasis Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen. The bar sits on the third floor of Building 313 on Gilbert Road, above Prep and Pastry. Although there are two large signs at the top of the building advertising Sotol, passers-by may more likely notice the sandwich board promising cocktails next to a door that leads to an elevator and stairs. Once upstairs, you’ll find an intimate space that is split between the indoors and out, with a bar at the center. On the patio, past a row of booths, the seating pivots to look outward at the view of the Gilbert water tower. Golden hour is a draw for pictures best paired with a Desert Daiquiri, which gets its sunset hue from prickly pear. Stick around after the sun goes down to watch the bustle below and bop to music from a live band.
Upstairs at Flint's hummus begs the question, why isn't hummus always adorned by a soft, savory hunk of beef?
Tirion Boan
