Scottsdale Nightlife

Scottsdale nightlife may not equal Vegas or L.A., but the city more than holds its own when it comes to fashionable nightclubs pulsating with high-energy dance music and hordes of late-night partygoers. On any given weekend night in Old Town Scottsdale, dozens of nightclubs packed into a few downtown city blocks overflow with tourists, college students from nearby Arizona State University, and the city's beautiful people looking to dance (and drink) the night away in the desert.

One New York Times travel writer memorably compared the Scottsdale scene to a desert version of Miami's South Beach, and we have to agree. Forget visions of golf courses and snowbird retirees in bolo ties: the new Scottsdale is about Armani-clad clubbers, local celebrities, and the occasional Hollywood tabloid star gliding past the velvet ropes to occupy the cities ample VIP seating.

Even if you don't come to town for the nightlife, the roster of Scottsdale nightclubs is diverse enough to suit almost every taste, and even the most unenthused clubber in your group should be more than entertained by the excellent people-watching.

Our number one pick is Martini Ranch, not because it's the most modern or exclusive nightclub in Scottsdale (it's not), but because it's a local landmark with a fabulous layout, lively yet down-to-earth atmosphere, and great drinks and bar staff. Live music is on the lower floor, while the Shaker Room upstairs features a roomy dance floor, full bar, and VIP seating.

For those planning to hit the dance floor hard, Axis/Radius remains a top draw and an obvious choice for our Top 10 list, especially if you want a taste of classic Scottsdale club life on Camelback Road. This well-established Scottsdale nightclub is actually two clubs-in-one, which are divided and connected by a glass catwalk. The Axis DJs spin hip-hop, while the Radius side favors house and techno beats, but everyone seems to favor the go-go dancer who stands atop a giant platform outside the entrance, welcoming clubbers to this fortress of loud music and pricey drinks.

Just down the street is the Pussycat Lounge, which makes our Top 10 list for embodying the exclusive mood of the modern Scottsdale club scene. The ultra-modern "PCL" sign on the non-descript gray building on Saddlebag Trail, just off Camelback, marks the spot. Inside you'll find a tiny dance floor surrounded by VIP-only seating, a swing and stripper poles, and bar so crowded it may require all your finesse and athleticism to retrieve your drink without incident.

Martini Ranch

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7295 East Stetson Drive

Live music, dancing, and patio relaxing...
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Crown Room

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7419 East Indian Plaza

Dark, swanky lounge and nightclub...
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Pussycat Lounge

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4426 North Saddlebag Trail

Loud music, stiff drinks, great people-watching...
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White House

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4225 North Craftsman Court

High-energy restaurant and nightclub in Old Town...
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Jackrabbit Lounge

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4280 North Drinkwater Boulevard

Live acts nightly at this Scottsdale hotspot...
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Revolver Lounge

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7316 East Stetson Drive

Retro chic lounge in Old Town...
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Dirty Pretty Rock Bar

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7443 East 6th Avenue

Live music, dancing, and generous pours...
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Suede Restaurant and Lounge

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7333 East Indian Plaza

Stylish Euro-Asian lounge...
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Myst

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7340 East Shoeman Lane

Bodies on the dance floor...
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Axis/Radius

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7340 East Indian Plaza
2 blocks east of Scottsdale Rd. and 1 block south of Camelback Rd

Two clubs in one...
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Sapporo

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14344 North Scottsdale Road

Tepanyaki and More...
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Vino Lounge @ Tapino

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7000 E Shea Blvd Ste 1010

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Venue Of Scottsdale

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7117 East 3rd Avenue

Four Seasons Under One Roof...
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Armitage Wine Bar Lounge & Cafe

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20751 North Pima Road
Suite 120

Casual & Contemporary Dining...
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Ernie's Inn

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10443 North Scottsdale Road
(southeast Corner of Shea & Scottsdale)

Two great places in one...
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The Phoenician Resort

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6000 E Camelback Rd

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AZ88

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7353 East Scottsdale Mall

Prestigious Scottsdale Location...
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Mickey's Hangover Lounge

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4312 North Brown Avenue
(Cross Street: Drinkwater Boulevard)

Hung Over Mickey's...
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The Cheesecake Factory

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15230 North Scottsdale Road
(Kierland Commons)

High energy restaurant...
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Village Tavern

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8787 N Scottsdale Rd

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