Although the Scottsdale happy hour scene is crowded and always in flux, here are four stand-out restaurants and bars where you can always find a good time.
Cafe Zuzu. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm at this hip cafe and bar, located at the mid-century chic Hotel Valley Ho. Not only are the handcrafted cocktails something write home about, the happy hour appetizers are outstanding. Try the grilled cheese with tomato soup, featuring fontina cheese melted to perfection on sourdough bread. Hungry? Try the Mini Pork Shanks, or the Prime Rib Dip, which will leave you licking your fingers and asking for more. The happy hour drink selection includes wine by the glass, beer specials, and discounts on the house specialty cocktails. For a refreshing way to cap off your day, try the Pomegranate Fizz, Smirnoff vodka with pomegranate juice and sparkling wine.
Try the Ricky Ricardo at Scottsdale's hip Cafe Zuzu, a handcrafted cocktail made with cherry vodka, ginger ale, and fresh-squeezed lime. — Photo courtesy of Cafe Zuzu
5th and Wine. This wine bar/restaurant is an Old Town Scottsdale favorite. Come by for the popular Happy Hour, which happens from 3pm-6pm every Monday through Friday. Don't be fooled by the wine bar atmosphere: 5th and Wine is also one of the best restaurants in Old Town. Sample the great Happy Hour fare, which includes prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks, spicy chicken drumettes, crispy french fries, caesar salad, and the signature bruschetta, prepared with a variety of different gourmet toppings. Drink specials include $4 draft beer and well drinks and $5 wine by the glass. The atmosphere here is lively, friendly, and warm, making this a great place for a fun and low-key happy hour with friends.
Loco Patron. One of the best Mexican restaurant happy hours in Scottsdale is at Loco Patron, a popular gathering spot for those craving delicious Mexican food and drinks. The patio is always hopping during happy hour, which happens daily from 3pm-7pm. Drink specials include $3 domestic and Mexican beers, $5 classic Margaritas, $3 KamiKazi shots, $3 glass of wine, $5 Skinny Margaritas, and $10 for the restaurant's famous Jumbo Margarita. Margarita aficionados will want to try the restaurant's signature flavors, which include Mango, Chambord, Strawberry, Cactus Pear, Peach, Wild Berry and Pomegranate.
The Pink Wine Cooler, made with pink wine, fresh strawberry purée, Domaine de Canton Ginger liqueur, Angostura Bitters, and a little 7up, is a happy hour specialty at Culinary Droput in Scottsdale. — Photo courtesy of Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout. This hip new gastropub offers one of the swankiest happy hours in town, every Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm. Foodies will want to flock to Culinary Dropout just to sample the happy hour menu, which features gourmet cheeses such as Dolce Gorgonzola and Manchego, along with hard-to-find meats like Capicola (a mild spice, cured pork) and Prosciutto di San Daniele (salted pork imported from Italy). Other happy hour snacks include cured olives, marcona almonds, crusty bread with olive oil, pretzels served with provolone fondue, and the delicious house french fries. Drink specials include $3 mug beers and $4 well cocktails. There is live music several nights a week on the outdoor patio.
