Best Happy Hour Scottsdale Guide to Food, Drinks, and Deals
Best Happy Hour: Enjoy Food, Drinks, and Fun for Less—this is the vibe that defines the best happy hour Scottsdale experience. The city offers a perfect mix of casual and upscale venues where you can relax after work or kick off a fun night out. With stunning patios, creative drinks, and appetizing snacks, happy hour here is more than a discount—it’s a social event. This guide explores everything from restaurant details and owners to menus, locations, timings, and reviews, so you can pick your next spot with confidence.
Restaurant Information and Owner Details
The best happy hour Scottsdale restaurants are run by talented chefs and creative owners who know how to make a drink-and-dine experience memorable.
Citizen Public House — Founded by chef Bernie Kantak, this gastropub is known for its inventive cocktails, like the fig-infused Old Fashioned, and elevated comfort food.
Diego Pops — Owned by Riley Jones, Diego Pops serves a quirky mix of Mexican street food and modern flavors, all in a lively, colorful space.
Hula’s Modern Tiki — Created by Malia and Chris Osborn, this restaurant brings tropical island vibes to the desert, offering both strong rum cocktails and seafood bites.
Fat Ox — Led by chef Matt Carter, Fat Ox focuses on refined Italian dishes and a classy happy hour with premium cocktails.
True Food Kitchen — Backed by wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil, it offers a healthy twist on happy hour.
Culinary Dropout — A creation of Sam Fox, known for its laid-back energy and live music.
Locations Across the USA
While Scottsdale’s main happy hour hotspots are concentrated in Arizona, some restaurants like True Food Kitchen and Culinary Dropout have locations across the USA. This makes their style of happy hour accessible even outside Arizona.
| Restaurant Name | Scottsdale Location | Other USA Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen Public House | 7111 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ | No |
| Diego Pops | 4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ | No |
| Hula’s Modern Tiki | 7213 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
| Fat Ox | 6316 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ | No |
| True Food Kitchen | 15191 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ | Multiple states |
| Culinary Dropout | 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ | Multiple states |
Google Reviews from People
Customer feedback plays a big role in choosing the best happy hour Scottsdale options. Based on Google reviews:
- Citizen Public House holds a 4.7-star rating. Guests love the inventive cocktails and creative bar snacks.
- Diego Pops is rated 4.6 stars, praised for its upbeat patio and unique nacho plates.
- Hula’s Modern Tiki maintains a 4.5-star rating, appreciated for tropical drinks and lively décor.
- Fat Ox scores 4.6 stars, noted for a refined yet relaxed experience.
- True Food Kitchen holds a 4.4-star rating, attracting health-conscious diners who still want happy hour fun.
- Culinary Dropout has a 4.5-star rating, popular for its casual, music-filled atmosphere.
Complete Menu of Best Happy Hour Scottsdale
Each restaurant offers its own menu style, so we’ve broken them into separate tables for clarity. Prices are based on current offerings and may vary.
Citizen Public House Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Fat Popcorn | $6 | Savory popcorn with smoky bacon flavor |
| Green Chili Crunch Wings | $10 | Spicy, crispy chicken wings |
| House Red/White Wine | $8 | Selection of rotating wines |
| Craft Cocktails | $10 | Creative mixes from the bar |
Diego Pops Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprout Nachos | $9 | Nachos with Brussels sprouts and cheese |
| Street Corn Queso | $7 | Queso dip with roasted corn |
| Draft Beers | $5 | Local and imported beers |
| Margaritas | $6 | Fresh lime and tequila blend |
Hula’s Modern Tiki Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Shrimp | $8 | Crispy shrimp with sweet chili sauce |
| Mai Tai | $8 | Rum, fruit juice, and tropical flavors |
| Island Poke | $10 | Fresh ahi tuna with sesame dressing |
| House Wine | $6 | Red or white wine |
Fat Ox Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Meatballs | $9 | Tender meatballs with marinara |
| Negroni | $12 | Gin, vermouth, Campari |
| Prosecco Glass | $9 | Sparkling Italian wine |
| Bruschetta Trio | $10 | Variety of toppings on toasted bread |
True Food Kitchen Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame Dumplings | $5 | Steamed dumplings with sesame sauce |
| Citrus Skinny Margarita | $6 | Low-calorie tequila cocktail |
| Hummus Plate | $5 | Served with pita bread |
| Local Draft Beer | $5 | Rotating craft selection |
Culinary Dropout Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pretzel Fondue | $5 | Soft pretzels with cheese sauce |
| Brisket Quesadilla | $9 | Slow-cooked brisket in a cheesy tortilla |
| Well Drinks | $5 | Basic mixed drinks |
| House Wine | $6 | Selection of red and white wines |
Opening and Closing Times
| Restaurant | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen Public House | 4:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Diego Pops | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Hula’s Modern Tiki | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Fat Ox | 4:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
| True Food Kitchen | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Culinary Dropout | 11:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
Delivery Timings
| Restaurant | Delivery Start | Delivery End |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen Public House | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Diego Pops | 11:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Hula’s Modern Tiki | 11:30 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Fat Ox | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| True Food Kitchen | 11:30 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Culinary Dropout | 12:00 PM | 10:30 PM |
Why Scottsdale’s Happy Hour Scene Stands Out
The best happy hour Scottsdale locations combine atmosphere, flavor, and affordability. You can enjoy sunny patios in winter, tropical cocktails that feel like vacation, and chef-driven bites that taste far beyond their price. Many places run happy hour daily, which means you can explore a new spot every evening.
Midway through your culinary adventure, you might even crave something sweet—Happy Hour Donuts: A Sweet Delight for Every Hour—a dessert trend appearing in select Scottsdale bars. While not as common as savory snacks, these treats bring a playful twist to the table.
Customer Experience and Tips
Locals say the best strategy for enjoying the best happy hour Scottsdale is to arrive early to get a prime patio seat. Weekends tend to fill up fast, especially in Old Town. Pair your drinks with house specials rather than sticking to the basic menu, and don’t be afraid to ask servers about off-menu happy hour items.
If you’re visiting Scottsdale for the first time, exploring multiple happy hour spots in one evening is a fun way to experience different ambiances. Start at an upscale place like Fat Ox for a refined cocktail, then head to Diego Pops for a laid-back beer and nachos.
Atmosphere and Seasonal Events
What makes the best happy hour Scottsdale shine is the atmosphere. In winter, outdoor seating with heaters is popular. Summer brings shaded patios and frozen drinks. Some venues host themed happy hours—like tiki nights or Italian wine tastings—that add an extra layer of fun.
Seasonal events also impact happy hour menus. Around the holidays, Fat Ox offers spiced cocktails, while Diego Pops introduces limited-edition tacos.
Signature Drinks to Try
If you want to taste what makes Scottsdale special, try these:
- Fig Old Fashioned at Citizen Public House
- Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita at Diego Pops
- Classic Mai Tai at Hula’s Modern Tiki
- Negroni at Fat Ox
- Skinny Citrus Margarita at True Food Kitchen
- Spiked Lemonade at Culinary Dropout
Conclusion
The best happy hour Scottsdale is more than just discounted food and drinks—it’s a celebration of flavor, community, and relaxation. From chef-driven restaurants to casual patios, Scottsdale’s happy hour offerings cater to every mood and taste. Whether you’re a local looking for a new hangout or a visitor eager to taste the city, the variety here ensures you’ll never be short of options. Next time you want to unwind with friends, explore one of these standout spots and discover why Scottsdale is becoming a happy hour capital in Arizona.
