Cowboy Bars and Saloons

An original stagecoach stop between Fort McDowell and Phoenix [1], Greasewood Flat (27375 N. Alma School Pkwy., 480/585-9430, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. daily) is a North Scottsdale [2] landmark, serving up cold beers and barbecue grub for years. The popular open-air bar is the perfect place to grab a drink and chat at the picnic tables with bikers, real-life cowboys, and well-to-do locals. Dance to live music under the stars on the weekend, or bundle up next to one of the campfires on cool evenings.

Hang your hat, along with the hundred others that dangle from the rafters, at Handlebar-J Restaurant and Saloon (7116 Becker Lane, 480/948-0110, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat., 5 p.m.–2 a.m. Sun.). The country-western bar offers live music every night, and its outdoor bar can’t be beat. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you can’t help but have a great time with the locals who pack the dance floor seven nights a week. Even Loretta Lynn and Lyle Lovett have been known to pop in. Handlebar-J offers country dance lessons Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights at 7 p.m.

“Scottsdale’s Oldest Saloon,” Rusty Spur Saloon (7245 E. Main St., 480/425-7787, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily) is a no-fuss option tucked into a former bank in Old Town [3]—the original vault now stores alcohol. There’s live entertainment every day, though it can quickly get crowded.