Some might think that sunset over the Sonoran Desert signals the end of the day in Scottsdale. On the contrary! The onset of evening signals denizens of the desert, and wildlife of a more sophisticated nature, to embark upon evening festivities. In area bars, restaurants and clubs, nocturnal diversions ranging from hip clubs serving up progressive dance to salsa mix it up with other venues offering upscale downtime in cozy wine bars and bistros. In downtown Scottsdale alone, there are more than 30 nightspots, most of which are within walking distance of each other.

Along with so many other aspects of the city, entertainment options are becoming increasingly diverse as a new wave of haute spots strike a chord with visitors and locals alike. There are the sleek and showy clubs of Scottsdale Road, the hip hangouts conveniently clustered on East Indian Plaza and the hidden b�ites on Stetson Drive. The one constant, however, is that no matter how one prefers their evenings served � chilled or hot � Scottsdale delivers. Spirits of the Night Suiting Scottsdale's sophisticated side to a �T,� a new breed of bars and wine bars have sprung up like night-blooming flowers, creating hip havens where cognoscenti go to sip and chat. Cool sounds from acid jazz to ambient grooves set the mood where renewed emphasis is placed on the art of the cocktail and the merits of an appellation. Kazimierz World Wine Bar, also known affectionately by locals as the �Kazbar,� deftly mixes Old World character with a trend-setting vibe. Somewhat hidden by an obscure back entry on Stetson Drive (making its discovery all the more exciting), Kazbar allows patrons a chance to step into an environment that begs to be called Continental, but treats guests to a wine list that is truly global in dimension (20 countries at last count). For those into lounge culture, SIX has their number. Velvet furniture, cocktail tables positioned to maximize chat (and we are not talking computers here either) and a very happening happy hour draw a savvy crowd. Don't forget to try out the tapas! Smooth operators also will feel at home at Suede, another must-hang for the cocktail set. A slim, sophisticated menu; a backroom featuring beds for dining and snacking; ice-embedded bar tops to keep drinks cool; and a popular rattan patio set the stage for an attractive crowd.

Get a Groove On For those seeking a more �moving� experience, Scottsdale knows how to throw it down with the best of them. High octane clubs like sexy siblings Axis and Radius (connected by a glass catwalk) offer a chance for visitors to mix it up with locals on several dance floors. Spicing up the scene, patrons might enjoy progressive house music here one night and then dance to tropical salsa rhythms the next. Known for its sophisticated menu offerings, Barcelona transforms from a restaurant into a high-energy dance club as the evening progresses, keeping the beat going with Top 40 and retro favorites. Serious dance fans should make a move for Sanctuary, reputed to have the best DJs in town. For scenesters who like variety, this multi-level facility is the spot, offering the elegant Moroccan Room, the jungle-themed Voodoo Lounge, the Twenties-flavored Martini Lounge and the intimate Divine Lounge.

A Casual Night Out For something more low key, try Dos Gringos bar and grill. This neighborhood hangout has three beautiful patios, including one of the roof. Enjoy great Mexican food and even take in a drive-in movie every night of the week at their retro-styled theatre. Farther south, you will find Sugar Daddy�s Blues, offering an eclectic Southwestern menu and live music seven nights a week. Come early with their complimentary limo service and listen to R&B, funk and the blues in the main bar or on the patio. For those who like a little Old West style, stop by the Rusty Spur, a historic Western-style saloon. Stay for a drink and to savor a bit of the Wild West. People looking for a place where everyone knows their name can walk into DJs, a local bar known for their �last call� specials.

New Kids on the Block Downtown Scottsdale�s club and bar roster is ever-expanding with new experiences. The most recent additions include Noyz and Next. Spinning the latest grooves including hip-hop, dance, funk and soul, Next offers a full restaurant where guests can devour lobster risotto and wild mushroom lavosh before dancing the night away. Noyz boasts a two-story dance floor and a fabulous cocktail menu. Devil�s Martini offers a variety of vices for night crawlers feeling naughty. And, for laidback loungers Drift is the place to be. Take a step back in time at this contemporary 1960s style Polynesian lounge reminiscent of Trader Vic�s. Their specialty is umbrella drinks and popular with the locals is the flaming Pu Pu platter.

Resort Rendezvous It was Dorothy in the �Wizard of Oz� who said �There's no place like home.� And true enough, some visitors may want to pass the evening at their resort, but still step out. Chic resort bars like the jade bar at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain make the proposition of staying on property, or visiting, tres cool, especially when one considers the magnetic appeal of the jade bar's chocolate martinis. At the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, cocktails mix perfectly with a spectacular view of the city, which spreads out like a magic carpet from the resort's perch at Troon North. Both guests and locals alike flock to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, where spicy Latin flavor is provided by Spanish tapas and the popular musical group, Mosaico, who play flamenco-inspired tunes. And for visitors seeking yet more superlative views on their cocktail menu, the Alchemy bar at CopperWynd should not be missed. The vistas here are sure to be one of the highpoints of any visit.

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Media Contact: Laura McMurchie +1 480-429-2253 LM@scottsdalecvb.com