I first came across Don Woods' Say When reading a Yelp article listing out the best rooftops in each state. Don Woods was Arizona's pick. For quite a few months, I had it on my list to visit. I finally made things happen on a Wednesday evening for a drink. Located on the roof (of course) of a boutique hotel, I find free parking in the hotel's parking lot. While it was a busy parking lot, I was able to find a spot. Unfortunately, my night consisted of a comedy of errors. Ambiance (3/5): When you think best rooftop in the state, you're thinking scenic and peaceful views. Don Woods' certainly has that, though I've seen better in Phoenix. You can see the mountains in the background, but that's about it. The hotel is located on a busy street, where you'll often hear the noise of cars buzzing by or the train choo-chooing. Did I just make up a word?! I imagine the best time to stop by is during sunset. The outdoor area is relatively narrow with seating for about 20-30 people. It's a mix of comfortable seats and tables/chairs. There's also a charming indoor area, where the bar is located, but I felt like I had to sit outside. The weather was perfect, too. Service (2.5/5): This is where the comedy of errors began. I was given a menu and some water and was left to peruse the menu. Before the waitress had returned, I had picked out an appetizer and a cocktail. I then discovered that their cook had quit the other week and as a result, no food was available. That's fine and all, but you've gotta give me a heads-up when giving me the menu. That way, I wouldn't have spent the time to look over the food menu and get my heart set on a particular dish. On a better note, they have free WiFi. And service was overall friendly and pretty efficient. Food (N/A): While I was unable to order some food, on most nights, they have a small menu of small plates. More of a snack type of spot then a full meal type of establishment. Drinks (3/5): Don Woods is know for its cocktails and they have a list of 10 or so craft cocktails. Plus, beer, wine, and the typical options that you would find when there's a full bar. I feel like the bartender messed up the proportions on my cocktail as it was a bit rough. One drink and I was out. It seems like Don Woods' is experiencing some turnover which is leading to some mishaps. Combine that with some high expectations given the accolades they won, and it was the recipe for a disaster. I love a good rooftop bar, so I was hoping for more at Don Woods' Say When. Even the lobby of the hotel was experiencing issues. They sell popsicles in the lobby but the guy temporarily manning the front desk didn't know how to get their Square device working. Which ended up meaning no appetizers for me at Don Woods and no popsicles from the lobby. Two strikes. We live to fight another day. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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At the Say When Rooftop Bar, we enjoy the complementary cocktail. Not sure what it was but it was delicious with passion fruit and vodka. The service was not so good. Our food ended up at another table and vice versa. When we got the Mini Pizzas, they were very tasty and a great little snack between lunch and dinner. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Mini pizzas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great atmosphere! Great drinks! Okay bar bites. Nothing special in terms of food, but this is a great spot to come hang out before going out! read more

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Cool-retro roof top bar offering a big selection of beautiful IG worthy drinks. Prices are great and they have seating both inside and outside with some great views of DT Phoenix. Loved the friendly staff, delicious drinks and yummy food. The bar is very nice and I loved the aesthetic. A super chill place to hang out for happy hour or date night. read more

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Came up for a drink and small appetizer. We were greeted immediately by Louis. He started one of the gas fireplaces for us since it was a little chilly. The Brie appetizer was really good and came out quick. The views are beautiful from this top floor bar. read more

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Ambience is great. We sat outside at sunset and it was very nice. Drinks were good. The bad part was that they were out of most of their very limited food items. Of the five menu items, only two of them were an options. One of which was were the mini pizzas, but they were out of pepperoni. Server informed us that the manager forgot to put a food order in. We were there on a Saturday night and stopped in for drinks and apps before a show. Very disappointing with regard to the food. read more

Came in today with my boyfriend to celebrate our 8 year anniversary!!! We were taken care of by Dominique I believe was her name. She was absolutely so sweet! Helped us navigate drinks. I love mezcal but none of the cocktails were with mezcal. She recommended zeds dead and sub the tequila for mezcal. Yummy live laugh mezcal yup! Since we had our little angel pup with us, we sat outside. Misters were blasted and ambiance was so cute! My boyfriend kept saying this is such a hidden gem! Kale salad was 10/10 Mini pizza was 8/10 good quality small portion. Cheese and bread were yummy. Pepperoni was really basic. Cheesecake was a 7/10 but also my boyfriend said it was spectacular and he absolutely loved it so to each their own! My only negative is that they close at 12, but since it's slow they're opting to close earlier. Totally fine! I'm a server myself and I appreciate that! But I know others will be upset. Just call before you come if it's a late evening and not a Friday or Saturday. read more

Cool little rooftop bar. Inside seating & outside seating. Service was just fine - you get a free drink until 6pm for the social hour if you're staying at the hotel. However, if you ask for another drink after that, it's $10. A little pricey for what ya get, but es ok. This would be a nice place for a date night pre-drink, but idk if I'd plan a whole night there. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Social hour drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Horrible staff, would leave less than 1 star if possible. There for a night cap and had brought 3 friends who had never been to your property. One of the bar tenders was extremely rude, aggressive and escalated a conversation he butted in on to an unnecessary level where we had to remove ourselves because he was so rude. I've spent thousands of dollars as a patron of the hotel, pool and the bar, i had brought friends there, bragging about how great of a space it was and i'm beyond upset and disappointed by this experience. His behavior was so unacceptable for someone in the service industry, im actually embarrassed. read more

Daniel and Bella are the most amazing people ever. And the atmosphere is insane. And the chicken is clucking read more

Don Woods' Say When - Daniel and Bella - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Came here recently for happy hour with a few friends. I recall seeing it's opening on TV in the last few years. Don Woods was in fact a real person, a Phoenix real estate guru in the 1950s whose office was nearby.... and enjoyed a good cocktail. The space is even neater in person albeit a little smaller than I expected. You can sit inside or outside. For a short (three-story) rooftop, you get some nice views, especially of Camelback to the east. It's definitely got chill/laid back vibes from the decor, music, and views. Our server was nice, she gave us recommendations based on our own drink preferences. Round one for me was the Escapade which was basically a vodka cranberry, but elevated. Liked it but wanted something else for round 2. I ended up going with the Julius R Harvey (an alcoholic orange julius), that had more ice than I liked. Tasty though! Because of the relatively small space, it's more of a cocktails/light bites menu for before/after dinner. We didn't end up getting anything to eat - that will have to come on my next visit. Service was hit or miss I think due to not giving the staff assigned sections. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

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Say When is an absolute delight to have in Phoenix. It's a nice escape from Downtown without having to drive all the way to Scottsdale. I like coming here after dinner just to hangout with friends and grab drinks. The ambiance is laidback but refined. Don't mistake a laid back vibe for poor service. The servers here really know their stuff and will make sure you're taken care of properly. Avoid coming here if you're hungry, it's food menu is extremely limited and will make a dent in your bank account. Just come here for drinks and great views of the Phoenix skyline in the background. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Phoenix Skyline in the background - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Since my last review was removed for speaking the truth here's another. I was overcharged by a bartender B who added a 5th drink to my 4 drink tab and then tacked on an automatic 20% tip for herself. When asked about the 5th drink she removed it with attitude. When asked about the automatic tip her response was "No one else has a problem with it" and copped an attitude in front of another patron. I have a problem with an automatic tip added on with an expectation of me just signing and being ok with it. Not ok treatment toward a paying customer, arguing and then talking smack with other employees right in front of me and my guest is totally unprofessional and rude. Watch your tab and read the google reviews. read more

Being a bit generous, as it was closer to 4 1/2 stars because the bar ran dry on a couple of items. Service was excellent and the venue is great. Carley, our service was quite attentive. Excellent place to spend an evening to appreciate the dusk hours. read more

Loved this place! Host and waitress we had tonight were incredibly kind - sorry didn't catch their names! We were short on time but loved our cocktail and we tried the deviled eggs app which was absolutely delicious! Views here are incredible! We will be back for sure! read more

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Don Woods' Say When bar is located on the roof of the Rise Uptown hotel. The cocktail and small bites menus reflect the 70's inspo with classic drinks and choices of meatloaf and deviled eggs. Grab a table, a couch, a seat by the fire pit or sit inside and enjoy drinks with wide views of the city lights. Be sure to also enjoy drinks and food down below at the Lylo Swim Club restaurant bar. Grab a paleta at the little shop near checkin. Also, go early to browse Changing Hands bookstore. read more

Haven't been in awhile and they revamped the menu. Good for them but sadness for those who loved the dreamsicle!(ie: MYWIFE) good news though this is still one of the best rooftop bars in AZ and absolutely the best we have been too! Wifey enjoyed the Un Espresso and I tried the white Negroni which was fire. Great news is despite the redo on the simpler menu it's still amazing and even better news is the staff is one of the friendliest you will find if not the friendliest anywhere. Daniel the manager came out and personally made us feel like we were the guest honor. You gotta come back or try for the first time. read more

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Great views! And a super friend staff who will eager to share the signature cocktails for happy hour! I chose the Kentucky Buck, which was refreshing and a perfect compliment to a perfect evening of sunset views! read more

Don Woods' Say When - The Kentucky Buck! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Really cute and romantic bar too bad bar tender in the picture wasn't so welcoming what's so ever. Drinks were delicious but even then prob wouldn't come back even thought I been wanting to try this place out for a really long time. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

the view. the breeze. the music. easily one of my fav spots in phoenix day or night. i keep coming back :) p.s. Daniel and Angel are da best. read more

I like the fabulous mid-century look of this place, but I love the classy, delicious drinks that prove they've got substance, not just style. Their drinks are photogenic, unique, and just the right amount of complex. I go for the Whiskey Tart for something more classic, the Grand Nacional for something more strange, and the spritzes as a general category. Staff are good at recommending drinks and answering questions about the menu. Last time I was here, some coworkers and I came by after a rough day at work, and the great time we had really turned my week around. It's refreshing to step back in time and have a thoughtful, excellent experience. Whether indoors in the Mad-Men style bar or outdoors on the rooftop, this place is worth a visit. read more

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This is a lovely place to grab a drink with friends and enjoy the ambiance + sunset from a rooftop setting! For parking, there is plenty of parking in the lot for the Rise Uptown Hotel, and the bar is located on the third floor of the hotel building. When you walk out to the sidewalk next to the hotel, there are signs that point to an elevator to take up to the third floor. Seating is available indoors and outdoors, and I was able to get seated very easily on Sunday at 5pm. The waitresses were very attentive, and I appreciated the good service. I decided on the baked goat cheese and Alameda. The baked goat cheese came out quickly, and the lentils were very creamy and paired well with cheese + bread -- definitely recommend getting it! The Alameda was refreshing and tasty with predominant flavors of cucumber and pears. Most of all, I loved getting to kick back and watch the colors of the sky change. Overall, I would love to come back to have a glass and bask in the atmosphere again. read more

Don Woods' Say When - baked goat cheese and Alameda - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Awesome spot literally within walking distance of where I live. Great views. We purposely went in the evening to watch the sunset. View shot will be better once the construction next door is complete. It's typical of what you find when going to a cocktail bar. Drinks sophisticated and overpriced but boy was my drink called the España tasty and refreshing. The cheese platter is delicious with this unbelievable flat bread chips served with it. I will definitely be back. It's a vibe. Space is intimate so I recommend making a reservation! read more

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I had such a fun experience at Don Woods. Our bartender Daniel was so funny, hospitable, and outgoing. He took great care of us and really ensured we had an excellent time. The espresso martini I had here was debatably the best i've ever had (and i drink a lot of espresso martinis). Definitely will be back. read more

A friend and I came here for happy hour and enjoyed it. The rooftop bar is nice when the weather is nice. The drink specials were decent at the time and the cocktails weren't bad. We didn't try the food, so no comment there. The ambiance and the view seemed like the main reason people would come here. read more

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5 Stars - An Unforgettable Rooftop Experience! If you're in Phoenix and looking for a charming rooftop bar with the perfect blend of good vibes, amazing service, and genuine hospitality, this is the place to go. From the moment we called to make a very last-minute reservation for 13 people at 5 p.m. on the day of my friend's 30th birthday, I was blown away. Daniel, who took my call, didn't just say "yes" -- he said, "I got you." And wow, did he mean it. The vibe was effortlessly cool and casual, with a gorgeous rooftop and a laid-back atmosphere that made everyone feel instantly relaxed. Our drinks were delicious, and came out incredibly fast -- shoutout to the bartenders for keeping us happy all night! But the real highlight? Daniel and our amazing server Trey completely surprised us. Without us planning anything or spending a dime extra, they brought out a full birthday celebration. A large, beautifully decorated chocolate cake with "30" candles, and even a gift bag with a candle inside -- it was thoughtful, personal, and unlike anything I've ever experienced at a restaurant or bar. They didn't have to do any of that, and yet they went way above and beyond. Everyone in our group was floored by the kindness and care they showed -- it made an already special night absolutely unforgettable. If you're looking for your new favorite spot in Phoenix, this is it. 10/10. Thank you, Daniel and Trey -- you're the best! read more

Love this roof top. Great service and yummy cocktails and wonderful sunset views. Did not try the food so we will have to pay another visit. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Blood - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Daniel was absolutely the best. Right from the start we felt welcomed. 360 degree rooftop views are stunning. Such a low key spot and not to mention the great music. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

From the creators of Little Rituals and Bitter & Twisted comes a high-end cocktail bar that's all about being laid back, chilling outside, and enjoying the midtown skyline. What I loved: Service is top-notch and drinks are thoughtful. The Grand Nacional is a five-star drink, and their espresso martini, although heavy on the cinnamon, is worth trying and guaranteed to make you catch a buzz What I liked: The views are quite impeded and pretty weak for a rooftop bar, but you know what? Being three floors up is still enough to make you feel far removed from the urban bustle. When you're watching the sunset, it feels more like an exclusive hotel and less like you're a stone's throw from the light rail. They aren't working with much space here, so the kitchen is sporting a tiny menu--don't expect to have a full dinner like you could at this bar's predecessors. But they're trying! I think this is a chill spot for when you want to relax in midtown. Give it a try once the weather cools down. read more

The service we received from Julia and Manny was exceptional! The drinks and ambiance were the best in the area. I would come back just to talk with Julia and Manny. People make the difference and they made me feel like family. 5 stars, easy! read more

Isabella is the best! Quick and thorough service, she was an absolute delight. 10/10 recommend the "minus the sushi" cocktail for savory drink lovers !!! It's a must. This spot is a hidden gem and such a fun cocktail spot! read more

Very nice rooftop bar. Views are incredible and drinks are innovative. Decorations and firepits create a nice ambience. We had reservations for the Lylo Social Club located next door. We decide to come here to enjoy the sunset. Our bartender was fantastic and staff were so friendly. The bar even has Happy Hour from 4 - 6pm. I got Alameda cocktail and delicious. Also had a lovely talk with ladies at the next couch. Opted for glass of Pinot Noir too. read more

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A buddy took me here for my first time on my bday eve for a few drinks. The place has a chill vibe and nice ambience. The lighting inside is relaxing. The space has a few different options for seating (at bar, booths and patio). We were here later in the evening but the views are probably super nice at sunset. Service was attentive and polite. The drinks selection is interesting and creative and the two drinks (we ordered a 2nd round) we had hit the spot. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Nice menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Not currently on the menu, but it should be! I can't remember what the bartender called it, but the cocktail was basically some sort of cucumber mint Prosecco spritz! My new favorite drink! The entrance to the rooftop bar is not super intuitive, but if you see this sign by the parking lot take the elevator up to the top! The views are to die for! read more

Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The customer service was awful. We were there an hour and a half and only had one drink. No one ever came to check in and see if we wanted another or even to ask if the ones we did get were to our liking. The deviled eggs were trash. Awful. Drinks were disgustingly alcoholic which would normally be a good thing but it wasn't. We told our server about the overly strong drinks, just one in particular which our friend took one sip of and couldn't stand, but we were informed that because she had taken one sip they couldn't do anything. No refund or even an alternative drink was offered which was very poor customer service. $18 for a drink that didn't even didn't even get drank. Overall, the Vibe is cool which is the best part of this place, but unfortunately that's not enough to ever warrant a second visit. There are far better bars elsewhere with quality drinks, great food, and customer service. You won't find any of that here. read more

I feel like this is Phoenix's best kept secret. Say When is an adorable rooftop bar with a Mad Men vibe. A little retro. We loved it. Fun cocktails- I would say a little on the sweeter side. But lots of variety to choose from. Limited food menu- more snacks than anything else. Reservations are only accepted for parties of 5 or more. read more

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I love the spritzes, but forced myself to venture into another section of the menu this visit. The Polish highball is nice for fall, though a bit sweet for me. B loved the JT Manhattan, also nice if you like a slightly sweeter twist on a regular one. As for me, my fave this visit was def the Vieux Carre. One of my fave cocktails and the version here is really lovely. At $9, it's a ridiculous deal during Happy Hour. Can't wait to return. read more

Don Woods' Say When - Sidecar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great bar with a great view! The drinks are awesome, the servers are nice, and the ambiance is great. The only problem I had was that the servers don't have assigned sections which made it a free for all and it took a long time for our orders to be taken and for our drinks to be brought out. The drinks were tasty and the charcuterie board we got was great! read more

Don Woods' Say When - Sign - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The bestie and I arrived here at around 6:30 on a Saturday (4th of July weekend) and we were seated immediately - no reservation needed! The wait staff was super friendly and always asking how we were enjoying everything. The view is really nice (be sure to sit outside if you can) especially while watching the sunset. The drink menu here is really extensive that there's a drink for everyone. I ordered the Julius R. Harvey because the pictures of that drink on here look so cool, plus I'm obsessed with anything orangey. It really did mimic an orange dreamsicle, and the candy orange slice on top was really tasty (it was basically a sour patch candy but shaped and flavored like an orange - it was even coated with sugar). It was not the strongest drink ever but that was okay because the flavor/consistency was so good. My friend got the sidecar and she said it was VERY strong (it does have cognac in it so). The food menu is the complete opposite of the drink menu (but it IS a bar so). We ordered the chips & dip, shrimp cocktail, and the crème brulee. The chips and dip was interesting. The dip was good but the potato chips looked like potato chips but tasted exactly like tortilla chips. It certainly wasn't a bad thing, but not worth $11 (but at least they gave us a lot of chips). The shrimp cocktail was basically 6 pieces of shrimp (so not worth a whopping $18). The crème brulee was good, just very thin layers of everything. I spent $83 dollars for everything and we didn't even get a FULL meal out of it (as it was all just appetizer items). This place is good for a date night because of the vibes. We had a good time, but my wallet was hurting! read more

Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great Views of Camelback! Although, the service was lacking and the drinks were not impressive for the price. Most likely would not return.