The Pursuit of Play

Men’s leisure in the Valley gets an upgrade

There was a time when “guys night out” meant a beer and a barstool. Not anymore. Across the Valley, men are trading basic hangs for whiskey libraries, high-speed thrills, surf sessions, cigar lounges, golf simulators, and even fighter jet experiences, proving there is no shortage of ways to blow off steam in seriously memorable fashion.

By Alison Bailin Batz

Off the Greens

PopStroke Scottsdale

Backed by Tiger Woods, PopStroke blends the spirit of mini golf with the challenge of a real putting course, creating an experience that is equally competitive and wildly entertaining. The Scottsdale location features two 18-hole putting courses designed with realistic fairways, tricky bunkers and unexpected breaks that can humble even seasoned golfers. Unlike traditional mini golf, there are no windmills or clown mouths here. Instead, expect a sleek, modern atmosphere paired with excellent food, ice cream, cocktails, and plenty of shaded seating areas to cool off between rounds. Guests can even order drinks directly on the course through the PopStroke app, keeping the competition uninterrupted. Add in oversized TVs, cornhole and a lively social atmosphere, and it quickly becomes a favorite Valley hang. www.popstroke.com.

Topgolf Scottsdale

Topgolf turns golf into a full-blown social sport, and the Scottsdale outpost remains one of the Valley’s most popular places to gather the guys for an afternoon or night out. Climate-controlled hitting bays keep things comfortable even when Arizona temperatures soar, while interactive games make it just as fun for first-timers as it is for scratch golfers. Massive targets spread across the outfield turn every swing into a competition, while oversized couches, sharable appetizers, burgers, cocktails, and buckets of beer keep the energy high between shots. Add in giant TVs broadcasting every major sporting event imaginable, and it becomes less about golf and more about bragging rights. Bonus points for the rooftop terrace and late-night vibe that feels more Las Vegas lounge than driving range. www.topgolf.com.

Puttshack Scottsdale

Mini golf gets a major glow-up at Puttshack, where tech-infused courses, neon lighting and craft cocktails turn a childhood pastime into one of Scottsdale’s buzziest nightlife experiences. Located at Scottsdale Quarter, the sprawling venue features several themed nine-hole courses filled with moving obstacles, unexpected twists and plenty of opportunities for friendly trash talk. The real gamechanger is the patented Trackaball technology embedded into each ball, which automatically keeps score while adding bonus points and surprise challenges. That means less arguing over scorecards and more time sipping smoked old-fashioneds, local brews and spicy margaritas between holes. The globally inspired food menu also goes well beyond standard bar bites, making it easy to turn one round into a full night of fun. www.puttshack.com.

X-Golf Scottsdale

For golfers who want the country club experience without sacrificing air conditioning, X-Golf Scottsdale delivers. The sleek indoor entertainment venue features seven state-of-the-art golf simulators that allow guests to virtually play some of the world’s most famous courses without leaving the Valley. But the real appeal is the atmosphere, which feels more upscale sports lounge than traditional golf facility. A full bar pours everything from local craft beer to premium whiskey, while a complete food menu and dart boards keep the fun going long after the final drive. The spacious venue can accommodate up to 195 guests, making it especially popular for corporate gatherings, bachelor parties and private events. Even better, Arizona summer heat never factors into the equation. www.playxgolf.com

On the Rocks

OHSO Brewery + Distillery

OHSO may be best known for beer, but its North Scottsdale outpost’s epic distillery tour experience gives whiskey lovers another very good reason to visit. Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at how the team crafts spirits in-house, from grain selection and fermentation through distillation and barreling. The tour adds context to what is in the glass, making it especially fun for groups who want something more interactive than simply meeting for drinks. It is casual, lively and very Arizona, with the bonus of a full food menu, house cocktails and plenty of OHSO energy before or after the tour. For guys who like to sip and learn at the same time, this is one of the Valley’s more underrated experiences. www.ohsobrewery.com.

Scotch Library

At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, the Scotch Library is a must-go for serious whiskey aficionados and curious newcomers alike. Located just off the main lobby, the intimate, old-world-inspired space feels more like a private club than a resort lounge, complete with knowledgeable Scotch ambassadors who guide guests through one of Arizona’s most impressive collections. The library boasts more than 300 scotches, including upward of 175 single malts, 30 blends and several rare bottles imported directly from Scotland. Guests can enjoy 2-ounce pours ranging from approachable everyday favorites to ultrarare labels priced accordingly. Beyond the pours themselves, the Scotch Library also hosts regular tasting events featuring celebrated Scotch houses paired with chef-crafted small bites, turning an evening drink into a full-fledged whiskey experience worthy of savoring. www.westinkierland.com.

The Gladly

The Gladly has long been one of Phoenix’s best bets for serious whiskey fans, thanks to a deep, thoughtful whiskey program that goes far beyond the usual back bar lineup. The restaurant offers curated whiskey flights that let guests compare styles, regions and flavor profiles side by side, making it a fun and approachable way to explore bourbon, rye, Scotch and more. The setting is sleek but easygoing, with bartenders who can guide the curious without overwhelming them. Pair a flight with the restaurant’s elevated comfort food menu, and it will go beyond just a quick drink stop. It is a full evening built around great pours, standout cocktails and the kind of relaxed conversation that tends to last well beyond dinner. www.thegladly.com.

Cask 53 Whiskey Bar

Located within All American Modern Sports Grill in the DC Ranch area of Scottsdale, Cask 53 Whiskey Bar is a cozy, one-of-a-kind lounge with a seriously impressive collection. The bar – recently named one of the top whiskey bars in America by Whisky Advocate – boasts hundreds of fine and rare whiskeys from around the globe, offering guests everything from familiar favorites to hard to find bottles worth slowing down for. Despite the extensive inventory, the bar is just as fitting for whiskey newcomers as it is for longtime collectors. Plush seating, a polished atmosphere and knowledgeable staff create the kind of setting that naturally lends to hours of exploration. The venue also has a whiskey club that offers deep discounts, special events and first access to exclusive bottles and pours. www.cask53whiskeybar.com.

Blow Smoke

Castro’s Cigar Lounge

Castro’s Cigar Lounge – now with three locations Valleywide, including an epic outpost in Scottsdale – delivers the classic cigar lounge experience with a polished, modern edge. Plush seating, warm lighting and an open-concept design create a relaxed atmosphere built for slow smoking and long conversations, while the massive walk-in humidor serves as the true centerpiece of the experience. Guests will find a thoughtfully curated collection of premium handcrafted cigars from many of the world’s leading brands, including Liga Privada, Romeo y Julieta, Oliva, Montecristo, and Rocky Patel, alongside boutique and limited-release selections chosen by Castro’s tobacconists. The Scottsdale lounge also pairs cigars beautifully with wines and craft beers, and it features multiple televisions and indoor-outdoor seating. www.castroscigarbar.com.

Fox Cigar Bar

Fox Cigar Bar has long been one of Scottsdale’s premier destinations for serious cigar smokers, blending an upscale lounge atmosphere with a humidor stocked deep enough to impress even seasoned aficionados. The walk-in humidor features many of the industry’s most respected names, including Padron, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, My Father Cigars and Ashton, alongside harder to find boutique releases that rotate regularly. Plush leather seating, dark wood accents and a polished cocktail program create the kind of setting where guests settle in for hours rather than a quick smoke. The lounge’s ventilation system also keeps the experience comfortable without sacrificing the rich aroma that defines a great cigar bar. Whiskey fan? The Scottsdale locale regularly offers luxe whiskey flights to pair with their stogies. www.foxcigar.com.

Trevor’s

Once known primarily as a boutique liquor store, Trevor’s – now with well-appointed, full-service bars and restaurants across the Valley – has become one of Scottsdale’s most compelling cigar hangs thanks to its impressive walk-in humidor and relaxed but elevated lounge atmosphere. The humidor features premium cigars from around the globe, including favorites such as Padron, Drew Estate, Arturo Fuente, Alec Bradley, and Perdomo, giving both newcomers and longtime cigar enthusiasts plenty to explore. Leather seating, polished wood finishes, oversized televisions, and strong ventilation systems create a comfortable environment for settling in with a cigar and a cocktail for the long haul. Depending on the location, guests can also enjoy outdoor fire pits, golf simulators, gaming areas, and whiskey tastings. www.trevors.com.

Cedar Room

Cedar Room has redefined what a luxury cigar lounge can look like in North Scottsdale, transforming cigar culture into a full lifestyle experience centered around craftsmanship, conversation and atmosphere. Anchored by its DC Ranch flagship, the sophisticated concept pairs expansive indoor-outdoor lounge spaces with one of the region’s largest selections of premium cigars. Inside the humidor, guests will discover coveted brands such as Davidoff, Cohiba, Crowned Heads, Arturo Fuente, and La Flor Dominicana, alongside boutique labels and limited production releases prized by collectors. Private lockers, refined furnishings and curated beverage offerings add to the elevated feel, while the design encourages guests to kick back and relax. The result is less traditional cigar shop and more modern social club built around exceptional cigars and hospitality. www.cedarroomcigars.com.

Adrenaline Rush

Revel Surf

Revel Surf is not solely for kids. Arizona’s only surf park has quickly become a go-to for adults looking to spend an afternoon mastering something new while still enjoying a strong social scene. The park offers extensive surf lesson options for adults at every experience level, from beginner-friendly coaching sessions focused on balance and fundamentals to advanced wave experiences designed to sharpen turns, speed and technique. Instructors guide surfers through every stage, making the sport approachable even for first-timers. Once sessions wrap, the atmosphere shifts into full beach club mode. Private cabanas provide a comfortable home base for groups to relax between waves, while the on-site bar and grill keeps cocktails, cold beer and elevated bites flowing throughout the day. www.revelsurf.com.

Axe-N-Smash

Axe-N-Smash turns stress relief into a full-contact sport, starting with its wildly popular rage rooms where guests suit up, crank their favorite playlist and obliterate everything from glassware to electronics with bats, crowbars, and other smashworthy tools. After raging, the space also provides an adrenaline-fueled creative outlet thanks to its paint splatter rooms, where neon and glow in the dark paints fly across canvases, walls, friends, and pretty much everything else in sight, creating Jackson Pollock-style chaos in every direction. The finale is axe throwing, though this is far from a basic bullseye setup. Interactive projected targets keep the competition lively while instructors help first-timers quickly stick their shots. The result is equal parts stress relief, art project and adrenaline rush. www.axensmash.com.

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures puts guests behind the wheel of a dune – or sand – buggy, which is a lightweight, open-air off-road vehicle built to glide across desert terrain with oversized tires, rugged suspension and enough bounce to make every twist in the trail more exhilarating. Unlike larger off-road vehicles, these nimble machines hug sandy washes and carve through the Sonoran Desert with an almost surflike feel. The Scottsdale area experience races through cactus-lined trails, rocky gardens, winding canyons, and seasonal water crossings framed by sweeping views of Four Peaks and the surrounding mountains. Sunset rides elevate the adventure further, as fiery reds and golds ignite the desert sky while saguaros cast dramatic shadows across the landscape. Expert guides also help guests spot local wildlife along the route. www.azadventures.com.

Get My Boat

GetMyBoat turns an ordinary Arizona lake day into a full-on watersports playground, pairing captained charters with expert instruction for wakesurfing. Operating primarily on Canyon and Saguaro lakes, with wakeboarding and tubing also available, the experience centers around a 2022 Supreme ZS232, one of the most coveted surf boats on the market thanks to its massive ballast system, powerful surf wake and spacious 23-foot layout. Beginners are especially in good hands as the highly rated captain is known for patient coaching, safety first guidance and an ability to make even first-time riders feel confident. Between sets, guests can kick back beneath the oversized sunshade, crank up the Bluetooth sound system, and enjoy a stress-free day complete with ice, cooler space and sunshine. www.getmyboat.com.

Need for Speed

Fighter Combat International Top Gun Experience

Maverick said it best: “I feel the need, the need for speed,” and anyone who has ever quoted the line will find their match at Fighter Combat International, a Top Gun-style air combat experience based at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Following tactical briefings led by military fighter pilots, participants climb into dual-control Extra 300L aerobatic aircraft and take the controls themselves. Once airborne, guests engage in simulated dogfights against another plane, executing steep climbs, dives, high-speed turns, and pursuit maneuvers while tracking opponents through a gunsight system. Smoke trails, low-altitude flybys, formation flying, and live coaching through in-flight radio communication intensify the realism, making this feel far less like an attraction and far more like starring in a real pilot action movie. www.fightercombat.com

NASCAR Racing Experience

NASCAR Racing Experience at Phoenix Raceway puts everyday drivers behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car on the same 1-mile tri-oval that hosts championship racing each year. After classroom-style instruction and one-on-one guidance from a crew chief and spotter, drivers hit the track solo, building speed and confidence lap after lap with no instructor in the passenger seat and no pace car slowing things down. Those who prefer to ease into the action can instead opt for a ride-along experience, strapping in beside a professional driver for a full-speed blast around the speedway. For experienced participants craving even more intensity, advanced multisession driving packages deliver longer track time, higher speeds and personalized coaching throughout the experience. www.nascarracingexperience.com.

World of Racing

World of Racing brings the intensity of professional motorsports indoors through an immersive simulation racing experience in north Phoenix. Far beyond a typical arcade setup, the venue features full-motion racing simulators engineered to replicate the feel of real-world driving, from the vibration of the track to the handling of elite performance cars. Guests can race hundreds of vehicle and circuit combinations, including Formula 1 cars at legendary tracks such as Monaco Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit, and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, or sharpen their skills in GT3 machines on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Experiences range from Career Mode, where drivers progress from Mazda MX-5s to F1, to private sessions that allow groups to race wheel to wheel together. The result is equal parts entertainment, esports competition and genuine driver training. www.worldofracingphx.com.

Boatsetter

Boatsetter puts high-speed lake days just a few clicks away, giving thrill seekers access to powerful performance boats designed to rip across Arizona water at heart-pounding speeds. Through the app, users can book sleek speedboats and other fast-on-water machines at hotspots including Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Lake Havasu. Many come loaded with massive engines, premium sound systems, spacious sun decks, and experienced captains who know exactly where to open things up on the water. The experience is all about sunshine, speed, loud music, and blasting across wide-open desert lakes with friends aboard. With nearly 200 Arizona rentals available, from aggressive sport boats to luxury performance vessels, Boatsetter delivers all the excitement of the boating lifestyle without the maintenance, storage or ownership headaches. www.boatsetter.com