BS West

BS West has been the gay bar anchor of Scottsdale's Old Town district for decades and has survived the transformation of its neighbourhood from a dusty western strip to one of Arizona's most tourist-intensive entertainment zones. The bar's formula is one that works particularly well in a resort-oriented city: a pool, multiple bar areas, a large outdoor patio, and an atmosphere that accommodates both the local LGBTQ+ community and the visitors who make up a significant portion of Scottsdale's social scene. The pool is the summer draw — a genuine pool in an outdoor space that makes BS West the most resort-like of Phoenix's gay bars. The multiple indoor-outdoor spaces allow the bar to serve different kinds of evenings, from quiet weeknight locals at the bar to packed weekend nights with DJ programming. The Old Town Scottsdale location puts it in the middle of the city's most concentrated nightlife district, which means a mixed crowd: gay, straight, and curious, with the balance shifting depending on the night and the event. For LGBTQ+ visitors staying at Scottsdale's resorts and hotels, BS West is the default gay bar — close to most Scottsdale accommodation, well-known, and reliable.