Don Woods' Say When — Local services in Phoenix

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...

2024 Update: Well... one thing that seems to be consistent is the lack of consistency. Smaller menu, less intersting drinks and atmosphere is just bleh now.... surrounded by gentrified high rises that take away the niche.

2021 This place is always a winner if your in the Uptown area!

Classic cocktail place with a solid menu and even better rooftop view. The lounge is also nice with a great 60's deco look. Very FLW inspired with the color and scope so if your into that post-modern theme you are in the right spot!

Ohh yeah, they also have some of the best classic cocktails around. They have all the classics you would expect and a solid spirit selection to meet your specific requirements. I love the highball section for a more refreshing take, but they also have Spritzers and a regular bar. However, I am a liquor person so I tend to stick with the classics and they do not disappoint! I do need to hit up that spritzer section one of these days...they do look good.

I cannot forget the bar snacks. They have a classic and light bar snack menu that almost makes up for dinner if you forgot...no not really, but it does satisfy and will get you to a proper meal no doubt...maybe at Lylo. I tend to stick with the chips and dip, sounds basic but it always hits the spot... however I always end up getting dessert here, its one of the few to have an excuse for .... One more for the road...

I won't say when, but I will say best happy-hour so far in the area if you like low key and good...

🌇 Don Woods’ Say When – A Rooftop Gem with Room to Grow

Perched atop the Rise Hotel in Uptown Phoenix, Don Woods’ Say When is a visual love letter to the city skyline. The view alone is worth the visit—an expansive, cinematic sweep of Phoenix that feels both intimate and grand. It’s the kind of backdrop that makes you linger longer, sip slower, and savor the moment.

🍸 Drinks That Dazzle The cocktail program is inventive and well-executed. The Whiskey Tart, in particular, is a standout—bold, balanced, and just the right amount of unexpected. Their mixology leans into retro flair with modern precision, and it’s clear the bar team knows how to craft a memorable drink.

🍽️ Food & Service – A Work in Progress While the food shows promise, the overall experience is held back by inconsistencies in service and operations. Wait times, attentiveness, and coordination could use refinement. There’s a sense that the kitchen and floor staff aren’t always in sync, which detracts from what could be a seamless rooftop experience.

🌟 A Pillar of Uptown Phoenix Despite the hiccups, Don Woods’ Say When is more than just a bar—it’s part of the community fabric. It brings energy, style, and a sense of place to Uptown. With a stronger focus on outcomes and consistency, it has the potential to become a true destination, not just a detour.

If they tighten up the execution, they’ll be unstoppable. For now, go for the view, stay for the drinks, and keep your fingers crossed for smoother...