Drink at the Biltmore

Question

I’ve got an upcoming trip planned to Phoenix and I’ll be staying near the Biltmore. I’d like to have a drink at the hotel. Is it difficult to get into the hotel bars on a weekend? Also am torn between the Wright Bar and the Spire. I love historical architecture. Thoughts? Thanks.

Answer

The Arizona Biltmore is a great choice for a drink, especially if you appreciate historic architecture. The hotel embraces Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired design, and both the Wright Bar and the Spire Bar give you different ways to experience the setting. Weekend evenings can be lively, but most visitors have no trouble getting in as a non-guest, especially if you arrive early or avoid peak hours.

Here’s what you can generally expect when visiting the bars on a weekend:

Arriving before sunset or around the early evening (5–7 p.m.) usually means little to no wait. Later at night, especially Friday and Saturday around 8–10 p.m., the bars can get busier—mainly with hotel guests and locals—but it’s almost never the type of place where you “can’t get in.” You may have to wait for a table, but bar seating is often first-come first-served.

If your main interest is the architectural atmosphere, here’s how the two bars compare.

Wright Bar – Best for Architecture Lovers
Spire Bar – Best for Outdoor Atmosphere
Lobby/Resort Common Areas – Extra spots worth exploring

Wright Bar

This is the stronger choice if your priority is history and architecture. The bar is inside the original historic building, and the design elements—textured blocks, geometric lines, and warm low lighting—reflect the property’s Frank Lloyd Wright influence. It’s intimate, classic, and feels like stepping back into early 20th-century resort glamour.

Located inside the historic main building with the most architectural detail.
Has the iconic “Tequila Sunrise” story associated with it.
Better if you want a cozy, atmospheric indoor bar with character.

Spire Bar

The Spire Bar is outdoors and modern, built around the dramatic spire sculpture originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. While the bar itself isn’t historic, the sculpture gives it a strong architectural centerpiece. It feels more contemporary, lively, and open-air.

Great for desert sunsets, resort views, and warm nights.
More casual vibe than the Wright Bar.
Good option if you prefer being outside with scenic ambiance rather than an indoor historic setting.

Which One Should You Choose?

Since you love historical architecture, the Wright Bar is the standout choice. It’s significantly more connected to the resort’s heritage and gives you a better sense of the original Biltmore design. You can always take your drink outside afterward and walk around the property to see the spire and other architectural features.

If you want history → choose the Wright Bar.
If you want outdoor desert atmosphere → choose the Spire Bar.
If time allows → visit both. They’re close together and easy to pair in one evening.

Practical Tips

Try to arrive earlier in the evening to avoid waits, especially on weekends. Both bars are open to the public, and the staff is used to visitors stopping in just for a drink. Walking the grounds before or after your drink is highly recommended—the historic building exterior and gardens are especially atmospheric at twilight.

Overall, it’s very manageable to get in, and for someone who appreciates historic architecture, the Wright Bar is the clear winner.