While located on the roof of Rise Uptown Hotel, Don Woods’ Say When is much more than just a trendy bar for tourists. With rich dark wood and leather accents, Don Woods’ retro decor makes patrons feel as though they’re enjoying a nightcap in an episode of Mad Men. From effervescent spritzes to aromatic tequila espresso martinis, the sleek lounge offers a diverse range of flavors to explore. We sat down with Don Woods’ general manager Matthew O’Toole to discuss how the legacy of a local developer inspired modern nightlife in Uptown Phoenix.
What is the history of Don Woods’ Say When?
Don Woods himself was a well-respected developer in the area who did most of his development work in the 1950s and 1960s. He had a penthouse suite in one of the two office buildings he built, and this was converted into Don Woods’ Say When rooftop bar. The adaptive reuse project using the two office buildings was done to preserve the architecture as opposed to doing a full knockdown and rebuild. They wanted to pay homage to Don Woods and the local community through the design. We opened back in June of 2021, so we just passed our second year of operation. Our restaurant sits on top of the Rise Uptown Hotel, which opened in 2020.
What should patrons expect while visiting Don Woods?
Don Woods is a rooftop bar. I think there’s a little bit of confusion about it being more of a cocktail lounge. It does have elevated creative cocktails and awesome bartenders, but don’t be afraid to wear jeans and a T-shirt. It’s pretty casual. We have rich wood and dark leathers so you get a blast-from-the-past feeling from the late 1960s and early 1970s. It definitely has a Mad Men retro vibe to it. It’s not just for hotel guests, it’s also meant for the local community in the Melrose area.
What does Don Woods have in store for Summer Cocktail Camp?
We are starting with one of our spritzes made with Rosamati rosato, bitters, watermelon juice, and a watermelon slice garnish. It’s super refreshing and great for the summertime. We are also making a classic daiquiri. I think the daiquiri itself is making a comeback. Historically, it has been viewed more as a frozen drink to be enjoyed in beachy places, but the classic daiquiri, when made properly, is a phenomenal drink. Lastly, we’re going to finish it off with our spin on an espresso martini, which has tequila. This cocktail works well with our evening-type bar atmosphere where you can come and enjoy a nightcap after you’ve gone out to dinner.
What is your favorite cocktail/food item pairing on your menu?
I go for the whiskey tart. I find it to be one of my favorites at Don Woods, and the local community seems to agree. It’s a bourbon-based drink with lemon juice and a blood orange curd. We make it using foam magic, rather than egg whites to get a foamy top on it while also keeping it vegan. If I were to pair it with food, the goat cheese is something that I’m really a big fan of. Our goat cheese is warmed up and comes with lentils, roasted garlic, and a baguette for dipping.
This or that: mojito or Moscow mule?
Moscow mule.
