Creating a space that offers casual alfresco dining, a vibey late-night scene and thoughtfully crafted food and drink is a tall order—but one that a new downtown rooftop bar is ready to fill. Eden, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix’s re-imagined urban oasis, has opened in the former Lustre Rooftop Bar space. Featuring a coastal Mediterranean-inspired menu, a curated cocktail list and a desert-inspired design with fire pits and private cabanas, “Eden elevates the vibrancy of downtown Phoenix,” says Hotel Palomar’s general manager Jeremy Wilhide. Wilihide, along with mixologist and lead bartender Clint Spotleson and executive chef Alexander Robinson shared how they created a little slice of paradise with Eden.

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Q&A With Eden’s Chef, Mixologist and GM

What are the most sinful—and holiest—items to eat and drink on Eden’s menu?

Spotleson: We have a few offerings that creatively tie into the concept of Eden or are presented in a unique vessel. Visually, our Eastern Medicine cocktail, which is served in a skull glass is one of our most “sinful”—we also offer cocktails with playful names like the Poison Ivy, the Forbidden Fruit and the Garden of Eden.

Robinson: On the culinary side, our Westholme wagyu strip steak skewers are sinfully rich, decadent and delicious, while the light and refreshing seared Pacific yellowfin tuna offer a “holier” juxtaposition in flavors and presentation, with thinly sliced tuna delicately presented in a halo.

Eden has been completely reimagined, from the club chairs to the cocktails. How did you go about designing a space and menu that complement each other?

Wilhide: We wanted to create a space that honored and celebrated our location, weaving in colors, textures and plantings inspired by the desert landscape and botanicals. Guests will see neutral tones accented by pops of color throughout the space in addition to the lush greenery that transports guests to a garden-esque oasis. Our cocktail program and Mediterranean-inspired culinary offerings also showcase fresh, vibrant ingredients, colors and aesthetics that are complimentary to the overall design.

The Valley has plenty of poolside al fresco options to choose from. What makes Eden different?
Wilhide: Eden offers the only outdoor rooftop bar and pool in the heart of downtown Phoenix, which in itself is unique. The space truly transports guests to another place, and in a neighborhood as bustling as ours, that can be challenging. Another unique aspect of the experience is Eden’s transition from daytime to evening. During sunlight hours, the mood is more relaxed, and as soon as the sun sets, Eden is transformed into a vibe-driven lounge with a refreshed energy and a resident DJ Thursday through Saturday evenings to set the tone, offering an approachable, high-end atmosphere.

For readers who have visited Lustre, what’s the biggest change they’ll notice, and what will they be glad to see is the same?

Wilhide: In terms of design, food and beverage, pretty much everything has been refreshed and reimagined in the best way possible. Our fire pits and banquet seating are set up to better accommodate groups of all sizes and offer an inviting setting to socialize and gather, in addition to an enhanced atmosphere and level of service. For those who enjoyed Lustre, Eden offers the same incredible sweeping views of the desert mountain landscape and downtown from all viewpoints.

More and more Mediterranean-influenced restaurants are popping up around the Valley right now. What do you love most about this cuisine, and how are you incorporating local ingredients?
Robinson: Mediterranean/coastal cuisine is very shareable, which pairs beautifully with Eden being a destination for gathering and socializing. Dishes are light, fresh and perfect for poolside al fresco dining during the day or for an evening night on the town. This style of cuisine also incorporates vibrant, fresh herbs, vegetables, protein and other ingredients that we source from local purveyors to add an element of locality to each dish.

Check out Eden’s menu at hotelpalomar-phoenix.com/eden-rooftop-bar