Living just next door in Phoenix, we’ve always had a soft spot for the vibrant culinary scene of Scottsdale. This city, with its blend of historic charm and contemporary flair, never fails to surprise us with its unique eateries. From cozy cafes tucked away in historic buildings to trendy hotspots pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, Scottsdale is a playground for food enthusiasts.
Join us on a culinary journey as we uncover nine hidden gems that showcase the diversity and creativity of Scottsdale’s dining landscape. Whether you’re a local looking for new favorites or a visitor eager to explore, these eateries promise to deliver unforgettable dining experiences that embody the spirit of this dynamic city.
Introduction
Scottsdale, Arizona is well-known for its vibrant food and drink scene, offering a wide array of unique restaurants and bars. With high-end resorts and a trendy downtown area, Scottsdale caters to tourists and locals looking for novel culinary experiences.
What makes Scottsdale’s dining so special is the focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative fusions of flavors. The city’s bars also stand out with their chic, lively atmospheres and extensive craft cocktail menus. You’ll find everything from upscale eateries to indie coffee shops, along with charming wine bars and hidden speakeasies.
In this article, we will highlight some of Scottsdale’s most distinctive restaurants and bars. From a video game pub to an Asian-Latin spot, these establishments exemplify the city’s eclectic mix of cuisines and vibes. Whether you’re a foodie, nightlife aficionado, or simply looking for a unique hangout, Scottsdale has something special for you. The restaurants and bars covered ahead offer memorable meals, drinks, and ambiance you won’t find anywhere else.
The Mission
3815 North Brown Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Mission is a contemporary Latin restaurant known for its fusion cuisine and lively atmosphere. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, The Mission brings traditional Latin flavors with modern techniques and presentations.
The chef carefully crafts each dish to highlight the vibrant flavors of Latin America. You’ll find twists on classics like empanadas filled with short ribs, chimichurri steak frites, and Mexican street corn off the cob. The Mission also serves innovative dishes like the aji amarillo sea bass and roasted poblano stuffed with quinoa and huitlacoche.
No matter what you order, the flavors are bold, bright, and beautifully balanced. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from local purveyors to ensure freshness and quality.
In addition to the exceptional food, The Mission has a gorgeous outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Strung lights, hanging plants, and rustic wood tables create an intimate ambiance. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy creative cocktails like the jalapeño pineapple margarita or pomegranate mojito. At night, the patio comes alive with a lively atmosphere and buzzy energy.
With its upscale yet casual vibe, The Mission is a go-to spot for Latin cuisine and cocktails with a fresh, modern twist. The flavorful fusion dishes, artfully crafted drinks, and chic outdoor seating make it one of Scottsdale’s most unique and vibrant restaurants.
Citizen Public House
7111 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Citizen Public House is a gastropub that puts a creative spin on classic comfort foods by utilizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This popular neighborhood eatery aims to be a gathering place for the community, with a warm, inviting ambiance.
One of the attractions of Citizen Public House is their extensive whiskey selection. They have over 100 varieties of whiskey available, including rare and limited-release exclusives. Whiskey aficionados will delight in exploring the options. Monthly hosted whiskey dinner events allow guests to enjoy thoughtfully paired dishes and whiskey in a special prix fixe menu. These dinners are a great way to expand your whiskey knowledge and taste profiles outside the norm.
The cuisine showcases simple, well-executed preparations using quality ingredients from Arizona purveyors. You’ll find locally-raised meats and chef-driven seasonal dishes. Favorites include the pretzel bites with beer cheese dipping sauce, fish tacos made with sustainably-caught seafood, and the signature butcher’s cut burgers from locally-sourced beef. The cocktail menu is also creative and highlights local distilleries.
With its dedication to community, seasonal ingredients, and expansive whiskey selection, Citizen Public House offers a warm, gastropub environment unique to Scottsdale. It’s a great place to gather with friends and family while enjoying whiskies and creative comfort food made from fresh, local fare.
Second Story Liquor Bar
4166 N Scottsdale Rd #102, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The aptly named Second Story Liquor Bar is a rooftop bar that offers some of the best views in Scottsdale. Perched on the second floor overlooking Old Town Scottsdale, this stylish bar gives you a bird’s eye perspective of the cityscape and surrounding mountains.
While the views are the main draw, Second Story also wins points for its extensive list of craft cocktails and house-made liquor infusions. The bar takes pride in concocting unique drink combinations that you won’t find anywhere else. Some of their most popular specialty cocktails include the Prickly Pear Martini, made with Arizona prickly pear vodka, and the Desert Rose, featuring hibiscus-infused tequila.
Second Story’s drink menu is complemented by a selection of upscale bar bites perfect for sharing. One of their standout appetizers are the gourmet sliders, which come in varieties like the Prime Rib Slider with blue cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions. Other favorites include the Lobster Avocado Toast and the Second Story Nachos piled high with short rib, queso, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
With its breathtaking city views, craft cocktail program, and tasty bar menu, Second Story Liquor Bar is a prime spot for kicking back, grabbing a unique drink, and taking in the Scottsdale skyline. This stylish rooftop lounge offers a one-of-a-kind ambiance you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
The Montauk
4360 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Montauk is a hip seafood restaurant and oyster bar located in downtown Scottsdale. This lively hot spot is known for its daily happy hour specials, making it a popular after-work and weekend gathering place.
The ambiance at The Montauk is energetic and fun, with a casual-chic industrial interior featuring exposed brick walls, steel beams, and subway tiles. The large central bar is always buzzing with activity and the outdoor patio offers stellar views of Old Town Scottsdale.
Seafood is the star at The Montauk, with an extensive raw bar featuring a dozen types of fresh oysters along with ceviche, crab claws, and shrimp cocktail. The kitchen turns out creative seafood dishes like miso glazed salmon, crab cakes, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. Don’t miss their signaturePEI mussels steamed in a coconut lime broth.
Happy hour at The Montauk runs all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays from 11am to close. Specials include $1.50 oysters, $5 draft beers, wells, and house wine. With great deals on seafood and drinks in an energetic setting, The Montauk is one of Scottsdale’s most unique and lively restaurants. It’s a fantastic place to unwind after work or spend a fun weekend evening out.
AZ88
7353 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
AZ88 is a stylish cocktail lounge chic, modern interior that matches the sophisticated drink menu crafted by expert mixologists. AZ88 takes a creative approach to classics like martinis and manhattans using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature cocktails incorporate intriguing flavors like smoked rosemary, wildflower honey, and prickly pear. The extensive wine and spirits list offers additional options for discerning imbibers.
While the panoramic vistas steal the show, AZ88’s atmosphere is equally impressive. Low lighting, communal tables, and buzzing energy create a lively nightlife destination. Groups can reserve private cabanas for an exclusive VIP experience. From happy hour to late nights, AZ88 attracts those seeking elevated drinks and views. Sipping a handcrafted cocktail 87 stories above the city is a one-of-a-kind sensation not to be missed.
Diego Pops
4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Inspired by taco and tequila-fueled conversations on the beaches of the Yucatan, Diego Pops brings a modern and playful twist to authentic Mexican cuisine. Every dish, from classic and reimagined tacos to their famous Brussels Sprout Nachos, is made fresh and from scratch. Creative cocktails add an extra flair to the vibrant menu.
Set within the charming walls of a historic Southwestern pottery shop, Diego Pops features an open kitchen, playful décor, and an extended outdoor patio. This combination creates a friendly, fun, and laid-back dining experience. Whether you’re sipping a margarita or savoring a taco, Diego Pops captures the lively spirit of the Yucatan right in the heart of Waikiki, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
The House Brasserie
6936 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Old Town Scottsdale, The House is a haven of culinary artistry. This favorite spot features cutting-edge, modern American cuisine with a French influence, crafted by talented chefs. The beautiful Victorian-inspired dining room and charming patio, shaded by trees, set the scene for a memorable meal. Expect the finest attentive tableside service, artfully prepared dishes with the highest quality ingredients, exquisite hand-pressed cocktails, and a distinguished wine list.
Built-in 1939 by the Mowry family, The House Brasserie is one of Old Town Scottsdale’s oldest residences. Despite the addition of a new kitchen in 2014, the exterior remains original, preserving its historic charm. The legacy of the Mowry family lives on, with Mrs. Mowry’s famous rose bush now flourishing at the Hotel Valley Ho. Today, The House welcomes guests to experience the old-world charm and hospitality of days past, elevating your dining experience to new heights.
Wet & Wrap Art Bar + Kitchen
6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
At Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, every meal is an immersive experience. Whether you’re seated at the chef’s table in the exhibition kitchen for a private, curated meal or dining in the stylish room or on the patio, you’ll be captivated. The sunset over picturesque Camelback Mountain adds a magical touch to your evening.
This restaurant specializes in modern Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by artfully crafted cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. Their Two-Digit Date Night is a perfect summer evening experience, ideal for anniversaries or romantic outings. Enjoy live music, seasonal craft cocktails, and the breathtaking sunset over Camelback Mountain from the patio overlooking the Turquoise Pool. It’s an unforgettable setting for a memorable night with that special someone.
Farm and Craft
4302 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Farm & Craft is dedicated to offering healthy food and drink options that satisfy your taste buds while promoting wellness. Using farm-fresh ingredients, they craft a menu that appeals to everyone in the family without compromising on health. Their meals are complemented by the best cocktails, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Located in Scottsdale, this trendy restaurant provides a solution for those seeking to dine out healthily.
Their extensive menu features gluten-free, organic, and hormone-free options, all designed to support your wellness goals. Nestled in the vibrant Old Town district, Farm & Craft is a top dining destination for locals and visitors alike. With an inviting outdoor patio and a modern, stylish interior, they create the perfect backdrop for enjoying delicious, health-conscious meals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
Scottsdale, Arizona is well known for its stunning desert landscapes, world-class golf courses, and luxurious resorts. But as we’ve seen, it also boasts a thriving food and drink scene full of innovative establishments unlike anywhere else.
Scottsdale offers unique experiences for every taste. Places like The Montauk and AZ88 put creative spins on seafood and Asian cuisine, while Diego Pops and Clever Koi serve up Instagram-worthy fare in industrial-chic settings.
The chefs, mixologists, and entrepreneurs of Scottsdale are clearly not afraid to take risks and push boundaries when it comes to flavor combinations and concept design. Their passion for their craft has produced many one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars that can’t be found elsewhere. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy exploring this list of Scottsdale’s most unique food and drink destinations to find new favorite hangouts and hidden gems.
With its striking natural landscapes and its wealth of innovative eateries, Scottsdale proves itself to be so much more than a typical Southwestern desert town. Those seeking cool cuisine and cocktails with character will find themselves spoiled for choice.
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