Recently, I took a trip down to Scottsdale, Arizona for the first weekend of MLB Spring Training with the San Francisco Giants. Fans of all teams flock to the Grand Canyon State during the months of February and March to catch a glimpse of their favorite players and the up and coming prospects. It’s a paradise for anyone who loves the game of baseball, and there’s plenty to do during the day and night when you aren’t at the games. Scottsdale is a vibrant, young, modern destination with an abundance of great places to eat and explore. During my stay, I rounded up some of my favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner finds. Here are my “home-run” recommendations from Spring Training in Arizona:
Breakfast: Scramble Scottsdale
Breakfast begins with the freshest ingredients. This popular breakfast joint not only has all the classic breakfast options, but also a wide variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, something not found at every corner breakfast cafe. The entire menu is made with only local and seasonal products. Their vegan French toast highly impressed me (and that’s saying quite a lot), and I can guarantee that their Scramble is the perfect way to start an Arizona sunny day. Speaking of brunch, check out this awesome brunch place in Tuscon.
Lunch: Grassroots Kitchen and Tap
This casually upscale restaurant delivers farm-fresh table with flair and elegance. The menu is best summed up as modern American dishes with an emphasis on quality ingredients. Entrees come with a delicious selection of local, seasonal vegetables. Plants in the patio area growing alongside the brick building provide a vibrant, modern design. This is the perfect spot to hang out in between Spring Training games. Other great vegan options in AZ include this great find near ASU, and this University of Arizona favorite that’s the ultimate “healthy food fix.”
Happy Hour & Dinner: Culinary Dropout
What better place to have dinner in Scottsdale than a young, vibrant pub with great cocktails and comfort food? One of the most popular places in the area (especially during Spring Training), this British-style gastropub serves genuine food and drinks, and provides a great place to meet up with friends or go on a first date. A must-visit in Scottsdale.
Happy Hour & Dinner: The Vig
“The best spot for happy hour drinks and cocktails,” according to their site. This contemporary American restaurant has something for everyone, and just a few miles away from hotels and the baseball stadium, it’s no wonder that the fans and players both love this spot. My favorite were the short rib tacos, which comes with a sweet sauce and are packed with a great flavor. It’s definitely one for the books.