If you ever find yourself near the greater Phoenix area and want to do some exploring, drive out to the Scottsdale community that’s only thirty minutes away. Scottsdale has some great attractions like Old Town Scottsdale and tons of hiking nearby, like Camelback Mountain.
Of course, every adventure needs the essentials… AKA food. Scottsdale doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dishing out quality meals of all sorts. It offers eclectic, yet refined cuisine that would make any major foodie across the nation jealous. Here are 7 great places with their own unique styles you don’t want to miss out on.
1. Butters Pancakes and Café
Photo courtesy of @liliesquer on Instagram
Pancakes is in the name, but pretty much all of their breakfast is the game. A customer favorite, the Oreo Cookie S’mores Cakes are a delicious combination of chocolate, Oreos, and marshmallow spread.
If you identify yourself to be more of a waffle person, no worries. This place has ’em, as well as a wide variety of unreal omelets, eggs and flavorful crepes. Breakfast done right.
2. Blanco Tacos + Tequila
Photo courtesy of @blancotacostequila on Instagram
If you traveled to the Southwest and didn’t Insta any Mexican food, did you really go?
Order one of Blanco’s staple Cheese Crisps, which come with a variety of toppings. If you are trying to keep it simple, go for their tacos. Here, modern American style is expertly blended with Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is open, friendly, and youthful, complete with alternative music and industrial decor. It doesn’t get any better than this (inside the United States).
3. Spotted Donkey Cantina
Photo courtesy of @trendsontrends_ on Instagram
Because there is no such thing as too much Mexican food. Treat yo’self and get an appetizer. Our recommendation is the nachos, which are coated in black beans, pulled pork, Serrano chile, tomato and tomatillo salsa, and an array of cheeses. The outside is designed like a pueblo which contributes to the southwest feel, while the inside has a sophisticated yet casual setting.
#SpoonTip: If the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio for dinner with a great view.
4. Rehab Burger Therapy
Photo courtesy of @dineanddashslc on Instagram
What happens when you put mac n’ cheese and a burger together? Hangover heaven. This hip restaurant serves up some creative burger combinations. An outrageous yet delicious combo is their PB&J which comes with — yep, you guessed it — peanut butter, grape jelly, AND bacon and Sriracha sauce.
The restaurant itself is designed like a brightly-colored beach shack, and the atmosphere is relaxed and chill. You will forget there are actually no beaches in AZ.
5. Bootleggers Modern American Steakhouse
Photo courtesy of Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse on Facebook
If you are in need of some quality barbecue, Bootleggers is the place to go. This casual smokehouse’s menu is full of different types of American classic food. One dish that is a must-try is the smoked turkey leg, which is glazed in honey bourbon sauce.
This place is located in Old Town Scottsdale, which is set up like a scene from an old historical town from the Wild West, complete with quaint boutiques.
6. O.H.S.O Eatery + Distillery
Photo courtesy of @heyandeeandee on Instagram
O.H.S.O has a little bit of everything when it comes to food. Mac n’ cheese lovers should order the Brisket Mac with red peppers, BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings and boursin sauce mixed in. It’s a southern twist to a classic dish, but your stomach will thank you.
This modern brewery has a wide variety of whiskeys as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Order a drink and unwind in the upbeat environment.
7. The Gelato Spot
Photo courtesy of @gelatospot on Instagram
Cool down with some authentic gelato for your sweet tooth. Some of the flavors include Almond Snickers, Bacio, and the Italian classic, Stracciatella. Pssst, this place serves wood-fired pizza, too.