Stax Burger Bistro

In a field littered with the grass fed flotsam of a hundred failed burger ventures stands out a menu that truly merits a visit.  While most burger joints go big, their slider sized offerings are just the right side and allow you to explore the menu.

The 'Must Try'- Mix and match.  We like the Kobe and Buffalo

The Yard

They do a pretty good job "manufacturing" fun for those who typically don't have the ambition or wherewithal to generate some on their own.  Good restaurants and a safe bet to hold your next office party.  Also, the parking/valet situation is a mess.


The 'Must Try'- All the favorites from Culinary Dropout and Barrio Urbano but we recommend something shareable like the soft pretzels.

EVO

Old town Scottsdale has long been a haven to buy kitschy bolo ties and hear about rumored legends of Paris Hilton's time spent clubbing here.  EVO solidifies this area, along with Franco's and Marcellino's as the Valley's "Little Italy".  We welcome back the original 'Cuoco Pazzo', Chef DeRuvo and he brings back many of the dishes that we have loved at his past spots, namely the Raviolo, Arancini, and Focaccia di Recco.


The 'Must Try'- A lot to like but you must get the Focaccia di Recco

Sushi Broker

Good sushi but we all know that the scene is just as important. This place has an a great vibe for a congenial happy hour and a creative menu that satisfies the purist and the novice alike.

The 'Must Try'- The Surfer

Isabella’s Kitchen

Put this place in a strip mall and it becomes a slightly better looking cousin then Macaroni Grill.  The food isn't exceptionally memorable. Don't worry though, what sets this place apart is its atmosphere and location.    You will be hard to pressed to find anywhere else in the Valley that offers such a setting.

The 'Must Try'- Decent food but better view and atmosphere

Joyride Tacos

The hipsters at Upward Projects have stolen Nana's old family recipes, awesomely re-purposed another Phoenix building, and given us another reason to head up Central Ave for a Friday happy hour.

The 'Must Try'- Pick a Plate of Tacos

Switch Restaurant & Wine Bar

One of the better 'gathering spots' downtown.  The perfect spot for drinks and a light meal prior to a night on the town. A well executed menu that offers plenty of options without being overwhelming.

The 'Must Try'- The Seared Salmon with Polenta

Postino Arcadia

Assuming you have enough patience for the parking lot and enough coolness to fit in with the crowd this is a great place to socialize and get the best bruschetta in town.   This elder statesman of the new Phoenix has been a long standing favorite for Happy Hour


The 'Must Try'- Pick four spot of bruschetta and pick four more

Fogon - A Mexican Eatery

Solid ambiance with the beginnings of a good menu but the execution still needs polish and we wish the menu would dive deeper into the heart of Mexico.  Work to be done before it can compete with Barrio or even the Blanco down the street.

The 'Must Try'- The fajita

Hula's Modern Tiki

It's like Don the Beachcomber got a 21st century facelift.  The place is more haole then tiki but there is just enough vibe and menu to offer a "hang loose" respite from the Scottsdale heat.  We think the Phoenix location does a better job of capturing the island spirit.

The 'Must Try'- Macademia Crusted Butterfish

Olive & Ivy

The poster child for those who think that Fox Restaurants are more style than substance. Regardless it is a solid location to take in Happy Hour. One of the better spots to pass time in Old Town.

The 'Must Try'- Beet Salad with Ahi

The Taco Guild

Coolest repurposing of an existing space since Pope Nicolas III decided to clean up Hadrian's dusty old tomb.  We are hopeful that they refine their excessively creative menu and settle on some tacos that are both unique and tasty to the palatte.

The 'Must Try'- Pick three tacos and hope that they haven't gotten too creative with some of your favorite flavors.

Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician

Price and quality on par with the best burgers in the Biltmore corridor.  But Relish has something those spots don't have, a prime location at the Phoenician.  Get a great sandwich and soak in a little bit of the resort vibe.


The 'Must Try'- The Cowboy Burger

SumoMaya

I like the concept behind SumoMaya, I only wish that they allowed the flavors from Mexico and Asia to play together more often. Where properly blended the result is worth the effort.


The 'Must Try'- Rollo Chingon

Blanco

Mexican as seen through the Sam Fox lens which means strong design, good ambiance, attentive service, and food that is solid but not spectacular.

The 'Must Try'- Braised Short Rib Enchiladas

The Henry

Classic Fox in terms of great design and superb service execution.  The place is comfortably sophisticated  and reminds me of the residence of a Southern  Virginia aristocrat...complete with a fancy cupboard of single malt scotch. Perfect fit for the Arcadia jet set.

The 'Must Try'-   The Pork Ribs with Sides

Otro Cafe

 

Yes, the name kind of gives this place an 'also ran' or second fiddle status to Robson's other gem, Gallo Blanco.  But once you enter you get a different take on Mexican.  The Salads, Elote, Enchilada's, and Paella are all worth the drive up from Clarendon. 

The 'Must Try'- The Paella Mexicana