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

Sushi J

Sort of loud with a cheap karaoke bar feel but don't let the 'also ran' atmosphere dissuade you from some of the freshest and best executed Sushi in the West. Go for the culinary artistry not the scene.

The 'Must Try'- Tough to beat the sashimi lunch

Fatty Daddy’s

The Fatty Daddy’s Cookie Cup certainly deserves points for creativity with its macaroons and torched marshmallows.  The execution is still inconsistent but, given the enthusiasm of the owners, we see that gap quickly eliminated.

The 'Must Try'- Can't leave here without trying your own version of the cookie cup

Ahipoki Bowl

A welcome addition to our landlocked Valley and it will likely grow an extra star or two once we get more acclimated to the Poke phenomenon. Would like a little more guidance from the staff and maybe a few more garnish options to make it more substantial.

The 'Must Try'- The Poki bowl...it's what they do

RNR Gastropub

A tried and true, albeit loud, spot to gather with friends or coworkers and located in a prime spot in Oldtown Scottsdale.  The standard pub fare is hit and miss but there enough items that will even add to your evening.

The 'Must Try'-  Get social with the Dirty Chips

The Great Australian Bakery

The almost identical twin of the Cornish Pasty that is pleasing palates on the other side of Old Town.  The rolls and tarts add a distinctive Australian twist to the concept. Only complaint is that they are a tad small for the price paid.


The 'Must Try'- The Aussie take on the Shepard's Pie

The Shake Shack

The New York equivalent of In-And-Out, superiority complex and adjusted prices included. Anyways, the burger almost does live up to the hype.  A very solid offering, one of the best in the $5-$7 range.  Their potato roll buns serve notice to everyone else out there surrounding their beef in subpar bread.  

The 'Must Try'-  Smokeshack

Simon's Hot Dogs

A welcome fast casual and lower price point for the area.  The frantically fantastic owner and his staff aim to please with some very well executed fresh takes on the Hot Dog.  Do yourself a favor, imagine a Caribbean breeze, and sample the Colombian dog.


The 'Must Try'- Take their suggestion and go full Colombian!

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

Born & Glazed

The donut is the next venerable American staple to get the artisan twist and this place has some of the better offerings in the Valley. Still new and with a few 'beginners' kinks related to consistency to work through.

The 'Must Try'- A Bacon Glazed and Prickly Pear

Scottsdale Food Truck Caravan

Saturday night fast approaching and you and your significant other can't decide over where to eat?  Why not split the difference and go to a place that offers multiple options?  The answer, my friend, is the Scottsdale Food Truck Caravan!

Located just off the heart of Old Town there are plenty of options in the area to keep you company after you indulge in the offerings of one of the many food trucks.  Click the link above and explore all of the varying options.

No more excuses for a boring Saturday night at home!

Tottie's Asian Fusion

A perfectly fine prototypical strip mall Asian eatery.  It does have a varied menu that allows the casual dinner to comfortably explore the safer dishes of the Pacific Rim.


The 'Must Try'- Panang Curry

Streets of New York Pizza

For those moments when you don't need VPN certified, can't tolerate Dominoes, and just need something good and cheap for the family on a weekday night.

The 'Must Try'- Have the kids in tow?  Stick with standard pepporoni

Diego Pops

This eclectic and gussied up taco stand does just enough to distract your attention from the famed Barrio Queen around the block. While not as authentic it offers a more gringo flavored menu full of flavor.  A particular nod to their various salsas.

The 'Must Try'- The Brussels Sprout Nachos

The Scottsdale Food Truck Caravan

It's Saturday night and you want Thai while she insists on something south of border.  Pretty common domestic dilemma, right? Why not try both?  The folks at the Food Truck Caravan make that possible every Saturday night in Oldtown Scottsdale.

The selection is wide and varies from week to week so there is no reason why you shouldn't this regular billing on your calendar.  Make sure to visit their website or Facebook page in order to get the current line up.  And if you're feeling super awesome go ahead and rent one of their luxury harem tents.

Bitesized Approved Activities: Sur La Table

You eat enough great meals around town and you start to wonder if you could possibly create your own culinary masterpiece.  Sound possible?  Don't know where to start?  Thankfully for us there are places like Sur La Table that offer dining aficionados the chance to strap on the apron.

Leading figures in Phoenix and all part of the Taste America event!

We recently attended the James Beard Taste America event at the Sur. The weekend was a veritable 'who's who' of the Phoenix culinary scene.  Our session featured famed L.A.baker Sherry Yard and she opened our eyes to the majesty and diversity of Challah. 

To say that the session was tasty and informative was an understatement.  Sherry knows how to educate and engage an audience.  But just as important it opened our eyes to the myriad events like this in town that are accessible to dining inclined.

Looking for a good place to start?  Take a look here at the current Sur la table calendar. Date night just became a little more interesting.
 

Pig & Pickle

Feels more like Portland then Scottsdale which is very welcome.  A very accommodating staff and a menu that allows you to explore alternative pieces of animal from the comfort of your middle American sensibilities. A place you'd have no problem calling home.

The 'Must Try'- The Pork Shank with Yams

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