Have you ever thought that Scottsdale would be brimming with fantastic eateries that would make even the most elitist foodies nod their heads with delighted approval? Probably not. Houston, New Orleans, and New York are all well-known for their good food, but not Scottsdale. Scottsdale has been stiffed by America, because it is as much a prime dining destination as any other city in the country (except maybe DC, but I am biased slightly because I’ve lived here for a while and have eaten out a LOT. Plus, food trucks).
I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona for over a year directly out of college, where I not only sweltered in the unyielding heat and pitifully texted my mom every day about how much I missed her, but also had a chance to discover what the city had to offer to its hungry inhabitants (and visitors). From burgers to Mexican food to southern food to salads, Scottsdale has it all, and there is plenty of parking everywhere (HA. One thing Washington DC has literally none of. You win, Scottsdale).
In-N-Out
What other restaurant could we possible start with if not the world famous In-N-Out, which absolutely refuses to bring its juicy goodness out to the eastern United States? Yes, I am bitter about it if you’re wondering. I’ve gotten into a cab to go to In-N-Out during layovers in California before because I am just that desperate for my In-N-Out fix.
Yes, it is technically fast food, and it is incredibly cheap, but their product is incredibly delicious, good quality food. The menu is simple: choose from a hamburger, cheeseburger, or double double (double the meat, double the cheese), and pair it with fries and a milkshake. Then there’s the “not-so-secret” menu, where you can opt for Protein Style, the burger wrapped in a bed of lettuce, or Animal Style, which is their extra special spread with grilled onions (get Animal Style every time, trust me). My mouth is watering in In-N-Out withdrawal right now. Goddamn.
There are several locations in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas, so you are never too far away from this godly dining experience.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
I will admit that the only time I’ve been to Fuzzy’s was after a night of bar-hopping on Mill Avenue in Tempe with my friend Alyssa, who was stopping through for the weekend, and my friend Nick, my trusty lunchtime companion every day at work. So my review may be a little bit slanted considering. However, even to this day, I still consider the soft shell chicken tacos that I had here some of the most flavorful and delicious tacos I have ever had (inhaled), and I’ve eaten a lot of tacos. Plus, the portions are generous and the prices are cheap, especially if you stop in on Taco Tuesday.
Handlebar J
If you’re visiting the southwest, you have to dine at a southwestern restaurant at least once. It’s part of the experience. Handlebar J’s is a restaurant I didn’t discover until late into my time in Arizona, despite the fact that it was around the corner from my front door and has been a Scottsdale landmark for years. They have a huge, sprawling patio, for outside dining in the early spring days before the wave of fiery heat descends upon the city without mercy, and a lively bar. And what is the southwest without perfectly-cooked barbecue, friendly staff, and a live band playing country music for your enjoyment (or dancing, if you’re feeling particularly frisky)? I opted for their macaroni and cheese, which came in a skillet with bacon and literally took my breath away, but I have been a sucker for macaroni and cheese since I was old enough to breathe.
Butters Pancakes and Café
There’s a reason that there is always a wait for brunch at Butters, and a reason that it is one of the most popular weekend brunch spots in all of Scottsdale. It’s because their ingredients are the highest quality, and their service is top-notch. No joke. My ex-boyfriend and I used to go here whenever he was visiting, and the first time we went our food arrived in front of us within 5 minutes of us ordering. We looked at each other, mouths agape. Was it real? Could we have gotten someone else’s food by mistake, someone who had been here far longer than we? How was it possible? It must have been a fluke. BUT NO. They are just that fast, every time, no matter how crowded they are. Those chefs are like superhuman. Order an omelette, and omelette, when you go here, because they are massive, impossibly airy and fluffy, and do not skimp on the fillings. I cannot give enough positive praise for this place, and miss it desperately every Sunday morning.
Café Zupas
Cafe Zupas is kind of like a southwestern Panera bread, except they give you a fat chocolate-covered strawberry with every meal. You walk in and are greeted at the door, make your way through the line, and get a choice of soup, salad, or sandwiches (or any combination of the three). I personally would highly recommend the turkey bacon avocado sandwich with a bowl of the Wisconsin cauliflower soup. It is located in the Desert Ridge Marketplace, so it is the perfect place for a quick lunch before the movies or an afternoon of shopping.
Sandbar
Sandbar was the first place I went when I first moved to Arizona, as part of an awkward meet-and-greet for some of the new employees right before starting work. I walked in sweating from the summer heat and trying desperately to hide my pit stains while making shy small talk. Who knew then that those people would become some of my best friends and that Sandbar would soon become a frequent happy hour/lunchtime/Friday night spot? A love story for the ages. Thank you Sandbar for your cheap and delicious frozen margaritas, for your tasty tacos, for your fantastic salsa and queso dip that served as dinner many Thursday nights after work, for your surfboard-shaped outdoor tables and patio floor covered with sand, for your scantily-clad waitresses (this was more actually for my male coworkers than it was for me, though I am glad for them that they are allowed to wear weather-appropriate uniforms), and for being such an easy, fun place to be.
Manuel’s
Ah yes. The very first authentic Mexican food I have ever eaten, on my apartment-hunting trip to Scottsdale a few months prior to moving. It was shocking, realizing for the first time that fast food chains have been lying to me my entire life. Baja Fresh is not Mexican. Chipotle is absolutely not Mexican (as elitist as this sounds, and I do apologize, I don’t even like Chipotle burritos anymore after living a year in the southwest. I am now an elitist Mexican food eater, just like people from Philly are probably elitist Philly cheesesteak eaters. I still can eat a Philly cheesesteak anywhere in the country and think it’s pretty good). So Manuel’s. It is a chain and has locations throughout the greater Phoenix area, but don’t let that deter you. Their enchiladas are packed with tasty goodness, and they offer several different salsas for chip-dippin’ while you peruse the menu. Plus lots of margaritas.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
My second favorite burger ever (after In-N-Out). My goal is to eventually have tried every unique and original burger on the menu (although my favorite to date is Llano Poblano and will probably always be my favorite. East coast girl having poblano peppers for the first time was an almost spiritual experience). The restaurant is clean and modern and full of beer as well, so it is definitely a must-visit.
Grassroots Kitchen and Tap
If you are are a vegetarian or are looking for a healthier alternative, Grassroots is for you. Also, if you are wine person. I am not a wine person personally, but I found myself enjoying the wine when I came here with my grandmother (she also enjoyed the wine). Caesar salads are one of my favorite foods for whatever reason, and their Caesar salad is really well-done (trust me, this is a dish that can easily be poorly done. I have had too many Caesar salads that are just soggy, limp lettuce swimming in a pool of sub-par dressing, but Grassroots Kitchen is a Caesar salad master). They also have a lot of more exciting foods if you’re up for it, like ahi tuna, charred brussel sprouts, jalapeño grits, and steak. Diverse menu, relaxed atmosphere, and consistently positive reviews make this restaurant a choice you won’t regret.
Bandera
Old Town Scottsdale is one of Scottsdale’s richest havens for all things food and drink (and the area is adorably old western to boot). I have to recommend Bandera if only just for its cornbread. Yes, they have a fantastic wine selection and a tender ribeye to die for, but the real draw here is their cornbread. It is different, served in an iron skillet and filled with spicy jalapeños. It doesn’t matter what you decide to order after, because everything is good…just be sure to start with this dish as your appetizer, and maybe also take some home with you for later.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the greater Phoenix area? Did reading this post make you as hungry as writing it made me? Because seriously, I am jonesing for a taco.
