ARBOLEDA

Arboleda takes your senses on a culinary journey of the Mediterranean using the highest quality ingredients; sourced locally whenever possible. The lively atmosphere and inspired design make Arboleda the ideal destination for friendly gatherings, special occasions and much-deserved happy hours. The menu is divided into little bites, cured meats, tapas for sharing, and creatively prepared pasta, fish, and meat entrees. Spicy lobster spaghetti and squid ink fettuccine with calamari and gulf shrimp stand out among the pastas. The 32-ounce, 28-day aged “El Jorge” ribeye, prepared with piquillo peppers and herb za’atar oil, is a decadent meal for two. Paella is available Friday and Saturday. 15345 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.701.1007; www.arboledaaz.com; $$$-$$$$$

BY BECKY ANITOCO

American PROOF

This casual eatery inside the Four Seasons Scottsdale boasts stunning views of Pinnacle Peak with elevated American comfort foods and beverages. The menu features smoked meats, vegetarian-friendly entrees like the Green & Grains Goodness, creative salads, and tasty shareables like baked goat cheese dip and roasted red pepper hummus. Start the day out with a hearty breakfast, or enjoy a casual craft cocktail in the afternoon while challenging friends to a game of shuffleboard. Try the

Tulip Wings tossed in your choice of Sweet & Spicy Orange BBQ sauce or the house-made Fresno hot sauce. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Happy hour daily from 3 to 5:30 p.m. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; 480.513.5085; www. fourseasons.com/scottsdale; $$

RACK

Rack is a premium pool lounge located in Old Town Scottsdale. With a massive patio and wrap-around bar, this is the ideal spot to gather for a game and enjoy classic pub fare like buffalo wings and nachos with an ice-cold with the typical fries and onion rings on the side. Customize your patty with add-ons and sauces or keep it simple for a no-frills meal. For a straightforward quality burger or hot dog, this is the place for you. 23535 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www. scottsdaleburgerbar.com; $

The Creek Patio Grill

Eat, drink, and relax at The Creek Patio Grill overlooking a 17-foot waterfall. The extensive menu features handcrafted burgers, a variety of salads, brick-oven pizzas, choice steak and seafood, sandwiches, and pasta. Sunday through Thursday, hungry families can choose Italian Style, Southern Style, Creek Style, or Game Night platters that feed four to six people. Happy hour daily from 3 to 7 p.m. 28244 N. Tatum Blvd., Cave Creek; 480.538.7910; www. thecreekpatiogrill.com; $$

Thompson 105

With a stunning patio overlooking the McDowell Mountains, Thompson 105 provides delicious eats, an extensive bar, and gorgeous views. Hidden in the mountains of North Scottsdale, the neighborhood eatery serves up fresh eats and one-of-a-kind spirits and cocktails. The menu includes a broad selection of salads, pasta, and house specialties like rotisserie chicken and prime rib, roasted salmon, burgers, and creative starters. The top-quality bar menu specializes in high-end tequila and whiskey. 10401 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale; 480.612.9400; www. thompson105.com; $$$.

Urge Taphouse Kitchen

beer. But you’ll also find a nice selection of specialty pizzas with beerinfused dough, including a spicy Hawaiian, BBQ chicken, pesto, or build your own. Rack is for adults 21 and older after 7 p.m. Happy hour offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.476.1035; www.theracklounge.com; $-$$

Scottsdale Burger Bar

Scottsdale Burger Bar likes to keep it simple. This no-frills joint serves burgers (Angus beef, grilled or fried chicken, or Impossible) and hot dogs

Urge Taphouse Kitchen boasts a wide selection of craft beers and wines, with over 50 craft beers and ciders to choose from daily, along with an extensive cocktail menu. Consider pairing a flight of brews with bites from the elevated pub menu. The eclectic menu includes sushi, craft pizzas, Nashville hot chicken, burgers, and salads. Try the fish and chips. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. At Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.656.0012; www.urgethk.com; $$

Asian CLEVER RAMEN

From the creators of Clever Koi comes Clever Ramen, where buildto-order ramen bowls and steamed bao buns are prepared for quick take out or dine in. For those who prefer the less clever route, there are four pre-built ramen options: pork, chicken miso, spicy kimchi, and vegan. Otherwise, patrons choose ramen, vegan or gluten-free noodles as a base, and customize with different broths, proteins, veggies and extras like chili oil and crispy shallots. Try the tasty steamed buns in pork belly, Korean hot chicken or kimchi cauliflower varieties, or build a combo with Krazy or Kim-Cheese fries. 1455 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.350.7830; www.cleverramen. com; $

Jewel Of The Crown

Located near the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Jewel of the Crown serves northern IndianPakistani cuisine. The menu features well-known Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, and savory specialties using fragrant spices and herbs. And like most Indian menus, they are vegetarian-friendly. With the dining room elegantly adorned with ornate Indian decor, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions as well as weekday dinners. 7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale; 480.949.8000; www.jewelofthecrown.com; $$

La Mai Thai Cuisine

At La Mai, the menu is a fusion of modern, authentic Thai flavors. Loyal customers rave about the bold flavors in the popular pad Thai and curry dishes. Additionally, soups like the tom kha gai and chicken satay appetizers are favorites. Lunch specials — curries, pad thai, noodle dishes, and more — are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12015 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.907.7706; www.lamaithaicuisineaz.com; $-$$

PICK N’ ROLL

Buid your own poke bowl or sushi burrito, choosing from a base of purple rice or salad greens. Load it with fresh veggies, and add protein like fresh tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus or tofu, top with savory dried seaweed or other toppings, and finish it off with one of Pick N’ Rolls fresh sauces, including favorites like eel, teriyak, or soy sauce, or fruity orange, hot mango or hot pineapple. Or, try one of their fresh sushi rolls, nigri or noodles, and finish your meal with a scoop of mochi ice cream. It’s a fresh and creative take on poke and sushi in a casual setting. 9120 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.291.5070; www. picknrollusa.com; $

SASAKI SUSHI & BAR

For those looking for creative, multi-ingredient sushi rolls, Sasaki is the place. In addition to signature rolls, Sasaki serves traditional nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. This sushi bar has a little bit for everyone with tantalizing appetizers like lotus chicken, tempura combo, tuna tataki, tonkotsu ramen, and udon noodle soup. Traditional rolls and nigiri reside on the menu alongside rolls that are giant, deep-fried, or torched. Happy hour daily from 4 to 7 p.m.

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale; 480.566.5726; www.sasakisushibar. com; $$

SUMOMAYA

The colorful and energetic decor is fitting for this Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant. The menu is a mix of Latin American and Asian small plates, including guacamole served four ways, assorted sushi rolls, a variety of ceviche, and non-traditional fried rice and noodle dishes. Open weekdays starting at 11 a.m. Bottomless Brunch with unlimited shared plates, desserts and cocktails on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m. 6560 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.397.9520; www.sumomaya.com; $$-$$$

YEN SUSHI

Yen Sushi claims the stickiest rice, the most savory seaweed, and the bestpriced sushi in town. Browse the variety of traditional rolls as they float by on the revolving belt and take what you like. Specialty rolls like salmon skin and caterpillar rolls, nigiri, and sashimi are on the menu but not on the belt. If sushi isn’t your thing, you’ll also find teriyaki bowls and noodle dishes to satisfy your appetite. The menu also boasts a nice variety of hot, cold, and bottled sakes. 15807 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.; 480.661.1188; www.rev. yensushi.net; $-$$

Bakery

BEG BAKERY & CREAMERY

A classic bakery reimagined, this sweet spot offering high-quality baked goods and ice cream for all eating lifestyles. The amazing creations are free of butter, egg and gluten. Baker Shawna has spent years perfecting and reformulating her grandmother’s recipes using plant-based and clean ingredients, while achieving traditional tastes and textures. The menu features muffins, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cinnamon rolls, along with ice cream and beverages. No matter your dietary requirements, BEG has something tasty to offer.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. 3030 N. 68th St., Scottsdale; 480.590.0021; www.begbakery.com; $

Jl Patisserie

This French-inspired bakery started out on the farmers market circuit before opening a storefront in 2019. Known for authentic French baguettes and croissants, owner Jenna Leurquin (aka JL) does things a little differently by using sourdough bases and natural fermentation for the baked goods. Don’t miss the carrot cake, a favorite of the baker herself. 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.859.4459; www.jlpatisserie.com

THE LOCAL DONUT

This donut shop has built a reputation for its delicious and photogenic fancy donuts. Offering yeasted and cake donuts, the sweet spot’s specialties include the PB&J and s’mores with a toasted marshmallow on top. Donuts range from traditional (think classics like old fashions, devil’s food and sprinkles) to fancy (maple bacon, caramel coconut and salted caramel), with seasonal flavors added monthly. The notorious croissant doughnuts are available on Saturday and Sunday only. 3213 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.500.5236; www.thelocaldonutshop.com; $

Sugar Jam

This must-try spot specializes in addictive handmade baked goods like pies, brownies, cupcakes, cookies, scones, and muffins. Many flavors are seasonal, and the menu rotates frequently. The “kitchen” part of Sugar Jam features traditional Southern comfort classics like buttermilk fried chicken, southern grits, catfish, and savory biscuits and country sausage gravy. Custom cakes and larger quantities can be preordered ahead of time. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 15111 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.948.6210; www. sjsouthernkitchen.com; $$

RUZE CAKE HOUSE

The mother-daughter baking team behind this popular bakery has taken Scottsdale and social media by storm with their fresh, artistic designs. Beautifully decorated macarons, cactus-shaped cookies and delicate cupcakes are lined up along the pristine counter. Ruze believes that local and sustainable ingredients make better, fresher tasting cakes; all of its honey, citrus and milk are sourced from Arizona farmers. The Ruze Boba is a popular signature drink featuring fresh housemade prickly pear puree, rose syrup, tea and milk. There is a large selection of vegan cakes and baked goods as well as gluten-free options. It’s the perfect place for special occasions, weddings and custom desserts. 7033 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.438.8692; www.ruzecakehouse. com; $-$$

Barbecue LIBERTY STATION AMEIRCAN TAVERN & SMOKEHOUSE

Liberty Station serves smoked meats, comfort food, vintage cocktails and craft beer. The menu offers shareable plates including brisket loaded fries, tacos and green chile pork stew, as well as soups, burgers, sandwiches, seafood entrees and barbecue meat platters featuring brisket, ribs and pork. Two locations at Terravita and DC Ranch; www.libertystationtavern. com; $$

Naked Bbq

Naked BBQ focuses on rubbing and smoking meats so guests can customize their barbecue with a variety of homemade rubs, as well as sweet, spicy and mustard-based sauces. Meats are available by the pound, as a sandwich or on a platter with sides such as Carolina slaw, mac and cheese, beans and cornbread muffins. 10240 N. 90th St.; 480.912.2102; www.thenakedbbq.com; $-$$

PHAT TURTLE BBQ

Phat Turtle BBQ is serving up Kansas City ‘que in the heart of Cave Creek, featuring all the KC favorites like baby back ribs, brisket, burnt ends and pulled pork with all the fixin’s! Phat Turtle has daily lunch and dinner specials and sells meat by the pound. 30845 N. Cave Creek Road; 602.527.3257; www.phatturtlebbq. com; $

Breakfast

LO-LO’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES

What originally started in a small home in south Phoenix has now expanded to four locations across the Valley and two out of state. Lo-Lo’s is famous for its Southern fried chicken and fluffy waffles that have gotten the attention of celebrities and locals alike. Soul food favorites like fried catfish and shrimp and grits are hearty alternatives to the all-day breakfast menu. Don’t forget to order a jar of Kool-Aid and a thick slice of red velvet cake! 3133 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.945.1920; www.loloschickenandwaffles.com; $$

Mojo Morning Joint

Located in the clubhouse at Grayhawk Golf Club, Mojo offers comfortable indoor and patio dining for guests to fuel up with a cup of coffee or chat with friends over breakfast. For the health-conscious, there are fresh juices, smoothies, and a variety of teas. Along with pastries, muffins, and traditional breakfast items, try the Mojo burrito or Hitchhiker breakfast sandwich. The coffee starts pouring at 6 a.m.