guide after Tia Shorty, of course! 7001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.951.0379; www. tiashortys.com; $$
MODERN AMERICAN
BLK LIVE Not many restaurants can say that they have a pool onsite, but BLK Live does, and it’s the perfect idea in a place that gets as hot as Scottsdale does in the summer. Part restaurant, part entertainment venue, you’ll find live music on stage during select days and nghts. The interior dining room is plush and colorful with posh booths and vibrant art details. The wagyu burgers are juicy and can be upgraded to Kobe beef for an additional cost, and the BLK meatloaf is a standout entree. 7301 E. Butherus Drive, Scottsdale; 480.494.5069; www.blklivescottsdale.com; $$ GROWLER USA Growler USA offers a wide range of craft beers that rotate quite frequently, with a strong focus on local brews. The attentive and knowledgeable service balance out the small, cozy space, and the menu consists of the perfect brewery bites. The buffalo chicken dip has a heat that builds and a unique combined texture of both blended and shredded chicken. The growler tots are the perfect accompaniment to any of their nitro brews. Bring along your furry friend and enjoy the sights and sounds of High Street on their comfortable patio. 5415 E. High Street, Scottsdale; 480.454.4354; www. growlerusa.com; $$ ZEN CULINARY Zen Culinary specializes in Asian-American cuisine with a dual personality; casual by day and elegant, fine dining at night. This longawaited food destination combines a serene environment due to the two garden patios, water features and ambient music with the eclectic and flavorful offerings of their fusion menu. Entree options range from sashimi bi bim bap and filet mignon to smoked tea seabass and organic lemongrass chicken, providing an array of flavors and spices for every palate. 15544 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.296.0030; www.zenculinary.com; $$
SEAFOOD
COCONUT’S FISH CAFE Coconut’s is a nice fast-casual eatery serving up fresh, flavorful seafood favorites with playful beach-themed decor. Most dishes allow for you to choose the way the fish is prepared, whether it’s blackened, Asian or with a Southwestern flair. Their fish tacos are legendary and the seafood chowder is rich, creamy and loaded with ono, mahi-mahi and clams. 16640 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.275.6690; www.coconutsfishcafe.com; $$ HULA’S MODERN TIKI Hula’s Modern Tiki offers up a classic American dining experience with a twist. You’ll find the predictable burgers and chicken dishes, but venture out of your routine and try their spicy Thai fish cakes, which are spicy, fresh and definitely unpredictable. Their butterfish (along with the other fish options) can be prepared six different ways, but the wasabi cream sauce with the blackened wasabi fish special really plays off of and enhances the
light and delicate flavors of the fish. 7213 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; 480.970.4852; www. hulasmoderntiki.com; $$ OCEAN TRAIL If you’ve been craving a little bit of the bayou right here in the middle of the dessert, Ocean Trail is waiting for you. You’ll be welcomed by exceptional seafood dishes with a touch of creole spices as well as traditional New Orleans favorites. You can order up a steamy bowl of Louisiana gumbo, seafood creole or crawfish etouffee, and all menu items can be customized to your preferred spice level. Just pick a number one through ten and the culinary team will fire things up in the kitchen. 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale; 480.850.7777; www.talkingstickresort.com; $$ THE GRAND BLUE Take a tasty trip around the world by way of the menu at The Grand Blue. With daily specials rotating, you can always expect the surprise of something new. If you like things more predictable, there are an array of sushi items to choose from along with ceviche, a poke bar, shrimp and chips, and a raw bar. Don’t miss out on their outstanding happy hour specials so you can try a nibble of everything. 7318 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.348.2583; www. thegrandblue.com; $$
STEAKHOUSE
BOURBON & BONES Each dish at Bourbon & Bones, from the starters and salads to the steaks (or seafood) and sides, arrives as a work of art with equal care to the presentation and preparation. The cocktail program includes more than 75 highend bourbons, an extensive wine list, and a litany of specialty cocktails. They add an extra touch of fancy here by letting you select your own steak knife. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.629.4922; www.bourbonandbonesaz.com; $$$ CARTWRIGHT’S SONORAN RANCH HOUSE Cartwright’s on its own is a strong steakhouse, but when you add in the strong tribute to Arizona’s history it reaches new heights. The restaurant pays homage to the spirit of Arizona’s ranching history along with that of the Cartwright family. The modern ranch cuisine combines dishes that our early settlers and ranchers may have enjoyed along the trail paired with modern techniques and styles, creating comforting dishes with New World flair. Dishes like their red chili elk balls combine this protein with cotija queso and a deep, rich red chili cream sauce. The steaks are simply prepared, allowing the flavors to stand alone. 6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.8031; www.cartwrightssonoranranchhouse.com; $$$ CHOLLA PRIME STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE Outside of Vegas, you may not expect much from a restaurant located in a casino, but Cholla Prime Steakhouse (located at Casino Arizona) is working to change residents’ minds one plate at a time. Any meal that starts out with bacon cornbread can’t be bad, can it? The prices here make it easy to try out all of their entrees. The filet mignon is offered with either a classic béarnaise or porcini mushroom JANUARY 2017 |
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sauce, either of which will easily bring out the earthy flavor of the meat. No matter which entree you choose, make sure to get a side of their indulgent lobster mashed potatoes. 524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale; 480.850.7736; www. casinoarizona.com; $$ EDDIE MERLOT’S As one of the newer local steakhouses, Eddie Merlot’s offers impeccable and attentive service, knowledgeable staff and painstakingly perfect decor which you will experience in abundance prior to arriving at your table. All of the beef is aged a minimum of 21 days and comes in a variety of in-house cuts. If you’re looking for something truly unique, opt for the Wagyu tomahawk ribeye of bone-in New York strip. 23207 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.699.0480; www.eddiemerlots.com; $$$$
WINE BARS
B&R WINE – FOOD Unwind with wine, craft beer and a menu of shareable bites at this charming neighborhood bistro. Menu selections range from a deli board to pizza and bruschetta. Stop in for a stellar happy hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m. (any glass of wine is $6!). Closed Monday. 7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.483.5396; www. brwinefood.com; $ BUBBLES RESTAURANT & CHAMPAGNE BAR This unique spot has an understated elegance, from the simple table dressing to the glistening chandeliers that adorn the space. You’ll find a varied selection of Champagne and sparkling wines to taste while you indulge in freshly prepared charcuterie platters, caviar or sweet treats meant for sharing. Enjoy this clever new spot Thursday through Sunday in the Agua Caliente center. 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.849.4764; www.bubbleschampagnebar.com; $$ UNCORKED WINE LOUNGE & EATERY The wait is over with the reopening of Uncorked Wine Lounge & Eatery in their new location. Regulars of the original location rave about the beverage program, menu and service, which have all been elevated in the new spot. The warm and friendly atmosphere will draw you in, while the menu and items like their wine lover’s mac and cheese will have you coming back for more. They also have a variety of happy hour specials throughout the week, inviting you to make this your home away from home. 17025 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.366.4021; www.uncorkedscottsdale.com; $$ VINES & HOPS Vines & Hops offer a balance of wines and local craft beers to ensure that everyone gets just what they need. If you’re unsure on what to order, try a wine or beer flight. You’ll find the small plates that pair perfectly to your drink of choice in addition to the varied beverage menu. The food menu at Vines & Hops features an array of bruschetta, meat and cheese boards and all sorts of dips and spreads. Pop in to sit back, relax and watch your favorite football team, or check out their lively game nights on Tuesdays. 4216 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale; 480.748.4460; www.vinesandhopsbar.com; $$
| SO SCOTTSDALE!
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