As we all prepare for Arizona’s freezing winters filled with dreadful sunshine and 70-degree blizzards, it’s FINALLY time for fantastic outdoor patios and dining. Here is a list of some of our favorite restaurants that offer great spaces to enjoy each other during these next several months. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket!
Vic & Ola’s
Located in the heart of Market Street at DC Ranch in North Scottsdale sits Vic & Ola’s, a Sicilian/Calabrian-inspired restaurant that exemplifies the concept of “fine casual dining.” Influenced by the Mediterranean and the region’s agriculture, Vic & Ola’s variety of homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats add to its excellent ambiance.
Plus, paired with Vic & Ola’s wide range of Italian wines and craft cocktails, there is no reason why this restaurant should not be on the top of your “must try” list. The Pasta de Isabel, Bolognese Lasagna, Sausage Pasta Rigatoni, and Veal Osso Buco are just a few of my personal favorites.
Finish your meal with their housemade gelatos, tiramisu, or chocolate butter cake, and you are all set! Vic & Ola’s is truly a great restaurant for special occasions, romantic dinners, or just because you need a break from making dinner.
The best part, however, is the gorgeous outdoor dining area attached to the restaurant. Vic & Ola’s is quickly becoming one of the finest restaurants here in the Valley.
For more information, visit https://vicandolas.com/
Alma Scottsdale
ALMA is a sole women-owned and operated restaurant and a division of Soul Concepts owned by Executive Chef Sheila Bryson.
The outdoor beauty of Arizona comes inside through its large patio with windows and doors that stay open year-round. The indoor/outdoor bar is paired greatly with our extensive tequila list and cocktail program.
ALMA offers eclectic dishes influenced by the flavors and cultures of the West and Southwest. Soul Concepts is committed to giving you the true taste of authentic Mexican cooking by using only the best ingredients and preparing everything fresh in their kitchen.
For more ifnormation, visit https://almascottsdale.com/
The Grille & Patio at Las Sendas
The Grille at Las Sendas is the place to be for a wide selection of specially prepared appetizers and tavern-style salads, sandwiches and main courses. Couple these mouth-watering delectables with any of our unique cocktails including the famous Bull Dog Margarita for the perfect meal! They have high top tables for groups or you can feel free to belly up to the bar. Food is their focus, drinks are their specialty and fun with friends is the guarantee!
With 12 HDTV’s up to 70 inches to watch multiple sporting events and cheer your favorite team on.
Please check their monthly events calendar for the latest sporting events including NHL Center Ice. The Grille at Las Sendas is Mesa’s most unique sports bar and happy hour destination. Bring your buddies, bring your family, and be ready to have a good time in this casual dining environment!
https://www.lassendas.com/Dining/The_Grille
LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
The culinary centerpiece at The Hermosa Inn is LON’s at the Hermosa, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant honored by Food & Wine magazine as Arizona’s Most Romantic Restaurant, serving globally inspired Arizona fare.
There’s a reason why LON’s at The Hermosa Inn is rated as one of Paradise Valley’s top restaurants. They seek out the region’s freshest ingredients and prepare them with age-old cooking traditions—roasting, smoking, wood-grilled—combined with cutting-edge trends. The result?
Globally inspired Arizona cuisine, with the popular Himalayan Salt Seared Ahi Tuna, served with cilantro, pickled onion, and ceviche sauce, as a prime example.
A new Chef’s Tasting Menu is offered each week, and their expert sommelier is always on-hand to recommend the perfect wine pairings.
For more information, visit https://www.hermosainn.com/dining/lons.
Grill Kitchen & Bar at the Boulders Resort
The Grill Kitchen, located at Boulder’s award-winning golf course, offers a welcoming (and expansive) expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks the lush green fairways and arguably the best panoramic mountain views in the valley! This is where diners can drink in the scenery including friendly wildlife darting across the fairway and abundant bird sightings! This region offers a unique assemblage of birds with one of the highest diversity of birds in the state so these views of the lush high Sonoran desert landscape is a tough act to follow!
Grill Kitchen & Bar at the Boulders Resort
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262
www.theboulders.com
Spotted Donkey Cantina
Vibrant and energetic, the Spotted Donkey Cantina embraces Arizona’s regional influences with authentic Mexican where diners queue up for freshly-crafted margaritas made from the exclusive Herradura double-barrel tequila and made-to-order fresh guacamole with homemade chips and tortillas. Incredibly scenic desert vistas can be enjoyed from the outdoor patio overlooking Black Mountain, the ancient rock formations and the lush panoramic desert scenery.
Spotted Donkey Cantina at el Pedregal
34505 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85266
www.theboulders.com
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
Located in the heart of vibrant Downtown Phoenix and within Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails is a New American kitchen serving dinner, under the direction of Executive Chef Brian Peterson. Creating an elevated, yet approachable dining experience, Blue Hound utilizes undiscovered flavors, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary techniques to deliver familiar yet refined favorites that share the spotlight with sophisticated sharable plates and an impressive curated-beef program.
Also named one of the “Best Hotel Bars in the West” by Tales of The Cocktail, Blue Hound’s cuisine artfully pairs with its award-winning cocktail program that raises the bar for drink culture in the city. Complete with seasonal craft cocktails and the Valley’s largest menu of brown spirits, top-notch gins and house-made tinctures and syrups, Blue Hound is a celebrated neighborhood staple for locals and travelers looking for a taste of Phoenix’s thriving culinary scene.
Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork is where bold American Western Cooking featuring wood-fire techniques meets unmatched service, genuine hospitality and a contemporary ambiance. The menu embraces the flavors created by the wood-fired rotisserie, open flame grill, and stone hearth oven to create gourmet cuisine.
Comfortable and casual indoor and outdoor dining alongside an exhibition kitchen, wood fire grille and rotisserie. Roaring Fork also houses its own western-inspired bar with high tables, booths and seating.
RnR Gastropub
RnR Gastropub in Old Town Scottsdale has one of the best two story patios in town. Both levels of the patio stretch the length of the building, and are fitted with numerous HD TV’s so you won’t miss a moment of action! RnR has also expanded their patio to the North of the building to provide their guests more space to social distance, and maintain safety.
RnR Gastropub – 3737 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 945-3353
www.rnrscottsdale.com
Fellow Osteria
Located away from Scottsdale Road, Fellow Osteria has a patio to remember. Guests can enjoy a craft cocktail, or a light bite while being surrounded by lush greenery on this climate-controlled patio space. After dinner, check out the community garden just south of the patio, where herbs and garnishes are sourced fresh.
Fellow Osteria – 1455 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 (480) 2071864
www.fellowosteria.com
The Sicilian Butcher
The Sicilian Butcher is a neighborhood gem that offers expansive patio dining areas with shaded seating, idyllic backyard garden vibes, indoor-outdoor bars, adorned string lights, and live outdoor music, perfect for open air leisure dining, casual Sicilian-style meals, wine sipping, and Italian-inspired cocktails such as a spritz or sangria. Families, friends, and couples gather here for Italian fare like hand-rolled meatballs made daily, made-from-scratch, authentic pasta, and Sicilian-inspired bruschetta and charcuterie boards created by Chef Joey Maggiore.
- 15530 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 160, Phoenix; (602) 775-5140
- 3151 W. Frye Road, Chandler; (480) 573-8550
- 9780 W. Northern Ave. Suite 1110, Peoria; (623) 471-5721
Zinqué
Chic and inviting, Zinqué (pronounced as “zin-kae”) is a Euro-inspired cafe, bistro, and wine bar at Scottsdale Fashion Square with an effortlessly chic atmosphere, posh French-inspired fare, refined cocktails, and carefully-selected wines. The day-to-night place to gather, work, and socialize has a hip, idyllic outdoor dining patio that is a design-centric oasis complete with an open fireplace, green foliage, wooden tables, stylish lounge seating, concrete walls, and a 25-year-old oak tree for dining beneath the stars.
Every photo taken in this al fresco area looks like guests have escaped for a Euro vacation or a chic place away from home. The international menu has a plethora of shareable dishes like pan con tomate, well-sourced charcuterie boards with French cheeses and imported bread from Poilâne Bakery in Paris, tartines, moules frites, beef carpaccio and grilled whole branzino.
4712 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Suite 110; Scottsdale; (623) 745-9616
www.lezinque.com
Blue Clover Distillery
Oldtown Scottsdale’s first-ever and only microdistillery, Blue Clover Distillery, has an outdoor patio where guests can sip a gin or vodka cocktail made with small batch spirits that were handcrafted right on the premises. The outdoor patio faces Marshall Way where guests can view all the Old Town Scottsdale action and one of the city’s art installations, One Eyed Jack, the giant jackrabbit sculpture outside of Blue Clover Distillery on the corner of Indian School Road and Marshall Way by talented local sculptor John Randall Nelson.
Patrons can pair the handcrafted pizzas, fresh salads or weekend brunch dishes with Southwest-inspired spirits and craft cocktails like the Scottsdale Sunset made with house infused grapefruit vodka.
7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; (480) 946-1062
www.bluecloverdistillery.com
Tarbell’s
Enjoy the inviting atmosphere of their outdoor patio and wine and dine in a comforting yet elegant space designed to bring the inside experience outdoors. Dine under the stars with their romantic string lights illuminating the aesthetic space and experience rotating American contemporary dishes with a focus on seasonal, well-sourced ingredients like prime filet tartare, crispy lobster tempura tossed in spicy aioli, and the “meatball” with freshly made spaghetti. With warmth from fire pits and outdoor heaters, Tarbell’s has the perfect outdoor seating area during Phoenix’s cooler months.
3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; (602) 955-8100
www.tarbells.com
The Italian Daughter
Eating hand-crafted pasta on a beautiful outdoor patio? Sign us up! The outdoor dining experience is crafted with comfortable, lounge-like seating, outdoor heaters, and live piano music. Enjoy the outdoor patio while noshing on stone-fired pizzas, charcuterie or bruschetta boards, or handcrafted pasta dishes. Don’t forget about the extensive wine list and order a signature cocktail like the deliciously refreshing Sicilian Gimlet made with Malfy blood orange gin.
23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite #120; Scottsdale; (480) 404-6085
www.theitaliandaughter.com
Pita Jungle
With 24 locations throughout Arizona, each Pita Jungle destination offers something unique and different to its loyal customers. From historic brick and city views at the downtown Phoenix location, to a front row seat to a crackling fire at the Uptown location, guests can enjoy their diverse and healthy menu all while feeling the fall breeze. Grab a seat any day of the week or stop by for Wine Wednesdays for half off bottles of wine, and daily happy hour from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. www.pitajungle.com.
Pita Jungle – Park West
9792 W Northern Ave B1600, Peoria, AZ 85345
Pita Jungle – Chandler
1949 W Ray Rd Ste 102, Chandler, AZ 85224
The Montauk
Transport to the east coast at The Montauk in Old Town Scottsdale and feel like you’re just feet away from the ocean with their nautical aesthetic sure to having you convinced you’ve left Arizona. With daily live music, all day happy hour on Mondays and weekend brunch, there’s always a reason to grab a spot on the patio. While you’re there, make sure you find their famous Montauk Instagram wall. Because if you don’t take a picture, did it even happen?
Diego Pops
Fall temperatures and Arizona go together like tacos and margaritas at Diego Pops in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale! Patio goers can enjoy Taco Mondays and happy hour seven days a week from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. for half off appetizers and drink specials. Get comfortable and feel like you’re in your own backyard with a roaring fireplace, glowing string lights and bright patio furniture.
Eat Up Drive In
Think homestyle-cooked meals and picnic style eating when you cruise up to Eat Up Drive In in Arcadia. Serving individualized, family-sized and kid-friendly meals, Eat Up Drive In wants you to feel like you’re home sweet home while dining on their quaint and shaded patio equipped with a picnic table to fit the whole family.
Gabriella’s
One of the best kept secrets at Gabriella’s is the Scottsdale restaurant’s massive patio. Wrapping around the entire backside of the restaurant, Gabriella’s patio is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after work with friends or to hold an intimate gathering. Don’t miss the Toasted Crustini and Creamy Burrata to start the meal off right, and the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are a fan favorite.
Joe’s Farm Grill
Set amid the lush surroundings of the farm grounds, enjoying a meal at a picnic table outside Joe’s Farm Grill’s retro-modern environment is a little taste of “back in the day.” Proudly producing everything on its menu with the best quality ingredients that are locally sourced when possible, Joe’s Farm Grill is a must-stop while in the Gilbert area.
Joe’s Real BBQ
BBQ is all about being outside! From cooking outside to enjoying a meal under some sparkling string lights, the patio at Joe’s Real BBQ is the place to enjoy a delicious platter of BBQ favorites. Pecan-wood smoked meats include BBQ classics like beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, chicken, pork and sausage, while unique non-traditional choices include the Jumbo Baker, a smoked baked potato that serves as a meal all by itself.
Liberty Market
Liberty Market’s intimate patio setting is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy a morning cup of coffee or delectable dessert — and everything in between — right in the heart of Gilbert’s vibrant town square. This classic all-day café features breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a complete espresso menu to keep busy diners well caffeinated.
Liberty Station Terravita
North Scottsdale’s mountain views are truly something to behold and the patio at Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse’s Terravita location provides the ideal place to enjoy them. So sit down, get comfortable, enjoy a drink and a meal — and prepare to be wowed by the stunning surrounding environment. Known as much for its burgers as its BBQ, there is no wrong menu choice at Liberty Station… through not ordering the Firecracker Shrimp just might be a crime.
Match Market & Bar
Primely situated off Portland Street and Central Avenue, Match Market & Bar’s patio allows diners to relax in the open air while enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling midtown area. With a vast selection of “Noon to Night” choices, guests can also enjoy specials such as the current pizza of the month — the Roasted Pumpkin and Ricotta Pizza featuring roasted pumpkin, crispy kale, ricotta, Aleppo pepper, pepitas and garlic topped with a honey maple drizzle.
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
Those with an appetite and a hankering for an over-the-top grilled cheese, or just in the mood for some comfort American food, may want to check out The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen in Tempe. The local treasure has a cabin and woodsy feel throughout the restaurant and a large expansive patio that wraps around the entire restaurant. There are outdoor games like giant Connect 4 and corn hole and a large wood fireplace for cool winter nights. A wood bar surrounds the patio and a small stage hosts local bands on the weekends.
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen offers scratch made entrees and cocktails, a selection of over 150 whiskeys. The Sasquatch Burger and Triple D Burger have been featured on the Food Network and Diners, Dive-ins and Dives. Visit them at 26 S Farmer Ave or check out their website for menu details at lodgetempe.com.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
Thirsty Lion’s mission is to revolutionize the gastropub business by combining the traditional values of European and American pubs and creating a gathering place where friends and family can come together to celebrate life, enjoy great food, craft beers, signature cocktails, wines, music and sports.
All four Valley locations offer expansive patios with comfortable seating for large and intimate gatherings. The seasonal menus and daily happy hours offer a selection of elevated cocktails and menu items for any occasion. Check out their Valley locations at 3077 W. Frye Rd, 21001 N Tatum Blvd, 2212 E Williams Field Rd. and 2000 East Rio Salado Pkwy. #1041. Or visit thirstyliongastropub.com.
STK Steakhouse
Scottsdale’s go-to spot for craft cocktails and crave-worthy steaks comes with an added bonus of a gorgeous flower wall and view of the waterfront. Set among the city’s high-end retail shops and residential developments, STK’s patio has the vibe and view to match their fine dining culinary experience.
Take part in their weekday happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. or one of their new weekly specials, Glitz & Glam Sunday Brunch and Magnum Monday’s. For more info on brunch, lunch and dinner, visit www.stksteakhouse.com.
Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill Scottsdale
The new Scottsdale location of Z’Tejas Southwest Grill has a beautiful expansive patio (2,200 square feet) with lake views and access to the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt park. Z’Tejas has been serving up sizzling Southwest and Mexican-influenced food in the Valley for more than 30 years. Scratch-made breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily along with unique cocktails and happy hour special.
The Scottsdale location is in the Mercado del Lago plaza at 8300 N. Hayden Rd. Suite D-101 in Scottsdale. For more information visit www.ztejas.com.
U.S. Egg
Each of U.S. Egg’s six locations has a patio where guests can enjoy the eatery’s lineup of delicious breakfast and lunch items including the legendary protein pancakes, seasonal pumpkin spice waffle and other dishes. For more information on US Egg and to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, visit www.useggrestaurant.com or follow on Facebook.
Tortilla Flat
Tortilla Flat will be opening its patio in late October this year year so restaurant and saloon diners can enjoy classic southwest-inspired dishes, including the legendary chili and loaded BBQ hot dog, on the town’s western-style patio complete with a train-shaped grill. For more information on Tortilla Flat, visit www.tortillaflataz.com or follow on Facebook.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Pedal Haus Brewery has two incredible options for outdoor dining—both pup friendly! It’s Tempe location (730 S. Mill Ave, #102) was recently remodeled with plenty of options for sitting including low top, high top tables, lawn chairs and benches. Games such as ping pong and flip cup make for a fun afternoon in the perfect Valley weather. Pedal Haus Chandler (95 W. Boston St.) also offers great outdoor dining options with its expansive patio and mix of high tops, low tops and booths. Pedal Haus has been gaining notoriety in the local craft beer scene since 2015 when it opened its location in Tempe.
Since then, the popular brewery has won over 33 medals and awards including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2018 and Best Brewery in the United States at the 2019 Copa Cerveza de Americas. For more information about Pedal Haus Brewery, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit Pedalhausbrewery.com.
Press Coffee
All nine Valley locations of Press Coffee have patio seating. Enjoy your morning coffee, afternoon catch up or evening winddown with your four-legged friends with a drink or something to eat on the patio. Press Coffee roasts its beans at its Roastery in Phoenix and in addition to serving specialty coffee and espresso drinks, the menu offers breakfast sandwiches, avocado toasts, shakers and more! Visit Press Coffee online at presscoffee.com .
Locations:
- The Roastery: 10443 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
- Tempe at Skywater Apartments: 601 W. Rio Salado Pkwy
- Tempe at Nexa Apartments: 1221 E. Apache Blvd.
- Scottsdale at Scottsdale Quarter: 15257 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste 160
- Scottsdale Waterfront: 7135 E. Camelback Rd.
- Chandler Ocotillo: 2577 W. Queen Creek Rd.
- Gilbert: 355 E. Germann Rd.
- Phoenix Biltmore: 2390 E. Camelback Rd.
- EVB: 200 E. Van Buren St.
Humble Pie
With two locations in Scottsdale and Glendale, the humble eatery brings elevated flavors and techniques to traditional dishes with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Humble Pie infuses old world recipes with new world cooking through artisanal pizzas, craveable sandwiches and handcrafted “not so” modest dishes. For more information, visit humblepieusa.com and follow on Instagram to stay up to date with specials and new items.
Locations:
- 6149 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottdale 85250
- 3890 W Happy Valley Rd, Glendale 85310
Humble Bistro
Locally owned and operated, Humble Bistro is a charming and humble neighborhood wine bar. The culinary menu brings elevated flavors and techniques to traditional dishes with fresh ingredients. Humble Bistro infuses old world recipes with new world cooking through shareable antipasti’s, fresh daily made pasta and handcrafted “not so” modest dishes. The wine list offers excellent quality at approachable prices.
Located at 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054. For more information, visit humblebistro.com or call the restaurant at 480-502-2121. Follow Humble Bistro on Instagram to stay up-to-date with specials and new items.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
With more than 100 years of coal fired brick-oven pizza-making traditions, Grimaldi’s is a must if you want to enjoy a crispy coal brick-oven pizza made from the freshest ingredients. Using only the freshest ingredients, a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family-friendly pizzeria. For more information on Grimaldi’s and to find the nearest location, visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
Locations with outdoor patios:
- DC Ranch: 20715 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale 85255
- Old Town: 4000 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale 85251
- Scottsdale Quarter: 15147 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale 85254
- San Tan: 2168 E. Williams Field Rd, Gilbert 85295
- Casa Paloma: 7131 W Ray Rd, Chandler 85226
- Park West: 9788 W North Ave, Peoria 85345
Angry Crab Shack
Locally owned and operated, Angry Crab Shack was founded in 2013 by Ron Lou with the headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. It is not the traditional crab in a bag boil, but rather a hands-on dining experience. The menu includes seafood boils with Asian-Cajun flavors and signature sauces with Snow and King Crab, shrimp, crawfish, lobster and Dungeness crab.
Angry Crab Shack has 13 locations in Arizona with additional restaurants opening this year throughout the state. For more information, please visit angrycrabshack.com.
Locations with outdoor patios:
- 2740 S Alma School Rd, Mesa 85210
- 2808 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix 85016
- 2501 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix 85085
