Looking for a night out on the town? Here are our Valley favorites for great food, creative drinks and a grand ole time.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Toca Madera (pictured)
The sexy, celeb-favorite Toca Madera became an instant hot spot when it opened its doors at Scottsdale Fashion Square in late 2019. Not only is the food amazing—including a raw bar, taqueria and specialties served on lava stones—but its farm-to-glass mixology program is truly something to be celebrated (expect ingredients like charcoal, wildflower honey, butterfly flower and more offered in unique presentations).
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Originally founded in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Maple & Ash made its Valley debut at The Scottsdale Waterfront. The bold concept offers a modern twist on the classic American steakhouse, with a luscious lineup of dry-aged steaks, an award-winning wine list and impeccable seafood. And the sumptuousness doesn’t stop at the bill of fare; Maple & Ash has timeless good looks (with natural woods, velvet curtains and rich leathers) with plenty of bold and playful touches, like a jewelry-inspired chandelier.
Where to See & Be Seen | Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix’s The Churchill offers 9,000 square foot of courtyard space and is home to 10 businesses, from shops to quick-service restaurants to wine bars. Locals head to The Churchill for socializing over pizza and craft cocktails with friends after work or enjoying an open-air brunch on a weekend morning. Keep an eye on the events calendar and pencil in a Pilates session, salsa-dancing class or chalkboard art lesson, just a few of the many activations held at the Phoenix hot spot.
Where to See & Be Seen | Phoenix
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Bitter & Twisted has won all the awards and is named in every top 10 list—and it’s easy to taste why. At the Downtown Phoenix drinking destination, the cocktails are a work of art and the menu is a veritable coffee-table book of deliciousness (the latest incarnation was nearly 20 pages long). Must-gets include the colorful Taste the Rainbow and The Flawless martini, though at least one quirky sip served in a Coke can or mini bath tub is a definite do.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
The Entertainment District’s boutique bowling club caters to the 21-and-over crowd with state-of-the-art bowling lanes, delicious food and drinks (including a fab happy hour and daily specials!), and much more. For an extra-special night at the lanes, Skylanes even offers VIP lounges and bottle service.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Ocean 44 is a seafood restaurant reinvented with a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood and the great steaks that sister restaurant Steak 44 is known for. At the core of the Ocean 44 experience is the chef-sourced, highest-grade sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Whether you’re taking a seat for a margajito at the muddle bar or plan to linger a while during a luxury meal in the dining room, deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa dishes up Nuevo Latino cuisine in a cool, comfortable atmosphere. (Start with the beloved Millionaire tacos.) For a truly unique experience, sidle up to The Rail, which holds the 12 best seats in the house. Guests are invited here to overlook the open kitchen while deseo chefs prepare intricate ceviche dishes and heaven-sent desserts.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Riot House invokes a breezy, South Beach-inspired lifestyle in Scottsdale (picture pink flamingos and palm trees). The space features laidback games like corn hole, Connect Four and a giant Jenga, in addition to its large main bar that dishes up one-of-a-kind craft cocktails, including the thematic Pool Boy and key lime martini.
TIP: Book the Bellini Bottle Service package on Sundays for the ultimate boozy brunch.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
If you caught a glimpse of Hotel Adeline’s happening pool scene this summer, it would be clear that the new-ish Scottsdale hotel is where the action’s at. Guests can be found hanging in the 16 chic cabanas sipping an Adeline Lemonade and getting cozy in the spacious courtyards with warming fire pits.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
The signature restaurant at The Scott Resort & Spa has made its mark on the social scene and has become a favorite of influencers thanks to its tropical-inspired good looks. Be sure to order one of The Canal Club’s punches, like The Rum Diary, alongside ceviche and fried plantains to truly transport yourself to #vacationmode.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Innovative sips with a side of Camelback Mountain views? It doesn’t get better than that. At this Sanctuary on Camelback hot spot, take in the desert nights—and some live tunes—sidled up next to a firepit with a creative cocktail in hand.
You haven’t Sunday Funday-ed until you have enjoyed live music and half-off bottles during jade bar’s Sundays in Paradise from 1 to 5 p.m. on the patio.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
This Scottsdale restaurant that serves up modern Italian goodness doubles as an ultra-chic hot spot for date night or a girls’ outing. Settle in at the sleek bar for Italian-inspired cocktails, including the Sicilian Sunset with Stoli vodka, Lillet Rose and passion fruit. Stop by during apertivo hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily at the bar/lounge for some laidback luxury.
Where to See & Be Seen | Scottsdale
Located at W Scottsdale, the hyper-hip restaurant dishes up mighty good cocktails and contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America and Europe. Though the sushi is so tasty you’ll devour it in no time, the sleek design and people-watching will make you want to linger longer.
Where to See & Be Seen | Tempe
Culinary Dropout at Farmer Arts District
Head outside this laidback locale for comfy seating, firepits and games of bean bag toss and table tennis. While savoring a people-watching sesh, snack on BBQ pork belly nachos, Thai chile chicken wings, hearty burgers and, naturally, Culinary Dropout’s infamous pretzel knots.
Where to See & Be Seen | Phoenix
The chic American-style neighborhood restaurant in the Biltmore/Arcadia area is an ideal place to grab coffee with friends, a late lunch with a colleague, dinner with the family or an after-work cocktail. Don’t forget to follow the arrow; the exterior of The Henry has one of the Valley’s top Instagram spots.
