Scottsdale, Arizona : The Guide to the Desert’s Most Bougie, Boozy, and Blissed-Out Playground || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 11
- 9 min read
Hungry?
Thirsty?
Sleepy?
Be Active
Go 2 Event
What is a fun fact about Scottsdale Arizona?
Scottsdale is known as "The West's Most Western Town" and has the nation's largest urban wilderness, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It's also the birthplace of the robotic garbage truck arm and has a cowboy college. The city is the site of a record-breaking PGA Tour event attendance and a large annual cowboy parade.
What is so special about Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale, Arizona is special for its upscale desert oasis vibe, featuring luxurious resorts, fine dining, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, particularly in Old Town. It's also known for being a premier golf destination and for its access to the Sonoran Desert, including large natural areas like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The city offers unique attractions such as more spas per capita than any other U.S. city.
Is Scottsdale the wealthiest city in Arizona?
Scottsdale is one of the most well-known cities in the state, thanks to its amazing golf courses and resorts. With a median household income of $91,042, it is our third wealthiest city in Arizona. The average home price in Scottsdale is $871,609, with real estate selling for as high as $21.8 million.
What is Scottsdale's slogan?
Scottsdale's official slogan is "The West's Most Western Town". This slogan was adopted by the city in 1951 and is a reference to its historical and cultural identity, which features elements like the Parada del Sol parade and rodeo.
Key Takeaway: Scottsdale in 2025 is where the Sonoran Desert’s wild beauty meets poolside luxury, where you can brunch on pancakes fluffier than your dog’s Instagram, sip a botanical cocktail in a hidden speakeasy, hike a mountain before noon, and dance with cowboys (or drag queens) by night. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Arizona’s most sun-drenched, selfie-ready city. Ready to spin the wheel for your next adventure? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Scottsdale (2025 Edition)
Scottsdale’s food scene is as extra as its sunsets—think lightning-fast pancakes, dumplings that’ll make you weep, and pizza that’s basically a love letter to carbs. Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Butters Pancakes & Cafe | 984+ | 4.6 | Fluffy pancakes, chorizo omelette, loaded potato omelette | |
U.S. Egg | 363+ | 4.5 | Protein pancakes, meat lover’s breakfast, healthy options | |
The Breakfast Joynt | 384+ | 4.5 | Country fried chicken, California Benedict, burritos |
Key Finding: Butters is the breakfast GOAT—if you can beat the brunch crowd, you’ll be eating in under five minutes flat.
Asian Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Jade Palace | 1,000+ | 4.5 | NY-style Chinese, dim sum, Mongolian beef | |
June House Asian Kitchen | 500+ | 4.7 | Dim sum, dumplings, noodles | |
Liz Modern Asian | 500+ | 4.7 | Cantonese BBQ, char siu buns, Mongolian beef |
Middle Eastern Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
De Babel | 849+ | 4.8 | Chicken shawarma, hummus, falafel | |
Green Corner Restaurant | 335+ | 4.5 | Shawarma, kebabs, baklava | |
Persian Room Fine Wine & Kebab | 1,646+ | 4.0 | Basmati rice, lamb shanks, koobideh |
Key Finding: De Babel is a national Yelp darling—#3 Place to Eat in the U.S. in 2024. Go for the shawarma, stay for the baklava.
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
The Mission | 3,300+ | 4.6 | Wood-fired meats, duck confit empanadas, churros | |
Los Olivos Mexican Patio | 1,000+ | 4.4 | Mexican Flag enchiladas, house salsa, Sonoran classics | |
Barrio Queen | 2,000+ | 4.3 | 20+ tacos, vegan options, margarita flights |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Craft 64 | 1,200+ | 4.6 | Wood-fired pizza, house mozzarella, 30 craft beers | |
Lamp Pizzeria | 1,000+ | 4.7 | Neapolitan pizza, The Gem, Lilla of the Valley | |
IL Bosco Pizza | 765+ | 4.7 | Wood-fired, truffle oil, gluten-free/vegan | |
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria | 2,000+ | 4.5 | NY-style, coal-fired, homemade mozzarella |
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a cactus IPA, dance at a drag show, or caffeinate for your next sunrise hike, Scottsdale’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
Coach House
Scottsdale’s oldest dive, open at 6 a.m., legendary holiday lights, and a patio that’s seen it all.
Giligin’s Bar
Neon-lit, island-themed, Wheel of Booze, and 450+ whiskies. Karaoke, trivia, and irreverent fun.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Historic cowboy bar, live country music daily, and swinging saloon doors. Celeb sightings possible.
TT Roadhouse
Punk, indie, biker crowd, local beers, and carved initials in the wood. No-frills, all vibes.
Pattie’s 1st Avenue Lounge
Pool tables, open-air alley, and dollar bills on the ceiling. Dive bar heaven.
The Hot Chick
Retro, drag bingo, arcade games, and a fiercely inclusive crowd. Not exclusively LGBTQ+, but always a party.
Best for Music
Wasted Grain
Concert venue, DJ nights, and a dance floor that’s always packed.
Rockbar Inc.
Live rock, blues, rooftop bar, and Eagles fan HQ.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Live country music every day—boots optional, fun mandatory.
Handlebar J
Country music, line dancing, and steakhouse fare. Two-stepping encouraged.
Tell Your Friends
Speakeasy jazz lounge, live music, Gatsby vibes, reservation required.
Best for Dancing
Maya Day + Nightclub
Vegas-style, pool parties, celebrity DJs, and a massive dance floor.
The Hot Chick
Arcade games, drag bingo, and block parties with a dance floor.
Wasted Grain
See above—dance floor and DJ sets galore.
Handlebar J
Country line dancing and live bands.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Tell Your Friends
Hidden jazz lounge, craft cocktails, and a dress code that’s all Gatsby.
The Beverly on Main
Plush, moody, and modern speakeasy with creative drinks and happy hour.
Straight Up Whiskey Bar
Hidden behind a phone booth at Hotel Adeline, whiskey flights, and rare pours.
The Madam
Candlelit, behind a bookshelf, caviar pairings, and maroon décor.
The Goose
Hidden entrance, Japanese whisky cocktails, and a golden goose to guide you.
36 Below
Subterranean, botanical cocktails, and immersive décor under Sip Coffee & Beer.
Best Breweries:
Best Sports Bar
K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill
Massive patio, dozens of TVs, wings, and a dog-friendly crowd.
Boondocks Patio & Grill
Spacious patio, live music, and party vibes.
Zipps Sports Grill
Classic sports bar, pool tables, and happy hour.
Barstool Scottsdale
Energetic, big screens, and walkable to other nightlife.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
Craft beer, cocktails, and group dining.
Best Coffee
Coffee Shop | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Fourtillfour | 1,000+ | 4.7 | Espresso, pour-overs, car/bike events | |
Berdena’s | 1,000+ | 4.8 | Avocado toast, single-origin espresso, pastries | |
Press Coffee Roasters | 1,000+ | 4.7 | Pour-overs, cold brew, pastries | |
Cartel Roasting Co. | 1,000+ | 4.6 | Espresso, matcha, house-roasted beans | |
Echo Coffee | 800+ | 4.7 | Organic beans, strong espresso, quiet vibe | |
Sip Coffee & Beer | 1,000+ | 4.6 | Coffee, craft beer, live music | |
Inner Circle Cafe | 200+ | 4.7 | Breakfast burritos, specialty lattes | |
Yellow Spruce Roasters | 200+ | 4.8 | Espresso, pour-overs, in-library location |
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Scottsdale
From poolside palaces to mid-century gems, Scottsdale has a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 4.5–5.0 | $420–$900+ | 6 pools, spa, golf, 5 restaurants, family-friendly | |
The Phoenician | 4.7 | $343–$700+ | 9 dining venues, spa, golf, Canyon Suites | |
Boulders Resort & Spa | 4.6–4.7 | $178–$600+ | 1,300 acres, spa, golf, adventure programs | |
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows | 4.6 | $194–$400+ | Bungalows, 3 pools, art program | |
JW Marriott Camelback Inn | 4.7 | $224–$600+ | Casitas, spa, golf, family-friendly |
Historical Hotels
Hotel | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Hotel Valley Ho | 4.6 | $183–$300+ | Mid-century modern, 2 pools, spa, ZuZu restaurant | |
The Hermosa Inn | 4.8 | $270–$500+ | Hacienda-style, AAA Four-Diamond dining, art gallery | |
Bespoke Inn Scottsdale | 4.7 | $200–$350+ | Boutique B&B, infinity pool, bikes, breakfast | |
Scottsdale Marriott Old Town | 4.5 | $180–$250+ | All-suite, walkable, pool, fitness |
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hotel | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town | 4.4 | $110–$180 | Spacious rooms, breakfast, pool, gym | |
The McCormick Scottsdale | 4.2 | $120–$180 | Lakeside, pool, tennis, pet-friendly | |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Old Town | 4.4 | $110–$160 | Breakfast, pool, shuttle | |
Hilton Vacation Club Villa Mirage | 4.5 | $164–$637 | Condo suites, pools, family activities | |
3 Palms Hotel | 4.1 | $90–$140 | Pool, hot tub, pet-friendly |
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Hotel | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
The Scott Resort & Spa | 4.5 | $149–$350+ | Lagoon pool, spa, CALA restaurant | |
Senna House Scottsdale | 4.5 | $180–$300 | Rooftop pool, firepit, bike rentals | |
Hotel Adeline | 4.3 | $120–$200 | Retro-hip, pool, bar, fitness | |
Bespoke Inn | 4.7 | $200–$350+ | See above |
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
Hotel | Stars | Price | Amenities | Website |
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 4.5–5.0 | $420–$900+ | 22 meeting rooms, 2 ballrooms, 21 outdoor venues | |
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | 4.6 | $250–$500+ | 24,542 sq ft ballroom, water park, golf | |
Talking Stick Resort | 4.3 | $180–$400+ | 24,556 sq ft ballroom, casino, spa | |
Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch | 4.5 | $250–$500+ | 23,700 sq ft ballroom, 10 pools, spa | |
Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort | 4.3 | $150–$250 | 11,200 sq ft conference center, all-suite |
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Scottsdale is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of spa luxury. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Mountainside Fitness – 24/7, group classes, sauna, smoothie bar, mountainsidefitness.com
EōS Fitness – Budget-friendly, 24/7, pools, group classes, eosfitness.com
Life Time Fitness – Luxury, pools, tennis, spa, lifetime.life
OrangeTheory Fitness – HIIT, group classes, heart-rate training, orangetheory.com
Barre3 Scottsdale – Barre, yoga, Pilates,rre3.com](https://barre3.com/studio-locations/scottsdale)
F45 Training – Functional group training,training.com](https://f45training.com/scottsdale/home)
Best Golf Courses
TPC Scottsdale – Home of the Phoenix Open, $400–$500+, tpc.com/scottsdale
Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle & Monument courses, troonnorthgolf.com
Grayhawk Golf Club – Raptor & Talon, grayhawkgolf.com
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro & Cholla, wekopa.com
The Boulders – Dramatic desert golf, theboulders.com
Best Hikes & Trails
McDowell Sonoran Preserve – 30,000+ acres, 225+ miles of trails, mcdowellsonoran.org
Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon & Cholla Trails, iconic, steep, phoenix.gov/parks
Pinnacle Peak Park – 3.5-mile round trip, epic views, scottsdaleaz.gov
Tom’s Thumb Trail – Granite formations, wildflowers, mcdowellsonoran.org
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead – Family-friendly, scenic, mcdowellsonoran.org
Best Lakes, Rivers, and Outdoor Water Activities
Salt River – Kayaking, tubing, wild horses, kayaktheriver.com
Saguaro Lake – Boating, fishing, saguarolake.com
Chaparral Lake – Urban fishing, paddleboarding, scottsdaleaz.gov
Tempe Town Lake – Kayaking, paddleboarding, festivals, tempe.gov
Best Fitness Coaches
Sarah Lili Herrington – Holistic personal training, nutrition, alchemytrainingandnutrition.com
Svetness Personal Trainers – Certified, 1-on-1, svetness.com/arizona/scottsdale
F45 Training Coaches – Group HIIT, ng.com](https://f45training.com/scottsdale/home)
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, Plays, History & More
Scottsdale’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
OdySea Aquarium
Largest aquarium in the Southwest, sharks, penguins, and rotating exhibits.
Butterfly Wonderland
Thousands of butterflies, rainforest habitat, and interactive exhibits.
Phoenix Zoo
Nearby, 3,000+ animals, Safari Cruiser, ZooLights.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
Waste Management Phoenix Open (TPC Scottsdale)
The “Greatest Show on Grass”—PGA’s wildest party, February.
Cactus League Spring Training
MLB teams, March, Salt River Fields, cactusleague.com
Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
Mullett Arena, nhl.com/coyotes
Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, Mercury, Rising FC
All within a short drive to Phoenix/Tempe.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Concerts, Broadway, dance, and comedy.
ASU Kerr Cultural Center
Intimate concerts, jazz, and world music.
The Van Buren (Phoenix)
Major touring acts, thevanburenphx.com
Maya Day + Nightclub, Wasted Grain, Rockbar Inc.
See above for live music and DJ events.
Best Art Events or Locations
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Modern art, architecture, and design.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Old West meets new art, immersive exhibits.
Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays, Old Town)
Weekly gallery stroll, public art, and live music.
Canal Convergence
Annual interactive art festival, November.
Public Art Installations
Soleri Bridge, LOVE sculpture, Instagram gold.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
Old Town Scottsdale
Western heritage, walkable, art galleries, saloons, and boutiques.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scottsdale Historical Museum
Local history, artifacts, and community pride.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Lauren Rosin—residential, investment, negotiation wizard.
Best Coach: Sarah Lili Herrington—holistic personal training and nutrition.
Local Music Artist: The Sugar Thieves—blues, jazz, and Americana legends.
Unique Businesses:
Fourtillfour (coffee + car culture)
The Hot Chick (retro bar, drag bingo)
Why I Love Where I Live (desert merch, community)
Pop-Cycle (upcycled/vintage goods)
Bookmans (indie bookstore)
Eegee’s (iconic frozen drinks)
The HUB (ice cream, comfort food)
Mercado San Agustín (artisan market)
Summit Hut (outdoor gear)
Bon Boutique, Mast, Old Town Artisans, Native Seeds/SEARCH, Tohono Chul gift shops
Call to Action
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Key Finding:Scottsdale is the rare city where you can hike among saguaros, eat pancakes in under five minutes, catch a drag show, and sip a botanical cocktail in a hidden bar—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
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