ZUZU Nestled inside the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, this retro-chic restaurant has been serving guests and locals for decades with innovative, upscale American comfort foods and cocktails. Whether dining for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, make sure to save room for dessert, as the monthly featured Show Stopper Shake is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. While the restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, seating is a bit more limited so reservations are encouraged. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.376.2600;
www.hotelvalleyho.com; $$
AMERICAN
GRASSROOTS KITCHEN & TAP
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap is a family-owned and -operated restaurant with a from-scratch menu of classic American cuisine with Southern influences. Menu favorites include the braised short ribs and Southern shrimp and grits. Craft beers and wines are both available on tap. Social hour is 3 to 6 p.m. every day. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.699.0699; www.grassrootsaz.com; $$
INDIGO CROW
Family-owned and -operated Indigo Crow offers locally inspired American cuisine made from scratch. They also carry microbrew beers and one of the largest mezcal collections in Arizona. Standout dishes include the New Zealand rack of lamb with a wild berry port reduction and the beef and Brussels sprouts skewers with smoked blue cheese. Lunch on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner nightly from 3 to 9 p.m. At Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.2187; www.cavecreekcrow.com; $$
TRYST CAFE
Tryst Cafe is an organic restaurant that creates flavorful dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner utilizing natural, healthy ingredients. Menu items include grilled tilapia crisps, crispy quinoa avocado, and a housemade sweet potato veggie burger. The full-service bar serves up organic cocktails. Gluten-free and vegan friendly. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Located in Shade at Desert Ridge, 21050 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480.585.7978; www.trystcafe.com; $$
BREAKFAST
ALO CAFE
This Euro-style breakfast and lunch eatery in Old Town Scottsdale offers dishes inspired by the international travels and Estonian heritage of owner Steve Martinez. Popular items include the waffle cristo, the signature cornflake-crusted French toast, and the Chi-town heat omelet smothered in New Mexico-style green chile sauce. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 6960 E. 1st St., Scottsdale; 480.878.4712; www.alocafeaz.com; $$
BUTTERS PANCAKES & CAFE
Butters is a neighborhood diner where guests can enjoy breakfast and still feel at home. Don’t pass on the Berry Bliss pancakes stuffed with blueberries and layered with vanilla mascarpone. For those who start the day a little later, any of the burgers, wraps, sandwiches or salads make a great brunch or lunch. Even with counter service, Butters is quite popular on the weekends. Two locations in Scottsdale: at Northsight Crossing and at Mercado on Hayden; www.butterscafe.com; $$
PERK EATERY
Perk Eatery brings homestyle hospitality to Scottsdale. This family-owned operation has roots in the Midwest and they are sharing generations of recipes through their hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. The potato pancakes, a secret family recipe, produces a delicately thin, crispy edged pancake that’s served with applesauce or sour cream. And if you have a sweet tooth, try the wine country French toast stuffed with brie and topped with roasted red grapes and red wine rosemary syrup. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 6501 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale; 480.998.6026; www.perkeatery.com; $$
SNOOZE
Hailing from Denver, this vibrant diner dishes out an eclectic breakfast and lunch menu. Known for their creative, dessert-style pancakes and several variations of eggs Benedict, Snooze offers something for everyone with a family-friendly vibe. It’s very popular on the weekends, but the wait is made enjoyable with one of their specialty cocktails. At Kierland Commons, 15054 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.3133; www.snoozeeatery.com; $$
BREWERIES/DISTILLERIES
BLUE CLOVER DISTILLERY
This micro-distillery in Old Town Scottsdale creates small-batch liquors influenced by the owners’ Danish heritage. The restaurant offers cocktails that pair with a globally inspired gastropub menu. Notable dishes include chorizo poutine, a green chile cheeseburger, and Yucatan jerk chicken. Try the Scottsdale Sunset cocktail that features Blue Clover Grapefruit Vodka. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. 7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.946.1062; www.bluecloverdistillery.com; $$
GOLDWATER BREWING CO.
Goldwater Brewing Co. is a family-owned and -operated craft beer brewery with a tap room boasting more than 20 of their craft beers and specialty brews served directly from the tanks. The brewery specializes strictly in brewing, serving and distributing their beers to local businesses. Guests can stop in for tastings, but no food menu is offered at this time. Don’t forget to take a growler home or pick up a keg for the next viewing party you are hosting! 3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.350.7305; www.goldwaterbrewing.com; $-$$
GRAYHAWK BEER COMPANY
At Grayhawk Beer Company, the taps are pouring and the barbecue is smoking! The restaurant menu is a compilation of elevated American favorites like a Southwest cobb salad, ballpark pretzels, a BeerBQ burger on Texas toast, a brisket sandwich, and build-your-own mac and cheese. Head down to this neighborhood bar, open daily starting at 11 a.m. 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.292.9900; www.grayhawkbeerco.com; $$
DESSERT
ALIEN DONUTS
Alien Donuts specializes in fresh, fluffy doughnuts with crazy, creative toppings and flavors. With daily rotating doughnuts, enjoy yours with coffee, ice cream or a milkshake. Open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until late on Friday and Saturday. 7111 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.588.4668; www.aliendonuts.com; $
THE CREPE CLUB
The Crepe Club brings the French tradition of crepes to the Valley. Its menu is designed for guests to enjoy crepes for any and every meal with both savory and sweet options. Do you have an event? Have the crepes come to you with their catering service. At Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 602.956.0087; www.thecrepeclub.com; $-$$
JL PATISSERIE
Jenna Leurquin is the brilliant baker behind JL Patisserie, a high-end French bakery in North Scottsdale. Her creations of pies, cakes, macarons, cookies and pastries are seasonally inspired. For special occasions, be sure to order ahead via phone or online. Gluten-free items available. 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.859.4459; www.jlpatisserie.com; $
THE SICILIAN BAKER
The Sicilian Baker is an Italian sweet shop, marketplace and home of the foot-long cannoli. It features a build-your-own cannoli bar and coffee drinks from the espresso bar. The menu offers Italian pastries and savory sandwiches. Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday. 15530 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.612.5590; www.thesicilianbaker.com; $-$$
ITALIAN
LA LOCANDA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
La Locanda offers a slice of authentic Italian dining in Old Town. The menu is simple, with recipes originating from northern Italy. Pasta is made in-house, and the flavorful meat and seafood entrees pair well with the extensive wine list. Menu favorites include the grilled pork chop, saffron risotto, pumpkin ravioli, and panna cotta. Enjoy brunch cocktails and plates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. 6830 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.284.6511; www.lalocandaaz.com; $$
POMO PIZZERIA
The Pomo family specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in their hand-built, wood-fired oven. Their time-tested recipe is certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana and Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani organizations, authenticating Pomo’s true Italian pizzeria experience. Open daily for lunch and dinner service starting at 11 a.m. Gluten-free and vegan options available. 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.1366; www.pomopizzeria.com; $$
RAY’S PIZZA
This New York Italian pizzeria offers dine-in and take-out service with both Neapolitan thin crust and Sicilian thick crust pizzas reminiscent of classic New York slices. The menu also features strombolis, calzones, hoagie sandwiches, salads, wings and pasta entrees. Check for daily specials. Gluten-free menu available. Open daily at 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. or later. 15577 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.368.0610; www.scottsdalerayspizza.com; $-$$
THE SIDE DOOR
The Side Door dishes out Chicago-style hot dogs, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and ice cream. Located just a few blocks from Scottsdale Stadium, The Side Door is a hot spot for visitors and locals looking for an uncomplicated, solid burger or hot dog to dine in or on the go. Chase your meal with an ice-cold beer or glass of wine from their diverse list. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and for dinner Sunday at 3 p.m. 3370 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.4484; www.thesidedooraz.com; $$
LATIN/MEXICAN
DIEGO POPS
With an ambience as electric as their neon sign, Diego Pops is a fun, modern Mexican restaurant in Old Town. The tacos and burritos are packed with flavor, and the basket of six salsas presented with your order adds to the experience. Happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and $3 tacos all day every Monday. 4338 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.970.1007; www.diegopops.com; $$
DILLA LIBRE
Originally the United Luchadores/Luncha Libre local food truck, Dilla Libre is the brand’s official brick-and-mortar operation. In addition to the dozens of gourmet quesadillas they are known for, they have street tacos and specialty entrees like carne asada fries and a protein bowl. Signature cocktails, beer and wine available. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Monday. 8018 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.5100; www.dillalibre.com; $$
SALTY SENORITA
It’s always a fiesta at Salty Senorita! Located in Old Town, Salty Senorita has been a longtime go-to for people to gather and bar hop, brunch, catch a game on one of the TVs, or throw down after-work margaritas and tacos. Happy hour specials are from 3 to 7 p.m. every day and all day on Monday. Bottomless brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. or later. 3748 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.2116; www.saltysenorita.com; $$
MEDITERRANEAN
KITCHEN 18
Kitchen 18 is a fresh and 100% Kosher restaurant with an eclectic menu of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes plus Chinese food. They are also a dairy-free kitchen. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Saturday. 10211 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.284.6001; www.thekitchen18.com; $$
PARS PERSIAN CUISINE
Pars serves fine Persian cuisine in the heart of Scottsdale. Juicy marinated kebabs, hummus and stuffed grape leaves are beautifully plated and served with traditional basmati rice. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available. 11144 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.551.3222; www.parspersiancuisine.com; $$
ZOES KITCHEN
Zoës Kitchen is a colorful restaurant with fresh, nutritious offerings. The menu features soups, salads and sandwiches with marinated and grilled steak and chicken. Family meals can be ordered ahead of time for pickup. The popular kids menu offers healthy options. Gluten-free menu is available. Two locations in Scottsdale; www.zoeskitchen.com; $
STEAKHOUSE
BOURBON & BONES
A modern and upscale steakhouse located in Old Town, Bourbon & Bones specializes in top-quality, wet- and dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. And as implied by the name, the bar is stocked with more than 75 high-end bourbons. The interior consists of studded leather and crystal lighting, perfect for an intimate evening. Dining room opens for dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Happy hour is in the bar Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.629.4922; www.bourbonandbonesaz.com; $$$
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
The Capital Grille is a smart-casual dining destination that’s great for business lunches as well as elegant evenings. In addition to classic dry-aged steaks and seafood entrees, the shareable sides like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and au gratin potatoes are not to be missed. Gluten-sensitive guests can rejoice with nearly a full menu accommodating their dietary needs. Private dining available. Open for lunch weekdays at 11 a.m. Dinner served nightly starting at 5 p.m. At The Promenade, 16489 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.348.1700; www.thecapitalgrille.com; $$$-$$$$
HOUSTON’S
Houston’s serves up familiar steakhouse plates like a chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail and a USDA prime center-cut filet but also originals such as a kale and rotisserie chicken salad tossed in a roasted peanut vinaigrette and a Hawaiian rib-eye steak. At Hilton Village, 6113 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.922.7775; www.hillstone.com; $$$
TALAVERA
Talavera provides a modern spin on a steakhouse. Using fresh ingredients and sourcing from Arizona purveyors, the creative minds in the kitchen put together worldly steak and seafood pairings, seasonally inspired desserts, and inventive side dishes. Try the bacon-wrapped buffalo tenderloin with Oaxacan mole sauce and foie gras or the Chilean sea bass with braised oxtail in sherry wine butter. At Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; www.talaverarestaurant.com; $$$$