Butters

Butters uses the finest and freshest ingredients on its extensive breakfast and lunch menus, served up in a friendly neighborhood breakfast cafe. There are more than 10 varieties of pancakes, with favorites like cinnamon roll pancakes and strawberry chocolate chip. Diners will also find an array of French toast, waffles, crepes, egg dishes, skillets, and freshly squeezed juices. Lunch items include burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Three locations in Scottsdale: Scottsdale 101, Northsight Crossing and Mercado on Hayden; www.butterscafe.com; $$

Compiled by Becky Antiocco

Breakfast

DJ’s Bagel Cafe

This New York-style deli and bagel shop is located in the heart of Fountain Hills. Since opening in 1997, DJ’s has had a reputation for having some of the best bagels in the Valley, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door. The menu consists of over a dozen bagel flavors as well as a variety of omelets, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. 13693 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.4155; $-$$

Morning Squeeze

Morning Squeeze is a groovy brunch spot in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, where traditional breakfast favorites are made with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients. Stop in for the popular breakfast tacos filled with scrambled eggs; pepper jack cheese; salsa fresco; and a choice of chorizo, bacon or sausage. For a liquid breakfast, try the bloody Mary menu or a seasonal flavor. On the dog-friendly patio, furry friends can enjoy brunch, too, with doggy biscuits and gravy or the pup cakes off the “tail wager” menu. 4233 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.945.4669; www.morningsqueeze.com; $$

Snooze

This diner with vibrant retro styling and a party vibe dishes out an eclectic menu that includes dessert-style pancakes, seven variations on eggs Benedict, fun French toast options, and plant-based dishes, as well as specialty cocktails. Come back often to try the seasonal cocktails, main courses, and pancake of the week, which could be a sweet treat like apple crisp, cranberry orange, or chocolate cookie dough. For a sampling of favorites, try the signature pancake flight of pineapple upside down, blueberry Danish, and sweet potato. Several Valley locations including Kierland Commons, 15054 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.3133; www.snoozeeatery.com; $$

Breweries

Bone Haus Brewing

Living up to its name, Bone Haus Brewing is adorned with skulls and bones on the walls of the tap room, a nod to the ossuaries and catacombs of Europe. Beyond the haunting decor, the brewery offers bold and adventurous craft beers, with the Desert Distortion New England IPA being its signature, crafted in many varieties, including blood orange. It is also known for a prickly pear pale ale, Belgian-style brews, and a steady rotation of seasonal beer and limited editions. The venue often brings in food trucks to satisfy hungry appetites, and hosts live music, beer and yoga events, cornhole tournaments and “beer school. 14825 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.292.9541; www.bonehausbrewing.com; $

Loco Patron Brewery

Beer and tacos are always a winning combination. At the only Mexican craft brewery in the Valley, diners can find signature beers like the Sir Veza Lager, The Ocho IPA, Señor Hopper IPA, and the Loco Gold Golden Ale. Stop in for seasonal specials like the perfect-for-an-Arizona winter Hole Molé Chocolate Chipotle Oatmeal Stout. The beer selections pair nicely with specialties like the queso skillet, carne asada fries, shrimp ceviche, brewers burger, or and of the grande burros. Loco has two Scottsdale restaurants, with the brewery in the Northsight location. 14950 N. Northsight Blvd. and 4228 N. Scottsdale Road; www.locopatron.com; $$

One Handsome Bastard Distillery & Grill

One Handsome Bastard is one of the newest old distilleries in Scottsdale. The distillery carries the legacy of the Blue Clover brand with a new chapter of craftsmanship for premium small-batch spirits. Enjoy cocktails and light bites in its swanky distillery setting in Old Town, where you’ll find scratch-made pizza, bar fight nachos, pub starters, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Of course, diners can pair their meal with traditional and seasonal cocktails made from the distillery’s own Blue Clover vodkas and gins. Happy hour Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday Funday Brunch weekly. 7042. E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480-946-1062; www.onehandsomebastard.com; $$

PHX Brewery

This scenic brewery and restaurant is located in McCormick Ranch, with a beautiful patio along Marguerite Lake. The menu offers several items made with PHX Beer Co.’s brews, including ale house wings, beer-battered cod and chips, and a porter brownie, as well as its signature black iron pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups. The patio is pup-friendly and “hoppy” hour, with specials on beer, cocktails, wine and bites, is available Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. Brunch is on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.571.8645; www.phxbeerco.com; $$

Dessert

Butta Cakes

What started out as a challenge to create a dessert for a dinner party has turned into a sweet dream for Butta Cakes owner Perry Hilton. She’s created over 25 flavors of her butter cakes, including banana pudding, cake batter, Key lime and orangesicle varieties, all using all natural, premium ingredients. These little morsels of butter cake are available as a single, half dozen or a sampler dozen and are perfect for party favors, gift-giving or a sweet treat pick-me-up. 20801 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85255; www.buttacakes.com; $

Creamistry

This ice cream shop is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Creamistry specializes in made-to-order ice cream that creates a foggy chill when liquid nitrogen is added to the custom mixtures. From more than 60 flavors and toppings, fresh frozen combinations can be made into scoops or a shake. The menu also includes non-dairy and vegan options. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15345 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.912.5100; www.creamistry.com; $

Dessert in Desert

Instagram-worthy treats from this Asian-influenced dessert cafe taste just as good as they look. Dessert in Desert specializes in unique ice cream flavors such as taro, matcha and black sesame, served in taiyaki (golden fish shaped cones) and colorful waffle cones. More traditional flavors like Oreo, chocolate, and mango are available too. Tasty egg waffles topped with fresh fruit and ice cream, Asian-fusion cotton cheesecake and a variety of color drinks are all colorfully and beautifully presented. Snow-flaked ice and parfaits round out the menu. 18511 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85255; 480.597.7351; www.dessertindesert.com; $

Latin/Mexican

Barrio Queen

Barrio Queen offers Mexican favorites from tortas and enchiladas to burritos in a fun and festive setting. Start your meal with the renowned Barrio guacamole, elote or shrimp ceviche. The extensive taco selection includes carnitas, carne asada, seafood, chorizo and the acclaimed cochinita pibil, pork marinated in sour orange and achiote paste, as well as vegetarian options. Two locations: Old Town Scottsdale and Desert Ridge Marketplace; www.barrioqueen.com; $$

Elvira’s

Elivira’s has been a staple in Tubac, family owned for nearly 100 years. Now, Scottsdale residents don’t have to road trip south to enjoy the traditional mole dishes, squash blossoms, chile rellenos, quesadillas, and other signature dishes the restaurant is known for. Chef Ruben Monroy is the grandson of the restaurant’s founder, and creates the signature moles, molcajetes, and dishes from the land and the coast right here in town. Elvira’s reputation and signature funky vibe will draw you in, but the food will keep you coming back. Happy hour daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.350.7131; www.elvirasdcranch.com; $$$

Prado

The old-world ambiance and an elevated tapas menu, Prado is as festive as it is chic. The Spanish-style dishes like the Prado paella with lobster, shrimp, scallops, langostino and chorizo medjool dates wrapped in bacon and stuffed with almond and blue cheese cream are a treat year round, but don’t miss the special holiday menus. New Year’s Eve five-course prix fixe menu includes specialties like tuna crudo, warm salmojero with grilled octopus, Muscovy duck, and more. At Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale; 480.627.3004; www.montelucia.com; $$$

The Mexicano

The Mexicano’s vibrant decor and flashy menu items like build-your-own-margarita bar and The Ultimate Mexicano Ferris wheel (with c sampling of guacamoles and three house salsas) are definite attention grabbers, but Chef Joey Maggiore’s menu has substance as well as flash. The Best F#*%ing Nachos might be just that, the queso fundido is a cheesy delight, and the tacos are hard to beat, with options like braised Wagyu beef cheeks, birria vampire style, shrimp a la diabla agave, and others. Enchiladas, burritos, sizzling fajitas, and lava rock molcajetes round out the menu. The Hot Churro Cart is the perfect way to end (or start, if  so inclined). Happy hour daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar only. 4801 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix; 602.812.2100; www.themexicano.com; $$

Seafood

Ahi Poke

Ahipoki is a fusion between Hawaiian cuisine and a Californian coastal kitchen concept. Guests can customize their bowls with fresh seafood and select from an assortment of toppings including avocado, edamame, seaweed and several sauces. For the carb-conscious, choose organic salad as a base for your bowl instead of rice. 2805 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.219.9310; www.ahipokibowl.com; $$

Buck & Rider

Buck & Rider takes a mindful approach to dining, sourcing their seafood from small providers who engage in sustainable fishing and oyster farming practices. The result is a menu full of fresh catches, prepared to bring out the best flavor. Highlights include crispy calamari from Point Judith, Rhode Island; Baja shrimp ceviche from the Sea of Cortez, pan crisp yellowtail snapper from Alligator Reef, Florida; and much more. The daily raw bar menu is time-stamped and continuously updated to reflect the freshness of the seafood and vegetable selections. The restaurant also features private-label steaks from grain-fed midwestern Black Angus beef. The cockails follow the same ingredient-driven philosophy, made with hand-squeezed juices and premium spirits. Happy hour daily from 3 to 7 p.m. 7015 E. Mayo Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.561.5252; www.buckandrider.com; $$-$$$$

Ocean 44

Ocean 44 is a seafood creation from the Mastro brothers, occupying 12,000 square feet near Scottsdale Fashion Square. The restaurant offers an array of upscale seafood dishes as well as premium steaks. The 18-foot raw bar features fresh selections of salmon, tuna, oysters, crab legs, and more. Look for the Maine lobster escargot and the chive and cream cheese-stuffed hash brown, and don’t miss out on the wood-roasted shellfish. 4748 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.867.0044; www.ocean44.com; $$$

The Salt Cellar

Down the wooden stairwell lies Arizona’s only underground, full-service restaurant. This landmark establishment has been serving some of the best seafood in the Valley since 1971. A variety of seasonal seafood is sourced from all over the world, but The Salt Cellar is known for always having an excellent selection of whole Maine lobsters at the ready. Righ now, it’s Nantucket Cape Scallop season, so be sure to enjoy the tender, sugar-sweet delicacies while they’re available. Look for creative specialty dishes such as shrimp San Remo with parpadelle pasta and appetizers including the skewered calamari strips. Happy hour daily at the bar from 4 to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight. 550 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.1963; www.saltcellarrestaurant.com; $$$-$$$$

Steakhouse

Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak is a sophisticated steakhouse by award-winning chef Michael Mina. Guests can indulge in fine cuts of beef and poultry slow-poached in butter along with modern American sides like black truffle macaroni and cheese. The tuna tartare with ancho chile, Asian pear, a quail egg and pine nuts is an exquisite appetizer. Beef connoisseurs may be particularly interested in the selection of both Japanese and American wagyu beef. Call on the in-house sommelier to find the best wine to pair with dinner. This holiday season, spend $85 or more and receive free valet parking for the Christmas at The Princess event. At Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale; 480.629.4922; www.scottsdaleprincess.com; $$$-$$$$

Fleming’s

Fleming’s is a nationally renowned steakhouse that serves exceptional USDA prime and certified Angus beef. Starters include shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, and crab cakes, while favorite sides range from Fleming’s Potatoes with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and jalapeno to chipotle cheddar mac and cheese. End the meal with chocolate lava cake, classic New York cheesecake, or chocolate butter cake. Private dining rooms are available. 6333 N. Scottsdale Road (480.596.8265) and 20753 N. Pima Road (480.538.8000); www.flemingssteakhouse.com; $$$-$$$$

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

Strap on your cowboy boots and kick back at this bar and grill. Since 1935, Harold’s has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to both cowboys and locals who come in to start the day with thick-cut French toast or satiate their hunger with Harold’s 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak. On Fridays, come in for the hand-carved prime rib dinner special or all-you-can-eat fish and chips. Live music every weekend and specials throughout the week. 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.1906; www.haroldscorral.com; $$

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton’s is a nationwide steakhouse chain known for serving some of the best cuts of USDA prime-aged beef in the country. The recipes are so popular that they are published in Morton’s Steak Bible and Morton’s The Cookbook for home chefs to replicate. Don’t forget to add some surf to your turf by pairing your steak with seafood selections like the Alaskan king crab legs. There are Power Hour beverage and food specials in the bar Monday through Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Check for extended holiday hours. At Kierland Commons, 15233 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.951.4440; www.mortons.com; $$$-$$$$