Kauboi

Pronounced “cowboy,” the restaurant is located on the third floor of The Remi in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District. A blend of natural wood, leather and warm lighting evoke an upscale new-Old West vibe, with a Japanese steakhouse menu that is made for sharing. The piece de resistance is The Kauboi Cut, a 40-ounce Senku tomahawk ribeye, suspended, flamed, and carved tableside. There’s also a Global Wagyu Tasting course, and a variety of steak options, all grilled over a live fire. Explore a lineup of fresh sushi rolls, premium cuts, and shareable plates alongside a curated selection of Japanese whiskies and craft cocktails. 4415 N. Buckboard Trail, Scottsdale; 480.770.4415; www.kauboiscottsdale.com; $$$$$

American

AZ88

Known for its upbeat ambiance and swanky martinis, this Scottsdale institution is always packed with visitors and locals alike. The décor features ever-changing works of art, paying homage to the neighboring arts district. The accessible yet refined menu consists of pub fare such as burgers and chicken sandwiches next to shrimp ceviche and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts and a variety of salads. The kitchen is open late and the cocktails are guest favorites. The AZ88 Experience, which includes two specialty cocktails and a four-course meal, is the only way to make a reservation. All others are first come, first served. 7353 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale; 480.994.5576; www.az88.com; $$

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails

An elevated yet approachable dining spot offers a refined relaxed atmosphere where craft cocktails, fresh seasonal cuisine, and warm hospitality come together. The menu focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients for dinner. Starters include squash blossoms with a Oaxacan/goat cheese blend, artichoke flowers, Hamachi crudo, and more. Main courses range in variety from grilled Spanish octopus to Mishima Wagyu burger, New Zealand lamb, and signature steak cuts. 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.999.5599; www.belmontkitchenandcocktails.com; $$$-$$$$$

Café Monarch

The award-winning Cafe Monarch is recognized as one of the Top Three Fine Dining Restaurants in America by TripAdvisor. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or an extravagant night out, this family-owned-and-operated restaurant offers elegant ambiance and exceptional service. The four-course, fixed-price menu changes weekly and revolves around local, organic, sustainable and responsibly procured ingredients. Reservation only. 6934 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; 480.970.7682; www.cafemonarch.com; $$$$

Grassroots Kitchen & Tap

Grassroots Kitchen & Tap is a family-owned and operated restaurant with a from-scratch menu of classic Southern American cuisine. Southern Shrimp & Grits, Carolina Baby Backs, and the Almost Famous Pork Chop are menu favorites, and vegetarians will appreciate the farm to table vegetable platter and the variety of salad options. End with a sweet treat of key lime pie or the chocolate toffee brownie with Ghirardelli chocolate. 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; $$

Simon’s Hot Dogs

Simon’s Hot Dogs is a family-run restaurant serving hot dogs the Colombian way. Simon’s signature dog, The Colombian, is a street food staple with your choice of a premium all-beef hot dog, Colombian chorizo, a handmade German-style bratwurst, or a vegan hot dog topped with pineapple, mozzarella, Simon’s sauce and crushed potato chips for an added crunch. This fast-casual eatery offers dozens of hot dog variations and a vegan alternative for nearly every item on their menu. Try one of their imported Colombian sodas or a bottle of Arizona craft beer to pair with your meal. 4280 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.426.9218; www.simonshotdogs.net; $

UNiQ Burger

Now for something truly UNiQ. This casual dining spot offers up high-quality food made from 100 percent plant-based ingredients for takeout or dine-in. The restaurant was started to provide people with delicious burgers and sandwiches without having to consume animal products. There are also many gluten-free options on the menu, and the restaurant is a nut-free facility. Everything is vegan but tastes like the real deal. Try the fries in crinkle cut, sweet potato, parmesan truffle, fully loaded, or Southwest fully loaded varieties. 7730 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.7919; www.uniqburger.com; $

Asian

Din Tai Fung

Scottsdale Fashion Square heralds the long-awaited arrival of global bao bun sensation Din Tai Fung. The menu centers on the legendary Xiao Long Bao, delicate soup dumplings containing pork, crab and Kurobuta, or chicken. All buns, bao, and dumplings are carefully hand folded for an authentic Japanese dining experience. Other highlights include shao mai, spicy wontons, flavorful greens, and noodles, and fried rice. After a savory dinner accompanied by a signature cocktail, save room for a chocolate bun, sweet xiao long bao, or a red bean sticky rice wrap. If you don’t wait for reservation, or brave the long walk-in line, order your favorites for takeout. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.256.8683; www.dtf.com/en-us; $$$

Jing

Jing is known as much for its high-energy, Vegas-style ambiance as it is for its menu of Japanese bao sliders, soup and salad, power bowls, sushi, and entrees. Casual, upscale lunch gives way to a lively happy hour, then seamlessly blends into an upscale dinner service. The vibe is energetic and upscale, with unique dinner options including the Jing Tuna Pizza, Wagyu Beef Sliders, and the famous Peking Duck. Josper-grilled meats and provisions, and Wagyu Hot Rock elevate the dinner menu beyond the traditional Japanese steakhouse. Sushi rolls, shared plates, hand-folded dumplings, handrolls, and a raw bar complete the experience. 10605 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 602.699.8888; www.jingrestaurant.com. $$$-$$$$

Kanoki Sushi and Cocktails

Kanoki Sushi and Cocktails delivers a fresh, fun twist on Japanese dining. Centered around impeccably fresh seafood, the menu features handrolls, nigiri, sashimi, and inventive crudos, alongside standout bites like the Kanoki Roll and tuna tataki tacos. The cocktail game is strong, with seasonal drinks and a solid sake lineup. The vibe is sleek but relaxed with intimate counter seating, great music, and a front-row view of the chefs in action. Thoughtful service and an omakase option make it perfect for a casual night out or a fun date night. 5415 E. High St., Phoenix; 480.292.9280; www.kanokiphx.com; $$$

Starfish

Starfish is the Valley’s newest neighborhood hotspot, offering an extensive menu of fresh Asian dishes and handcrafted libations inspired by the coastal regions of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China, and Japan. With two locations in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Starfish’s menu offers more than 70 shareable plates. Hand folded dumplings made fresh daily, scratch Thai curries, fresh seafood, wok-fired classics, vegetables, noodles, and rice dishes represent the focus on Coastal Asian and fusion style cuisine. The bar features exotic cocktails, Asian and local beers, and unique sake selections. Standout dishes and drinks include Thai Spicy Beef with Basil, Lobster Macadamia Nut Sushi Roll, Chilean Sea Bass, Wild Lychee Martini, Starfish Cooler, and Thai Me Down. Happy hour daily from 3-6 p.m. 8390 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale; 480.305.0441; www.starfishhospitalitygroup.com; $$$-$$$$

Barbecue

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse

This casual tavern and smokehouse features craft barbecue and housemade moonshine cocktails. Starters include boot dumplings with pork belly, shrimp, and a mango chipotle sauce; smoked chicken wings; and a bacon board. The menu also features burgers, sandwiches, smokehouse tacos, smoked prime rib, and a barbecue sampler for two or four people. The award-winning barbecue is smoked daily and available for at-home dining as well. The famous apple pie moonshine is a popular libation. 7217 E. 1st St., Scottsdale; 480.404.9984; www.bootleggerssmokehouse.com; $$

Liberty Station American Tavern & Smokehouse

Liberty Station serves smoked meats, comfort food, vintage cocktails and craft beer. It is the place to go for American comfort food with a regional flair. Some menu items, like the New England clam chowder and Boston cod fish and chips, harken to the founders’ New England roots. Others, like the Arizona pulled pork and the green chili pork stew, cater to Southwestern tastes. The menu offers shareable plates including brisket loaded fries,, as well as soups, burgers, sandwiches, seafood entrees and barbecue meat platters featuring brisket, ribs and pork. 34522 N. Scottsdale Road; 480.595.9930; www.libertystationtavern.com; $$

NakedQ

NakedQ focuses on smoking meats so guests can customize their barbecue with a variety of homemade rubs and sweet, spicy, and mustard-based sauces. Pulled pork or chicken, chopped brisket, sliced turkey, and jalapeño hot links can be enjoyed as sandwiches or as part of a one- or two-meat platter served with cornbread and sides like Carolina slaw, mac and cheese or beans. Try the St. Louis-style ribs as a half or full slab, and order other meats by the pound. 10240 N. 90th St.; 480.912.2102; www.nakedq.com; $-$$

Rudy’s

Rudy’s has been serving up real Texas barbecue since 1989 from its country store outside of San Antonio. Tasty brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage are wood-fired and slow-cooked in oak, rather than the quicker-burning mesquite used at other barbecue joints. Meats are cooked with a dry spice, and ready for dousing in Rudy’s famous “Sause,” which is available for purchase at the restaurant. Order your meat by the pound or in a sandwich, and pair it with a side like Rudy’s beans, green chile stew, or slaw. The jumbo smoked potato on its own or topped with meat is a great accompaniment or standalone meal. Try the breakfast tacos or tantalizing desserts. 15257 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale; 602.613.5105; www.rudysbbq.com; $$

Breweries

Craft 64

For 5 years running, Craft 64 has been chosen a Top 50 Pizzeria. And nothing goes with pizza better than beer. The restaurant has 30 brews on tap at all times — 10 of their own and 20 rotating guest handles. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, The Brew House is best known for IPAs like Hopalicious and Juice Box, but those looking for fewer hops can try the Frolic Pale Ale, Pilsner 64, Surfs Up blonde, Midnight Velvet stout, and La Cerveza Mexican lager. You’ll also find sours, wheats, ciders, and porters in the rotating taps. Pizzas feature house-made mozzarella and non-beer drinkers can enjoy a curated section of wine and craft cocktails. Happy hour Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. 6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale; 480.946.0542; www.craft64.com; $$

O.H.S.O Brewing Company

O.H.S.O. (which stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost) has developed a reputation as a local-centric and dog-friendly social hot spot. It offers several nano-brews as well as cocktails made with vodka, rum and gin from its distillery. Each location has it’s own local flair, but all feature excellent food and both seasonal and year-round craft brews from its Phoenix disitllery. The Scottsdale locationis a test kitchen where guests order from a rotating menu and provide feedback before items are rolled out to menus at different locations. Gluten-free and vegan menus are available. North Scottsdale test kitchen: 15681 N. Hayden Road; Arcadia: 4900 E. Indian School Rd.; Paradise Valley: 10810 N. Tatum Blvd.; www.ohsobrewery.com; $$

Pinnacle Brewing Company

Pinnacle Brewing keeps it all in the family. Brewer Wyatt Wilson opened Pinnacle with his parents, and embraces unique European styles like Scottish ales, Belgian dubbels, Czech ambers, and Italian pils. Their brews have won medals at the Arizona Craft beer Awards, USA Beer Ratings, and the London Beer Competition. The taplist rotates regularly, with both familiar and lesser-known pours, including pilsners, lagers, IPAs, sours, and ciders. Try them at the taproom or to go, and while you’re there grab a burger, sandwich, or meat by the pound from Beerded BBQ. Stop in for Trivia Tuesdays or Music Bingo Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 15111 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 602.341.5059; www.pinnaclebrewing.com; $-$$

State 48 Lager House

State 48 started in Surprise and has since expanded to six Valley locations, including Scottsdale, where it brews its lagers on-site. The two-story restaurant has a spacious patio with beautiful views and a menu with shareables as well as best-selling mains like beer-battered fish and chips; and the State 48 burger topped with aged cheddar, beer-battered pickles and IPA-sriracha glazed bacon. The variety of burgers on the menu almost beats out the beer selection. Come in for both. 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.659.0048; www.state48brewery.com; $-$$

Coffee Shops

Berdena’s

Berdena’s is a petite specialty coffee shop in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale that that serves organic and locally sourced food and drinks when possible. Don’t miss unique lattes such as the honey lavender and cardamom rose variations. Breakfast items include an award-winning avocado toast, a breakfast sandwich and a variety of housemade pastries. Closed Sunday. 7051 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.256.1403; www.berdenas.com; $-$$

Echo Coffee

Echo Coffee is a dog-friendly micro-coffee roaster and coffee shop in a friendly setting perfect for meetups, working, or relaxing. Along with traditional coffee and espresso drinks, Echo Coffee’s food menu consists of fresh, healthy options like a hummus plate and yogurt parfait as well as a large variety of delicious pastries. Free Wi-Fi is available for those who may want to linger, connect to the internet, and snack on a sweet treat or two. Echo donates one percent of every purchase to the Arizona Humane Society. 2902 N. 68th St., Scottsdale; 480.422.4081; www.echocoffee.shop; $-$$