The BEST Places to Go during a Group Trip in Scottsdale, Arizona
I started spending the bulk of my time in Scottsdale a few years ago, and since then have started getting a TON of requests on where the best places to go for a group weekend in town are. Now I took those requests very seriously, and have dedicated the past two years to scouring out every spot in Scottsdale to create you the most informative list I could.
Just kidding, it's really hard to not go out literally all the time here, so this information was really just a byproduct of that. That being said, this is a list of the places I frequent fly at, or at least feel are awesome for group trips like the one you are about to go on. These thoughts are my own, but the first line of each location's description is directly from google... Not gonna lie, a few of these places are absolutely fronting on their descriptions. Anyways, I hope this helps inform your itinerary, and if you're coming to the region, don't forget to email me at info@benderextender.com to arrange for your hand-delivered order of Bender Extenders.
Dining:
The food in Scottsdale is totally bomb, and I often get choice paralysis just trying to pick a spot. That's why I made this list, so you can just get to it. That and because Yelp reviews never tell the truth. Oh & make a reso always... Scottsdale is bumping 100% of the time.
A stylish seafood-focused restaurant known for its fresh oysters and chic ambiance. Happy hour EVERY day from 4-7PM, and just overall incredible food. One of the few places I will eat seafood in the middle of the desert, and genuinely enjoy it. They also have this cocktail called the Bobby Love which is pretty much just green juice + gin, which counts as a juice cleanse as far as I am concerned.
A Mediterranean-inspired bistro offering a warm, rustic-chic dining experience along the Scottsdale Waterfront. Right in Old Town, upscale enough without being TOO fancy, and the food goes super hard. Great for a dinner out where the crew doesn't wanna try to hard, but still wants to go somewhere nice.
A contemporary steakhouse blending indulgent dishes with a lively, luxurious atmosphere. Expensive, pretty extra, but a "total vibe" as the kids are saying these days. Great for your celebratory meal out, and still packs a mean party vibe for when you want to ramp up.
An elevated dining experience combining modern Mediterranean flavors with an elegant, artistic ambiance. The food is insane here, and the price points are pretty reasonable. Pro-tip: Grab an early reso (4:30/5ish), watch the sunset over dinner, and then get your party on as the patio fills up with the evening crowd. Also make a reso here as far out as you can - they're very popular.
This certifiably hip place is a local favourite, emphasizing homestyle Italian dishes with a modern twist. The food is epic, the atmosphere is super cool (they have a DJ), and the drinks go hard. It's in North Scottsdale, but is a great place to kick off a night before sending it to booze-town.
Cocktails
Now there are an unlimited amount of places to get drinks in Scottsdale, but these are a few of my personal favourites to start the night... and trust me, I've put in the research.
AZ/88
A trendy, upscale bar known for its craft cocktails, artistic vibe, and dynamic nightlife. The martinis here are WORLD-RENOWNED and are like 5oz or something like that since they were grandfathered in under old liquor laws. 10/10 place to kick off your evening.
The W Scottsdale
An up-scale hotel with a rooftop lounge that offers vibrant poolside cocktails and weekend DJs. Pool parties here? Fire. Partying on the rooftop bar at night? Also fire. I use the W as a great buffer between my "fancy drinking hours" and the more feral part of the evening.
The Global Ambassador
An baller, upscale venue blending international cuisine with an exceptional cocktail program. This place has five bars/restaurants in it, and is THE hot spot right now. Stop in the lobby bar for a cocktail, and then make your way to the rooftop bar (Thea) to catch the sunset and get your party on. It's rowdy - but like, classy rowdy, which is a great balance. Oh - and wear something nice.
Toca Modera:
Toca provides a modern Mexican vibrant dining experience with live music and unique entertainment, such as fire dancers, creating an energetic atmosphere ideal for celebrations. This place can only be classified as being a part of "the scene" but it's also pretty damn cool if you're visiting. The food goes hard, but you can also just got to the bar for drinks.
Elephanté
A chic new bar originating from LA that provides an impressive drink menu and french cuisine. This is the new spot in town, very fun, very trendy, great spot to get a few cocktails and when the night starts to get to rowdy hours walk yourself down the street to hit the clubs.
Going Out - BAR EDITION
Now, there are MANY places to party in Scottsdale - it's pretty much our entire thing. That being said, I used to find it challenging to find the right spots, especially for nights that you don't want to throw that ass in a circle at the club, but still want to get rowdy, without being too aggressive.
A laid-back bar perfect for casual drinks, games, and group hangouts. Also has a banging dance floor on one side, but a chiller spot on the other side. It's like if a dive bar and club had a baby, and it was perfect. Great for late night. I often do Global Ambassador, to here, since they are close.
A quintessential dive bar offering a no-frills, lively atmosphere in Old Town Scottsdale. It looks like a convenience store. The walls are covered in dollar bills. There is no roof on part of the bar. BUT IT IS THE BEST DAMN TIME YOU WILL HAVE IN YOUR LIFE. Go here... and when you do, make sure you go to the back bar and ask for Jello shots.
Porters Western Saloon
A local favorite for its authentic cowboy vibe and country music. The elevated version of Patties. Pretty damn fun and nothing too crazy going on here. It is also right down the street from AZ88 and Patties, so a great in-betweener.
Coach House
Scottsdale's oldest tavern, offering a cozy and nostalgic dive bar experience. Apparently this place opens up at 6AM every day. It's gross and old, covered in Christmas lights 265 days a year, and the best spot ever. GO THERE FOR A DRINK!
Buffalo Chip Saloon
A rustic saloon featuring live music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull for an all-American night out. It's in the middle of nowhere - I won't lie to you. But if you can get the logistics figured out, it is so worth the trip. They have LIVE amateur bull-riding on Wednesdays and Fridays, in the outdoor arena that is attached to the bar.... need I say more?
Going Out - CLUB Edition:
Sometimes, you just need to go pedal to the metal and forget about all of your adult responsibilities. This isn't an always thing, but it almost always is when you're on a group trip in Scottsdale... All of these bars are located in what I like to call "The vortex" which is like two blocks of strictly nightclubs, pounding music, and sheer debauchery. It's crazy and chaotic and you should definitely go one night. I want to again highlight that the first sentence of all these write-ups is directly from google, which has provided some real comedy for me here. I like to think my write-ups following are more accurate.
Bottled Blonde
A high-energy spot combining a casual pizzeria with a lively nightclub scene. I'm laughing at that google description because I had no idea any of these places even had Kitchens. Bottled Blonde is for boozin', straight up. But its got a really upbeat vibe and multiple levels and you're pretty much guaranteed to have a great time there whether you get a table or not.
Almost Famous
A hip Scottsdale club known for its craft cocktails and trendy vibe. Craft cocktails is a stretch. Bottle services & high noons is more the ambiance here. They play a lot of house music and always have a great DJ line-up. It's clubby while somehow managing to be a tiny bit more upscale. Good spot.
Cake Nightclub
A luxurious nightclub offering a blend of Vegas-style entertainment and upscale parties. First sentence was actually pretty accurate. Great spot to get bottle service and dance your pants off. Probably a promoter that you can get to comp you an early table (ladies), so I would hit this place up.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
A modern country bar with great music, dancing, and signature whiskey drinks. Yup that checks. But please manage your expectations on "country"... it's a night club that has the odd Morgan Wallen remix thrown in haha. Really fun crowd and vibe though and a great space to let the squad get to work.
Brunch
Down bad and need a remedy? Say less - these places will bring back even your most hungover soldier (except they shouldn't be that hungover cause you took a bender extender). Anyways:
Hash Kitchen
A lively brunch spot famous for its build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, creative dishes, and vibrant atmosphere perfect for weekend gatherings. Bloody Mary bar is something out of a movie. Chunks of cheese the size of your fist and every pickled vegetable on the planet. Plus, they have a DJ on weekends.
The Montauk
A trendy, beach-themed eatery serving brunch classics with a twist, complete with a lively patio and chic vibes. Food is...average. Drinks are fire, and the vibe is awesome on weekends. Tons of groups go here on their trips, so you will be in good company.
Prep & Pastry
A charming brunch destination offering a blend of comfort food and modern flair, known for its decadent pastries and craft cocktails. Fancier than the rest of this list, but really good food and solid drink options. This is more of a go for just food spot if you wanted too.
Activities
On any great group trip, it is important to add in a little programming that doesn't totally revolve around sitting in a bar getting banged up. I'm not saying you can't still do that while doing this activities, but they provide a nice mix-up for the group to do during the day.
Topgolf Scottsdale
A fun and interactive golf experience with food, drinks, and climate-controlled hitting bays. Pretty much sums it up. Even if you guys absolutely suck at golf it's a really good time - truly a group trip staple in Scottsdale.
Mavrix
An entertainment venue featuring bowling, arcade games, and a full-service bar for a dynamic group outing. They also have laser tag with is such a throwback gem. This is a fun place to start a night and play some group games and get some challenges going, and also feel like you're 14 years old again (in the best way possible).
Hikes: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, Gateway Loop Trail, and Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Iconic Scottsdale hiking trails offering breathtaking desert views and outdoor adventure for all skill levels. These ones won't totally kill you, and they take max 2 hours. Tom's Thumb is the hardest, and Lost Dog Wash is pretty damn easy. Tons of cactuses, and it's good to get a sweat on during these weekends... trust me.
Golf Courses (Catered to Group Trips):
If you've got a large group, some people that aren't huge golfers, or plan on drinking heavily, you're going to want to book in at one of these courses. They A) won't cost you an arm and a leg B) Aren't uptight and let you like party and stuff and C) are close to Old Town.
Starfire Golf Club: Close to old town, not overly nice, decently affordable, and a legitimate Golf Club. Narrow AF tho - bring lots of balls and prepare to apologize to numerous residents.
Grass Clippings (Night Golf): In Tempe, this public course breaks traditional golf stereotypes by offering night golf under LED lights, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Really fun. Do it.
McCormick Ranch: This Scottsdale club boasts two 18-hole championship courses, the Palm and the Pine, set amidst scenic landscapes with water features and mountain views. Low key the nice "party course" in the area. Prepare for a 5 hour round & frequent cart-girl stops, while still being at a nice club.
Continental Golf Club: Absolute goat track. Mid conditions, average everything, but pretty short and group-trip friendly (especially if you're not big golfers). It's slow as, but it's also cheap, right in Old Town, and party-friendly.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL
Stock up on Bender Extender's and hydration folks. This place is not for the faint of heart and it would be a DAMN shame to waste even a second of it on a hangover. As a thank-you for reading this blog, you can email me at info@benderextender.com to place an order for Bender Extender, which I will deliver for free to your Scottsdale Party doorstep on the day of your arrival.
Are you ready?
Well that brings me to the end of my (somewhat) Local's guide to a weekend in Scottsdale Arizona. I am willing to bet over half of the traffic reading this has been directly referred by me, because I was getting tired of typing out the same spots over and over again to visiting groups haha. If you have any questions, you know who to call.
Happy Scottsdale-ing! Stay hydrated!
- Cameo Hanlon, Bender Extender Co-Founder & Fake Scottsdale Local