Scottsdale

[BearCountry11 1234]

The wife and I are headed to Scottsdale in the fall for our anniversary.  I've been a handful of times but haven't been able to explore the area all that much.  What are some good restaurants to check out and places for good drinks (good bourbon menu is a plus).  

We also plan to play some golf (maybe 2 total rounds) and I'm torn on where to go.  My gut says TPC Scottsdale but Troon North looks incredible.  What are the "must play" courses?  

Edited June 7, 2018 by BearCountry11

[GringoSalado 1654]

No idea on the golf but last week I ate (Sunday brunch is awesome) at the Rokerij, not exactly Scottsdale, a bit west, but always loved that place. Durants is an old school steakhouse that I've always liked about 5 blocks south of that.

Still like OHSO brewery there on Indian School.

Beckett's table was pretty trendy, may have jumped the shark.

 

There's tons more better options that I cannot recall right now (I've never lived there but often visit family in Scottsdale). Somebody else will be along shortly with some better recs.

 

 

[Sbbruin 22147]

I played Troon North about 12 years ago.  It was amazing links style golf.  Impeccable course.

[Mo Horn 8943]

If you like pizza go to Pizzeria Bianco. Best I've ever had

[Irwin F Fletcher 3560]

Troon North is one of my all time favorite courses. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to play it.

[Baboontyme 2888]

Have you been to Sedona? Worth the drive. You can play golf there, too. 

http://www.sedonagolfresort.com/index.php

[royiv 9903]

7 hours ago, GringoSalado said:

No idea on the golf but last week I ate (Sunday brunch is awesome) at the Rokerij, not exactly Scottsdale, a bit west, but always loved that place. Durants is an old school steakhouse that I've always liked about 5 blocks south of that.

Still like OHSO brewery there on Indian School.

Beckett's table was pretty trendy, may have jumped the shark.

Not terrible recommendations there, but how long are the blocks in your world? Durant’s is an easy 5 miles from Rokerij. And if you think Beckett’s is pretty trendy, I would be interested in observing your reaction to a place like Sumomaya.

[GringoSalado 1654]

^ thanks, I like your recs much better.

[BearCountry11 1234]

Definitely planning on Troon North.  Which course is the better one?

 

Will consider Sedona, too, but we are getting a pretty nice HomeAway rental.  Want to keep as close to Scottsdale as possible.  Thanks, all!

[Irwin F Fletcher 3560]

Why not both? I've always favored the Pinnacle course, but that's just a preference based on it being designed as a truer representation of a desert style course. Both are fantastic. 

 

Seriously, if you can, try and play both. You won't regret it. You'll probably need to book some extra spa time for the wife...

Edited June 8, 2018 by Irwin F Fletcher

[HeHateMe 916]

Where in Scottsdale are you staying?  How serious of a golfer are you?  What kind of meals are you looking for?  Do you need a recommendation for a romantic place to take the wife?  Let me know and I can try to fill in the blanks.

[BearCountry11 1234]

On 6/8/2018 at 9:01 PM, HeHateMe said:

Where in Scottsdale are you staying?  How serious of a golfer are you?  What kind of meals are you looking for?  Do you need a recommendation for a romantic place to take the wife?  Let me know and I can try to fill in the blanks.

Staying in Carefree technically but plan to spend most of our time in Scottsdale.  

I shoot mid 80s typically.  I’ll probably get 3 rounds over the 5 days we’ll be there before my wife gets mad.  She’s been clear that she’ll let me golf but we need to explore the area too.  

Food-wise we are looking for local places.  A nice blend of fancy dinners and also some casual lunch spots.  We’re not picky about cuisine.  Good drinks are always a major plus.  Would definitely want one really nice place to take the wife.  

 

[VolenteHawk 495]

At Troon North, Pinnacle is significantly better than Monument, in my opinion.  I'll take heat for it, but I'd rather play either 18 at Grayhawk over Monument...felt a little bit tricked up to me.  TPC Scottsdale is fine, but I didn't think it was great for the money, and we even played it right after the Waste Management (stands were still up including all the way around #16).

TPC Scottsdate will prove to you how good the pros are.  It's pretty dang hard and they're routinely throwing 64s on it.  Insane.

 

[HeHateMe 916]

On June 10, 2018 at 6:56 PM, BearCountry11 said:

Staying in Carefree technically but plan to spend most of our time in Scottsdale.  

I shoot mid 80s typically.  I’ll probably get 3 rounds over the 5 days we’ll be there before my wife gets mad.  She’s been clear that she’ll let me golf but we need to explore the area too.  

Food-wise we are looking for local places.  A nice blend of fancy dinners and also some casual lunch spots.  We’re not picky about cuisine.  Good drinks are always a major plus.  Would definitely want one really nice place to take the wife.  

 

Both Troon North tracks are great, and can't go wrong with either Grayhawk track.  Seriously, pick one at both and trust it and enjoy.  As for the third round.... Unless you want to play where the pros play, I'd skip TPC Stadium.  It's overpriced and basically a resort course.  TPC Champions course is a better track and about half the price.  

For dinner, there is a great Italian place up north called Sassi.  It's close to the Four Seasons and not far from where you are staying.  There is also a Mastro's up that way.  However, if you want to go that route, drive the extra 10 minutes and go to Mastro's Ocean Club.  The talent and people watching alone are worth it.  And get the fucking butter cake!!! As for romantic, take her to Elements at the Sanctuary Resort.  Make a reservation for after sunset, but get there early for cocktails at Jade Bar.  The drinks are great and the views over Paradise Valley are incredible.  Spend a few hours trolling around old town and don't have an agenda.  Plenty of serviceable lunch spots or places to grab a drink.  Kelly's or the Montauk are both good spots for a drink but you can find what fits your tastes.  

Scottsdale is very big North to South and you are way the hell up North.  Just know going in that you are going to spend some time in a car if you want to experience it all.  You should have a blast though.  And let me know if you need anymore recommendations on hikes or spas or any other shit.  Enjoy.

Edited June 13, 2018 by HeHateMe
Your mom

[royiv 9903]

5 hours ago, HeHateMe said:

 

For dinner, there is a great Italian place up north called Sassi.  It's close to the Four Seasons and not far from where you are staying.

Sassi is closed.

[BearCountry11 1234]

Have to give a HUGE shoutout to @HeHateMe   

We just had dinner at Elements and it was the best culinary experience we have ever had.  Perfect anniversary dinner.  Thank you!!

[riloh05 107]

7 hours ago, BearCountry11 said:

Have to give a HUGE shoutout to @HeHateMe   

We just had dinner at Elements and it was the best culinary experience we have ever had.  Perfect anniversary dinner.  Thank you!!

hopefully my boy beaumac was in the house...he is a really good friend and a phenomenal lover of food. elements and jade bar makes for a pretty strong night. awesome.

[Landomatic 3813]

Anyone remember that Shagster who opened a Texas BBQ joint in Scottsdale/Mesa/Phoenix/Tempe?  Headed out there for a few days for the holidays and was gonna try to hit him up.  Pretty sure it was on TOS and I can’t remember his name or the name of the place or anything and I don’t feel like going over there to try to find it.  I think maybe he said it was near the airport?

[royiv 9903]

Little Miss BBQ is by the airport and it’s damn good.

[Landomatic 3813]

6 minutes ago, royiv said:

Little Miss BBQ is by the airport and it’s damn good.

Hmmm maybe that’s the place.  Do you know Little Mister BBQ posts here?  Guess I could just tell them I’m from the internet and see what happens.

[royiv 9903]

Yeah, I think he posted a time or two on TOS. There’s not really any other BBQ in the Valley that’s worth a shit.

[Sam Lin 3608]

Yes, he opened Little Miss BBQ, hadn't posted for a while even on TOS. Be prepared to wait in line.

[Butch Had Not 3067]

On 12/23/2018 at 10:02 AM, Landomatic said:

Hmmm maybe that’s the place.  Do you know Little Mister BBQ posts here?  Guess I could just tell them I’m from the internet and see what happens.

Another little miss just opened north phoenix that will be far less busy.

[royiv 9903]

6 minutes ago, Butch Had Not said:

Another little miss just opened north phoenix that will be far less busy.

He’s using Oyler pits at the new location instead of the custom built offset smokers he uses at the University location.

[Butch Had Not 3067]

15 minutes ago, royiv said:

He’s using Oyler pits at the new location instead of the custom built offset smokers he uses at the University location.

All that just went over my head.  

So I shouldn't be so excited about the ne location? It's my side of town so I do want to check it out. 

[royiv 9903]

17 minutes ago, Butch Had Not said:

All that just went over my head.  

So I shouldn't be so excited about the ne location? It's my side of town so I do want to check it out. 

TBD. Haven’t tried the new location yet, but was far less excited about it when I learned they were using Oyler smokers. Maybe it will surprise me, but I don’t see how you turn out the same product on a commercial electrically powered smoker.

[RPM 26682]

Is Amy's Baking Co still around? I've heard it mentioned.

[Enchubben 5600]

Rec for somewhere to watch the astros tonight in Scottsdale?  Staying at the Andaz resort. 

[Mac8111 2143]

We ate at Ocean 44 Thurs night and they knocked it out of the park. Great meal. Excellent service.


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[Incredulity 11883]

Pics of Scottsdale sloots not showing up

[Mac8111 2143]

I would have ran out of space on the entire ICloud


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[RMac5 1558]

Well then maybe just a half a clouds worth.

[Incredulity 11883]

7 hours ago, Mac8111 said:

I would have ran out of space on the entire ICloud


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Perhaps one of the most neg worthy posts in the history of the Surl.

[smwhorn 485]

Headed there soon.  Looks like plenty of casinos.  Any recs on places to game?

[royiv 9903]

2 minutes ago, smwhorn said:

Headed there soon.  Looks like plenty of casinos.  Any recs on places to game?

They’re all pretty shitty, but if you’re a degenerate and must gamble, your best bet for proximity to Scottsdale proper will be the casino at Talking Stick Resort or the Casino Arizona at the 101 & McKellips. Both are operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indians.

[smwhorn 485]

19 minutes ago, royiv said:

They’re all pretty shitty, but if you’re a degenerate and must gamble, your best bet for proximity to Scottsdale proper will be the casino at Talking Stick Resort or the Casino Arizona at the 101 & McKellips. Both are operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indians.

Thanks.  According to the internets (including Golf Digest), the courses at Talking Stick are pretty good.  Yes, I know they aren't Troon North or Greyhawk, but I was surprised at how often they were ranked in "top ten public courses in Scottsdale" when I was snooping around on social media.

[justhookit 4208]

On 2/2/2020 at 1:26 AM, Mac8111 said:

We ate at Ocean 44 Thurs night and they knocked it out of the park. Great meal. Excellent service.


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I ate there a few months ago and it is still excellent. Toca Madera right next door was even better and better people watching too. Highly recommend both.

[field 242]

38 minutes ago, smwhorn said:

Thanks.  According to the internets (including Golf Digest), the courses at Talking Stick are pretty good.  Yes, I know they aren't Troon North or Greyhawk, but I was surprised at how often they were ranked in "top ten public courses in Scottsdale" when I was snooping around on social media.

Courses at Talking Stick are solid public courses if you're looking to play.  As mentioned above, all the casinos are pretty much trash.  Talking Stick's has the benefit of being trash close to nice restaurants and resorts in Scottsdale.  There are also sports books out here at all the major sporting venues, including TPC Scottsdale, if that floats your boat.

Edited November 22 by field
proofreading

[smwhorn 485]

19 minutes ago, justhookit said:

I ate there a few months ago and it is still excellent. Toca Madera right next door was even better and better people watching too. Highly recommend both.

We have dinner reservations at Ocean 44.  Looking forward to it.

[royiv 9903]

1 minute ago, smwhorn said:

We have dinner reservations at Ocean 44.  Looking forward to it.

It’s solid. I’ve never had a bad experience there and, on one occasion, had a phenomenal experience that I will remember forever.

[Mo Horn 8943]

58 minutes ago, smwhorn said:

Thanks.  According to the internets (including Golf Digest), the courses at Talking Stick are pretty good.  Yes, I know they aren't Troon North or Greyhawk, but I was surprised at how often they were ranked in "top ten public courses in Scottsdale" when I was snooping around on social media.

Son and I played Talking Stick last month. Nice course. We did a 3 day 5 round golf package. Different course every day. Had a great time. 

[UT Lax 22]

For a dress up night, have drinks at sunset on the patio of Thea at the Global Ambassador.  Incredible views of Camelback Mountain and it is a to be seen place for sure.  For breakfast go to Le Grande Orange (LGO) and order the Commuter Sandwich.  Dave Portnoy also gave their pizza a 7.9.

[royiv 9903]

7 minutes ago, UT Lax said:

For a dress up night, have drinks at sunset on the patio of Thea at the Global Ambassador.  Incredible views of Camelback Mountain and it is a to be seen place for sure.  For breakfast go to Le Grande Orange (LGO) and order the Commuter Sandwich.  Dave Portnoy also gave their pizza a 7.9.

LGO is a very solid recommendation. The Global Ambassador is not. Douche Bag Central. Way overpriced. Shit service. Even worse food. 

[Rudiger 1181]

LGO has some of my favorite pizza anywhere. 

[Sam Lin 3608]

If pizza is a thing, don't miss Pizzeria Bianco, probably the most publicized (and IMO overhyped) pizza from AZ.

[Upgrayedd 5917]

7 hours ago, royiv said:

LGO is a very solid recommendation. The Global Ambassador is not. Douche Bag Central. Way overpriced. Shit service. Even worse food. 

Not surprised to heat that about Global Ambassador.  Sam Fox isn’t food.  Sam Fox is vibe.

[royiv 9903]

10 minutes ago, Upgrayedd said:

Not surprised to heat that about Global Ambassador.  Sam Fox isn’t food.  Sam Fox is vibe.

I respect Sam Fox for what he built. I have close friends that have worked for FRC in executive positions. He’s an amazing entrepreneur and has an incredible pulse on vibes and design. He’s perfect for the social media age. True hospitality and culinary experiences are not what he does.

[field 242]

LGO is a very solid recommendation. The Global Ambassador is not. Douche Bag Central. Way overpriced. Shit service. Even worse food. 

Could not agree more on either.

[smwhorn 485]

Had dinner last night at Ocean 44.  Outstanding in all aspects.  Sat at the bar with Mrs. Smwhorn (sorry, no pics, I'll cut you, man).  Great drinks.  Great service.  Great atmosphere.  Even better food.

Played both Talking Stick courses.  Both are worth it.  

Casino is shit. It was clean and not all that smoke filled but I could not believe how crowded it was.  There were literally no tables last night after we got back from dinner where there was more than one seat at the table.  Most tables were completely full.  Sportsbook was packed.

Lost both the over at 47.5 and the -18.5.  

Won Auburn +1.5.

[UT Lax 22]

On 11/22/2024 at 3:11 PM, royiv said:

LGO is a very solid recommendation. The Global Ambassador is not. Douche Bag Central. Way overpriced. Shit service. Even worse food. 

100% agree on Global Ambassador. It is a place for happy hour/sunset drinks and maybe an appetizer. The food and service suck and it is horribly overpriced. However, there are lots of attractive people (women) to people watch and Camelback view is almost framed as a fake picture on the beautiful patio. I think of it as a dress up pre-dinner bar and then go have a good dinner somewhere else. Although Phoenix/Scottsdale is not a great foodie town.