Palmer Guidebook for Old Town Scottsdale

Taylor
Palmer Guidebook for Old Town Scottsdale

Groceries & Gas

Here are the closest place to grab some essentials!
This is a convenient, well-priced grocery store that has everything you need. It is 1 mile away.
85 locals recommend
Bashas'
8035 E Indian School Rd
85 locals recommend
This is a convenient, well-priced grocery store that has everything you need. It is 1 mile away.
This is our go-to grocery store because of its proximity. It is more expensive than other grocery stores nearby, but it is only .7 miles away. We often walk or scooter here to pick up quick essentials.
101 locals recommend
Safeway
7920 E Chaparral Rd
101 locals recommend
This is our go-to grocery store because of its proximity. It is more expensive than other grocery stores nearby, but it is only .7 miles away. We often walk or scooter here to pick up quick essentials.
This is the closest gas station and liquor store to the house. It is a quick walk across Chaparral Road. We often stop by here when we are unexpectedly running short on wine or need a quick snack.
9 locals recommend
Shell
8202 E McDowell Rd
9 locals recommend
This is the closest gas station and liquor store to the house. It is a quick walk across Chaparral Road. We often stop by here when we are unexpectedly running short on wine or need a quick snack.
Sprouts is our favorite grocery store in the area. It has a wide selection of delicious produce and healthy options if you have dietary restrictions. We also love their wine selection!
149 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
8787 N Scottsdale Rd
149 locals recommend
Sprouts is our favorite grocery store in the area. It has a wide selection of delicious produce and healthy options if you have dietary restrictions. We also love their wine selection!
This Walmart is located about 2 blocks from our house. If you forgot anything, it will have it.
75 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
4915 N Pima Rd
75 locals recommend
This Walmart is located about 2 blocks from our house. If you forgot anything, it will have it.

Old Town Bars/Clubs

Old Town Scottsdale is known for its nightlife with a strip of bars and clubs that allow you to bar hop from morning until 2 am. Here are some of the more popular ones. These specific recommendations are usually the most popular after 10 pm. NOTE: many bars/clubs have cover charges for males.
El Hefe is a lot of people's go-to bar when they come to town.
89 locals recommend
El Hefe Mexican Restaurant
4425 N Saddlebag Trail
89 locals recommend
El Hefe is a lot of people's go-to bar when they come to town.
This has a bar/club scene.
50 locals recommend
Bevvy
4420 N Saddlebag Trail
50 locals recommend
This has a bar/club scene.
Maya is most popular during the daytime pool parties. It stays pack through the night with a lot of well-known DJs stopping by. Make sure to check if there is an event going on before you head out. When a DJ is playing at Maya, tickets usually run $10-30.
200 locals recommend
Maya Day and Nightclub
7333 E Indian Plaza
200 locals recommend
Maya is most popular during the daytime pool parties. It stays pack through the night with a lot of well-known DJs stopping by. Make sure to check if there is an event going on before you head out. When a DJ is playing at Maya, tickets usually run $10-30.
This is a popular bar/club.
217 locals recommend
Bottled Blonde - Scottsdale
7340 E Indian Plaza
217 locals recommend
This is a popular bar/club.
Casablanca is fun for a classier rooftop bar experience. We like it because it's less crowded than the clubs and usually has live music.
24 locals recommend
Casablanca Rooftop Lounge
7134 E Stetson Dr
24 locals recommend
Casablanca is fun for a classier rooftop bar experience. We like it because it's less crowded than the clubs and usually has live music.
This is a go-to for people wanting the club/bar vibe of Old Town Scottsdale.
38 locals recommend
Riot House
4425 N Saddlebag Trail
38 locals recommend
This is a go-to for people wanting the club/bar vibe of Old Town Scottsdale.
Dierks has more of a bar vibe than a club vibe. But, this isn't a true 'country' bar. It definitely is modern with some country aspects. That being said, they occasionally have some great country artists come through! If you're looking for a country vibe but still want that club feel, this is the perfect place.
156 locals recommend
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
4420 N Saddlebag Trail
156 locals recommend
Dierks has more of a bar vibe than a club vibe. But, this isn't a true 'country' bar. It definitely is modern with some country aspects. That being said, they occasionally have some great country artists come through! If you're looking for a country vibe but still want that club feel, this is the perfect place.
Wasted Grain has more of a bar vibe than a club vibe. It's usually not as crowded as the other bars, and they host several fun events throughout the year!
51 locals recommend
Wasted Grain
7295 E Stetson Dr
51 locals recommend
Wasted Grain has more of a bar vibe than a club vibe. It's usually not as crowded as the other bars, and they host several fun events throughout the year!

Brunch

You can't visit Scottsdale without having brunch! This is a pillar of the Scottsdale life. Here are some of our favorites.
Morning squeeze is a scooter ride away on the edge of Old Town and Downtown Scottsdale. It has a variety of options, but it is one of the most popular places. Be prepared to wait for a table if you come during peak brunch time.
76 locals recommend
Morning Squeeze
4233 N Scottsdale Rd
76 locals recommend
Morning squeeze is a scooter ride away on the edge of Old Town and Downtown Scottsdale. It has a variety of options, but it is one of the most popular places. Be prepared to wait for a table if you come during peak brunch time.
This is a hot spot for sporting fans and people who like to kick off their brunch with some good drinks. During spring training, this place floods with baseball fans! It has a fun vibe with good drinks.
93 locals recommend
RnR Gastropub
3737 N Scottsdale Rd
93 locals recommend
This is a hot spot for sporting fans and people who like to kick off their brunch with some good drinks. During spring training, this place floods with baseball fans! It has a fun vibe with good drinks.
People love rehab burger to cure a hangover and get some good brunch cocktails.
113 locals recommend
Rehab Burger Therapy
7210 E 2nd St
113 locals recommend
People love rehab burger to cure a hangover and get some good brunch cocktails.
Scramble is in a less-crowded area than the Old Town Scottsdale brunch spots. It has good food with a great bottomless mimosa special! The OJ used in their mimosas is freshly squeezed.
26 locals recommend
Scramble, a breakfast & lunch joint - Scottsdale
6590 N Scottsdale Rd
26 locals recommend
Scramble is in a less-crowded area than the Old Town Scottsdale brunch spots. It has good food with a great bottomless mimosa special! The OJ used in their mimosas is freshly squeezed.
We love this brunch spot because of how unique it is. This mexican-asian fusion spot is truly something you can't describe unless you eat there. It does come with a price tag of $30/person for bottomless brunch without alcohol. We highly recommend getting their bottomless mimosas if you do go! They come in multiple fresh flavors. Expect to spend about $50/person after taxes for the food and alcohol. It's definitely worth it if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind brunch spot.
150 locals recommend
SumoMaya
6560 N Scottsdale Rd
150 locals recommend
We love this brunch spot because of how unique it is. This mexican-asian fusion spot is truly something you can't describe unless you eat there. It does come with a price tag of $30/person for bottomless brunch without alcohol. We highly recommend getting their bottomless mimosas if you do go! They come in multiple fresh flavors. Expect to spend about $50/person after taxes for the food and alcohol. It's definitely worth it if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind brunch spot.
Chompie's is a go-to brunch spot for us. This New-York style restaurant has amazing flavors that will fill you up for sure. Their portion sizes are huge and pretty cheap! We highly recommend the turkey sliders.
51 locals recommend
Chompie's
9301 E Shea Blvd
51 locals recommend
Chompie's is a go-to brunch spot for us. This New-York style restaurant has amazing flavors that will fill you up for sure. Their portion sizes are huge and pretty cheap! We highly recommend the turkey sliders.
This is a great brunch if you're looking for locally-sourced, healthy options. Everything we have here is good. We definitely recommend the fresh-squeezed juices!
First Watch - Hilton Village
6149 N Scottsdale Rd
This is a great brunch if you're looking for locally-sourced, healthy options. Everything we have here is good. We definitely recommend the fresh-squeezed juices!
This is our new favorite brunch spot in Old Town Scottsdale. It is a quick scooter ride away and offers a variety of brunch choices from indulgent to healthy. A bottle of bubbly with your choice of juice is about $20. Perfect for mimosa brunch!
73 locals recommend
Daily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill
4020 N Scottsdale Rd
73 locals recommend
This is our new favorite brunch spot in Old Town Scottsdale. It is a quick scooter ride away and offers a variety of brunch choices from indulgent to healthy. A bottle of bubbly with your choice of juice is about $20. Perfect for mimosa brunch!

Happy Hour

Scottsdale has tons of great Happy Hour spots. Here are our favorites close by.
This restaurant is pretty pricy normally. Happy hour pricing makes it totally affordable! We highly recommend the huckleberry margaritas, pork wings, green chili pork, and big ass burger. Their happy hour is set up uniquely in that it's first-come-first-served. There is no line to wait in. You just snatch a table in the happy hour section. We recommend getting there a little early to make sure you get a table.
90 locals recommend
Roaring Fork
4800 N Scottsdale Rd
90 locals recommend
This restaurant is pretty pricy normally. Happy hour pricing makes it totally affordable! We highly recommend the huckleberry margaritas, pork wings, green chili pork, and big ass burger. Their happy hour is set up uniquely in that it's first-come-first-served. There is no line to wait in. You just snatch a table in the happy hour section. We recommend getting there a little early to make sure you get a table.
This is our go-to for happy hour! $5 pitchers of beer (about 2 pints) and glasses of wine before 5:00 pm. All day. Every day. We recommend splitting the bruschetta boards with your group. We either do 1 board for two people or 1 board per person if we're feeling really hungry!
106 locals recommend
Postino Highland
4821 N Scottsdale Rd
106 locals recommend
This is our go-to for happy hour! $5 pitchers of beer (about 2 pints) and glasses of wine before 5:00 pm. All day. Every day. We recommend splitting the bruschetta boards with your group. We either do 1 board for two people or 1 board per person if we're feeling really hungry!
This is a hot spot with a few different locations around Phoenix. My personal favorite: the pretzels and fondue.
561 locals recommend
Culinary Dropout
7135 E Camelback Rd
561 locals recommend
This is a hot spot with a few different locations around Phoenix. My personal favorite: the pretzels and fondue.
If you can't decide what you're in the mood for, Yard House is a great option. It has almost every kind of food and endless cocktail/beer options. Everything we've had there is delicious.
76 locals recommend
Yard House
9401 W Westgate Blvd
76 locals recommend
If you can't decide what you're in the mood for, Yard House is a great option. It has almost every kind of food and endless cocktail/beer options. Everything we've had there is delicious.

Sweet Treats

Here's where to go nearby when you just have that sweet tooth you can't stop!
Sugar Bowl is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale. This ice cream shop is very cute and very pink. They have a lot of different sundae options. Mike sticks with the classic chocolate. I prefer the Dusty Road or Brownie Buster. They do have food there, but nobody I know has ever actually eaten there. It's the perfect stop after a meal down in Old Town.
102 locals recommend
Sugar Bowl
4005 N Scottsdale Rd
102 locals recommend
Sugar Bowl is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale. This ice cream shop is very cute and very pink. They have a lot of different sundae options. Mike sticks with the classic chocolate. I prefer the Dusty Road or Brownie Buster. They do have food there, but nobody I know has ever actually eaten there. It's the perfect stop after a meal down in Old Town.
This famous cupcake spot is perfect for sweet cravings any time of the day! They have a cupcake ATM available for the times you just need a cupcake after regular business hours. The coconut cupcake and PB& chocolate cupcakes are our favorites.
41 locals recommend
Sprinkles Scottsdale
4501 N Scottsdale Rd
41 locals recommend
This famous cupcake spot is perfect for sweet cravings any time of the day! They have a cupcake ATM available for the times you just need a cupcake after regular business hours. The coconut cupcake and PB& chocolate cupcakes are our favorites.
Shake Shack is awesome if you're wanting a delicious, hefty milkshake fast! It's located at Fashion Square mall.
11 locals recommend
Shake Shack
7014 E Camelback Rd
11 locals recommend
Shake Shack is awesome if you're wanting a delicious, hefty milkshake fast! It's located at Fashion Square mall.
Yogurtland is for when you have a sweet tooth but want to feel like you're still being healthy. This froyo place is located about 2 miles away.
12 locals recommend
Yogurtland
4513 N Scottsdale Rd
12 locals recommend
Yogurtland is for when you have a sweet tooth but want to feel like you're still being healthy. This froyo place is located about 2 miles away.

Dinner

Here are our favorite dinner spots nearby. Some are pricy and some are great deals.
This is a must if you don't come to Scottsdale often. The Mission is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale and the food is amazing. It is an upscale restaurant. We highly recommend the grilled street corn, pork shoulder tacos, and cucumber jalepeño margaritas. The drinks are refreshing and not too sweet and the food is awesome. Expect a long wait during peak times.
284 locals recommend
The Mission
3815 N Brown Ave
284 locals recommend
This is a must if you don't come to Scottsdale often. The Mission is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale and the food is amazing. It is an upscale restaurant. We highly recommend the grilled street corn, pork shoulder tacos, and cucumber jalepeño margaritas. The drinks are refreshing and not too sweet and the food is awesome. Expect a long wait during peak times.
If you're in the mood for some juicy burgers and cold beer, come here. The name says it all.
164 locals recommend
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
4222 N Scottsdale Rd
164 locals recommend
If you're in the mood for some juicy burgers and cold beer, come here. The name says it all.
Los Olivos is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale. This traditional Mexican restaurant is delicious! It is more expensive than the average Mexican restaurant, but it also has better service, ambiance, and food than the average Mexican restaurant.
50 locals recommend
Los Olivos Mexican Patio
7328 E 2nd St
50 locals recommend
Los Olivos is part of the history of Old Town Scottsdale. This traditional Mexican restaurant is delicious! It is more expensive than the average Mexican restaurant, but it also has better service, ambiance, and food than the average Mexican restaurant.
This is our favorite burger bar. It's about a 10-minute drive, but we prefer Hopdoddy over Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. Try their spiked milkshakes!
68 locals recommend
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
11055 N Scottsdale Rd
68 locals recommend
This is our favorite burger bar. It's about a 10-minute drive, but we prefer Hopdoddy over Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. Try their spiked milkshakes!
Sauce is great if you're looking for a fast, casual meal that has great food. My younger sister used to work here, so we can truly say we've tried almost everything on the menu. It is al very good. The chicken caesar pizza, mac&cheese, and cookies are especially good. It's also nice to walk along the waterfront after dinner.
35 locals recommend
Sauce Pizza & Wine
7135 E Camelback Rd
35 locals recommend
Sauce is great if you're looking for a fast, casual meal that has great food. My younger sister used to work here, so we can truly say we've tried almost everything on the menu. It is al very good. The chicken caesar pizza, mac&cheese, and cookies are especially good. It's also nice to walk along the waterfront after dinner.

Free things to do

Here are some free things to do in the area.
The waterfront is a walkway along the canal that is peaceful, beautiful walk. The city often hosts events along the waterfront that are fun for all ages. We often go for runs, scooter, bike ride, or walk along the waterfront to enjoy the outdoors.
23 locals recommend
Waterfront
23 locals recommend
The waterfront is a walkway along the canal that is peaceful, beautiful walk. The city often hosts events along the waterfront that are fun for all ages. We often go for runs, scooter, bike ride, or walk along the waterfront to enjoy the outdoors.
This park is about a 2-minute walk from our front door. It has several walking and biking paths that go for several miles. The underpasses throughout the pathways make it easy to skip traffic stops during your adventures! Throughout the park, there are gym stations that you can use to get a good workout in for free! The park is usually full of birds, ducks, geese, and fish, making it great for people watching and animal watching! If you still play Pokemon Go (we do), it has several gyms and pokestops along the water. We recommend morning walks and sunset walks along the lake. There is also a basketball court and playground.
65 locals recommend
Chaparral Park
5401 N Hayden Rd
65 locals recommend
This park is about a 2-minute walk from our front door. It has several walking and biking paths that go for several miles. The underpasses throughout the pathways make it easy to skip traffic stops during your adventures! Throughout the park, there are gym stations that you can use to get a good workout in for free! The park is usually full of birds, ducks, geese, and fish, making it great for people watching and animal watching! If you still play Pokemon Go (we do), it has several gyms and pokestops along the water. We recommend morning walks and sunset walks along the lake. There is also a basketball court and playground.
The lake is about a 2-minute walk from our front door. This lake is full of fish! You can spot fishermen on the lake throughout the day. Note: there may be some permit requirements for fishing. They are pretty cheap. Check the Arizona Game and Fish website for more details.
6 locals recommend
Chaparral Lake
6 locals recommend
The lake is about a 2-minute walk from our front door. This lake is full of fish! You can spot fishermen on the lake throughout the day. Note: there may be some permit requirements for fishing. They are pretty cheap. Check the Arizona Game and Fish website for more details.
This park is located on the south side of Chapparal. It is a little farther away from Chapparal Park, but it has less crowded pathways. There are beach volleyball courts and a playground on the far end of the park. You can usually find an older crowd of people here on the weekends.
8 locals recommend
Camelback Park
4707 N Hayden Rd
8 locals recommend
This park is located on the south side of Chapparal. It is a little farther away from Chapparal Park, but it has less crowded pathways. There are beach volleyball courts and a playground on the far end of the park. You can usually find an older crowd of people here on the weekends.
This relaxing area in Downtown Scottsdale is full of fountains and the famous LOVE sign. The city often hosts events here like art shows and live concerts.
19 locals recommend
Civic Center Mall
19 locals recommend
This relaxing area in Downtown Scottsdale is full of fountains and the famous LOVE sign. The city often hosts events here like art shows and live concerts.
This park is just north of our house. It has plenty of things for young kids to do. As you might guess from its name, there is a real train there as well as some educational models you can check out. This park is rated one of the best in the state because of all the activities they host there. If you come in the summer, make sure to check out the free summer concert series!
212 locals recommend
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
212 locals recommend
This park is just north of our house. It has plenty of things for young kids to do. As you might guess from its name, there is a real train there as well as some educational models you can check out. This park is rated one of the best in the state because of all the activities they host there. If you come in the summer, make sure to check out the free summer concert series!
This is the closest, most popular hiking spot near our house. Parking is very limited, so it's best to get there very early or during off times. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Each year, dozens of visitors have to be airlifted out because they aren't used to our dry desert heat!
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald Drive
1752 locals recommend
This is the closest, most popular hiking spot near our house. Parking is very limited, so it's best to get there very early or during off times. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Each year, dozens of visitors have to be airlifted out because they aren't used to our dry desert heat!
This is a beautiful trailhead located in North Scottsdale. It gets challenging towards the top!
97 locals recommend
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
23015 N 128th St
97 locals recommend
This is a beautiful trailhead located in North Scottsdale. It gets challenging towards the top!
This is the perfect tailhead for a casual hiker. It's located in central Scottsdale.
70 locals recommend
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
12601 N 124th St
70 locals recommend
This is the perfect tailhead for a casual hiker. It's located in central Scottsdale.
This is our personal favorite hiking spot in Scottsdale. It is less crowded and has so many different trail options to choose from. It's about 30-45 minutes from the house but worth the drive if you want the opportunity to have some trails to yourself.
38 locals recommend
Brown's Ranch Trailhead
30301 N Alma School Pkwy
38 locals recommend
This is our personal favorite hiking spot in Scottsdale. It is less crowded and has so many different trail options to choose from. It's about 30-45 minutes from the house but worth the drive if you want the opportunity to have some trails to yourself.