Cartel Coffee Lab: This coffee lab takes coffee very seriously - and you can tell. It’s smooth, perfectly balanced, and carefully curated. We love the trendy interior, too! (@cartelcoffeelab)
Maverick Coffee: Located in an unassuming strip mall, you’ll wonder why we sent you here… until you step inside and see that this place is buzzing (both literally and figuratively) and that the food and coffee is top-notch. (@maverick_coffee_az)
Schmooze: This trendy spot doubles as a workplace, so it’s the perfect spot to get your coffee fix and work remotely. The patio is perfect for your pup to lay by your side, and their coffee is tasty! (@schmoozescottsdale)
Berdena’s: Another great work-from-home spot, this tiny café in Old Town Scottsdale has beautiful design, great coffee, and delicious avocado toast! (@berdenas)
Breakfast
Farm & Craft: healthy and sustainable food, with a seasonal wellness menu, kombucha on tap, and all ingredients are gluten free, hormone free, and organic. (@ilovefarmandcraft)
Bobby’s pick: The Breakfast Sandwich
Alli’s pick: Acai Bowl and Kombucha
The Hash Kitchen - As we’ve mentioned before, we knew we were in for a treat when we walked in and saw Arizona’s largest bloody mary bar. Due to Covid this may have changed in terms of DIY, but they still have a delicious bloody mary! And incredible donuts! Hashes are their specialty, and you definitely won’t leave hungry! (@hashkitchen)
Lunch/Dinner
The Mission: First on the list, because it’s a must-have! A modern Latin restaurant that’s bursting with flavor and sophistication. The atmosphere is stylish and elegant, and yet casual and inviting all in one… and the food. From the tableside guacamole (we both agree it’s the best guacamole we’ve ever had - and we’ve had a LOT of guacamole), to the crispy pork belly with a cola lime glaze, to the tacos made on hand-pressed corn tortillas, to the mouthwatering desserts… you’ll be tempted to order one of everything. (@themissionaz)
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar - Ready for flavors your taste buds won’t comprehend? South American meets Chinese cuisine and explodes in sushi, ceviche, and insane rum cocktails! And if you’re there in December, check out Christmas at the Princess for an outdoor, physically distanced winter wonderland! (@fairmontscotsdl)
Bobby’s pick: Brazilian Picanha Steak
Alli’s pick: Mexican Campfire Style Salmon or Chilean Sea Bass
FnB - Seasonal, farm-fresh, local ingredients put together in a way that will have you thinking, “Why have I never put these together?” Prepare to be dazzled and to leave planning your next visit. (@fnbrestaurant)
Bobby’s pick: Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Alli’s pick: Chicken paprikash, red peppers, potato, sour cream, paprika
Hula’s Modern Tiki: Hula’s is an urban twist on the classic tiki bars of the 50’s and 60’s, right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Sip on mai tais, snack on their famous Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls, and pig out (literally) on Duke’s Luau Pork Plate. It’s a taste of Hawaii in the desert, and it’s fun for the whole ohana! (@hulasmoderntiki)
Orange Sky: Want a bar with a view? Located on the 15th floor of the Talking Stick Resort, this is a perfect spot for a date night that will serve up colorful sunsets and specialty cocktails. You’re welcome! (@talkingstickresort)
Coach House Tavern: Known for being Scottsdale’s oldest tavern, but they’re also known for taking Christmas lights REALLY seriously. So if you’re there during the holidays, you’ll be blown away. Every square inch is decorated with colorful Christmas lights - it’s truly something to witness. Order a drink (or two) at the bar, pull up a stool, and make some friends. See ya there next year? (@coachhousescottsdale)
Fate Brewing - Good beer and pizza? Sign us up. Fate is a small batch brewery with constantly rotating brews that had us wishing we could try them all. Oh, and they have a killer happy hour, too! (@fatebrewingaz)
Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows: Overlooking Camelback Mountain, this modern and welcoming oasis couldn’t be more picturesque - or more luxurious! The bungalow style rooms are spacious and filled with amenities, from complimentary drinks and snacks to cozy robes and a shower that’s bigger than our entire bathroom at home! (@andazscottsdale)
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale: This sprawling resort is a dream for families craving room to roam, and they’re pet-friendly! We stayed there in December 2019 and enjoyed a room with a patio right on their small lagoon - Sally LOVED it. Now that we’re a family of four (one kid, one dog), we’d have so much more to take advantage of - water slides, gondola rides, biking and walking paths, golf, and spa treatments (Alli?). (@hyattscottsdale)
There are SO many incredible hotels in Scottsdale… the next few on our list include Hotel Valley Ho, The Scott, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve: With over 30,000 acres of Sonoran Desert and 225+ miles of trails, it’s an incredible sight and naturally socially distanced activity. We recommend arranging a guide with REI Co-op Experiences to show you the way.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: All aboard! If you’re there during the holidays, ithis railroad park is pure magic. If it’s any other time of the year, the train museum is worth the visit! We’re looking forward to taking Jude on a Holiday Lights train ride next year!
Golf: Looking to hit the links? There are more than 50 golf courses in Scottsdale, and prices are typically a bit lower than peak season during secret season. While you won’t see us for a round of 18, you may find us at Topgolf Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: A visually compelling and uniquely curated collection of art, architecture, and design. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all of them will inevitably cause you to see the world a little differently.
Wine Tasting: Scottsdale has their own little wine trail downtown! And it is amazing! Can we bring Jude?
Shopping: So many great spots, but here are some of our favs -
Cricket and Ruby: It’s no secret we’re in full on “baby mode” over here, so we were thrilled to find this adorable little children's boutique. They even have some cute bohemian-chic “Mamma and Me” sets that Alli was eyeing… she could have easily bought the entire store!
The Plant Store: Finally a shop the two of us could agree on! This perfectly Iinstagrammable and airy space is filled with beautifully curated cacti, succulents, and house plants, and there’s even an area where you can pot your own!
Leela Market: Filled to the brim with playful gifts, Arizona-themed accessories and decor, and even some stylish women’s wear, this is THE place to souvenir shop. It’s “Desert Luxe” at its finest!
Definitely! Sally has been with us every time we’ve been to Scottsdale and loved staying at the Hyatt Regency and the Andaz. Since the weather is spectacular year-round, there is SO much to do outdoors with your pup. Scottsdale is a perfect place for a pet-friendly getaway!
