Scottsdale, Arizona, a city framed by the stunning McDowell Mountains and iconic saguaros, offers more than just picturesque views and abundant sunshine. It is a thriving hub for exceptional food and beverage experiences. Drawing insights from local hospitality professionals, this guide highlights 13 outstanding establishments, each providing a unique atmosphere and an impressive selection of drinks, ensuring every visitor discovers their perfect spot to unwind and indulge.

For those with a penchant for viticulture, Jamie’s Bottle Shop in Old Town stands out as a veritable paradise. With an inventory exceeding 700 bottles, this venue caters to both everyday enthusiasts and collectors seeking rare vintages. Maki Pottenger, the Director of Wine at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, lauds its Euro-style café ambiance, ideal for enjoying Champagne alongside artisanal cheeses and cured meats. The establishment also boasts a dedicated Champagne Room for curated tastings and educational sessions. Pottenger particularly recommends exploring their rotating by-the-glass selections or entrusting their sommeliers to craft a bespoke wine flight.

When it comes to romantic evenings, Atlas Bistro, also in Old Town, is a favored choice. Pottenger praises its culinary offerings and, notably, its generous BYOB policy. Guests can either bring their preferred bottle or select from Atlas Wine Shop, its stellar adjacent retail space. This long-standing eatery, celebrating over two decades of operation, is celebrated for its chef-driven interpretations of seafood, beef, game, and vegetables. Diners can opt for the five-course seasonal tasting menu and enhance their experience with expertly matched wine pairings, promising a memorable gastronomic journey.

North Scottsdale is home to Tell Your Friends, a jazz bar that Pottenger suggests for both solo excursions and romantic rendezvous. Tucked beneath The Americano, this hidden gem exudes a sultry, Prohibition-era speakeasy charm with its velvet seating, brass accents, and captivating back bar lighting. Live jazz performances almost nightly elevate the atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to savor classic cocktails. Pottenger's personal favorites include the elegant Clover Club and the more assertive Sazerac. The bar also offers a tempting happy hour from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring discounted signature drinks and delectable snacks like $2 oysters.

For a sophisticated neighborhood experience, Hush Public House, located in North Scottsdale, comes highly recommended by Sady Mojaddidi, Beverage Director for Xperience Restaurant Group. Known for its elevated versions of classic dishes such as grilled oysters and pork tomahawk schnitzel, Hush also boasts an impressive bar program. Mojaddidi appreciates the bartenders' ability to craft excellent drinks without unnecessary fuss, making it a reliable spot for a quality libation. Her top pick is the Boulevardier, a Negroni variation made with whiskey, striking a perfect balance of bitter and sweet.

Alma Scottsdale, nestled in North Scottsdale, is hailed by Mojaddidi as one of the region's strongest agave bars. This Southwest-inspired Mexican restaurant is celebrated for its extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, coupled with inventive recipes and fresh ingredients. Mojaddidi notes their skill in highlighting agave's nuanced flavors without overwhelming them with sweetness or smoke, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned agave enthusiasts. She suggests trying the Mexi-Fashioned, a simple yet complex cocktail featuring Naran Espadin Joven Mezcal, which pairs exceptionally well with Alma’s daily happy hour offerings.

In the realm of traditional cocktail bars, The Goose in Old Town receives Mojaddidi's endorsement for its commitment to classic mixology. She describes it as a place free of pretense, where skilled bartenders consistently deliver well-crafted drinks. Drawing inspiration from Prohibition-era speakeasies, The Goose offers a comprehensive menu of iconic cocktails from around the world, including perfect renditions of Hemingway Daiquiris, Mai Tais, and Vesper Martinis. Mojaddidi’s preferred order is the Last Word, a balanced and clean cocktail featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, green Chartreuse, and lime juice, embodying the bar's dedication to timeless recipes.

For daytime socializing or business lunches, Buck & Rider in North Scottsdale is an excellent choice. Ashley Cibor, Beverage Director at Tell Your Friends, praises its inviting patio and consistently high-quality food and service. This seafood-focused establishment, with its fresh offerings like hamachi crudo and Voodoo fried rice, provides a delightful setting. Cibor often opts for an Aperol Spritz followed by a glass of still rosé, both of which complement the diverse menu. The happy hour, featuring affordable oysters and various small bites, makes it an especially attractive option for value-conscious diners.

Discover the unconventional charm of Pigtails in Desert Ridge, a speakeasy praised by Cibor for its unique appeal. Tucked behind a wine bar, this establishment surprises guests with its high ceilings and a striking living plant wall. Its unpretentious atmosphere welcomes true cocktail aficionados, offering small bites and exceptional service that encourages lingering. Most cocktails are tiki-inspired, a genre close to Cibor's heart. She highly recommends their stellar happy hour, where she enjoys oysters and their distinctive "shots," which she describes as sophisticated and potent rather than typical club fare.

For an evening of lively entertainment, Ernie’s Inn in North Scottsdale is an energetic spot. Cibor highlights its nightly karaoke and expansive dance floor with light shows, making it a popular choice for bachelorette parties and a diverse crowd. Despite being a self-proclaimed dive bar, it offers two distinct bar areas, ensuring ample space. Cibor appreciates the welcoming atmosphere and the infectious energy of the karaoke participants. Since specialized cocktails aren't its forte, she advises sticking to simple orders like a beer and a shot, noting the absence of food service means ample opportunity to enjoy your drinks.

For a refined dining and drinking experience, Café Monarch in Old Town presents an elegant choice. Paul Martinez, General Manager and co-owner of AZ/88, commends its sophisticated ambiance, strict dress code, and impeccable service. The restaurant features a four-course prix-fixe menu driven by seasonal ingredients, with multiple selections per course, allowing for a personalized culinary journey. Guests can also indulge in an eight-course tasting for a more extensive exploration of its offerings. Martinez particularly admires the unparalleled wine program and the meticulous attention to detail from the bar team, making it perfect for intimate gatherings, though reservations are highly recommended.

Maple & Ash in Old Town redefines the traditional steakhouse with its vibrant energy. Martinez praises its strong cocktails, polished atmosphere, and sensational overall experience, deeming it suitable for various social occasions. Beyond its impressive wine program, the restaurant offers a unique "Tinis & Treats" tower as a late-night option, featuring six handcrafted espresso martinis and an assortment of sweet delights like macarons and mini cheesecakes. Alternatively, their daily "Tower Hour" from 4 to 6 p.m. provides excellent value with fire-roasted seafood towers and discounted alcoholic beverages.

Venture slightly beyond Scottsdale into Arcadia to find UnderTow, an immersive cocktail bar that offers a truly transportive experience. Martinez describes this speakeasy-style basement bar as replicating the cargo hold of an Old World ship, providing a unique backdrop for its craft cocktails. The rotating menu constantly innovates while respecting classic traditions. For groups, Martinez suggests the cognac-and-rum Scorpion Bowl, serving four and based on a vintage recipe from Trader Vic's, ensuring a memorable and shared drinking adventure.

Rounding out the selection of exceptional venues is Coach House Tavern in Old Town, Scottsdale's oldest and perhaps most eccentric dive bar, established circa 1959. Open daily for most of the day, it's known for its abundant twinkle lights and quirky decor, which become even more elaborate during the holiday season. Martinez describes it as a "local classic" – fun, unpretentious, and reminiscent of a festive holiday movie scene. While it's not the place for complex mixology, it offers robust drinks at reasonable prices, providing a welcome respite from the city's more upscale options and an ideal spot to unwind any day of the week.