Group Outing (PHX)

[eightymgb]

I'm planning a bus excursion for a group of 50 youngish professionals on an upcoming Saturday night. We are planning to stop at two or three hip places in the downtown/arcadia/old town area. Ideally, we’d like to start with someplace laid back and end with someplace to dance. Suggestions?

[tastyjon]

Sugar Daddy's is big enough, indoors and out, and has the staff to handle a big wave of people - though I'm not a big fan of their food (Cajun, sort of). But definitely casual.

Barcelona in N. Scottsdale is a huge restaurant that has a dance section. The food is supposed to be quite nice, but it's more of a later night scene so I think that might be a candidate for later.

Either of the Devils Martini locations might work. A lot of the bus companies already have relationships with certain eateries - so check with them as well. I'd also say, try to stick to a certain area. You don't want to go from downtown PHX to N. Scottsdale on a bus with 50 people who've got to pee. 15-20 min between stops - it's already going to be a chore loading and unloading on time.

[ciaogal]

Barcelona would be my first choice for food and dancing.
They have a new Chef and Menu.
Anton Brunbauer has come on board from the Westin Keirland and revamped the menu...lots of new Tapas items.
They are used to accomodating groups.....
Cover Band starts around 10pm

Muze Lounge is another suggestion in No. Scottsdale. They have just acquired the chef and menu from the now closed Foster's seafood restaurant...(same ownership) in the evenings they turn in to a lounge w/ a dance floor....speak w/ Terell he should be able to work w/ a group.

[silverbear]

That's good because I gave up the nightclub / rave scene sometime around Bill Clinton's first term. I couldn't even begin to answer that part of the question even if it were on topic for this board.

As for the food -- the main problem I foresee is is finding places that could accommodate 50 people -- much less 50 people on a drop-in basis rather than a booking for the entire evening. Most of the currently celebrated places in Downtown and Arcadia -- The Roosevelt Tavern, Postino, etc. -- could never accomodate 50 people unless you bought out the entire place for the evening, and I doubt most would be "for sale" on a Saturday night.

With that in mind, can you clarify your intent? Are you trying a progressive dinner with one course at each stop, or would you be amenable to having the whole dinner at one venue? Both will be challenging with a group of 50, but the former would be especially challenging.

[Baxterita]

I would say Devil's Martini in Old Town Scottsdale. However, I would def. call them to let them know 50 are coming. It may be hard to find a place to park a bus in Old Town as well.

[The Chowhound Team]

Please remember to limit your replies to great places to find chow. Listing dance venues is not in the scope of focus for Chowhound and would be considered off-topic. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

[silverbear]

Downtown of which city -- Phoenix or Scottsdale?

[eightymgb]

That might help. downtown Phoenix and old town Scottsdale