Scottsdale AZ - Restaurant Recommendations

[petefreans]

Hi:

Can someone kindly recommend a good southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale? I'll be visiting in March for a week and I'm dying for authentic southwestern food.

I'm from the East Coast (Philadelphia) so I'm not interesting in Italian or French because we have literally hundreds of those places (especially since I'm within driving distance to NYC). I'm willing to spend $30 or less for an entree. I'll be down the street from the 5th Ave area and the Fashion Square Mall.

Thanks so much for your ideas!

Pete

[Joanie]

I really liked Cowboy Ciao when I was there, on that fashionable little circle in Scottsdale at the edge of Old Town. Fun bartenders, good food, good vibe. We just had a couple apps and dessert but our dining neighbor's major pork dish looked amazing. Also had a good happy hour app at Roaring Fork and Carlsbad Tavern. Those are definitely SW food but I'd also suggest FnB next to C. Ciao for excellent "new American" food at a great price. Long ass report here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/674036.

[Rubee]

Hey Joanie!

I love FnB too, heading there again this weekend with a girlfriend.

Adding links:

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Cowboy Ciao
7133 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

FnB
7133 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[Rubee]

Seems like I can only add two links at a time so:

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Carlsbad Tavern
3313 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Roaring Fork
4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[petefreans]

Thank you so far for the tips...I'll definitely check them out. I don't think I can take another blizzard here in Philly...I can't wait for the desert.

[Joanie]

Don't get your hopes up *too* much if the weather ends up the same as when I was there. No blizzards (in PHX at least) but Dec. brought a high of 60-65, lows 35-40 and even colder and freaking windy in Tombstone.

You should get out of Scottsdale at some point and go some place funky, or at least check out the restaurant in the Clarendon Hotel.

[petefreans]

As long as there isn't 12-24 inches of snow falling, I'll be ahead of the game. Never heard of the Clarendon Hotel but I'll definitely look into it.

[Rubee]

March is our spring with an average temp in the mid-70s so you should be fine : )

Gallo Blanco is the spot in the Clarendon, and I've heard they're putting in a new ground level patio too.

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Gallo Blanco Cafe
401 W Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

[rainbow2]

Just back today from Scottsdale and THANK YOU to all who helped me find good places to try!!! Roaring Fork is a great place, reasonably priced and fun atmosphere. If you want to take the trip to Matt's Big Breakfast for breakfast one day it is worth the trip but be prepared for a long wait. If you go on a Sauturday there is a great artisan/farm market right across the street which can eat up some of your wait time. Also tried a very, very good breakfast/lunch restaurant called Arcadia back in Scottsdale. Fresh organic ingredients--egg and avocado tortillas with excellent potato sides and freshly made breads and muffins and coffee cake. Really, really good food and a pretty outdoor setting. Los Sombreros was good Mexican although it has mixed reviews. Enjoy enjoy. Thanks again Chowhound for your great tips.