The Best of North Scottsdale

When one thinks about the great American west it is in one's nature to think of dry arid land landscapes, cowboys, and Indians. While the state of Arizona embraces all of these great western components it does so with a touch of class, and sophistication. Welcome to the City of Scottsdale. With approx. two hundred and eleven clear days out of the year and an average temperature of 73 degrees it is difficult not to be drawn to this magnetic place.

With over six hundred restaurants in the state and a nightlife that could not get any hotter I am zeroing in on the geographic area of North Scottsdale. North Scottsdale is home to Kierland Commons, an upscale Main Street development that boasts seventy high-end specialty stores. With palm tree lined streets and specialty stores that suit a wide variety of tastes one will not go unsatisfied. Stores such as BCBG Max Azria, Guess, 42 Saint, and Bebe make their home here. The Common's also offer office and plaza loft living space. (Kierland lofts range from the $800's, - 1.2 Million) Already in phase two development these lofts are flying off the market before they are even put on.

Kierland Commons: 15205 N. Kierland Blvd. Ste. 150 Scottsdale, Az 85254
Phone: 480.348.1577
Hours: Mon-Sat. 10am - 9pm.
Sun. 12pm - 6pm

Kierland offers an amazing array of restaurants as well. One of the best is Bobby's. Bobby's specializes in Continental cuisine with an Italian, Mediterranean flare. Jazz music is played nightly and I have to say undoubtly this place offers the best bar in town. Located upstairs off the main part of the restaurant cozy booths frame a long wall. The atmosphere is dark and warm and candles light each individual table.

Bobby's a Mancuso's Restaurant: 7122 E. Greenway Parkway. Scottsdale, Az 85254 (Inside in Kierland Commons) Dinner is served from 5pm - 1030pm. Lunch hours are from 11am to 5pm and Lounge hours are from 11am to 1 am Sun - Thurs, 11am - 2 am Fri. and Sat.

Another sure bet for lunch or dinner is P.F. Chang's serving traditional Chinese fare that takes its culinary influences from Southeast Asia. Here, chef's use Mandarin style wok cooking to prepare their menu. If your taste buds are craving something with a little bit of spice I recommend the Kung Pao Chicken accompanied with a must have at every table a bowl of P.F. Chang's second to none Garlic Noodles. If you are not the spicy kind try the Lemon Chicken which has a pleasant surprise of subtle flavors.

For cocktail hour I would suggest Zinc's Bistro. Zinc's is a French, American bistro that can make the best Margarita in town. Drinks range form $9 - $12, and are well worth it. This is a very hip place for the up and coming twenty something crowd with a mix of the who's who of Scottsdale.
Zinc's is located inside Kierland Commons Phone: 480.603.0922

For an early morning stroll around the Common's (early morning's at the Common's are fantastic, all shops are closed however you can pick up a cup of coffee, read the newspaper, and enjoy the beauty of the architecture) stop by the News Café. A sure crowd pleaser the News Café offers specialty coffees, pastries, fresh bagels, soups, and salads. This is a very casual and family friendly café that has seating both indoors and out.
News Café Phone: 480.367.2999

If you dare venture outside the Commons I would suggest the Fox Sports Grill. All you sports fanatics get your game face on this place is a guy's favorite. With a bar centered in the middle of the restaurant and TV's positioned everywhere you look you can watch the game from any angle. Fox Sports Grill has a great all American menu offering everything from potato skins to salads. The Grill also houses pool tables and a smoking lounge.
Fox Sports Grill: 16203 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, Az
Phone: 480-368-0369

Bottom line: Scottsdale is an amazing city. Explore. Have fun.