Old Town Scottsdale in Arizona is packed with hidden gems, some tucked away, others hiding in plain sight. Each one brings a fresh layer of character and charm, offering a different lens on what the area has to offer. Make space for these spots on your next trip, you might just find your new favorite!
Alo Cafe
Tucked away in an old house in Charles Miller Square, Alo Cafe brings Euro-style breakfast and lunch to Old Town Scottsdale. Owner Steve Martinez’s Estonian heritage forms the core of this hidden gem, but the menu draws inspiration from his travels across Argentina, South Africa, Spain, and France. The cozy atmosphere feels as if you’re in someone’s home, exactly as intended. Breakfast standouts include Croissant French Toast, Tortilla Española (a classic Spanish pancake), and Hatch Chile Omelets, all available until 2 pm. Pair your meal with locally-roasted Cartel Coffee or weekend cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys. It’s a global cuisine with a personal touch.
Hai Noon
Tucked inside the retro Sonder Mariposa hotel in South Scottsdale, Hai Noon is an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda. The dimly lit, mid-century, rock-walled space looks out onto a turquoise pool, instantly making it one of the most atmospheric spots in the Valley. The menu features inventive Japanese-influenced small plates made with local Arizona ingredients, paired with an equally artful cocktail program. For a truly special occasion, keep an eye out for their six-course seasonal tasting menu at $125 per person, a truly memorable experience.
Call Her Martina
Located along the Scottsdale Waterfront, Call Her Martina serves modern Mexican cuisine with bold twists on classics like carne asada nachos and pulpo al grill. Though it’s in the heart of the action, the space feels surprisingly secluded, stylish, low-lit, and set apart from the surrounding buzz. Reggaeton and hip-hop beats shape the mood, pairing with a drink menu that’s just as lively. Signature cocktails range from smoky mezcal Palomas to spicy watermelon blends, alongside a full lineup of tequila, beer, and wine. It’s where bold flavors and a polished, insider atmosphere meet
Craft 64
If you’re craving something casual yet exceptional, Craft 64 delivers on all fronts. This spot is renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and house-made mozzarella, paired seamlessly with Arizona craft beers. The wood-fired oven creates the perfect crust, and the extensive beer and wine list makes it a standout destination for pizza lovers. With locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, Craft 64 offers bold flavors and a laid-back atmosphere at both spots.
GoodWood Tavern
For a laid-back neighborhood hangout, GoodWood Tavern has you covered. This local gem offers a welcoming atmosphere with delicious happy hour deals like buffalo chicken dumplings and warm pretzels. Famous for their chicken tenders, they’re a must-try, along with a diverse menu that lets you mix and match sliders or try exotic bratwurst options. The atmosphere makes first-timers feel like they’ve been coming for years, exactly what you want in a neighborhood tavern. With weekday happy hour from 3–7 pm and doors open until 2 am daily, it’s also a solid late-night spot when cravings hit after hours.
Social Tap
Sports fans and food lovers alike will find this spot a must-visit. Located in the heart of Old Town, right next to the entertainment district, it’s the perfect “pre-game” spot before diving into the nightlife. Everything is made from scratch, with braised tacos and signature sandwiches prepared daily. With 30 TVs, including two 90″ screens, it’s ideal for game day, whether watching UFC or the playoffs. A lineup of 16 local draft brews and a spacious patio bar make it just as much about the drinks as the food. Head up to the second story for a more laid-back experience, where you can enjoy a different perspective of the scene.
Rusty Spur Saloon
No visit to Old Town is complete without stepping into Scottsdale’s oldest bar. The Rusty Spur Saloon has been a fixture on Main Street since the building was constructed in the 1920s, originally as a bank. The original vault is still on-site today, now used to store liquor rather than cash. With live country music most nights, cold drinks, and a genuinely rowdy, locals-first energy, it’s as authentic as Old Town gets.
AZ88
To find this hidden gem, head for the Scottsdale Civic Center, a lush pedestrian park in the heart of Old Town. AZ88 isn’t just a bar, it’s a gallery in disguise. Rotating art installations change throughout the year, keeping the space feeling fresh and a little unexpected. Around the holidays, it truly shines, thanks to its iconic, offbeat Christmas tree displays that draw locals and curious visitors alike. Striking, inventive, and impossible to ignore, this is where Scottsdale’s art scene meets its nightlife.
The Farm at South Mountain
The Farm at South Mountain blends history, sustainability, and local flavor, offering a vibrant mix of farm-to-table dining and creative spaces. While it’s not in Old Town Scottsdale, if you’re up for a change of scenery and willing to make the 25-minute drive, this spot offers three restaurants serving fresh, seasonal dishes sourced from its on-site garden. With its beautiful event venues and a focus on locally crafted arts, this destination invites visitors to connect with nature, food, and community in a truly unique way.
The Grapevine
An Old Town fixture since 1971, The Grapevine doubles as one of the Valley’s finest karaoke spots. Located right next to the Scottsdale Civic Center and just a short walk from the action, it’s a prime location for those seeking both entertainment and great food. DJ Bobby Cook provides live accompaniment, playing a real saxophone during your performance or a fiddle between verses. Nothing says “vacation story” like belting out Journey with actual instrumental backup. With karaoke every night of the week and a menu featuring everything from cajun shrimp to lahvosh flatbreads, it’s where locals go when they want to be stars for a night.
The Local Donut
When sweet cravings hit, The Local Donut delivers with small-batch, artisan donuts that push boundaries. This bakery was named the most popular donut shop in Arizona by Buzzfeed, and for good reason. Their “Shmancy” options like S’mores and Creme Brulee donuts manage to remain perfectly airy despite generous toppings. The shop crafts everything from old-fashioned cake donuts to croissant donuts and vegan options, all made fresh daily with premium ingredients. What makes these treats special is how they dissolve on contact, melting on your palate like sugar itself. It’s pure indulgence that never goes out of style.
Right next door, you’ll find The Eleanor, a charming brunch spot with a cozy, vintage-inspired atmosphere. Its pet-friendly patio is an inviting spot for a leisurely meal, making it a great choice for a brunch followed by a sweet treat.
Sugar Bowl
A Scottsdale landmark in the best possible way, the Sugar Bowl has been scooping homemade ice cream since 1950. This bright pink, family-owned retro parlor is beloved by locals and visitors alike, part nostalgia trip, part genuine dessert destination. Whether you go for a classic sundae, a shake, or something off their full menu, it’s a sweet stop that’s stood the test of time.
Taliesin West
One of Scottsdale’s most iconic landmarks, Taliesin West was the winter home and desert laboratory of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this National Historic Landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into Wright’s architectural genius. The site’s distinctive “desert masonry” construction blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and visitors can explore a range of tours and events throughout the year, including the popular “Sunsets & Sips” happy hour program.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Ready to venture a bit further? The Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic, four-hour vintage train excursion departing from Clarkdale, Arizona, about 25 minutes from Sedona. The journey takes passengers on a 40-mile round-trip through a remote red-rock canyon and riparian corridor accessible only by rail. It’s one of those rare experiences that genuinely can’t be replicated any other way.
The Best Hidden Gem? Your Home Base
Scottsdale is full of gems, some may not be as hidden as you think, but nothing beats having a place that truly feels like your own. Book with GoodNight Stay and experience Old Town from a place that blends comfort with character, making your trip one to remember. Be sure to check out our specials page for more exclusive deals to make your stay even better.
