Beer, Wine & Spirits in Scottsdale

Beneath the gaze of the numerous chimps painted on Nimbus American Bistro N' Brewery’s walls, the Tuscan-based brewery's craft beers mingle with gourmet versions of pub favorites. Chef Josh Tomczyk and his kitchen crew simmer fresh seafood and meats in beer-based sauces before transforming them into burgers, pasta dishes, and steaks. Their wood-fired oven bakes artisanal pizzas, pairing with specialty cocktails or pints of Nimbus pilsners, stouts, and ales. In the expansive dining room, warm lights and vibrant brewery-inspired murals dazzle eyes from the ceiling, and rows of tables and booths scatter the hardwood floors. A patio hosts outdoor dining, welcoming patrons to bring along their dogs or goldfish disguised as dogs. The restaurant hosts special events throughout the week, including pool tournaments on Tuesdays and live entertainment on Saturdays.

Old World Brewery ferments European-style brews with the occasional American twist ranging from light honey wheats to chocolaty dark porters. European malts give the crisp and light Nitro Blonde ale a semi-sweet taste and cryptic accent, and Columbus and Saaz hops characterize the floral essence and malty finish of the Four-Leaf Irish Red Ale. Their mobile Grub Shack trailer doles out baskets of beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips that patrons can enjoy at picnic tables outside or in the cavernous taproom.

Barney’s Boathouse imports the party atmosphere and culinary traditions of New Orleans and Key West into its three-story restaurant and bar. The menu merges traditional Cajun dishes such as fried alligator tail and crawfish with classic pub cuisine, including eight creative burgers and six shareable pizzas. Beyond tropical flavors, the bar cultivates a beach-party vibe every night with regular trivia contests, live DJs, and votes to cast dining partners off the island.

Arcadia Fine Wine stores scores of distinctive wines and runs a concierge-style service that includes consultations, procurement of small-production wines, and regular delivery. Operated by discerning drinker Kate Portanova, the bottle boutique offers an elegant, stress-free setting for tasting high-quality ex-grape. With a wine-by-the-glass sampling experience at Arcadia, you can learn the ways of wine from veteran drinkers.

Liqueur Ice Cream

The Venue Scottsdale is a chameleon of a building, as ready to effortlessly host an elegant wedding reception as it is to present a comedy show or concert. The 29,000 square-foot, multi-level confines feature an indoor cobblestone courtyard and leaf-covered balconies, offering an outdoorsy ambience without the worry of inclement weather. Upstairs, a ballroom and a VIP lounge welcome private event goers, while a comedy club inspires knock-knock jokes with its own private entrance.

If the name 5th and Wine doesn’t give away the restaurant’s specialty, maybe the wine barrel guarding the front door might. Or possibly the selection of more than 40 wines available by the glass, including reds and whites from around the world and 5th and Wine’s very own sangria. Those libations––along with specialty cocktails such as a black-cherry manhattan or root-beer martini––complement a menu of seafood, steaks, and burgers made with beef, elk, and bison patties.

Inside the 60-seat dining space, arched beams frame the room and a chalkboard wall displays daily drink specials and upcoming sets from local musicians. In front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy couches and chairs carve out a post-meal lounge area, along with a murphy bed for guests who know which window to punch. Additionally, a 40-seat tasting room indulges guests with red leather chairs and the aroma of an old-fashioned popcorn machine at work. Diners can also enjoy their meal on the courtyard patio where an awning shades meals during the day and strings of lights brighten up the night.:m]]