The Western, Scottsdale

The Western isn't just the name of a restaurant: it's also a symbol of that restaurant's approach to its cuisine and entertainment. Chef Christian Castro updates classic Southern and Southwest recipes in his an eclectic menu, which culls from both traditions to make food with wide appeal. Hearty beef brisket and blackened fish tacos, deep-fried grilled-cheese sandwiches, and loaded bison burgers are just a few of the entrees that pave the way for sweet deep-fried Oreos with ice cream. Servers ferry those steaming dishes to each spacious booth and communal table in the joint, all the while dodging hungry stagecoach bandits along the way.

At the tooled leather-topped bar, staffers mix whiskey cocktails and pour craft beers that accentuate each dish. Reclaimed wood and metal accents add to the rustic feel, and live music gives the room a jump start—not that it needs it. Yet five nights a week, local and touring bands hit the stage, serenading the audience with toe-tapping classic country, blues, Americana, and rock tunes while sneaking in a kazoo solo whenever possible.