The colorful cultures that give the Southwest its signature flavor have fortunately left an indelible mark on Scottsdale's more than 600 restaurants. Here, the influences of Native American, Latin and Western-style cooking and ingredients have created a mouthwatering mélange of dishes. Lately, more exotic fare, such as Asian-fusion, has arrived on the scene, creating menus with global dimensions.

Local Influences
A key component to this culinary renaissance is the arrival of stellar chefs drawn here by the area's many fine resorts and restaurants. They are gaining accolades for taking local cuisine to new heights; sample for yourself items such as organic Native American squashes and ultra-fresh seafood.

Scottsdale dining is extremely distinct thanks to the many zesty spices and sauces that are now freely mixed to create unique specialties. The region's first inhabitants were Native Americans from tribes like the Pima, Hopi and Hohokam, who cooked using staples such as the “three sisters” - corn, beans and squash. Mexican roots can be found in items like posole, while grilling recalls the days of the Old West. Restaurants proudly showcase this heritage and feature authentic south-of-the-border influences on their menu such as quesos fundidos, various moles and tamales.

Healthy Cuisine
With spas being such an important part of the Scottsdale experience, spa menus at various resorts and light fare at area restaurants mean nutritious feasts are readily available for health-conscious visitors. But don't think for a minute that healthy equals bland because the entrees being offered here could stand-alone for their taste.

Old West Flavors
The savory flavors of the Old West still ride high in Scottsdale, where a corral full of venues continue the tradition of hearty, home-spun fare. Pinnacle Peak Patio fires-up mesquite-grilled steaks and chicken with all the fixin's, plus live music and dancing seven nights a week. At the on-site brewery, handcrafted brews are just a tap-pull away. Suit types, however, be mindful, because this restaurant has a strictly enforced no necktie policy. Anyone caught with a tie will have it promptly snipped with scissors and nailed to the rafters! At last count, almost one million neckties were hanging high.

Rawhide Steakhouse provides authentic Western fare. Here cowboy favorites such as fried rattlesnake, barbecue ribs and Rocky Mountain oysters are served-up with a dose of hospitality. Thirsty patrons can then head next door to an authentic saloon, to enjoy thirst-quenching drinks poured by friendly bartenders.

Originally a ranch bunkhouse dating back to the 1880s, Greasewood Flat still retains its Western aura while serving its famous hamburgers. Patrons can lounge at outdoor tables perfect for stargazing or hang their hats inside, where spurs, wagon wheels and tools add to the feel of a real cowboy hangout. Popular artists sing ballads Thursday through Sunday nights in a tradition that has seen the likes of Glen Campbell and John Denver perform.

Dating back to 1882, the Reata Pass Steakhouse is another historical gem, offering mesquite-broiled steaks, along with country music. Since the structure has succumbed to fire over the years, the only original part of the building left is the stone foundation, but it still has enough Old West charisma to have been the setting for episodes of the TV series "Bonanza" and feature films. And just in case any patrons get out of hand, a jailhouse, dating back to the same era, sits across the street.

For Western-themed fare with a more sophisticated slant, try Roaring Fork with delectable dishes such as mustard-crusted rainbow trout and chile-cured breast of duck. Another venue showcasing this New West cuisine, along with a stable full of house brews poured at a horseshoe shaped bar, is North Scottsdale's The Unlikely Cowboy.

Take Home
And when visitors head home, they can always take the taste of the Southwest with them, thanks to take-aways like award-winning Goldwater Foods of Arizona salsas. Founded by the daughters and granddaughter of former Senator Barry Goldwater, popular favorites include the Mohave Mango, Papago Peach and Ruby Raspberry salsas.

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Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Galleria Corporate Center
4343 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 170
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(800) 782-1117
(480) 421-1004