10 Best Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale
The top ten best casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale are Culinary Dropout, Olive & Ivy, Citizen Public House, HULA’S Modern Tiki Scottsdale, Karsen’s Grill, Farm and Craft Scottsdale, Daily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill, Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar Scottsdale, Craft 64 Scottsdale, and Belle’s Nashville Kitchen. Casual restaurant menus in Scottsdale, Arizona, usually feature popular items like Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue, The Original Chopped Salad, and Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches.
Many of Scottsdale’s casual dining establishments occupy the established Waterfront area, the 5th Avenue shopping district, and neighborhood corners. Restaurant categories on the list range from industrial gastropubs, wellness-focused cafes, Polynesian fusion eateries, and country-themed kitchens. The cost of a meal at a casual restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale is between $15 to $65 per person.
Culinary Dropout stands out as the best overall due to a massive social environment with yard games, consistent live musical performances, and a menu of reliable American comfort food. Karsen’s Grill serves classic grill favorites in a small-scale setting for a quick meal. Citizen Public House provides a more refined dinner experience with expert mixology and contemporary American fare. Farm and Craft offers nutrient-dense plates for vegan diners, and Daily Dose stocks a dedicated gluten-free menu.
The top casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale are listed below.
10 Best Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale are listed below.
-
1
Culinary DropoutPizza Salads Sandwiches Brunch SoupCulinary Dropout is an American bistro and restaurant chain that serves refined gastropub fare in an industrial-style setting. Culinary Dropout...- Item Prices 67
- Average Item Price $14.29
Type of Restaurant:Gastropub
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Soft Pretzels & Provolone FondueShaved Prime Rib Dip36-Hour Pork Ribs
Location:7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:On-site yard games and live musical performances.
What Makes It Special:The relaxed atmosphere encourages long stays and social interaction.
What Sets It Apart:Combining a massive bar scene with family-friendly recreation areas creates a unique environment in Old Town.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
2
Olive & IvyOlive & Ivy is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant situated along the Scottsdale canal. The interior boasts dark wood accents and elegant lighting, while the expansive patio offers views of the water. A separate marketplace area provides quick coffee and pastries.- Item Prices 286
- Average Item Price $10.62
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:Bacon Wrapped DatesPesto Chicken FlatbreadSweet Potato Cannelloni
Location:7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Scenic canal-side patio dining.
What Makes It Special:Fresh ingredients and a sophisticated setting cater to both casual lunches and evening gatherings.
What Sets It Apart:Integrating a full-service restaurant with a Mediterranean marketplace offers versatility for different dining needs.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 7:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
3
Citizen Public HouseCitizen Public House is an upscale gastropub located in the 5th Avenue shopping district. The establishment focuses on contemporary American fare and craft cocktails. Leather booths and a mahogany bar create a classic, refined feel.- Item Prices 37
- Average Item Price $26.08
Type of Restaurant:Gastropub
Type of Food:Contemporary American
Signature Dishes:The Original Chopped SaladAmaro MeatloafFair Trade Short Ribs
Location:7111 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Home of the nationally recognized "Original Chopped Salad."
What Makes It Special:High-quality ingredients and expert mixology define the experience.
What Sets It Apart:Maintaining a balance between high-end steakhouse quality and a relaxed pub atmosphere distinguishes this spot.
Operating Hours:Monday–Sunday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Price:$40 to $50 per person
-
4
Hula's Modern TikiHULA’S Modern Tiki Scottsdale is a Polynesian-themed eatery that merges 1950s tiki culture with modern sensibilities. The menu features island-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails. Bamboo accents and tropical decor fill the indoor and outdoor spaces.- Item Prices 315
- Average Item Price $8.96
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Polynesian Fusion
Signature Dishes:Coconut Shrimp RollsFish TacosLoco Moco
Location:7213 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Extensive tropical cocktail menu served in themed glassware.
What Makes It Special:Island flavors and a nostalgic tiki vibe provide an escape from desert surroundings.
What Sets It Apart:Modernizing traditional tiki food with fresh seafood and fusion techniques creates a unique niche.
Operating Hours:Tuesday, Monday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMWednesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSaturday: 10:30 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
5
Tommy V's Urban Kitchen & BarTommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar Scottsdale serves Italian-inspired cuisine in a modern, urban setting. The menu features pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. An open-air bar connects the interior dining room to the outdoor seating area.- Item Prices 66
- Average Item Price $15.76
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Short RibsPasta TrioButternut Squash Ravioli
Location:7303 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Indoor-outdoor bar concept perfect for Arizona weather.
What Makes It Special:Traditional Italian flavors meet a contemporary, upbeat atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:Focus on "Urban Kitchen" style provides a more energetic and less formal experience than traditional Italian trattorias.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
-
6
Belle's nashville KitchenBelle’s Nashville Kitchen is a country-themed restaurant specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken. The interior features wood-paneled walls and music-themed decor. Live country music performances occur frequently on the small stage.- Item Prices 67
- Average Item Price $12.99
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Southern/Nashville Hot Chicken
Signature Dishes:Nashville Hot Chicken SandwichGrilled Mac & Cheese SandwichHonky Tonk Fries
Location:7212 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Frequent live country music performances.
What Makes It Special:Authentic Nashville flavors and a high-energy Honky Tonk vibe bring a taste of Tennessee to Arizona.
What Sets It Apart:Specialized focus on the Nashville Hot Chicken tradition combined with a live music venue creates a specific niche in Old Town.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
7
Karsen’s GrillKarsen’s Grill is a compact neighborhood eatery known for a friendly, local atmosphere. The menu consists of classic American grill favorites and a selection of beers. Outdoor sidewalk seating allows for views of the Old Town streets.Type of Restaurant:Neighborhood Grill
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Salt and Pepper WingsThe Red Bird SandwichGreen Mary Lou
Location:7246 E 1st St #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Intimate, small-scale dining room popular with local residents.
What Makes It Special:Consistent quality and personal service characterize this long-standing establishment.
What Sets It Apart:Providing a true "hole-in-the-wall" feel in the middle of a major tourist district offers a refreshing change of pace.
Operating Hours:Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
8
Farm and Craft ScottsdaleFarm and Craft Scottsdale focuses on a wellness-centered menu featuring sustainable and local ingredients. Four distinct paths—anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detox, and energy—guide the food choices. The bright, airy interior includes a large patio overlooking Scottsdale Road.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Healthy American
Signature Dishes:Salmon Poke BowlAvocada HummusBBQ Chicken Flatbread
Location:4302 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Wellness-focused menu categories designed for specific health benefits.
What Makes It Special:Sustainable practices and nutrient-dense ingredients appeal to health-conscious diners.
What Sets It Apart:Combining a lively bar scene with a health-focused food program is a rare find in the area.
Operating Hours:Monday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
9
Daily Dose Old Town Bar & GrillDaily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill is a popular breakfast and lunch destination. The kitchen emphasizes scratch-made dishes using fresh, natural ingredients. A full bar complements the morning and afternoon menu with specialty cocktails.Type of Restaurant:Breakfast and Lunch
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Banana Bread French ToastHangover SandwichSouthwest Wrap
Location:4020 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:Extensive gluten-free menu options for breakfast and lunch.
What Makes It Special:Freshly squeezed juices and house-made syrups enhance the meal quality.
What Sets It Apart:Offering a full-service bar alongside a traditional breakfast-focused menu creates a lively brunch environment daily.
Operating Hours:Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PMSaturday–Sunday: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
10
Craft 64 ScottsdaleCraft 64 Scottsdale is a specialized pizzeria and craft beer bar. The kitchen uses a wood-fired oven to bake pizzas made with house-made mozzarella and local produce. Thirty-six Arizona craft beers remain on tap at all times.Type of Restaurant:Pizzeria
Type of Food:Italian/Pizza
Signature Dishes:Honey Bee PizzaWood Fired BLTMargherita Pizza
Location:6922 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:House-made mozzarella cheese prepared fresh daily.
What Makes It Special:Local sourcing for both food and beer supports the Arizona community.
What Sets It Apart:Dedication to Arizona craft beers on tap distinguishes this establishment from other regional bars.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
What Makes Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale Famous?
Casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ are famous for expansive outdoor patios and a focus on Southwestern-influenced American fare. Establishments like Culinary Dropout integrate recreational activities like cornhole and live music into the meal. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients define the menus at spots like Farm and Craft. The presence of specialized concepts, such as Polynesian tiki bars and Nashville-style hot chicken kitchens, contributes to the area's reputation.
What Types of Casual Restaurant are Commonly Found in Old Town Scottsdale?
The type of casual restaurant commonly found in Old Town Scottsdale includes gastropubs, healthy wellness cafes, and specialized pizzerias. These different kinds of Old Town Scottsdale restaurants provide varied experiences ranging from nutrient-dense wellness centers to lively country-themed kitchens. Gastropubs like Culinary Dropout and Citizen Public House offer craft cocktails and updated pub classics. Healthy cafes like Farm and Craft prioritize sustainable ingredients. Specialty pizzerias like Craft 64 and Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen serve wood-fired pies. Themed eateries such as HULA’S Modern Tiki and Belle’s Nashville Kitchen provide immersive environments.
Does Old Town Scottsdale Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?
Yes, Old Town Scottsdale has an authentic casual restaurant experience through long-standing neighborhood staples and establishments dedicated to specific regional traditions. Karsen’s Grill operates as a genuine neighborhood staple, maintaining a small-scale, unpretentious environment. Craft 64 stays true to Arizona roots by serving 36 local craft beers and using house-made mozzarella. Belle’s Nashville Kitchen provides a taste of Tennessee through specific hot chicken recipes and live country music.
Do Old Town Scottsdale Casual Restaurants Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, Old Town Scottsdale casual restaurants offer easy online reservations through digital booking platforms like OpenTable and Resy. Olive & Ivy and Culinary Dropout list available tables through OpenTable to streamline the guest experience. Citizen Public House and Tommy V’s provide reservation links directly on official websites. Small-scale spots like Karsen’s Grill and Daily Dose prioritize walk-in guests and do not take advance bookings.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?
The signature dishes of the best casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale range from nationally recognized chopped salads to wood-fired pizzas. The following list describes notable food in Old Town Scottsdale.
- The Original Chopped Salad: A blend of smoked salmon, couscous, arugula, and pesto dressing. Citizen Public House is famous for the dish.
- Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue: Warm pretzels served with melted cheese. Culinary Dropout serves the signature appetizer.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Spicy breaded chicken served with pickles and slaw. Belle’s Nashville Kitchen prepares the hearty entree.
- Fico Pizza: A wood-fired pie topped with figs, prosciutto, and goat cheese. Craft 64 features the popular item.
- Bacon Wrapped Dates: Dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. Olive & Ivy focuses on the Mediterranean starter.
Does Old Town Scottsdale Enjoy Casual Food?
Yes, residents and visitors in Old Town Scottsdale enjoy casual food, as shown by the high volume of diners occupying restaurant patios daily. Culinary Dropout and Olive & Ivy consistently maintain long wait times during peak hours and weekends. The success of neighborhood grills like Karsen’s Grill further confirms the local desire for relaxed dining environments. Pedestrian-friendly streets encourage spontaneous visits to unpretentious eateries.
What is the Average Meal Price for Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?
The average meal price for casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale ranges from $15 to $65 per person. A single meal at a breakfast spot like Daily Dose or a neighborhood grill like Karsen’s Grill costs $15 to $30. A group meal for two to four people at a sit-down gastropub like Culinary Dropout or Olive & Ivy falls between $80 and $180. A meal at a budget-friendly establishment costs $15 to $25 per person. A full dinner with drinks at a more refined gastropub like Citizen Public House requires $40 to $65 per person.
Are There Vegan Options in Casual Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?
Yes, there are vegan options in casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale at establishments like Farm and Craft, Daily Dose, and HULA’S Modern Tiki. Farm and Craft prepares vegetable-centric plates like the Forbidden Rice Bowl using sustainable ingredients. Daily Dose offers tofu scrambles and vegetable-heavy breakfast bowls. HULA’S Modern Tiki includes multiple plant-based items like the Spicy Thai Tofu and fresh fruit-based starters. Olive & Ivy serves various Mediterranean salads and vegetable flatbreads that exclude animal products.
Does Casual Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale Offer Gluten-free Options?
Yes, a casual restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale will offer gluten-free options at eateries such as Daily Dose, Farm and Craft, and Craft 64. Daily Dose provides a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring pancakes, sandwiches, and breakfast bowls. Farm and Craft identifies wheat-free selections on the menu, including roasted vegetables and grilled meats. Craft 64 offers gluten-free pizza crust as a substitute for traditional dough in multiple wood-fired pizzas. Citizen Public House marks gluten-free items like the signature chopped salad and pan-seared scallops.
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: