When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Culinary Dropout
Why Culinary Dropout is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Culinary Dropout is a vibrant American restaurant with multiple locations including Charlotte, Austin, Indianapolis, and Scottsdale, making it a fantastic choice for friends to meet up and enjoy quality time together. Known for its scratch kitchens that produce crowd-pleasing classics such as pretzel bites with provolone fondue, 36-hour pork ribs, and their signature fried chicken drizzled with honey, Culinary Dropout offers a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is crafted to be inviting and lively, featuring live music, cold craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and a relaxed environment that blends retro and contemporary styles. Locations like the Charlotte venue boast outdoor lounges and patios complete with yard games such as ping pong and cornhole, enhancing the social experience. With generous operating hours including weekend brunches and late-night dining, it accommodates casual day drinking as well as late evening hangouts. Whether for casual meals, game watching, or private group events, Culinary Dropout's blend of delicious food, great drinks, and fun ambiance creates an ideal destination for friends to come together and celebrate life.
Here's what people think of Culinary Dropout
As of recent, Culinary Dropout holds a 4.4-star rating based on 4393 reviews.
User reviews consistently rate Culinary Dropout highly, as reflected in its 4.4 average rating across over 4,300 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the flavorful and well-prepared menu items like the soft pretzels with fondue, perfectly cooked fried chicken, crispy fries, and robust charcuterie boards. Reviewers appreciate the welcoming and attentive service, noting friendly staff who enhance the dining experience. The clean, stylish decor and inviting vibe are often mentioned as reasons customers enjoy spending time there, with some highlighting the comfortable outdoor seating areas and live music as major draws. Furthermore, the venue is praised for handling large corporate and social events smoothly, making it a trusted spot for celebrations. On the downside, some negative reviews have pointed to occasional slow service during peak hours and instances where wait times could be longer than desired. Others have noted that the busy atmosphere can sometimes lead to more noise than some patrons prefer. Despite these critiques, the general consensus is that Culinary Dropout offers great value, consistency in quality, and a fun environment, making it a popular choice for diverse groups and occasions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
MEGHAN CUMA
The best location in the valley! The free valet is a great added touch and super quick. The vibes are fun and social. The food is amazing. Brussels sprouts were yummy and not too hot. The fish and chips were moist and crispy and the Mongolian short ribs essentially melted in your mouth, amazing. Finishing it all off with their famous monkey bread. I’ll have to come back for happy hour, the bar looks like fun!! Our server and all staff were very attentive and friendly
Keristin Jones
We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Culinary Dropout! From start to finish, everything was five stars across the board. The starters were amazing! Packed with flavor, fresh, and perfect for sharing. The entrées were outstanding as well, beautifully prepared and seasoned to perfection. Every plate that came out was a winner, and it’s rare to have everyone at the table rave about their meal, but that’s exactly what happened. To top it off, we indulged in the monkey bread with ice cream for dessert, and it was the perfect sweet ending. Warm, gooey, and delicious. It’s a must-try! What really stood out was that even our 7- and 8-year-olds were raving about the food, which says a lot! It’s not easy to please both kids and adults at the same time, but Culinary Dropout nailed it. Great service, fantastic atmosphere, and incredible food. We’ll definitely be back. Planning my next staff team bonding for October here! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun dining experience with top-notch eats!
Anthony Munoz
I ordered the Smoke House Hash at Culinary Dropout and would rate the experience about a 6/10 overall. The taste was good — the pork was flavorful and tender, and the rustic potatoes were cooked just right. I didn’t dislike it, but nothing really wowed me either; I’d probably try something else on the menu next time. Presentation was around a 5/10 — nothing fancy, just the ingredients layered together with a tortilla hanging on the side. The restaurant itself has a modern, edgy, industrial vibe, which I liked. The staff gets an 8/10 — everyone was friendly, and my waitress was great to chat with. I paid $17 for the dish, which felt reasonable for the portion and quality.
Ro Grin
We decided to once again try a new place. Once again we were surprised to see the inside of this place. We went on a Sunday, and were seated right away. Servers were busy as their stations were very large. Our meals came out in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, my wife's meal was not correct. We mentioned this to the server, who immediately went to the kitchen to fix the error. The staff was very friendly, (PS, i ordered the soup of the day, and unfortunately I got what they called "yesterdays soup. They said they ran out of what I ordered. I recommend servers should have told me before bringing me the watery, with most likely used yesterdays veggies as well. Having visited our table many times!😶🌫️my family took their timein eating. I eat fast, and then wander. Shuffleboard, ping pong, corn hole, and I'm sure I missed other activities. An interesting and fun place.
Emily Norwood
My husband and I went here on our first date several years ago, so he decided to surprise me with it for our wedding anniversary. He told them the story and requested beforehand that they “do something special at the table.” Boy, did they DELIVER! We were greeted by an adorably decorated table, handwritten card, and incredible service. The server, Ariyah, was so attentive and friendly. The manager, Brett, greeted us and offered us champagne to celebrate the occasion. Between the atmosphere, food, and service, we were blown away by our experience. It was such a great evening reminiscing our first date while enjoying an awesome meal. We want to thank the staff for making us feel so special!
How to reach Culinary Dropout
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Why Culinary Dropout may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Culinary Dropout with your friends? Because it’s not just a restaurant—it’s a vibrant hub where food, drink, music, and community collide to create an unforgettable group experience. With a solid rating of 4.4 based on over 4,300 reviews, Culinary Dropout consistently earns praise for its lively atmosphere and quality fare. When gathering with friends or family, you want more than just a meal; you want an experience that energizes and connects you all. This place delivers exactly that with its unbeatable combination of a scratch kitchen serving crowd-pleasing dishes, craft cocktails that elevate every toast, and live music that fuels good vibes all night long. Here, you are not merely guests but participants in a festive, welcoming scene designed for socializing and celebrating together. The friendly, casual environment encourages you to linger, laugh, and revel in shared moments—which makes any meetup feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re catching up after a long week or celebrating a milestone, Culinary Dropout sets the perfect stage for creating new memories with the people you care about.
What activities can you enjoy at Culinary Dropout that make it ideal for a group meetup? First and foremost, the live entertainment is a highlight. The venue regularly features local bands playing live music, setting an upbeat and engaging ambiance that energizes groups and keeps the atmosphere buzzing. Unlike a quiet dining room, the music here inspires conversation and even dancing, making it a dynamic gathering spot where no one feels stuck at a boring table. Additionally, multiple large screens broadcast popular sports events, so sports fans in your group can cheer for their favorite teams together, enhancing that communal spirit. This blend of food, music, and live sports creates a unique trifecta of entertainment that caters to diverse interests, helping each guest feel included and engaged.
How does the menu enhance your group experience at Culinary Dropout? The kitchen emphasizes made-from-scratch dishes with an approachable twist on American classics. Signature items like their slow-braised 36-hour pork ribs and Wagyu pigs in a blanket provide indulgent comfort food that appeals to a variety of tastes. These aren’t your average appetizers or entrees; the focus is on quality ingredients and flavor combinations that elevate familiar favorites. The menu also caters well to sharing, perfect for groups who love to sample a variety of dishes—think nachos, chips with dip, deviled eggs, and other shareable plates that encourage community dining. Complementing the food are their craft cocktails and well-curated house wines, including an excellent house Cab that’s budget-friendly but high quality, as well as specialty drinks like Mai Tais and smoky Old Fashioneds to suit different palates. For gatherings, this means everyone can find something delicious and refreshing, making the meal a celebration in itself.
What makes the atmosphere at Culinary Dropout perfect for large groups? The space is designed with socializing in mind—spacious, eclectic, and lively, it’s not your typical stiff dining environment. The vibe is casual yet trendy, inviting groups to relax and be themselves. Many reviewers note the energetic and fun atmosphere, ideal for groups who want to talk, laugh, and enjoy the night without feeling cramped or overly formal. Larger groups are welcomed and well accommodated, with private dining options available for those wanting a more curated experience. The staff is praised for handling big parties expertly, including the logistics of separate checks and timely service, which can often be a headache when eating out with many people. Additionally, games and events hosted at Culinary Dropout—like yoga sessions in The Yard and other community happenings—add layers of fun and engagement beyond just the food and music, making it a destination where group interaction thrives.
How does Culinary Dropout support community and create a connection beyond just dining? The business takes pride in being part of the local fabric, actively engaging with its neighborhoods through sponsoring benefit nights, donating gift cards, and supporting various community events. This ethos resonates with guests who want their outings to not only be enjoyable but also socially meaningful. By patronizing Culinary Dropout, groups are supporting a business that values local ties and gives back, deepening the sense of belonging and shared purpose. Their welcoming approach means you’re gathering in a place that sees you not just as customers, but as members of a vibrant community. This connection elevates the meetup experience, making each visit more than a meal but a celebration of friendship, fun, and neighborhood pride.
In summary, the reasons to host a meetup at Culinary Dropout are abundant: a lively and inclusive atmosphere, superior food and drinks crafted for sharing, live music and sports entertainment that energizes the group, thoughtful accommodation of large parties, and genuine community roots that add meaning to every visit. Whether your group wants to relax after work, celebrate a special occasion, or just enjoy great food and live tunes in a fun environment, Culinary Dropout delivers a consistently high-quality experience that keeps bringing people back for more. It’s a place where friends and family can truly rally, connect, and create unforgettable memories together.