When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Saint Urban
Why Saint Urban is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Saint Urban is a vibrant and inviting wine bar located in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood, offering a perfect setting for friends to gather and enjoy excellent wine and food. Founded by Chef Christopher Collins and his Common Ground Culinary group, the bar reflects years of culinary expertise and neighborhood insight, making it both welcoming and unpretentious. Patrons can choose from an impressive selection of 30 rotating premium wines, primarily sourced from top West Coast producers, including renowned Napa Valley vineyards. The atmosphere is stylish yet cozy, with comfortable booths, a granite-topped bar, and a spacious 48-seat patio that invites guests to enjoy Scottsdale’s pleasant weather. The menu is thoughtfully designed around fresh, shareable plates that include artisanal charcuterie boards, gourmet sandwiches, and creative salads. Highlights include the Plancha Artichoke—a fork-tender Spanish variety prepared sous vide—and fresh West Coast oysters served in several inventive styles. Saint Urban also offers full-plate options such as the signature Santa Maria-style BBQ Tri Tip, celebrated for its rich flavor and served either as an entree or sandwich on sourdough from Noble Bread & Co. Its ambiance and thoughtfully curated offerings make it an ideal space for romantic dates, casual hangouts, and sophisticated happy hours.
Here's what people think of Saint Urban
As of recent, Saint Urban holds a 4.6-star rating based on 82 reviews.
Customer reviews of Saint Urban consistently highlight its comfortable and stylish ambiance as a major draw, praising it as a perfect venue for both intimate dates and lively gatherings with friends. Users appreciate the easy parking and the tranquil, garden walk entrance, which creates a sense of escape from the busy Scottsdale scene. The food receives frequent commendation, especially the shareable gourmet dishes like the Plancha Artichoke and the Santa Maria-style BBQ Tri Tip sandwich, which many describe as delicious and unique. Reviewers also commend the extensive and rotating wine list, noting the flexible options to order wines by the glass or bottle, enhancing the personalized dining experience. Positive feedback often emphasizes attentive and friendly service, along with a well-curated menu that balances adventurous and familiar flavors. On the other hand, some less enthusiastic reviews mention occasional waits during peak times and the pricier aspects of the wine selection and menu items. A few patrons wished for a larger variety of local craft beers and cocktails. Overall, the reviews portray Saint Urban as a thoughtfully designed neighborhood spot that delivers on its promise of quality wine, delicious food, and an inviting atmosphere, making it highly recommended for both casual and special occasions in Scottsdale.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emily Pliske
Kimchi wings were our favorite! Great flavor and crunch with minimal spice. Shishito peppers with soy caramel and coconut were also delightful, maybe wish this was coconut shavings instead since it was hard to keep the flakes on the actual pepper. Beet salad was exactly what you’d expect! Earthy taste of the beets mixed with the goat cheese and honey was just as it should be. Caesar salad was solid and enjoyed the crunch of the breadcrumbs. Last on our list would be the Koreatown tacos. The hard shell taco threw us off and took off points for presentation and the taco itself just wasn’t anything special. Ambience felt like somewhere you’d bring a client for lunch. Corporate feel and not very warm.
MCK
My friend and I used to come to this place when it was Rockefeller, now under new ownership, still just as good. The place looks the same. The atmosphere, small with a very nice vibe with a great bar, along with a nice patio. The menu is basically the same as before. Great "Happenings" deals on certain days of the week. My friend and I met friends for Cocktails and Shareable snacks on a Saturday evening. I had made reservations requesting for a booth against the wall (tends to get loud when filled with customers) It was perfect, service from Angela was great. She was extremely patient, allowing us to catch up with our friends. I also met my friend for lunch recently, we sat outside, service from Jesse was great and LOL I just came back with my friend to indulge on the "Wednesday Happening"... 1/2 off the Salt Water Saints Raw Bar. It did not disappoint. Between the 3 times we've been there, we've had the Shrimp Cocktail, Raw Oysters, Hamachi Salt Bock, Hamachi & Grapefruit Crudo, Bruschetta Board, Plancha Artichokes, Marinated Olives, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Steak Tartare, and the Salmon Sweet Sesame Rice. All the food was excellent, not one bad choice. The Cocktails were all good, though I feel the cocktails were better made at the evening time versus the lunch time. Forget about the Happy Hour minis, they're 1/2 off the price of a regular size but the are also half the size. Atmosphere: small, upscale restaurant with great vibe. Service: excellent. Food: excellent.
Petrona Zickgraf
Saint Urban in Scottsdale is a hidden gem, especially for bruschetta lovers! Their selection is creative and delicious, with fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with flavor. The crispy bread paired with inventive toppings makes every bite a delight. The cozy yet stylish atmosphere adds to the experience, making it perfect for a fun night out.
Tonisha Carr
First time trying this restaurant. My visit was during Arizona Restaurant Week. The salad and dessert were the highlights of the meal. The tacos were lacking flavor and very greasy. The service was ok. We did have to ask for the complimentary water to be brought to our table. The noise level inside seemed rather loud. Indoor seating is very limited. Thankfully, my reservation was for outdoor seating.
Miranda Minton
Exceptional experience from start to finish. Beautiful restaurant. Phoenix was our server and she was so pleasant and gave amazing service. Drinks and food were 11/10. Nick brought us their flourless chocolate cake(phenomenal), I believe he was a manager and welcomed us as it was our first time in. So kind. We can’t wait to come back.
How to reach Saint Urban
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Website: None
Why Saint Urban may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Saint Urban with your friends?
Saint Urban offers an exceptional setting for gathering with friends or family because it balances refined wine experiences with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The venue’s focus on wine, especially West Coast varieties paired thoughtfully with shareable cuisine, creates an interactive and communal dining experience that’s perfect for groups. Rather than a formal, stuffy environment, Saint Urban cultivates a laid-back vibe where conversation and discovery take center stage—ideal for enjoying quality time together. With small plates designed for sharing and a diversity of wine options served by the glass, guests can mix and match pairings and flavors, encouraging exploration and lively discussion around the table. The inclusive and eclectic wine program, along with thoughtful happy hour offerings and specialty cocktails, makes Saint Urban not only a high-quality dining spot but also a social hub that invites friends to come together over good food and drinks. This combination of excellent wine, fresh shareable food, and an environment that fosters relaxed socializing clearly makes Saint Urban a superb place to host a meetup, whether for casual catch-ups or celebrating special occasions.
What activities and experiences does Saint Urban offer that make it ideal for groups?
Saint Urban specializes in a variety of activities and culinary experiences designed to appeal to groups looking to share and explore together. At the core of its offering is the vibrant wine program featuring around 30 selections from the West Coast, available by the glass, which encourages guests to try several varietals without committing to full bottles. This makes it easy for groups to compare notes and bond over favorite wines. The bar also features a rotating selection of Arizona craft beers and a cocktail menu centered on specialty gin & tonics, providing diverse beverage options that cater to different tastes within a group. On the food front, Saint Urban’s kitchen crafts light, fresh, shareable small plates designed to be passed around, with a standout charcuterie and cheese section and fresh seafood options. These shareable plates foster a communal dining experience, perfect for groups who want to sample a wide variety without the formality of plated meals. Additionally, their daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm offers great deals on beers, wines, cocktails, and mini martinis, making it a cost-effective and lively time for group gatherings. For a more extended social experience, Sunday’s Sunset Happy Hour stretches from 11 am until sundown, encouraging leisurely weekend meetups. Taken together, these offerings make Saint Urban an attractive destination for groups who want a flexible but upscale wine and food experience in a casual setting.
How does Saint Urban’s wine program enhance a group meetup?
Saint Urban’s wine program is a central element that elevates the group experience by combining quality, variety, and education. The wine list focuses predominantly on West Coast wineries, showcasing a careful curation that reflects regional strengths with an eclectic mix designed to please a broad audience. Serving around 30 wines by the glass allows each guest to taste several styles and grape varieties without committing to bottles, which is ideal for groups with diverse preferences. This approach encourages a communal atmosphere where friends can share tasting notes, debate favorites, and discover new preferences together. Alongside this, the bar’s cocktail program, especially featuring specialty gin & tonics, provides an additional layer of drink innovation that complements the wine offerings nicely. The emphasis on wine as the centerpiece prevents the experience from feeling rushed or generic, instead making it a sort of journey—discussing aromas, flavors, and food pairings in the company of others. Thus, the wine program at Saint Urban acts both as a social catalyst and an educational experience, creating memorable, engaging meetups centered on a shared love of wine culture.
What kind of food can groups expect at Saint Urban?
Saint Urban’s culinary focus is on West Coast-inspired, shareable small plates that emphasize freshness, quality, and communal dining. The menu is designed to complement the wine offerings, featuring light, vibrant flavors that enhance rather than overpower the drinking experience. A highlight of the food program is their extensive charcuterie and cheese section, which offers assorted cured meats and artisan cheeses that naturally invite sharing across the table. This is paired with fresh seafood and seasonal dishes crafted to encourage conversation and tasting exploration. The shareable nature of the menu allows groups to order multiple plates to sample broadly, fostering a sense of discovery and collective enjoyment. Saint Urban’s approach to food—fresh, approachable, and designed to enhance the wine tasting—makes it especially suited for groups wanting an interactive dining experience rather than formal plated meals. This flexibility ensures guests can accommodate varying appetites and preferences within a group, making it easier to create a satisfying and memorable meal for all.
Why is Saint Urban’s atmosphere perfect for a group meetup?
The atmosphere at Saint Urban is designed to be inviting and comfortable, striking the right balance between upscale and unpretentious, which is conducive to relaxed socializing. The décor and layout favor open, loungy spaces with music that sets a mellow tone without overwhelming conversation. Unlike more formal wine restaurants known for stiff service and rigid dress codes, Saint Urban embraces a casual chic vibe that encourages guests to unwind and focus on the experience around food, drinks, and company. This makes it easier for groups to connect and linger without feeling rushed or out of place. The staff’s approach is knowledgeable yet approachable, helping guests navigate the wine list and pairing options while maintaining a warm, friendly environment. This attentiveness combined with the relaxed setting promotes a sense of community and shared enjoyment, both ideal for groups looking to rally, celebrate, or simply unwind together. Overall, Saint Urban’s atmosphere removes distractions and focuses attention squarely on the pleasures of good wine, good food, and good company.
How does Saint Urban’s happy hour and event programming support group gatherings?
Saint Urban caters to groups looking for value and time flexibility through its robust happy hour and special event offerings. Their daily happy hour runs from 3 pm to 6 pm and features discounted prices on beers, wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, and mini martinis, making it an affordable option for groups wanting to meet after work or during early evening hours. The extended Sunday Sunset Happy Hour is particularly appealing for weekend afternoon meetups since it starts at 11 am and lasts until sundown—perfect for brunch-style socializing or casual weekend gatherings that stretch into the evening. Beyond these, Saint Urban offers occasional exclusive events, menu launches, and wine tastings promoted through its mailing list and social media channels. These events create opportunities for groups to experience themed tastings or new culinary creations together, adding variety and a sense of occasion to their meetups. The combination of regularly scheduled happy hours and special programmatic events demonstrates Saint Urban’s commitment to providing dynamic, group-friendly options that encourage repeat visits and deeper engagement.
What makes Saint Urban a unique spot compared to other wine bars or restaurants?
Saint Urban’s uniqueness lies in its seamless fusion of a serious wine program with a relaxed, approachable dining and social environment. Unlike many traditional wine bars that cater either to casual drinkers or serious connoisseurs but often not both, Saint Urban strikes a balance by presenting a curated West Coast wine list coupled with fresh, shareable cuisine that invites communal dining. Its roots with Common Ground Culinary and founder Christopher Collins reflect a mission to create restaurants with soul and community focus, which informs the welcoming and vibrant vibe. Additionally, the eclectic cocktail program emphasizing creative gin & tonics alongside craft beers adds dimensional appeal for groups with varied tastes. The emphasis on shareable plates rather than traditional courses transforms wine drinking into a social, interactive event rather than a formal dining experience. This, combined with well-timed happy hours and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, differentiates Saint Urban as a destination where sophisticated taste meets everyday enjoyment—ideal for memorable group meetups that feel both special and effortless.