When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
The Canal Club
Why The Canal Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Canal Club offers a unique and inviting atmosphere that makes it an exceptional place to meet up with friends. With two distinct locations, one in Richmond, VA, and another in Scottsdale, AZ, it caters to diverse tastes and styles. In Richmond, The Canal Club functions as a lively music venue and bar, hosting a wide array of live shows ranging from tribute acts to DJ nights, creating an engaging nightlife experience. The venue’s schedule features well-curated events, fostering a great social environment. The Scottsdale location draws inspiration from 1930s Havana, offering a blend of Cuban-American cuisine and Caribbean-inspired cocktails in an elegant yet casual setting. Its indoor-outdoor layout complements the desert oasis ambiance, making it ideal for casual hangouts or special occasions. The menu, crafted under Executive Chef Alex Pasco, features delicious meals served throughout the day alongside a refined drinks program that balances modern mixology with classic cocktail techniques. The place is known not only for exquisite flavors but also for its vibrant cultural touches, including Havana-themed events like game nights and classic movie screenings. Whether you're looking for an energetic concert with friends or a relaxed dining experience with crafted cocktails amid stylish decor, The Canal Club provides a welcoming and memorable setting.
Here's what people think of The Canal Club
As of recent, The Canal Club holds a 4.4-star rating based on 979 reviews.
User reviews of The Canal Club reflect an overall positive reception, highlighted by its lively atmosphere, quality of live entertainment, and well-crafted food and drink offerings. Many reviewers praise the Richmond venue for its excellent lineup of shows, the sound quality, and the intimate yet energetic environment that makes concerts memorable. Fans appreciate the diversity of performances and the venue’s friendly staff, contributing to a fun and comfortable night out. Meanwhile, the Scottsdale location receives acclaim for its creative Cuban-American menu, fresh and balanced cocktails, and beautifully designed space that merges Havana flair with modern elegance. Guests often note the enjoyable indoor-outdoor flow and the engaging themed events like game nights and Havana movie screenings, which add unique charm beyond traditional dining. On the downside, some reviews mention occasional issues with service speed or limited seating during peak hours, which can impact the overall experience. A few users comment on the pricing being on the higher side, reflecting its upscale positioning. Despite these minor criticisms, the consensus is that The Canal Club offers a worthwhile experience combining quality culinary offerings with a vibrant social ambiance. Overall, the reviews portray The Canal Club as a well-loved destination for both dining and entertainment that balances cultural richness with contemporary hospitality.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joacim Mattisson
A piece of Havana in the desert. This is a fun and upbeat venue to take friends, family, or business contacts for a relaxed conversation and dinner. That bar serves up rum-based cocktails that are particular suited for conversations. The food is very well prepared, with attention to detail. Every single item in our orders were flavorful, delicious, and cooked to perfection.
Sumi I
A charming, stylish café nestled inside The Scott Resort & Spa. I had the pulled chicken torta and a Spanish latte—both were delicious! The latte was especially perfect. Highly recommend staying here and savoring the food.
Logan Jones
Breakfast & lunch were great. Ordered the fried egg for breakfast with sausage, probably should have went with bacon but still pretty good. My wife ordered a honey cinnamon latte and was very impressed. ALL staff have been extremely friendly, definitely makes us want to come back.
Keerthana Radhakrishnan
I came here for my birthday. The decor is mid-century modern with a tropical lounge feel. Retro vibes with an island-inspired theme. I went there for a brunch and ordered pulled chicken Torta and pervian hash. The quantity was good and more than sufficient. Taste was equally good. I preferred to sit indoor. Outdoors are very beautiful too. The drink menu is equally impressive with a selection of tropical cocktails. The service is friendly and attentive. They seem to genuinely care about making sure you're having a good time without being overbearing. Tips: Perfect for groups: The spacious seating and sharing friendly dishes make Canal Club a great spot for group dinners or celebrating with friends. The large booths and communal tables allow for good conversation and a lively atmosphere.
Kayla Smith
The food was fantastic. The wait staff was helpful and kind. Fast and very clean. Drip coffee could stand to be stronger, and I wish they would have left me the pot. (Especially with what it cost.) Obviously you come for the atmosphere and stay for the food. The most beautiful asthenic. But certainly way over priced.
How to reach The Canal Club
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Why The Canal Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Canal Club with your friends? The Canal Club in Scottsdale offers an irresistible blend of casual elegance, creative culinary delights, and a vibrant social atmosphere that makes it the ideal venue to gather and celebrate with your close circle. Nestled inside The Scott Resort & Spa, this venue boasts a unique indoor-outdoor layout filled with lush greenery and airy spaces that create a relaxed yet sophisticated environment perfect for unwinding with friends. Whether you’re looking for a lively brunch, a quiet evening of craft cocktails, or a fun night with live music, The Canal Club caters to all tastes and occasions. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the welcoming vibe, ensuring your group feels cared for every step of the way. Its diversity in food and drink—with American classics influenced by Caribbean flavors and cinema-inspired cocktails—offers something new to discover with every visit. Plus, its mixed setting of a stylish lounge, taproom, and poolside area gives groups plenty of choice for ambience and entertainment, making it a versatile hub to host memorable meetups with family or friends.
What activities can you enjoy at The Canal Club? The Canal Club is more than just a dining spot—it’s a social playground with a rich variety of activities that make any group hangout special. Guests can savor expertly crafted cocktails inspired by cinema themes while enjoying the casual elegance of the indoor-outdoor space. The venue features live music nights, which set a lively tone perfect for groups wanting to enjoy artistic performances together. Movie screenings add a unique entertainment element, creating a cozy community experience where friends can bond over shared cinematic favorites. Those who enjoy games will appreciate the assortment of bar games available at the poolside area, where groups can sip on local beers and share plates of appetizers and tapas. The extensive wine list caters to connoisseurs, deepening the culinary adventure for wine-loving parties. With a full food menu that transitions smoothly from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, and tapas, every hour brings new options—from savory sandwiches to delicious pizzas and innovative dishes like Leek Sofrito Revuelto. This keeps the dining experience dynamic and suitable for different moods, from casual chats to celebratory toasts.
Why is The Canal Club perfect for group meetups? The design and atmosphere of The Canal Club provide an ideal setting for groups seeking a balance between sophistication and comfort. Its airy indoor-outdoor layout means that large groups can scatter comfortably between lush patios and elegant interior spaces without feeling cramped. This adaptability caters well to different group dynamics—whether you want intimate conversations by the fire, lively discussions over shared plates, or mingling with the wider crowd by the pool. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness make coordinating with a group seamless, from reserving the perfect table to managing dietary preferences and drink recommendations. Social events like live music and curated movie nights offer natural conversation starters and shared experiences, helping groups bond even more. The venue’s calm yet vibrant ambiance suits a variety of group occasions, from family gatherings and birthday celebrations to casual hangouts and after-work meetups. The blend of classic comfort food with Caribbean influences and innovative cocktails keeps the menu interesting and inclusive, ensuring your entire group finds something to enjoy.
How does the food and drink elevate your group experience at The Canal Club? The culinary offerings at The Canal Club play a central role in making your meetup memorable. The menu is a thoughtful fusion of American classics and Caribbean-inspired dishes, presenting adventurous flavors that engage the palate without overwhelming it. For breakfast and brunch, specialties like Creole French Toast and Almond Butter & Banana Toast offer a delightful start to the day. At lunch and dinner, you can indulge in well-crafted items such as sandwiches, pizzas, and the savory Leek Sofrito Revuelto, praised for its balance of flavors. The thoughtfully curated tapas menu provides shared plates that encourage social dining and tasting variety, fostering interaction and conversation around the table. Drinks are crafted with a cinema-inspired flair, delivering not only taste but story and style to each cocktail, complemented by a diverse local beer selection and a studious wine list. The combination of excellent food and drink quality with creative presentation enhances the social energy, making each sip and bite part of a shared sensory experience among friends.
What unique features make The Canal Club stand out as a social hub? The Canal Club’s key strength lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate style, entertainment, and comfort into a single experience. It occupies a prime location inside The Scott Resort & Spa yet retains a tucked-away charm that feels exclusive. The blend of lush greenery and entertaining amenities such as games and a poolside bar sets it apart from typical restaurant or bar venues. Its all-ages all-inclusiveness with live shows makes it friendly even for families, broadening the range of potential group gatherings. The staff’s genuine warmth—from cheerful bartenders to courteous door personnel—adds a human touch that turns visitors into regulars. Combined with well-regarded safety measures and service standards, this ensures group meetups are not only fun but also worry-free. The Canal Club’s unique events calendar, which includes special dinners and themed movie nights, transforms any regular visit into an occasion worth recommending, making it a standout destination for social groups wanting a blend of excitement and comfort.
How accessible and convenient is The Canal Club for hosting your next group event? The Canal Club’s location in Old Town Scottsdale provides excellent accessibility, situated near popular attractions and easy to reach for locals and visitors alike. Operating daily from early morning through midnight, it accommodates a wide range of scheduling needs for breakfast meetups, long brunches, lunches, dinners, or late-night gatherings. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties, ensuring your group can secure the best seating in the lively or relaxed spaces available. The venue’s layout supports comfortable group sizes without compromising the intimacy of the conversation or the energetic vibe you seek. Its proximity to other Old Town hotspots also allows for easy continuation of festivities or additional activities nearby, enhancing the overall group outing experience. Whether you want a quiet morning coffee with friends or an upbeat evening of cocktails and live music, The Canal Club’s flexible service hours and accommodation options suit almost every group style and occasion.
Why do patrons rate The Canal Club highly and choose it repeatedly? With a consistently strong rating around 4.4 out of 5 from close to a thousand reviews, The Canal Club’s reputation speaks volumes about its success in delivering satisfying experiences. Guests often highlight its friendly, attentive staff who create a welcoming vibe that guests cherish. The elegant yet laidback setting draws praise for its aesthetic appeal and comfortable flow between indoor and outdoor areas, making it visually and atmospherically pleasant. While most reviewers commend the inventive menu and quality of food and drinks, the spirit of community fostered by ongoing events such as live music and movie nights is also frequently celebrated. Patrons appreciate the venue’s balance between classy sophistication and approachable casualness, which is perfect for group meetups that respect diverse tastes and preferences. Repeated visits and multiple recommendations underline The Canal Club’s ability to continuously meet and exceed the expectations of social groups seeking a stylish but relaxed environment for their gatherings.
What makes The Canal Club a versatile choice for different group occasions? The Canal Club’s versatility is one of its strongest appeals for hosting group meetups because it can effortlessly adapt to both intimate and celebratory events. Its menu offers a culinary diversity that can satisfy health-conscious diners, food adventurers, and cocktail enthusiasts alike, ensuring no guest feels left out. The range of seating options—from cozy lounge corners to lively poolside spaces—allows groups to shape their experience according to mood and event type. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch, a birthday dinner with cocktails, a lively game night, or a quiet, elegant dinner party, The Canal Club has the atmosphere, amenities, and service style to support it. Event hosting capabilities, paired with its appealing calendar of live shows and special dinners, make this venue a standout choice for groups who want more than just a meal—they want an experience to remember.
How does The Canal Club support safety and comfort for groups? Ensuring patrons feel safe and comfortable is a notable feature of The Canal Club that contributes to its popularity among group visitors. The staff’s exceptional attentiveness extends beyond service to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment, which is especially appreciated during live events and busy social nights. Professional, courteous door staff and a commitment to safety protocols mean guests can relax without concern, focusing instead on enjoying their time together. The spacious indoor-outdoor layout naturally supports good social distancing and personal space, while the attentive team quickly addresses any group needs or special requests. This combination of careful management and the genuine warmth of the team creates a trusting atmosphere that encourages guests to return and bring more friends or family along.
In sum, The Canal Club is a top-tier destination perfectly suited for hosting meetups with friends or family thanks to its beautiful and flexible setting, diverse and tasty menu, wide range of engaging activities, and dedicated service. Its reputation for excellence in hospitality, safety, and social entertainment ensures that every gathering becomes a cherished memory. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a casual weekend brunch, or simply soak up an evening of great drinks and live music, The Canal Club has all the ingredients to make your group outing exceptional.