When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
The Phoenician Tavern
Why The Phoenician Tavern is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Phoenician Tavern offers a unique and inviting spot to meet up with friends in Scottsdale, set against the picturesque backdrop of a lush golf course at the renowned Phoenician Resort. It distinguishes itself from typical resort dining with a lively yet casual atmosphere that caters to a diverse crowd—from golf enthusiasts enjoying a post-game drink to families savoring polished pub grub. The indoor-outdoor layout of the tavern includes a vibrant bar patio ideal for socializing and soaking up scenic views, complemented by comfortable booths perfect for watching sports with friends. The menu features elevated comfort food classics such as Crazy Good Pretzels, Fish and Chips, a Smokehouse Burger, and delectable desserts like Warm Beignets or Hot Apple Pie. Craft beer sampling and daily happy hour specials add to the appeal for groups looking to relax and celebrate together. Regular weekly events, including Saturday night dueling pianos and other specialty tastings, create a dynamic social environment that keeps the mood festive. Private dining options are also available for larger gatherings seeking a more tailored experience within the same welcoming setting. With its combination of a friendly vibe, great food, craft beverages, and excellent views, The Phoenician Tavern stands out as an ideal meeting place for friends in the Scottsdale area.
Here's what people think of The Phoenician Tavern
As of recent, The Phoenician Tavern holds a 4.4-star rating based on 143 reviews.
Guest reviews of The Phoenician Tavern commonly highlight its welcoming and lively atmosphere, making it a favored spot for social gatherings. Many patrons appreciate the quality and flavor of the pub-style menu, often describing it as 'polished pub grub' that exceeds typical expectations for tavern food. Visitors frequently mention the accommodating service and the enjoyable ambiance on the indoor-outdoor patio overlooking the golf course, which enhances their overall experience. Positive reviews often emphasize the tavern as a relaxing venue where guests can unwind with friends or family, enjoy craft beers, and partake in regular events like dueling pianos, which add vibrant entertainment. Conversely, some critical feedback includes occasional remarks about limited or inconsistent food quality and service delays, which are fairly common points in hospitality venues but do not dominate the overall sentiment. A few reviewers also noted that other on-property restaurants could offer more upscale dining but found The Phoenician Tavern to provide the best experience when compared directly. Overall, guest feedback portrays the tavern as a top choice for casual dining and socializing within the resort, praised for balancing comfort, good food, and enjoyable atmosphere effectively.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Holly Landis
I had the pleasure of dining at The Phoenician Tavern on Sunday, March 16, after church services with a friend and colleague. From the moment I entered the resort, I was captivated by the beautifully maintained grounds, the scenic drive past the golf course, and the inviting atmosphere of the tavern itself. The food was outstanding—absolutely 5-star worthy! The tavern burger was hands down the best burger I’ve had in a long time. The service was just as impressive, with a special shout-out to Daniel for his exceptional hospitality. The ambiance was lively and enjoyable, especially with the indoor-outdoor bar patio offering stunning views of the golf course. While the atmosphere was great, I’m giving it 4 stars simply because I expected a bit more of a refined resort feel. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique offerings, including the St. Patrick’s Day menu, craft beer sampling, dueling pianos every Saturday, and bourbon tastings (reservations required). The Phoenician Tavern is a fantastic place to unwind, whether you’re knocking back a local craft beer, enjoying pub-style fare, or just soaking in the beautiful setting. It’s a hidden gem within a luxury resort that doesn’t feel overly formal—perfect for a laid-back yet elevated experience. I’ll definitely be back! ⭐ Food: 5/5 ⭐ Service: 5/5 (Thank you, Daniel!) ⭐ Atmosphere: 4/5
Tim Busekrus
I got the chicken club sandwich and it was mediocre—not bad, not great. Everything else was fantastic—drinks, views, and service was phenomenal. Brittany was a great server and super friendly. Overlooking the famous golf course was awesome. Would come back but would try different food. It’s pricey, but so is everything at a resort.
Reagan Wheeler
Tonight I came for 25$ meal deal until September 2nd. I order two cowboy burgers and two margaritas. The deal through September 2nd includes one drink. One burger and one side for 25$ each. When I revveived my check my total was $70.92. I asked the server why it was so much more and she said it can't be combined with happy hour. And I said I didn't order off of happy hour I ordered off of the 25$ meal. She refused to change the total and still charged me $70.92. Although the burger was excellent this is poor service and false advertising. The servers name was Arba. I overheard heard talking to another person and it sounds like she is one of the main servers at the bar. This is not okay!!
Julia Unger
This restaurant is absolutely beautiful and classy. We basically just ordered a bunch of appetizers and shared them. The artichoke dip, pull-apart pretzels, duck fat Parmesan fries, and pork belly fried rice were all immaculate. The wings however left much to be desired. The tavern style is flavorless, and the buffalo was extremely acidic and burned my eyes even just getting close to them. Our server was nice, but not very attentive. Took a while to notice my empty drink and get me a refill. Bathrooms were very nice and clean as well. Overall a 4star visit.
Steven Ludwig
We were lucky enough to be here on a Saturday night for dueling pianos. Lots of fun. The menu is ideal for a casual meal and felt like a good value. They're known for their boozie milkshakes. And I felt they had perhaps the best wine list of all the bars and restaurants on the property.
How to reach The Phoenician Tavern
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Why The Phoenician Tavern may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Phoenician Tavern with your friends? This vibrant and welcoming tavern offers an unmatched space for socializing and relaxing in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a strong rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 140 reviews, The Phoenician Tavern has earned a reputation as a top spot for gathering with friends or family. Whether you want a casual evening over polished pub cuisine, local craft beers, or cocktails, this venue strikes the perfect balance between lively atmosphere and comfort. Its location overlooking a lush golf course creates a stunning backdrop that elevates every occasion, from laid-back lunches to lively night outs. The Tavern embodies a spirit of camaraderie, combining friendly, attentive service with a dynamic environment where groups can enjoy good food, watch sports, or participate in fun weekends and special events. It’s precisely the kind of place where groups feel instantly welcome and accommodated, making gatherings memorable and fun. You can leave behind the formalities of daily life and just enjoy great company, conversation, and cuisine.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Phoenician Tavern?
The Phoenician Tavern offers an array of compelling activities perfect for group meetups, ensuring each gathering is both enjoyable and engaging. One of the biggest draws is the lively indoor-outdoor bar patio, where guests can enjoy their drinks while soaking in the scenic views of the golf course. This unique setting appeals to both fans of fresh air and cozy indoor vibes. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate comfy booths designed to watch the big game with friends, making the tavern a hotspot for communal viewing experiences. Every Saturday night, the tavern features dueling pianos from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a high-energy live entertainment that invites sing-alongs, laughter, and spirited camaraderie. In addition to these musical evenings, the tavern hosts Tavern Tap Tastings on Saturdays and Bourbon Trail journeys on Thursdays, curated experiences perfect for groups wanting to learn more about craft beverages and bond over shared tastes. Happy hour runs daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering craft beer samplings and discounted selections that make group gatherings both fun and affordable.
What kind of food and drink options make The Phoenician Tavern perfect for a meetup?
Delicious, approachable food and a broad range of beverage options are major reasons The Phoenician Tavern is so highly regarded for gatherings. The tavern is known for its “polished pub grub,” which means you can expect elevated versions of familiar favorites that satisfy any crowd. The menu pairs superbly with an extensive drink list, including local craft beers, creative cocktails, and fine bourbons for those interested in tasting events. Groups appreciate the flexibility offered by both indoor and outdoor dining, allowing everyone to settle where they feel most comfortable. Many reviews praise the food quality, often surprising guests with how a casual tavern atmosphere matches or surpasses the culinary standards of more formal dining venues on the resort property. This combination of great food, extensive drink variety, and welcoming service means groups can both eat well and socialize without fuss or waiting.
How does The Phoenician Tavern accommodate large groups and private parties?
The Phoenician Tavern is well-equipped to host parties of varying sizes, giving groups plenty of options to gather comfortably. It offers private dining spaces ideal for everything from small family reunions to larger celebrations or business meetups. The staff places a high priority on hospitality and accommodating specific group needs, often making reservations and seating large parties without delay. The layout of the tavern—with roomy booths, bar seating, and outdoor tables—ensures flexibility so groups can mix and mingle with ease or enjoy more intimate seating arrangements. Accessibility to amenities such as a full bar and comfortable seating ensures the experience is seamless and enjoyable. This capacity for thoughtful private dining and grab-and-go social spaces creates a perfect environment for memorable group interactions.
Why is the atmosphere at The Phoenician Tavern ideal for socializing and relaxing?
The atmosphere at The Phoenician Tavern is lively yet laid-back, perfectly balancing excitement with comfort. Whether you’re kicking back after a round of golf or meeting friends for a casual weekend night, the environment encourages relaxation and enjoyment. The view of the lush green golf course adds a refreshing, scenic element that enhances the experience and helps groups unwind. The mix of indoor and outdoor seating options means no matter the weather or mood, there's a place for everyone. The tavern's popular events like dueling pianos and tasting sessions create a social buzz where humor, music, and good conversation flow easily. The staff’s friendly approach fosters a welcoming vibe, making attendees feel at home while mingling with others. With this blend of engaging entertainment and comfortable amenities, the tavern is a natural hub for making memories with friends or family.
What makes The Phoenician Tavern stand out compared to other venues in Scottsdale?
The Phoenician Tavern stands apart as a truly unique gathering spot because it combines the elegance of a high-end resort with the friendliness and comfort of a classic tavern setting. Many guests express surprise that a pub-style eatery inside such a prestigious resort could offer some of the best meals and most relaxed social scenes available. Its attention to detail—from the quality of food and craft beers to the atmosphere and customer service—sets it above typical bars or casual restaurants. Additionally, its range of guided tasting activities and Saturday night entertainment inject fun and interactive elements missing in many competing venues. The outlook onto a premier golf course further adds a dimension of beauty and tranquility that elevates the dining and social experience. All this arrives with easy parking, accessibility, and a location conveniently close to Scottsdale’s main attractions, making it an ideal hub for locals and visitors alike.
How can visitors make the most of a meetup at The Phoenician Tavern?
To maximize the meetup experience, visitors should consider making a reservation, especially on weekends when dueling pianos and tasting events draw larger crowds. Planning to arrive during happy hour is smart, as it allows groups to enjoy discounted drinks while settling in. Taking advantage of special themed events like the bourbon journey or tap tastings adds a unique, educational social element to the evening. For larger groups, booking a private dining area in advance ensures a smooth gathering without the stress of waiting for space. Guests should also explore both indoor and outdoor seating to find their preferred vibe—whether that means basking in the sunshine or cozying up inside for the big game. Bringing a group also lets you share different appetizers and drinks, turning the meal into a communal feast that everyone remembers fondly.
With its engaging activities, excellent food and drinks, flexible dining arrangements, and unbeatable atmosphere, The Phoenician Tavern is unquestionably an exceptional choice for group meetups that combine leisure, entertainment, and great company in Scottsdale.