When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Wasted Grain
Why Wasted Grain is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Wasted Grain, located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, is a unique entertainment venue that perfectly blends a classic Prohibition-era bar aesthetic with modern amenities. It offers a vibrant atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot to meet up with friends for various occasions. Whether you're gathering for a casual night out or planning to enjoy live music, Wasted Grain provides an engaging environment with its spacious interior and a welcoming staff. Highlights of the venue include live music performances from Thursday through Sunday nights, making it a popular destination for music lovers. The venue features a diverse menu that caters to casual dining preferences, serving elevated bar food such as jalapeño poppers, crispy chicken sandwiches, smash burgers, and meat lovers flatbreads. Guests appreciate the well-curated drink options and inventive cocktails, adding to the overall experience. Its location in Scottsdale’s bustling entertainment district means it’s close to other nightlife options, yet it provides its own distinct vibe. The private tables and attentive service enhance social gatherings, allowing groups to enjoy music in a comfortable setting. All these elements combined make Wasted Grain an excellent place for friends to connect, enjoy good food and drinks, and share memorable live music experiences.
Here's what people think of Wasted Grain
As of recent, Wasted Grain holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1223 reviews.
Reviews of Wasted Grain reflect a generally positive perception of the venue, with an overall rating of 4.2 from over 1,200 reviews. Customers frequently praise the venue’s lively atmosphere, especially highlighting the live music events that run from Thursday to Sunday, which are a major attraction. The staff and management receive consistent commendations for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to ensure guests’ enjoyment. Reviewers mention the quality and flavor of the bar food positively, with several noting that the menu offers satisfying options at reasonable prices, making it a great place for casual dining. The personalized service, including owners or managers personally engaging with guests and responding quickly to requests such as showing sports events, adds to its appeal. However, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as inconsistent service experiences or specific incidents related to customer interactions, including a reported situation involving a guest being asked to leave due to misunderstanding related to personal health reasons, which affected their experience negatively. A few patrons also find the venue a bit noisy or rowdy during peak hours, which might not suit everyone’s preference. Despite these drawbacks, the general consensus in reviews is that Wasted Grain provides a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, bolstered by good live entertainment and solid food and drink offerings. The strengths in customer service and venue ambiance tend to outweigh the negatives for most visitors, making it a recommended spot for those seeking nightlife in Scottsdale.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cameron
I love this venue for live music. There's always something for everyone here. We returned for a second time to watch the Amy Winehouse Experience, and they never disappointed us. The drinks are good, and the nachos fair+. This is not a place to be blown away by fine dining, but the items they do have well prepared. In short, if you love live music, this is the spot for you. After hours, it does turn into a move club atmosphere with a heart-pounding mix of today's jams.
Willie Castillo
Love going there, great atmosphere, great music when the "pick up lines" is there. Sorry I haven't been there when other bands have played there.
Rebecca Rix
We had a great time here. Got the table by the DJ booth upstairs last night…our server was friendly and attentive. The DJ did an awesome job & the security guards were ON POINT!! Honestly, we were all blown away by how great the guys were to us. They kept our area exclusive to our group and were so friendly and helpful! One of the guys even walked us out at the end of the night. Kuddos to all the great staff that helped to make our night fun and memorable! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ana Valle
Came here on a bike tour during a bachelorette weekend and it was a fun time! Well-priced drinks. Tasty drinks as well. And a relaxed atmosphere where you could dance or hang out with friends.
kirsten presley
I have gone to this bar a numerous amount of times and usually always have a great experience. 95% of the staff is always very kind and helpful- hence the 3 stars. However, I would like to highlight a particular experience that occurred last night, on Saturday 8/2/25. I have never experienced such blatant dis-respect from a staff member until this particular experience. I was ordering a drink at the upstairs “ski” section of the bar (on the right side) when I politely asked the bartender if he was able to make a specific drink, which he rudely screamed “NO” in response to my request. I then ordered an alternative drink, where he rudely screamed “CASH OR CARD” where I responded “card.” I was planning on handing my phone over for Apple Pay. He then rolled his eyes, ignored my order, and walked away. I was taken back by this and left in utter confusion, especially since typically, the payment method is asked at the END of the order. He then eventually circled back to me where I again ordered the same order and he screamed even more aggressively “CASH OR CARD!!!!”. I then responded the same as before, where he then decided to skip past me again, walk away, and ignore me to the point I had to leave and order from a different section of the bar. I am always incredibly polite when ordering, and have never been so taken back by an experience with a bartender and have never been treated with such disrespect. The entire rest of my night my ruined by this interaction. I have also never been asked “to pay”, or for my “payment method” before my order is even fulfilled. Maybe this particular bartender was just having a bad night, but that does not excuse the blatant disrespect and uncalled for treatment. I am leaving this review so that the Wasted Grain staff is aware that they have a staff member that is actively treating customers like this. I am sure I am not the only customer who has been treated like this by this particular bartender. Thank you.
How to reach Wasted Grain
None
Website: None
Why Wasted Grain may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Wasted Grain with your friends? Wasted Grain in Old Town Scottsdale stands out as the ultimate gathering spot for groups seeking a vibrant, memorable night out. The venue’s unique blend of a classically styled Prohibition-era atmosphere with modern amenities creates an inviting ambiance that brings friends together effortlessly. Its lively music scene, featuring local and national live bands from Thursday through Sunday, infuses every visit with an energy perfect for socializing and celebration. Whether you're catching a live show, watching a major sports event, or enjoying thoughtfully crafted cocktails and quality bar food, Wasted Grain knows how to elevate the group experience. The setting is ideal for reconnecting with friends or celebrating special occasions because it combines a warm, welcoming environment with entertainment that appeals to diverse tastes. Attentive service paired with private seating options further enhances the comfort and convenience for groups. This isn’t just a bar or restaurant; it’s a venue that encourages camaraderie, fun, and lasting memories, making it the go-to place for meetups with friends or family.
What activities make Wasted Grain perfect for a group meetup? One of the highlights of Wasted Grain is its live music schedule, which runs Thursday through Sunday nights. This consistent availability of live entertainment is a major draw for groups looking to enjoy a night filled with great sounds and good vibes. The live bands cover various genres, ensuring there is something for everyone's musical taste. Besides live music, Wasted Grain hosts a range of events such as sports watch parties, which are perfect for groups who want to cheer on their favorite teams together in a communal atmosphere enhanced by large screens and spirited fans. Bar crawls and food and beverage festivals are other exciting offerings that make the venue dynamic and engaging, adding layers of interactive fun beyond just dining and drinking. Whether it’s a casual night catching a game or a festive themed event, Wasted Grain’s calendar is packed with options that create shared experiences. The venue's capacity of up to 575 people means it’s spacious enough to host sizable groups without feeling cramped, ensuring everyone can mingle comfortably.
How does the environment and service at Wasted Grain enhance the group experience? The venue prides itself on a family-like atmosphere among its staff, which translates into exemplary service for guests. Regular patrons and visitors alike highlight the attentive and friendly nature of the servers, bartenders, and management as a key part of their positive experience. The owner and management’s hands-on approach to customer engagement—such as promptly accommodating special requests like screening the Rugby World Cup—demonstrates a commitment to guest satisfaction that is rare to find in many venues. Furthermore, the design of Wasted Grain’s space lends itself well to group gatherings; private tables and designated seating areas provide a comfortable and semi-private setting for friends or family to socialize freely without being overwhelmed by the crowd. This thoughtful balance between lively entertainment and intimate group areas makes it easier for meetups to flow smoothly, whether that involves a dinner, drinks, or an all-night party. The mix of a historic, stylish ambiance with a modern twist makes every visit feel special.
What food and drinks can groups expect at Wasted Grain? While Wasted Grain primarily shines as a nightlife and live music venue, its food and drink offerings are no afterthought. Guests can expect a varied menu focusing on elevated bar food classics that pair perfectly with their extensive selection of cocktails. Reviews praise the quality of the food, which is served at reasonable prices given the venue’s prime location and entertainment value. Groups will appreciate the variety as it caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring no one goes hungry during their gathering. The cocktail menu showcases skilled bartenders creating unique, flavorful drinks that complement the venue’s vintage aesthetic. This culinary and beverage combination not only satisfies appetites but also contributes to the overall festive atmosphere that Wasted Grain is known for. Whether you’re indulging in flavorful appetizers or sipping creatively mixed drinks, the food and beverage experience here supports and enhances the social vibe of your group outing.
Why is Wasted Grain’s location and vibe attractive for social gatherings? Situated in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Wasted Grain benefits from being in a lively district known for its nightlife and entertainment options. This central location makes it easy for groups to plan a full evening out, whether they want to start with dinner, move to live music, or head out for a bar crawl. The Prohibition-era design gives the venue a timeless feel that stands apart from more generic nightspots, lending an air of sophistication and nostalgia that appeals to a broad audience. This aesthetic, combined with modern amenities like large screens for sports viewing and high-quality sound systems for live shows, makes it a versatile space that fits a wide range of social occasions. The positive crowd and the venue’s policy for a 21+ age group ensure an adult-friendly environment where groups can relax and enjoy themselves freely. All these factors contribute to Wasted Grain’s reputation as an ideal meetup location for friends and family who want more than just a standard night out.
How does Wasted Grain handle large groups and special occasions? For groups looking to host meetups for birthdays, celebrations, or casual get-togethers, Wasted Grain offers a flexible and accommodating environment. Its capacity and layout are designed to handle both moderate and larger gatherings comfortably. The staff’s commitment to personalized service means they often work with groups to customize elements of the experience, from seating arrangements to special menu requests or event screenings. The venue’s involvement in city-wide events like bar crawls and festivals also provides opportunities for groups to participate in larger communal celebrations while still having their own space to convene. This balance of scale and intimacy is appealing for those who want the excitement of a bustling venue combined with the ability to enjoy meaningful time with friends or family. Advance planning options and the management’s attentiveness to guest needs further strengthen Wasted Grain’s suitability as a go-to spot for group events in Old Town Scottsdale.
What makes the entertainment lineup at Wasted Grain stand out? Wasted Grain’s entertainment is a critical aspect of its appeal for group meetups, with live music from Thursday to Sunday featuring a variety of acts across musical genres. This schedule not only provides regular opportunities for guests to experience something fresh but also supports local and national talent, enriching the community’s cultural scene. The venue is also known for hosting themed events and special promotions that encourage group participation, such as holiday parties or unique food and drink festivals. Additionally, the ability to easily accommodate sports fans with live broadcasts of major events like the Rugby World Cup creates shared moments of excitement within a welcoming crowd. The combination of music, sports, and festive activities ensures that no matter the occasion, the entertainment always brings people together in a dynamic setting. For groups that want to make their meetup lively and engaging, Wasted Grain’s entertainment lineup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How accessible and convenient is Wasted Grain for locals and visitors? Located at 7295 E Stetson Drive, Wasted Grain is strategically positioned in a bustling part of Scottsdale, making it accessible for both residents and tourists. Its proximity to hotels, other eateries, and nightlife venues means groups can easily incorporate it into a night’s itinerary without hassle. Parking and transportation options in Old Town Scottsdale are generally convenient, facilitating smooth arrivals and departures for larger groups. The venue’s operating hours from 5 PM Thursday through Saturday, and until midnight on Sunday, align well with typical social schedules, providing ample time for extended meetups. Though closed on Monday through Wednesday, Wasted Grain’s weekend availability supports planning for those key social nights. This combination of accessibility and thoughtful scheduling adds to the venue’s appeal as a reliable, fun, and straightforward choice for group gatherings in the area.
What do customer reviews reveal about the group experience at Wasted Grain? With an overall rating of 4.2 from over 1,200 reviews, customer feedback paints a mostly positive picture of Wasted Grain’s ability to host enjoyable group outings. Patrons frequently praise the venue’s atmosphere, live music quality, and attentiveness of staff. Many reviews highlight how the personalized service and well-organized events contribute to a welcoming environment where groups feel comfortable and valued. A few reports mention occasional issues typical of busy nightlife venues, such as crowding or service speed during peak times, but these do not overwhelmingly detract from the generally favorable impression. The consistency in positive remarks about the quality of entertainment, food, and drinks supports Wasted Grain’s reputation as an excellent spot for meetups. This broad base of satisfied customers confirms that the venue successfully meets the diverse needs of groups seeking a fun, engaging, and memorable place to gather.