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Eat Like a Tourist: Scottsdale

Eat Like a Tourist: Scottsdale

In Scottsdale, celebrity chefs, sports memorabilia and old-school saloons color a dining scene where the Old West and New West collide.

You've heard the refrain, and it's a noble one: "Eat like a local." But what if you want to be an unapologetic tourist and try an Arizona restaurant you've been hearing about for years? There's a reason these places are famous, right? So go for it. This edition of "Eat Like a Tourist" takes us to Scottsdale.

ELEMENTS AT SANCTUARY RESORT & SPA

Why It's Famous: Helmed by a Food Network Star

View of the Elements dining room, with the mountains in the background, and Chef Beau Macmillan

Element's dining room and Chef Beau MacMillan, courtesy of Elements

Elements' executive chef Beau MacMillan catapulted to culinary stardom when he defeated Iron Chef Bobby Flay in the episode "American Kobe Beef" on the Food Network hit series, Iron Chef America. Since, he has appeared on several of the network's other popular shows, including The Next Iron Chef and Best Thing I Ever Ate. Plus, MacMillan has prepared meals for celebs ranging from hockey star Wayne Gretzky to pop music icon Britney Spears. The menu at Elements showcases his masterful talent in dishes like Korean BBQ short ribs and jidori chicken with white-cheddar grits. Sample these as you soak up stunning views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

RUSTY SPUR SALOON

Why It's Famous: Old West Mainstay in a New West Scene

Horseshoes, old-school beer signs and bar stools reminiscent of the lower half of a scantily clad cowgirl decorate Scottsdale's oldest saloon, where locals and tourists alike flock to hear live country music seven days a week. If you want to two-step the night away, you can fuel up with half-pound burgers and locally made tamales, washed down with cold bottled beers from a former bank vault—now a refrigerator. While you dine at this Scottsdale hot spot, keep an eye on the swinging doors. Over the years, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Jennifer Aniston and Toby Keith have all moseyed in.

DON & CHARLIE'S

Why It's Famous: Spring Training Go-To

Two images - one is a burger and fries, and the other is an interior of Don and Charlies with all their sports memorabilia

Courtesy of Don & Charlie's

The aged, corn-fed prime steaks, fresh fish and juicy burgers with hand-cut fries are the stars of the lineup at this classic Chicago-style chophouse opened in 1981 in Scottsdale. But it's the sports memorabilia that draws fans, professional athletes and their coaches, especially during Cactus League Spring Training. Look for baseballs signed by greats like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio and Reggie Jackson in the glass case along one wall. Signed magazine covers, caricatures, jerseys and other memorabilia pay tribute to sports legends beyond baseball.

UPDATE: On April 10, 2019, after 38 years in business, Don & Charlie's hung up their caps and closed their doors.

OLD TOWN TORTILLA FACTORY

Why It's Famous: Alfresco Dining at its Best

Diners in the know consider Old Town Tortilla Factory's 1,400 square-foot flagstone patio one of the best for an alfresco dinner in all of greater Phoenix. Shaded by century-old pecan trees during the day and illuminated by string lights dangling overhead at night, it feels a million miles from the bustle of the nearby Scottsdale Arts District. Adding to its appeal, the restaurant serves complimentary house-made tortillas with flavored butter and features 190 premium tequilas on its menu. Southwestern favorites include a red-chile pork chop with ancho-raspberry sauce and margarita chicken stuffed with cheese and roasted peppers.

FnB

Why It's Famous: Foodie Fave

Diners look at the menu and chat inside FnB restaurant.

Photos by Jill Richards Photography, courtesy of FnB

Since opening in 2009, FnB has garnered accolades from the James Beard Foundation, The New York Times and Food & Wine magazine, to name a few. The outstanding food has earned Chef Charleen Badman a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef in the Southwest every year for the past five years, and under beverage director Pavle Milic's direction, FnB received a 2017 James Beard Foundation nomination for its wine program. Not to mention, nearly every major local and regional publication has recognized the Scottsdale restaurant for its outstanding achievements.

About the Author

Teresa Bitler

Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.

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