Arizona Night Life

• • Arizona Night Life

I recently returned from a short trip to Arizona, to scope out the Colorado Rockies and Diamondbacks spring training camp before the action started.

On the first night there, I decided to check out Mill Avenue, in downtown Tempe.  Wow what a place!  Very close to Arizona State University, this is beyond a doubt the college hangout.  Every bar and trendy hot spot had a line that extended for at least a block. I decided not to fight the crowds and just hung around the edges.

However, I did find some great bars; World of Beer, El Hefe, Fat Tuesday, Zuma, Gringo Star, and The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar. Here are a few star restaurants to checkout; Gordon Biersch, La Bozza Pizzeria and Wine, Munchies Café, and for desert the MoJo Frozen Yogurt. I could spend all day listing all the cool places I found. Even better was the shopping! I’m a shopping kind-of-girl, so all you ladies will want to stop by DIVAS and Hippsy Gypsy, which were my two favorite boutiques.

Another area I visited was  Westgate, also known locally as the Entertainment District. This location is convenient if you are headed out to a Coyote or Cardinals game. Be sure to leave a little time before or after the game to wander around. You will find many great restaurants and bars just outside both arenas.

By far my favorite area explored was Old Town Scottsdale. This is where LA meets Miami in Arizona. There isn’t enough time to list all of the great places found on this excursion, however, the W Hotel is a must!

Finally, I asked Jeremy Barfield– an Oakland A’s pitcher who spends his offseason here- what’s hot?  His answer…

“You can’t go wrong with Oldtown Scottsdale! It has the very best nightlife in the area. Check out Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, El Hefe Firehouse, Maya, American Junkie, Mint, Cake, the W…”

A unique perk of Old Town is golf carts. Unlike taxis in other cities, getting around town this way allows you to see more and stop whenever you wish.  Truly, it’s a fun way to travel around town, sightsee, and not end up in tent city. A secret between us, Oldtown is “The Place” you will find many locals (non-college) and players in spring training there.

On Sunday, I had brunch at HI-FI. They had great burgers along with bottomless mimosas; a perfect Sunday combo. I noted everyone here was well dressed and seemed to be having a great time.

My personal “A List” for you to visit includes; Fashion square, The W hotel, Olive & Ivy, and El Hefe.

Yes, beyond a doubt the Phoenix/Scottsdale area has everything you could ask for in nightlife, no matter your age.