Boasting an annual 300+ days of sunshine, the appropriately-named Valley of the Sun has no shortage of idyllic spots to enjoy al fresco dining. They make a perfect setting for brunch with friends on a breezy afternoon or a romantic evening under starry skies and twinkling lights. Whether you’re looking to lounge on a terrace at a historic Arizona hacienda or sip a craft brew on a lakeside veranda, here are five of our city’s most picturesque patios.
The House Brasserie
The al fresco expanse at this Old Town Scottsdale gem is actually larger than its equally charming indoor dining room, set inside a 1920s bungalow. Surrounded by lush greenery, this 1,660 square foot paved terrace stretches from a larger patio along Main Street to a more intimate dining area in the back anchored by a brick fireplace. It is the perfect place to savor the culinary talents of executive chef Brandon Jedd. Start your meal with hamachi crudo in a citrusy shio koji broth decorated with kumquats, Mountain Rose apples, and garlic chips. Or dive into a delightful House Wedge salad with blue cheese and candied bacon, crowned with a crunchy fried onion ring. Next, crack into the crispy fried chicken with popcorn cornbread and collard greens braised with pancetta, or a 28-day aged filet mignon atop broccolini grilled over Japanese charcoal, which is then showered with elote and complemented by shishito chimichurri.
The Vig McDowell Mountain
This location of The Vig, part of the Genuine Concepts group of neighborhood favorites, draws its design cues from acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The striking 8,000 square foot patio is scattered with Adirondack chairs, market umbrellas, inviting dining areas, and firepits. Live music reverberates throughout the space. With its McDowell Mountain views, this location is a spectacular backdrop for chef Jeremy Pacheco’s elevated comfort food that celebrates several locally-sourced ingredients. Look for Chef’s signature ahi tuna seared on a salt rock and drizzled with yuzu vinaigrette, or the slow-braised lamb shank with creamy polenta and Crow’s Dairy goat cheese. Treat yourself to the juicy Rovey Farms Wagyu NY strip steak and fantastic veggie sides including whole roasted cauliflower with caper-pine nut brown butter or garlic green beans with romesco sauce.
J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician
Befitting an award-winning steakhouse helmed by acclaimed chef Jacques Qualin, the outdoor dining area at J&G sports two firepits and is highly impressive. From its lofty perch on the top floor of The Phoenician, the balcony captures sweeping Sonoran Desert views which are especially stunning at sunset. Seating only 38 lucky guests, tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualin skillfully executes a menu combining French techniques and Asian touches. Some of the classic steakhouse fare includes dishes ranging from seabass glazed with miso and yuzu, to an indulgent 30-oz Wagyu tomahawk ribeye for two carved table-side.
Hermosa Inn
The recipient of multiple Best Patio awards, this boutique resort has continued to enhance its beautiful outdoor dining in recent years, adding misters, five additional fireplaces, and enlarging the al fresco area of their cocktail bar. Visit LON’s Last Drop for pre and post-dinner cocktails or Happy Hour. There, you can order craft cocktails such as the Hogwash (bacon-washed WhistlePig PiggyBack rye, Carpano Antica vermouth, and mole bitters) while dining on lobster tempura drizzled with smoked chile aioli, shrimp tacos topped with aji-amarillo salsa, and beef and caramelized onion sliders. For lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner, you’ll want to make a reservation for a coveted seat at LON’s at The Hermosa Inn to enjoy the sparkling fountain and surrounding gardens. Brunch delights include monkey bread with cream cheese frosting and fried chicken and waffles with bacon jam. Dinner brings items like scallops with Meyer lemon, bacon gremolata, and desert blossom, or honey-glazed duck and Hayden Flour Mills farro.
Phoenix Beer Co.
If your idea of a perfect afternoon is sipping on a cold beer while enjoying a waterfront patio, look no further than Phoenix Beer Co.’s Scottsdale lot. Situated on a prime location overlooking Lake Marguerite, this brewpub is the place to be to down some pints of their flagship IPA, Bird City Lager, and Sunset Sour, or Sonoran Brewing Company’s White Chocolate Ale. Fan favorites from the menu include buttery Bavarian pretzels with Arizona Gold beer cheese, smoked pork shoulder tacos, and signature crispy pizzas cooked in a square iron pan. Burn off some of your beers by hopping on the bike path adjacent to the restaurant. The path runs along the lake and sports some of Arizona’s top sunset views.
Written by Christina Barrueta
Photography by Luke Irvin