From luxury resorts to lively gastropubs, the red-hot Phoenix/Scottsdale market has plenty to offer in the way of innovative, well-designed restaurant concepts. Headed out to the Super Bowl or the upcoming RestaurantPoint in Scottsdale? Here are three inspiring restaurant concepts to check out while you're there.
J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician
Created by renowned chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten and designed by David Rockwell, J&G Steakhouse provides a high-end culinary complement to this five-star property on the north side of Camelback Mountain.
The décor is sleek and modern yet warm, using colors, textures and materials inspired by the steaks, the wines and, especially, the dramatic views of the Sonoran Desert landscape from the fifth-floor penthouse restaurant. Highlights include a dramatic wraparound bar topped with tempesta onyx, circular booths, custom furniture and an expansive covered terrace with fire feature.
Federal Pizza
Located in central Phoenix, Federal Pizza is a dine-in and drive-thru restaurant known for its wood-grilled pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. It also serves wine and beer — 60-ounce refillable growlers and 32-ounce refillable chubs — to go. Housed in the former First Federal Savings & Loan building, designed in the 1950s by architect Al Beadle, the restaurant evokes a midcentury feel with modern touches. It’s one of several adaptive-reuse projects by multiconcept operator Upward Projects. At Federal Pizza, the bank’s teller lane was repurposed as a drive-thru while interior highlights include a 30-foot butcher block bar, display kitchen with wood-fired oven and counter seating, custom-painted mural, orange booths and vintage lamps. Large windows and skylights create a light, open feel.
Culinary Dropout
One of Fox Restaurant Concepts’ hits, Culinary Dropout is a big, bold, casually hip concept launched in 2013. It anchors The Yard, a central Phoenix dining destination created from a 1950s motorcycle dealership. The restaurant’s design features an industrial palette of brick, glass, wood and steel, while exposed ductwork, industrial lighting and custom furnishings complete the vibe. An expo kitchen sits across from a large indoor-outdoor bar and dining area, which fronts a 10,000-square-foot courtyard where guests can play lawn games.