We have the insider information to show you the time of your life while in the Valley for the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The AK-Chin Indian Community (WMPO). Whether you love golf or just appreciate a good time, check out our favorite Open hangouts found near to (or at, in some instances) TPC Scottsdale.
Coors Light Birds Nest (pictured on opening page): Venture to Coors Light Birds Nest for the ultimate Open after-party. Located right across from the Open, Coors Light Birds Nest provides quick access to the perfect place to continue the Open celebrations. DJ’s and other big-time musical guests play shows every year to huge crowds, all underneath a giant tent. Drinks are aplenty, and the people are too. So grab a friend and a drink, and dance the night away at Coors Light Birds Nest.
16th Hole: Who said golf has to be a quiet sport? The 16th Hole at the WMPO provides a way to experience golf like nowhere else: with a stadium-style setup full of screaming fans. Golfers must play through a crowd of rowdy observers, but many of them have fun with this unique golfing experience—it’s not often they hear air horns mid-swing. Nearly 3,000 coveted seats that are on the 16th hole are first-come, first-serve for those with general tickets. To keep the spirit of the 16th hole going, beer stands are located nearby.
Toro at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (pictured): Overlooking the Open’s 18th green, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar is certainly a place to catch a bit of the tournament—or to visit afterwards. The menu features Latin American food with influences from South America, Japan, Peru and China. Unlike any other restaurant in the Valley, Toro also boasts an on-staff rum expert to advise you on the best rum pairings. Don’t miss a local Toro favorite, the suviche bar—a fusion of sushi and ceviche.
Kazimierz World Wine Bar: Hidden behind an alleyway door that reads “The Truth is Inside,” Kazimierz in Old Town is a wonderful place to sip on some wine and indulge in some fabulous live jazz, funk and soul music. Kazimierz’s mysterious entrance make smore sense once you step inside—the bar’s dark, cavernous setting feels all-too mysterious, yet intimate. Kazimierzis one of a kind and will likely bring you to the dance floor, especially after a few glasses off of its extensive wine list.
Dominick’s Steakhouse: Dominick’s Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter provides a gorgeous place to indulge in post-WMPO eats. Its high-quality steaks, along with a variety of seafood, salads and over-the-top sides, provide the perfect options for a delicious meal among the restaurant’s ornate décor. And the option of poolside dining really takes the experience at Dominick’s to the next level. Dominick’s steaks are known to be the best in the Valley, but be sure to save some room for dessert—Dominick’s beignet tree is so delicious and famous that it has its own Twitter account (@TheBeignetTree).
Second Story Restaurant & Liquor Bar: A classic liquor bar in Old Town, Second Story is also known for its delectable eats. The addition of Chef Nick Rusticus and his incredible culinary skills put Second Story on the map as a must-dine. Boasting more than 200 whiskeys and enough additional high-quality cocktails to make your head spin (in more ways than one), the intimate ambience that Second Story has created makes it a wonderful and memorable experience unlike any other in the Valley.
Modern Margarita: Winner of multiple Arizona Taco Festival awards, Modern Margarita at High Street definitely has its taco recipes perfected. Beyond the tacos, the restaurant’s namesake drink, margaritas, are among the best in the Valley. With flavors like prickly pear, blackberry, cucumber and more, Modern Margarita has taken the concept of a margarita and updated it to fit current-day tastes. Modern Margarita has focused on serving locally-sourced food and beverages,and the quality certainly shows.
Topgolf Scottsdale: If you feel like you just haven’t had enough golf for the day, or are feeling inspired to hit some balls of your own, checkout Topgolf in Scottsdale. Here you can swing the club while being served booze—quite a winning combination.Topgolf has bays available to rent where groups can play a variety of games (not just golf) and drink to their heart’sdelight. Want to venture outside of your group’s bay? Other Topgolf activities include TV’s, a full bar, pool tables andmuch more.
The Living Room at Market Street at DC Ranch: The Living Room’s Mediterranean menu offers a variety of stellar eats for before or after the Open. However, The Living Roomdoes not limit itself to tasty food—its drink options are just as impressive. Home to 25 different wine options, with 10 beers on tap and a multitude of spirits, as well as sangria (for those of us who struggle with choosing between wine and spirits), The Living Room is sure to be a spot you visit more than once during your time in the Valley. Its hip, yet relaxed environment makes daytime drinking look especially easy and appealing.
BLK Live: North Scottsdale’s BLK Live will host a very special brunch and shuttle package during the weekend of WMPO.Ranging from $125 to $150, guests can enjoy traditional brunch (including the decadent white chocolate pancakes) and the venue’s signature Bloody Mary or mimosa, along with a ride to WMPO. Live music from local bands and musicians—along with fab happy hour specials—will be going on throughout the week.
Zinc Bistro: A convenient drive from WMPO, Zinc Bistro at Kierland Commons and its wonderful patio have created a meal setting that you must try. The French bistro vibe is truly authentic, and that, combined with Phoenix’s ideal weather this time of year, makes for a wonderful dining experience. Don’t miss out on Zinc Bistro’s French onion soup as Chef Matt Carter has certainly succeeded in perfecting this French staple.
Save Some Green
Riot Hospitality Group will offer 20 percent off your bill at any of its concepts (Hand Cut, Farm & Craft, El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, pictured) the week of the WMPO. All you have to do is show your ticket.
Central Kitchen in Uptown Phoenix will dish out free pretzel bites to anyone who brings in their WMPO pass/ticket from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. The bites are served with two dipping sidesmade with Phoenix Ale Brewery beers: the Biltmore Blonde Ale cheese and the Ironwood Porter mustard.
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., indulge in a $5 special on DIY Bloody Marys at The Hash Kitchen. Customize cocktails at the build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar with more than 50 unique toppings (think Slim Jims and fried ravioli).
Bring your WMPO ticket to these High Street food and drink destinations to receive some sweetdetails: Growler USA, 25 percent off entire bill; Kona Grill, 20 percent off entire bill; and Mellow Mushroom, $5 off purchase of $25 or more.
