Here's a look at new Phoenix/Scottsdale eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces for all types of summer entertaining and events. The new and renovated Phoenix/Scottsdale venues are available for corporate parties, fund-raisers, outdoor events, business dinners, teambuilding activities, conferences, meetings, weddings, and more.
Alpio’s at Troon in Scottsdale became available for events in May. Formerly the owner’s private “man cave,” the 5,000-square-foot space is decked out with conversation-starter elements like classic cars, vintage memorabilia, slot machines, pinball games, billiards, shuffleboard, and a Coca-Cola-style kitchen. An in-house chef creates sustainably sourced dishes for as many as 100 seated guests or 200 for a reception. Built-in sound, lighting, and screens are available.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn debuted a 15,000-square-foot freestanding event space on July 1. The state-of-the-art Paradise Ballroom maintains the southwest charm of the resort while incorporating the latest in modern technology: it is one of only six ballrooms in the United States with folding nano doors and windows. The room accommodates as many as 950 guests for seated meals, and a 17,000-square-foot patio fits 1,500 guests for cocktail receptions. The property includes an additional 20,000 square feet of meeting space throughout the resort.
The Clayton House, a dedicated event space, opened in downtown Scottsdale in November. The venue includes 10,267 square feet of indoor space, with an additional 5,425 square feet on the patio. Four different areas are available for events: the Great Room has space for 700 guests cocktail style or 380 for meals; the Lounge seats 80 for receptions or 150 for theater-style meetings; the Rafters accommodates 500 cocktail style, 300 theater style, or 200 for seated meals; and the Porch fits 150 theater style, 200 for meals, or 400 cocktail style. The modern-industrial venue offers a fiber optic custom light wall, garage doors for loading and unloading, a 40-foot built-in bar and concealed flat-screen TVs. Planners can use in-house catering or choose from a list of approved vendors.
The Esplanade, a massive mixed-use development in Biltmore, opened the E-Center Conference and Event Center in February. The 5,470-square-foot indoor-outdoor venue offers a modern, lounge-style event space with three multipurpose conference rooms for as many as 120 guests theater style. A video wall, 165-inch projection screen, and wireless audiovisual capabilities are available for use during events, and planners can bring in outside catering.
Riot House, a 5,000-square-foot restaurant and bar in Old Town Scottsdale, opened in May. The venue exudes a South Beach vibe, with space for as many as 300 guests for cocktail or dance parties. Tropically inspired bites on the menu include avocado salsa, citrus barbecued chicken flatbread, and Cubano sandwiches. At the bar, guests can choose from a list of innovative cocktails like a cold-brew coffee martini and a margarita made with kombucha. On-site amenities include a 50-foot LED wall, a DJ booth, dance floor, more than 20 televisions, and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Formerly the Carefree Resort and Conference Center, Civana Carefree completed a major renovation in March. The 189-room resort is the first of the Civana brand, which focuses on sustainability and wellness. The property offers healthy dining, a spa powered by solar energy, movement and fitness classes, enrichment programs, and lectures. Dedicated meeting space includes the 9,800-square-foot Saguaro Ballroom, which seats as many as 400 guests banquet style or 1,000 theater style and can be divided into six sections; the 3,500-square-foot Mesquite for 150 banquet style or 200 theater style; and an 18-seat Executive Boardroom. The 1,785-square-foot Flex Studio, located in the resort’s Yoga and Energy Center, can be used for teambuilding activities wellness workshops or yoga classes for as many as 36 participants. Additional event space includes the resort’s two restaurants as well as two event lawns.
Farm and Craft opened a location in uptown Phoenix in April. The restaurant's menu promotes a healthy lifestyle, with options such as kale Caesar salad, roasted cauliflower steak, and chocolate chia tiramisu. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant seats 178 in an open dining room and covered patio that offers a modern, airy atmosphere. Built-in audiovisual capabilities are available throughout the venue.
The McCormick Scottsdale hotel opened a new restaurant, Bo’Vine & Hops, in June. Created to feature heart-healthy beef approved by the American Heart Association, the menu includes several cuts of beef accompanied by signature sauces like chimichurri and sweet bourbon glaze, along with additional proteins such as chicken, pork chops, and salmon. The 2,000-square-foot venue seats 100 guests.
Bevvy opened a second area location in north central Phoenix in March. The gastropub's menu includes hearty items like parmesan tater tots, braised short rib flatbreads, and chocolate funnel fries. At the bar, guests can enjoy signature concoctions like the white gummy bear and the rubber ducky, along with beer and wine. Measuring 6,000 square feet, the quirky, casual venue can seat as many as 250 guests and is outfitted with warm wood accents, a herringbone-patterned floor, tufted leather booths, and an open floor plan. Dozens of HDTVs, a state-of-the-art sound system, vintage bar games, and an in-house DJ can be used during events. An outdoor patio includes rollaway glass windows, creating an indoor-outdoor space.
Babbo Italian Eatery opened in Scottsdale in April, making it the family-owned brand’s eighth Metro Phoenix-area location. Diners here enjoy classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh-from-the-oven focaccia bread. The inviting, 6,000-square-foot restaurant seats 236 guests and is designed with modern decor like dark blue booths, patterned wallpaper, and circular chandeliers. A private dining room accommodates groups ranging in size from 20 to 74.
