The swankier, quieter end of the long, rectangular stretch of land occupied by The West’s Most Western Town, North Scottsdale is home to tony resorts, luxury shopping and restaurants galore – all the amenities of Old Town, without the clamor. Except during WMPO week, of course. Some things to keep you busy pre- or post-golf fun:
10 a.m.: Breakfast at Butters
Fuel up for the tournament with incredible pancakes, French toast, Benedicts and skillets at this beloved breakfast joint. There’s always a line, but it’s always worth the wait. butterscafe.com
11 a.m.: Shopping at Kierland Commons
This open-air work/shop/dine hub offers plenty of local boutiques, national retailers and spots for a quick meal. Abundant seating, too, if you want to take a load off and people-watch after a morning at the Open. kierlandcommons.com
12 p.m.: Lunch at The Mission
Chef Matt Carter has two restaurants in Kierland Commons: classic French Zinc Bistro and modern Mexican hot spot The Mission (satellite location to the original in Old Town). Get the shrimp antichucos, chipotle Caesar salad and short rib tacos. themissionaz.com
5 p.m.: Drinks at Tell Your Friends
This glitzy new “speakeasy” is actually more akin to an old-school supper club, with sumptuous seating, luxe design touches and live entertainment. For a splurge, “The Only” caviar service and Champagne are nonpareil. tellyourfriendsaz.com
7 p.m.: Dinner at Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s pan-Latin restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort got a gorgeous renovation this year, plus a menu revamp offering fun new dishes (lomo saltado) while preserving old favorites (Chifa-style fried rice). scottsdaleprincess.com/scottsdale-restaurants/toro
Sushi Stops
Need a quick bite that won’t weigh you down? North Scottsdale boasts a surplus of sushi spots where you can find sashimi, nigiri, rolls and other tasty Japanese tidbits.
Obon Sushi Bar Ramen
This sleek and petite eatery occupies a bustling corner of Scottsdale Quarter. Love heat? Try the Fukushu roll: spicy salmon topped with spicy tuna, Serrano peppers, spicy mayo, Sriracha and rice pearls. obonsushi.com
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse
While it’s primarily a teppanyaki spot, Kasai also has a deep sushi menu. Get the Rebel Rebel: spicy yellowtail and avocado topped with big-eye tuna, scallions and roasted garlic chips, served with ponzu. kasaiteppan.com
Sushi Brokers
There’s all manner of traditional sushi at this Scottsdale haunt, but for a taste of Arizona, try the Southwest-inspired Del Sol: tempura shrimp, spicy krab, roasted jalapeños, asparagus and avocado with cilantro ranch, natch. sushibrokers.com
Buy a Souvenir: Press Coffee
The Valley’s most successful local coffee chain started at Scottsdale Quarter. Pick up a bag of beans – we recommend the Spitball espresso – to take home. presscoffee.com
Take a Hike: Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail
Get up early for a hike in the beautiful land of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. The Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail opened in October and provides an easy, family-friendly hike. It’s about 3.2 miles round trip. mcdowellsonoran.org/browns
