If I could give 10 stars I would based on the design and atmosphere alone.
I'm from LA and was brought here by my best friend after a day at the pool. Even upon entering I was excited with the sculptures and architecture that sat and wavered outside this establishment.
The inside was so artsy and cool. I have never had so much beautiful eye candy to look at before. And by the candy, I mean the modern with a touch of contemporary design.
Our server was sweet and extremely efficient. She wasted no time giving us what we needed.
I ordered the  BURGER AU POIVRE. It was slathered in a peppercorn sauce. My taste buds were overwhelmed and wanted at least 2  more burgers. It also came with waffle fries. To me fries are fries, so....
The bathroom there is a treat in itself. I had to excuse myself to go to the ladies room, upon entering I ran back to the table for my camera phone. There was no way that bathroom was gonna get away without an Instagram shot slash snapchat from me.
I recommend this place to anyone wanting a clean, and classy environment. I'll definitely be back.
Try it...love it...Yelp it...
Food: 4 Stars
Service: 2 Stars
Had a not-so-great experience there this last time I went. We usually go for the AZ88 Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Ceviche which are both amazing. Â But the service on a what seemed like a not-so-busy Saturday afternoon was pretty frustrating. Â Took us at least 7 minutes to find someone to cone get a drink order. Â Then another 15 to take our food order and when it all came out we were missing someone's food to where she said that its right back there and then never saw the waitress for another 5 minutes. If it was right back in the window she would have just gone and got it and came right back. Nope. She came out and started filling other tables glasses and stuff with no sign of our missing entree. Then at the end we asked for the bill, she brought it, we were passing it around for a minute trying to delve it all out and figure out the math to give to the appropriate parties of 2 and after she saw us struggling she then stepped in and asked if we wanted to split it by couple. So we said of course. She came back with the bill split EVENLY 3 ways. NOT split by couple. We were so frustrated by this point that she got minimal tip and no one will make an effort to go back there anytime soon. Â We'll make our food to-go orders from now on.
I hadn't been here in so long, had totally forgotten about this place until just a few weeks ago when my father-in-law suggested it for dinner for the four of us. It had been awhile since I had been here, but it was fantastic.
We enjoyed our few hours on the patio, in no rush. I had a great white wine and the boys enjoyed their beers. I actually ordered just the chips with blue cheese for my meal since I was in the mood for something to munch on and it was perfect. And I ate every last chip. Awesome.
Hopefully I'll be back again soon and not wait a few years for my next meal here. It's a great place!
Oh AZ88 how I love you... But $14+ for a martini? Â Come on... We're not in Manhattan. Â I'm pretty sure that's the last place I paid that much for a drink. Â Maybe I just don't spend enough time in Scottsdale? (My wallet thanks me)
The service is fantastic, as is the people watching, but the food was just so-so yesterday (had a chicken sandwich which was pretty dry & my friend wasn't thrilled with her food either).
Nonetheless, I will be back to over-pay for the delicious drinks & enjoy the ambience & I'll be sure to order the Cobb salad next time which was amazing the first time I had it (& the words "amazing" and "salad" rarely come out of my mouth!).
THE place to go before or after an event at Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Really interesting rotating "decorations" often in the form of sculptures to capture the season. Food is almost picnic style....chicken sandwiches, burgers,....waffle fries are great. Gotta have the martinis here...severed in a special 3 shot glass. About as "chic" as you get in AZ. They actually have a sister location in NYC in the Village.
Review Source:Again, I really really wanted to like this place but I just can't. The restaurant is beautiful, no doubt but the food... Ugh. The last time I came here I ordered a burger which made me sick; this time I got the chicken bonfire. The chicken was nothing special, the red potatoes tasted bland, and the "crunchy slaw" was flat out gross. I can't give it zero stars but I guess one star for the waffle fries. That's the best thing they have to offer. Boo!
Review Source:This is my favorite restaurant in Phoenix/Scottsdale by far. Â I have been dining at AZ88 at least once every couple months since 2001. Â The thing that impresses me most is the consistency of the food. Â I usually order one of a my usual sandwiches (Picnic Chicken or BLT) and every time it is delicious. Â And the waffle fries are probably the best fries I've had anywhere. Â They are literally to die for. Â Service is always pretty good, invariably some nights when they're busy it can be slower than other nights, but overall I've never once had bad service. Â There's a DJ up in the rafters and they rotate an always-interesting art display through the place every few months.
AZ88 has a great vibe and atmosphere. Â It feels like it should be in Miami instead of Scottsdale, and the crowd is usually more trendy and upscale than the douchebaggery spotted elsewhere in Scottsdale. Â I feel like I'm on a mini-vacation when I'm dining there.
I've tried several items from the menu over the years and everything has been excellent. Drinks are the strongest in town by far. Â My girl usually gets one of the martinis, which are super strong and HUGE. Â I keep it simple with a mixed drink (vodka/sprite or Captain/diet) and they bring a glass full of ice and liquor and a separate small can or mini-bottle of sprite or Coke. Â
AZ88 will continue to be my go-to restaurant anytime friends are in town or we want to just have a relaxing enjoyable "night on the town" that is guaranteed to start off right with a great dinner.
Dropped by AZ88 to get my favorite ceviche dish with a salad. Â
The waitress gave us the menus and served us water. Â I noted that there were no straws for the water. Â I will not drink out of glasses directly as a precaution. Â (You never know if they have been washed properly in ANY restaurant regardless of price point)
When we placed the order for our food,  I asked the waitress if she would she please bring us two straws.  When she did, she arrived with two straws without wrappers and placed them in our waters with her bare hands.  So we were expected to suck on these straws which now touched whatever else those bare hands touched prior to serving us??  We were appalled by this unsanitary service.  Can we safely assume that she practices  good hygiene  in all instances including after going to the bathroom.?  When she was informed of our concern, she told us that all the straws in AZ88 come without wrappers.  Who knows what other unhygienic practices go on.
This rating is for this unsanitary and unacceptable service. Â Covered straws can't cost all that much. Â
Sorry AZ 88 but this needs to be said.
I'm torn because I want to give it a 3.5, because at the end of the day it was a posh sandwich joint. BUT, for the ambiance and vibe it gets bumped up to a 4. I had a delicious, huge cheeseburger and my friend had some salad (Mahi or Ahi). My burger was great, but the salad was pretty bland.
Oh yeah, I hurt myself on the golf cart ride over and got a gash in my knee. The waitress was very sweet and went to get me bandaids and alcohol swabs:-)
Love hanging out here on the wknd! Its always crowded, reminds me of Ferndale or Royal Oak crowds back home in Michigan. Great vibe, for the white outdoor patio and the loud music gives off a Miami-South Beach theme. Unfortunately, the dirty martinis are a hit or miss. The food isn't something you want to eat prior to a night on the town (wknd). It's ok as far as food or drinks go, but it's a classier crowd then the normal El Hefe OT College Bar crowd-thank goodness! Sooooo that is what keeps me coming back. A must try at least once, and I love the great location!
Review Source:We absolutely love this place. Â Any time out of town relatives arrive, we head straight for their patio and order their St. Petersburg potatoes. Â The service has always been excellent, and they went out of their way to bring a bowl of ice water for my dog last time we were there. Â Great way to earn bonus points in my book!
Review Source:My friend was in from out of town and we were looking for some where to eat with a nice outdoor patio. Â I want to give this place more than two stars, but I just can't. Â This is why.
The bad:  The server was not particularly friendly or helpful.  She didn't come and check on us to see if we liked our food or if we needed anything else. I got the flatbread and my friend got one of the grilled chicken sandwiches, but the server didn't even bring us little plates.  So my friend got the Truck Garden Chicken Sandwich (Marinated in fresh lemon juice and crusted with peppercorn. Topped with mayonnaise and sliced cucumbers and radishes.) sans mayo.  It was dry and plain and boring.  OH - btw - they say that each sandwich has 8 oz of chicken (I think) - that is a lot....and they charge you $3 to share the sandwich (What?!).  We shared the flatbread and sandwich  (we didn't want the extra sides that they apparently charge you an extra three bux for!!!!) and honestly - I could've gotten better food at Paradise Bakery, Sauce, you name it.  It was pretty bland and boring.  The flatbread was a cracker with some olives, cheese that we not even completely melted, poorly cooked onions (they were supposed to be carmelized), etc.  BLAH. It wasn't even warm.
The good: Â The only two good things to be noted about this place are the great patio with the nice view of the park and good drinks. Â We each had a drink and they were well done. My margarita had fresh squeezed lime juice - I look for good margaritas and pleased with this one. Â
Only later did someone tell me this place is a bar that also serves food....
Guess what ? Â If you're a bar and specialize in only drinks - then don't serve food. Or just serve a couple of appetizers that you can perfect and do well. Everyone that was there was eating....not drinking. Â
I can't figure out why this place got four stars...only thing I can think of is because of the drinks and the patio.
Awesome place to grab a business lunch. Â It's tucked away in the Scottsdale Mall near Drinkwater. Â In my opinion, the best place to park is the parking garage next to the mall area. Â The interior has a modern design and you just feel cool dining here. Â For lunch, I like to order:
Dipping Fries, $6
Cheeseburger, $10.25
They're 2 very solid choices. Â The Cheeseburger is big and fills you up. Â It's also very tasty. Â The Dipping Fries are delish....I only get them when I'm super hungry or if someone else is willing to split it with me, otherwise I will go back to the office with a serious case of carb coma.
The service here is awesome. Â If you're here on business, the servers give you space and make sure they don't interrupt too much, but at the same time ensure that you're drink glasses are kept full.
I highly recommend.
Return Factor - 90%
A friend of mine recommended this place a spot to head before going over to Scottsdale stadium. I was considering the Moose bar as a sportier alternative but I'm glad I picked to go here. I got there before my friend did, so I seated myself outside on the patio. You have a nice view of the farmer's market and a music stage. Too bad the music was terrible. The patio seating also has this cool glass rectangular prism things surrounding it.
Anyhow, I ordered an old fashioned cocktail. Pretty tasty. I ordered the chicken calabrese which came with the waffle fries. The sandwich was soooo good. It had 2 juicy chicken breasts and bell pepper and onions. It was delicious. My friend enjoyed his Caesar salad. I would definitely come back here for brunch.
These hacks couldn't make a cocktail if their lives depended on it. Â They're arrogant and can't back it up.
The mojito was disgusting, with sad overworked mint.
The Sazerac was an abomination. Â They shook it resulting in an over diluted drink, then added a squeeze of a lemon wedge instead of a twist of lemon peel.
This is a really fun restaurant. Â The service is great (they were on a 30 minute wait but allowed our group to go to a restaurant nearby for drinks, then return to be seated). Â The food is delicious and very affordable, the drinks are great, but the people watching is likely the highlight of the experience. Â For a fun night out, AZ 88 is a great choice.
Review Source:This is the archetypical Scottsdale restaurant / nightspot. In fact, if you have friends from out of town and want to give them a real sense of Scottsdale nightlife, this is place to go.
Great food, great drinks, and great people watching. Sure it can get extremely crowded, its somewhat overpriced, and many of the people look like the could be on a Bravo or E reality show, but hey, that's Scottsdale.
So get a spray tan, some Botox for your forehead, Restylane for your lips, put on your designer jeans, ladies wear your Louboutins, guys wear that watch that's bigger than my car, and head out with the beautiful people to AZ 88.
It's been going strong for over 20 years, so they must be doing something right.
I've been to AZ88 for years and taken many friends from out of town. Love the food for the most part, but in the last 2-3 visits their service had been below average. The last time we were there I had two very dirty forks with food stuck in them, and a glass with lipstick. The bacon wrapped water chestnuts have gone down in quality significantly over the years: burned bacon, smaller chestnuts, and dry dry dry. They used to be amazing...
The second to last time I took family there, the ac was not working or was set really high, a huge problem in Arizona. With that said, the drinks are still pretty darn good!
Without realizing it, this was the very first place I went to when I first visited AZ.
Several years later here I am returning to this place almost by accident.
Let's start with the place. Modern, clean, open, dramatic high ceiling, cool bar.
I didn't drink since I was driving but I sipped my friend's dirty martini. Let me put it this way: It was powerful. Two of them would be more than plenty.
The food was really good, specially for the price.
The shrimp cocktail was great, the sauce was spicy and a great presentation.
The bacon wrapped water chestnuts were pretty good too.
We spitted a chicken sandwich with buffalo wing sauce. It came with a side of fries.
If I have to complaint about something, the fries were a little plain.
But again, the price point, the service, the place, the ambiance make this place a must.
I won't let that much time pass by before my next visit!
Cheers.
UPDATE
I went again and was as please (if not more) as the first time.
New favorite: Hell fries!!!
The price/satisfaction ratio is so off that it's not even funny. We were talking of how expensive other places when it comes to evaluate the experience vs. the price.
Still a place that is unacceptable in my book--especially when a server there goes out of their way to message me privately on Yelp to complain about my punctuation, and signing off--every so "sincerely" i might add, with: " love the B*tchy waitress from AZ88.
Way to keep it classy over there.....
As often as I go here (about 2 to 3 times a month) I can't believe I haven't written a review!
I LOVE AZ88!! I go here for lunch with girlfriends and have the fabulous AZ88 salad with ice tea, or martinis with friends (the best in town!) and an appetizer or two to share. The food is plentiful and delicious, a big step up from 'bar' food, but not fancy and not pricey either. The staff is always friendly and attentive. When the weather is nice, they have a lovely patio that actually looks out on a green belt/park area and not a parking lot! But indoors is also a treat with fabulous art and a modern design. If you go at the holidays you can also see their annual "tree" in the dead center of the restaurant. Always a wonderful work of art!
Very "in crowd" but not overly snotty. The seating is a little on top of each other but the food and drinks make up for it.
They DO NOT take reservations so be prepared for a bit of a wait depending on when you go. Gluten free menu available upon request. They also offer take out if your in a hurry call it in ahead of time.
Tried:
Bonfire Chicken - looked amazing
Cobb Salad - Worth 14.00 plus! Its HUGE and delicious
Burger Au POIVRE - Yum
All American Grilled Cheese - Perfection
Every single thing was fantastic! I've raved about this place to anyone who will listen.
Disclaimer: If you're bringing a date here for drinks, it's perfect. Â Swag atmosphere, strong drinks, trendy. Â My review is based solely on dinner.
The waffle fries that everyone is raving about are not that great. Â They're not bad, but not worth a mention in a review. Â I ordered the Burger Au Poivre II, and I still don't know what it tasted like because of all the pepper they used to cook it. Â I would honestly rather order a Big Mac at McDonald's. Â Also had the Hell's Fire Chips, and they're basically potato chips with hot sauce (which is also on the table as a condiment) on them. Â It's sad to say, but the best thing I ate there was the cobb salad, and that was not even anything to rave about.
I would rate this one star, but I had a pleasant experience with friends, and the servers were friendly. Â That's deserving of another star.
I went here for dinner and drinks with my husband and sister-in-law last weekend and we had a great time. The three of us sat outside and that's what I'd recommend for anyone visiting AZ 88. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and less sterile than the interior dining area.
We ordered the ceviche as an appetizer and it was delicious. Being from Florida, Â I'm sort of a ceviche snob. It wasn't the best I've ever had but it was very good and I'd definitely order it again. The homemade tortilla chips really elevated the dish to another level. They were the perfect texture. They started very crispy but softened just the right amount when piled with ceviche.
My husband and sister-in-law ordered the grilled cheese and both of them liked it. I didn't try any of it...because neither offered me a bite. I guess that it was too good to share! I had the cobb salad and it was fresh and tasty. The bleu cheese dressing was good and the crispy bacon was perfectly cooked.
The best part was, by far, the drinks. I ordered a Moscow Mule and it came in a copper mug. It's always supposed to be served like this but so many places around here cut corners and serve it in a glass. The acid from the limes has to react with the copper mug in order to create the true flavor of a Moscow Mule and I really appreciated their attention to detail. Also, I was surprised that the drinks weren't more expensive. They were by no means cheap but I just expected them to be a lot more at a place like this.
If I had to say anything negative it would be about the bathrooms. Don't get me wrong, they were clean and well-kept but the doors were confusing. They had changing lights under the doors and everything was glass. It was confusing...especially after several drinks. Is it too much to ask for a picture of a man or woman on the appropriate bathroom door?
Nice spacious patio overlooking a green park area. Â I had the peppercorn burger (Burger au poivre). Â It was covered with a good amount of peppercorns and doused in a flavorful red wine sauce. Â It tasted good, but there was only a small (albeit very fresh) piece of romaine to go with it, so if you like a burger that is pretty much just meat and starch, this is the burger for you. Â Someone at our table ordered a sandwich, which was a huge portion, and looked simply delectable. Â
Service was sluggish, and it took a long time to get our check so we could pay. Â Generally though, this is a nice place to have a casual meal in a scenic part of Scottsdale.
Have you seen American Psycho? Set in the 1980s, every character is obsessed with what restaurants are hot, and which are totally over. Everything about AZ 88 made me think of that film, and how they'd be firmly in the latter category.
To be fair, I was only here as an evening drinking destination and not for dinner, but I was shocked at how 80s the place felt (even the name is 88!) and also how empty it was. Typically I'm a big fan of specialty handcrafted cocktails, and their entire list was pretty underwhelming. It certainly didn't seem current.
Patrick Bateman would be horrified to be here. I'd just be incredibly apathetic to return.
They serve a drink called the Celebratory Champagne. That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
This drink is a champagne cocktail that comes with colored confetti sugar poured in the top when it arrives to your table (which makes it bubble up prettily.) That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
They stayed open later on weeknights than any other bar around my hotel during my trip to AZ, allowing me to have a drink after arriving in town. That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
The staff is beyond friendly, even remembering me on just my second trip there. That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
The patio is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the outside night air. That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
The prices were more than reasonable for the cocktails we ordered. That alone is worth 5 stars to me.
I think you get the picture.
I did not have the pleasure of dining here, but I did have the pleasure of drinking. The most notable thing for me personally was that AZ 88 appeared to be the spot (or at least one of the few spots) in Scottsdale open late enough on a weekday night to suit my Vegas lifestyle. I mean, I am  not generally one to ask, "Where can a girl get a drink in this town?" But, on this occasion I did, and AZ 88 stepped up.
They have a fabulous patio and a nice list of swanky cocktails. I just really enjoyed the atmosphere sitting outside, sipping on libations. I enjoyed a fine Pimm's Cup, and even though I didn't drink it, the Celebratory Champagne complete with confetti was entertainment for the entire table. My drinking companion relished it so much, she decided to order confetti in every glass of her champagne.
Confetti. Cocktails. What's not 5-stars about that?
As far as I'm concerned, the trendy, chic AZ88 has three things going for it:
1. There's a "Celebratory Champagne" cocktail that involves colored confetti sugar sprinkled in to the drink table-side (and, in fact, all of the cocktails are very good),
2. The cocktail prices here are beyond reasonable for the swanky vibe, and
3. The spot is open pretty damn late for being in an otherwise seemingly-dead part of town.
Located right behind the Saguaro, AZ88 was our go-to bar for late night shenanigans, as most of the other bars in the immediate area seemed to be closed. I was impressed by everything I consumed at this bar, and surprised at the resulting bill (having spent the prior days overpaying for drinks in hotel bars in Sedona and Scottsdale). $7 or $8 for a Buffalo Trace Manhattan is good by any standards.
Service here was on point during both visits, and did a solid job of splitting checks and keeping up with our ever-growing/changing crowd.
The food I sampled here was decent but nothing mind-blowing. However I'd come back in for drinks any time. And sing "WOOOOO" every time someone gets some confetti sugar sprinkled in their champagne cocktail.
The year is 1979. Brothers Ronald Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell have been making a nice living on the R&B charts with the rest of the band, affectionately called "The Gang." Then, like a holy pop-funk messenger sent from heaven, a Mr. J.T. Taylor joins the gang and what follows is an album that will change the face of music, men, and background tunes at sporting events across the country. I'm talking about Celebration.
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
What does this have to do with AZ 88? Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce and explore the magic of the Celebration Champagne. They bring you a flute of champagne and then add a teensy spoon full of sugar. What follows is like the liquid version of the 1980 Kool & The Gang hit "Celebration." Slowly the sugar crystals sink, and then the bubbles form in the champagne, and it slowly rises up to the rim of your glass. I've witnessed both small and erupting bubbles. But the last time I was there I was witness to what may be described as a #1 Billboard hit bubble. It rose nearly a half inch above the rim of the flute and never spilled a drop over the side. It was brilliant.
One does not simply listen to "Celebration" without singing along and dancing. In like manner, one does not order the Celebration Champagne, watch the bubble magic, and maintain silence. It must be enjoyed out loud. Woo, holler, yeehaw, shout, yay or otherwise make some noise. Do it from your soul. Love it.
The vibe here is spot-on. Enough music to cater to some privacy, but not one of those places that you have to shout. Relaxed. Upscale without being snooty. The patio is perfect. I've sat out there for drinks and I've also enjoyed it during a January lunch. Cobb salad, friends. Cobb salad.
There's a party going on right there. A celebration, you might say, to last throughout the years (since 1988). Bring your good times, and your laughter too. They're gonna celebrate and party with you.
It's time to put on those heels and strut your stuff, ladies. You're about to be ... Seen. This is that place. It's white and glass and mirrors and swank, martinis and cocktails and... Hamburgers on plastic plates? That's where I totally get lost.
No reservations are taken and on a Friday night there was about a twenty minute wait. No wait for the patio, but that's only if you don't mind slowly roasting in the Arizona heat.
The cocktails are imaginative and well made, on the pricey side.
The service sucked. This woman never introduced herself, tried to rush us through dinner and didn't let us finish a damn sentence before she was already turning around. Â Lame. So so lame. Turns out she must have been ending her shift (in the middle of dinner service??) because we ended the meal with some other no name server.
I dunno, AZ88 gets such rave reviews, but I just don't get it. The burger was decent but if I'm in the mood for a burger, ain't no way I'm puttin on a skin tight outfit with heals. I'll be rockin my comfy fat girl clothes at the In n Out burger.
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