Karsen's Grill

Most reviewers like Karsen's food -- and so did I.  The patty melt was fresh and tasty, the reuben was just as a reuben should be, and my bottled beer ... well it was bottled beer.  The service was pleasant and reasonably prompt.  So why just three stars?  It's not just that the French fries were soggy.

Clue #1 - Our server was the bartender.

Clue #2 - We were not sitting at the bar.

It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to figure out that Karsen's must be a very small place.  Indeed it is, with six small tables inside, and about eight seats at the bar.

So what's wrong with that? --- Nothing.  Throughout Spain and Italy bars like this are the main places people go for quick meals.  But Karsen's takes small to a new level.  For example, there are no draft beers.  For example, from your table you get a view of a long untidy corrider leading to the back of the building.  For example, your one seating option is a bar stool.

In the end, Karsen's feels a bit like a third world beer joint, slightly upgraded, and with food much better than one would expect at such a place.  Three stars -- that's just about right.

Great fish & chips! Found them on Yelp & liked all the reviews so went over with a girlfriend last night. The fish was fresh & flaky, the french fries were REAL, & the bartender was friendly & the service was great. The location is great in Old Town Scottsdale, and as a new person in town I know it will be a place where I can go alone and feel very comforable. Definitely will be back!

Who wants a hug? I do!

That was my reply to our friendly waitress. This place is a small bar with better than expected food and like the other reviews say good service. It's amazing how much sincere, friendly service can make beer taste colder and sandwiches better. Karsen's is now part of the Scottsdale routine.