The Valley, and greater Scottsdale in particular, boasts some of the most fabulously feminine spots to wine and dine, each meticulously designed—from the tablescapes to the tapas—to capture the hearts, minds, and appetites of the women.
Mon Cheri (MonCheriRestaurants.com) is one of the biggest and boldest examples to date. To enter the venue, there is a doorbell that says, “Ring for champagne.” The brunch-focused eatery is housed in a historic 1954 residence that has been reimagined into a series of experiential spaces. Vibrant floral decor blooms in every direction—especially in the cavernous side patio, which is completely enveloped by white, pink, and red roses. The menu is focused on charcuterie boards for every taste—even brunch-themed boards—and each colorful cocktail is crafted to be photographed.
Similarly audacious in its design, English Rose Tea Room (CarefreeTea.com) welcomes guests with a glowing “Taking time for tea” sign set against a floor-to-ceiling flower wall. It offers traditional high tea service with scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, pastries, and more than 50 loose-leaf teas from which to choose. Delicate teapots, crystal chandeliers, and authentic English antiques are displayed in every direction, leading to a slew of charming indoor seating options, as well as a cozy garden-themed patio.
Whimsical with a modern twist, Little Snitch Brunch & Cocktails (LittleSnitchScottsdale.com) has a bit of the English Rose vibe but with a menu that is closer to Mon Cheri. The eatery boasts an all-pink bar and a beautiful blend of accents that one might find at grandma’s house, such as lace, floral wallpaper, vintage birdcages, and china, as well as an array of today’s hottest trending treats, such as mimosa boards, matcha-inspired cocktails, and eight types of espresso martinis.
STK Steakhouse (STKSteakhouse.com) and 32 Shea (32shea.com) are also perfect for a day—or night—out with the girls. STK’s lower patio features a lush foliage wall, while the upper dining room glows in pink and purple lighting with a “Bubbles are a girl’s best friend” neon sign. At 32 Shea, there is a distinctly Zen vibe, especially on the patio, which has a calming water feature and a massive stone Buddha statue tucked into an entrancing garden with ivy-like vines encircling the space. The food is tailor-made for a girl gang hang thanks to the epic menu of bruschetta, charcuterie, and ultra-light lavosh pizzas.
And finally, for ladies looking for a little escape without leaving the Valley, there is Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store (TommyBahama.com), Spire Bar at the Arizona Biltmore Resort (ArizonaBiltmore.com), Humble Oysters & Bubbles (HumbleOysterBar.com), and Quartz (QuartzPHX.com). Tommy Bahama, located at Kierland Commons, offers the perfect blend of an island aesthetic and bold flavors in an open-air setting. The breezy patio is laid-back and certainly feels like a space one might find in Hawaii, and the cocktail menu has more than a dozen offerings kissed by tropical inspiration. Spire Bar, which is entirely outdoors, offers breathtaking views of Piestewa Peak by day and sparkles with glowing art installations and cozy fire pits by night. It is perfect for those looking for al fresco fun with light bites and a buzzy bar scene. Humble Oysters at High Street, which welcomes guests with a vintage art piece of women enjoying a massive table of oysters together, feels very much like the Hamptons and offers fresh seafood with dozens of sparkling pairing options, as well as small bites and epically garnished cocktails and mocktails. As the name suggest, Quartz, located in Downtown Phoenix, is for ladies who love a great drink with a side of sparkle. The main bar offers cocktails wholly inspired by crystals, and tucked behind the primary space is The Cave, a rose-gold mirrored crystal hallway lined with private booths that feels like stepping inside a shimmering gemstone. It is a glowing girlfriends’ getaway unlike anything else in town.
Delicate teapots, crystal chandeliers, and authentic English antiques are displayed in every direction, leading to a slew of charming indoor seating options, as well as a cozy garden-themed patio.