Eating Scottsdale
I’m not always sure what drives trends — demand, I suppose — but I appreciate and benefit from the many fresh food offerings that are available almost as fast and furious as the more traditional fast-food outlets. I’ve been coming to the Scottsdale area for horse shows since 2007. I can honestly say the variety of restaurants near the WestWorld showgrounds has never been better. No disrespect to the on-site vendors. I’ve eaten well at their food truck and venues before and between classes too. However, when I’ve got a no-classes day or drug myself to the end of the day after the horses are all tucked in, I like to eat and imbibe off-site with Ian and a member or two of our extended horse show family.
Here are a few that we’ve visited or that come recommended. Let me know what you think should also make the list.
Freshbox Salads & Smoothies, 10101 E. Bell Road, near Basha’s, is five minutes drive from WestWorld.
Husband Ian ate the pictured Herban Cowboy for $11.50 and our friend & trainer Kathy Atkinson had the Primal Warrior, which she found delicious but almost too large to finish. Its rice bowls and build-your-own salads are healthy alternatives and also as hearty.
Thai House Noodles & Curries, 15577 N. Hayden Road is 10 minutes drive from the showgrounds.
Panang chicken curry was Ian’s order of the day. Delicious.
OTHER GOOD EATS
Our horse show family friend, Sharna Watson, recommends Carlos O’Brian’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar for its margaritas de fruta (she likes mango). I’ll take one of those and an order of fajitas, please. It’s Scottsdale location is 10 minutes drive from WestWorld.
I love breakfast and for me Butters Pancakes & Cafe ticks all the boxes, especially when I can rendezvous with my horse-writer friend, Carly Kade. There are three locations located along the 101 from WestWorld. Whichever you choose, it will be worth the trip.
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
For my whole food-eating friends as well as the latent vegan in me, I’ve got three nearby restaurants with both vegan and vegetarian menus to recommend.
Both True Food Kitchen and Veggie Village are found at 15577 N. Hayden Road, no more than a 10-minute drive.
Fresh Mint, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road is a 15-minute adventure to Scottsdale Towne Square.
PRO TIP
Lastly, my pro tip post for finding good eats in all varieties is to read about and then follow my favorite Arizona food blogger, Diana Brandt @AZFOODIE on Instagram.
