Go here when you want to catch an early dinner. It is also a good 'pre-place' to go to on the weekends before heading out for the night.

The crowd at AZ88 goes in phases, moving from the gray hairs to the hipsters as the evening goes on. It draws an eclectic crowd of gays and straights. AZ88's food is light and it has a very good patio. There can be a long wait on weekends though as it is quite popular.

Also consider Stingray, Furio or Postino's.

Go here when you want a casual brunch, lunch or dinner. Orange table is also excellent for breakfast.

Orange Table has a very informal style, almost hippyish. The outdoor patio normally has several bicycles leaning up against the central pole. Dogs are welcomed on the patio as well. This is one of our favorite places in Phoenix.

Also consider Daily Dose, Cafe Zuzu or Pita Jungle

Go here when for casual lunch or dinner when the weather is good and you can hang out on the patio.

The main draw of Arcadia Farms on 1st Avenue is the patio which wraps the back, side and front of the building. The restaurant is a converted old house which is in an old traditional style. Arcadia Farms isn't modernised with a contemporary look like many Phoenix restaurants are. The food is good and the patio is excellent.

Also consider Orange Table or My Florist

Go here when for lunch when you are in the neighborhood, or to watch a game.

RnR is a modernist tavern in the same style as the Vig. It looks like a sports bar from the outside, but this does it a little of a dis-service. It fits with the Phoenix style of contemporary restaurant and bar.

Also consider The Vig, Daily Dose or Bungalow.

Go here when you are in the mood for dinner with your significant other, or with another couple. Citizens public house is also a good place for ladies celebrating a birthday or another event. There is a good price range in the menu, from a $10 burger to a $30 steak which covers to all tastes.

Also consider Herb Box or FNB

Go here when you want breakfast, brunch or a casual dinner.

The Daily Dose leans toward the tavern or pub side of feel and presentation. The food is more pubbish than restaurant and there is a strong selection of drinks of all kinds.

Also consider The Vig

Go here when you have a group get together for happy hour.

Furio is a modernist restaurant in the contemporary Phoenix style. The dinner menu is a bit heavier than most of the other modernist restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale. Furio is dimly lit inside with a mix of stools, booths, lounge chairs and more formal dinner tables.

Also consider Postinos

Update Furio is now closed.

Go here when you feel like sitting out on a large patio and eating strong tasting pizza with wine.

Grazie Pizzeria and Wine bar is a restaurant with a big patio in Old Town Scottsdale. It is located on Main Street near the Valley Ho.

Also consider Humble Pie, Parlor, or La Grande Orange Pizzeria.

Go here when you want an intimate romantic date or for a family birthday.

Metro is French food which is quite rich and heavy. There are sandwiches on the menu but it isn't really suitable for a quick bit to eat if you order anything from the main menu.

Update Metro Brasserie as closed.

Also consider Coup De Tartes, Bario Cafe or Olive and Ivy

Go here when you want very high quality food in an intimate kitchen setting. The owners are charming and involved in the customer experience and the quality of the food. This is a gourmet restaurant.

Also consider Tarbells.