New Pub & IKEA's New Concept Coming to Scottsdale

Good morning, Scottsdale. This is Scottsdale Scoop, the newsletter that shares fun events and highlights local businesses. 

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In today’s Scottsdale Scoop:

• New gastropub in Old Town

• An Italian spot you need to try

• Date spot that includes a private helicopter tour

Let’s get to it.

— John Apolinar

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

New GastroPub in Old Town

Heads up, Scottsdale: there’s a new gastropub in town that’s worth checking out. Liquor Pig just opened its doors in Old Town, thanks to industry veterans Steven “Chops” Smith and his partner, sommelier Scott Casey. 

They’ve transformed a ’50s-era house into a cozy spot with a 20-seat bar and a backbar with a gold mirror. The place has a warm, inviting vibe with natural materials like brick and wood. 

The menu is a creative take on classics, featuring dishes like roasted bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, duck carnitas chimichanga, and veal pappardelle. Smith, known for his handmade pasta from his time at Fat Ox and Atria, brings his expertise to the table here. 

On the drinks side, Casey has curated a 50-bottle wine list with unique, creative selections. They also have cocktails crafted by a team of competitive bartenders. One standout is the “Spam Folder,” a whiskey- and rum-based tiki drink that includes Spam as a key ingredient.  

Famous Taco Bell Location Closing

If you’ve ever grabbed a late-night meal from the old-school Taco Bell at Hayden and McDowell in South Scottsdale, heads up—it’s closing soon. This spot, rocking that classic ’60s mission-style with stucco walls and arched doorways, has been serving up Crunchwraps since 1966. It was the 31st Taco Bell ever built, making it a piece of fast-food history. 

A brand-new, modern Taco Bell is opening right next door, but won’t have that similar aesthetic.

I know it’s an eyesore but every time a location like this closes that was a piece of my childhood it kind of hurts. I still miss all the weird shaped Pizza Huts from the late 90s.

IKEA's New Concept Store is Hitting the Promenade Soon

IKEA is bringing a new ‘planning studio concept’ to Scottsdale’s Promenade, set to open this April. Unlike the massive Tempe warehouse, this much smaller location will focus on personalized design consultations for your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom projects. It’s all about tailored solutions, especially for small-space living. 

This studio is part of IKEA’s broader U.S. expansion, with eight new stores planned nationwide.

I’ll keep my eyes out for an opening date 👀

BUSINESS BUZZ

Authentic Italian Food in North Scottsdale

One of the best spots (if not THE best spot) for Italian food in North Scottsdale is still a hidden gem I feel. Since last Sunday was National Carbonara Day figured this would be the perfect week to highlight them. Mama Lucy should be on everyone’s list to try.

This family-owned gem brings the flavors of Puglia straight to your plate, with recipes passed down through generations. From their signature Pizzelle—crispy mini pizzas topped with tomato sauce and Parmigiano—to classics like La Regina Carbonara (TRY IT), every dish is flawless.

I had a chance to come here with a group a friends a while back and loved how lowkey it was. The owners (father and daughter combo) came out and talked with us a bit and it made me love the place even more.

Cool Little Airport Bar

I had a chance to stop by Volanti over the weekend and really enjoyed the setting.

Perched right at the Scottsdale Airport, this place offers a front-row seat to private planes taking off and landing—making your time a bit more exciting than usual. 

The menu has a mix of American favorites with a twist. Think dishes like the Volanti Burger with aged cheddar and chipotle aioli, or the Chilean Sea Bass paired with wild mushroom risotto.

If you’re in the mood for an adventurous date they have a helicopter tour for two that includes dinner and wine. I also heard they have a solid brunch lineup on weekends!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WEEKEND LINEUP

Thursday, April 10

🎶 Banda Fortuna | Casino Arizona | 7:00 PM

Friday, April 11

🎉 Grand Opening of Wilson MD Aesthetics + Wellness | Wilson MD Aesthetics + Wellness | 11:00 AM

🎨 Matriarch Mixer with The Walter Hive | The Walter Hive | 6:00 PM

🎶 Hiromi’s Sonicwonder | Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 8:00 PM

🎤 Legends in Concert | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

Saturday, April 12

🚴‍♂️ Tour de Scottsdale | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 7:00 AM

🍳 Saturday Brunch – Homestyle Delights | Classic Cooking Academy | 11:00 AM

🎬 Pee Wee’s Big Adventure 40th Anniversary | Landmark Scottsdale Quarter Theatre | 9:30 PM

🎤 Ashley Hesseltine Standup Comedy | Desert Ridge Improv | 6:00PM & 8:30 PM

Sunday, April 13

🐰 Bunny Brunch | Phoenix Zoo – Stonehouse Pavilion | 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

🧘‍♀️ Align and Elevate, Powered by lululemon | Scottsdale Fashion Square | 9:00 AM

🎤 Anthony Rodia Standup Comedy | Desert Ridge Improv | 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM

THE GOOD LIFE

Featuring this weeks most expensive home sold at $7.8M. The mountain views of this property might be the best yet. The second and fifth images 👌🏽

Here’s the realtor.com link if you want to check it out!

GET INVOLVED

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Want your business’s event or promotion read by 3,700 Scottsdale residents? Shoot me an email at john@thescottsdalescoop.com