Happy New Years!

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

Happy New Year, Scottsdale! I just wanted to say a huge thank you for being part of this community and supporting the Scoop - hitting 10,000+ readers is pretty wild and I couldn't be more grateful for all of you. Here's to an even better 2026 filled with new restaurants, fun events, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore our city together.

We made a few IG posts on this tracking the progress and sharing updates. Proud to report that it is now officially open! This new coffee shop has a mission that goes beyond your typical caffeine fix. La La Land Kind Café had its soft opening last week and celebrates its grand opening this Saturday from 8am to 2pm with gifts and prizes while supplies last.

What makes this spot special? The Dallas-based brand partners with the La La Land Foundation nonprofit to promote kindness in communities, and they specifically hire and mentor young adults aging out of the foster care system. Their all-white design with bright yellow accents creates what founder Francois Reihani calls "this heaven that someone walks into and you say, 'Hey. This is how the world should be.'"

You'll find them behind Madewell in the center of Kierland Commons. This is AZ’s first location, but another Valley spot is already planned for 44th st. and Camelback.

We're throwing another in-person happy hour on January 15th and I'd love to see you there! It's the perfect excuse to get off the couch, meet your fellow Scottsdale neighbors, and kick off 2026 the right way.

The vibe is super casual and social - just good people, good drinks, and good conversation. Space is limited so make sure to grab your spot before we fill up. Can't wait to see some familiar faces and meet new ones!

Shout out to Westin Kierland for supplying the space and a complimentary drink for each guest! Here’s a link to grab a free ticket.

Cielito opens in February 2026 as a rooftop bar and restaurant at the AC Hotel Scottsdale Old Town (7117 E 3rd Avenue). This collaboration between PEG Companies and the Wayfaring Group promises to shake up our dining scene.

The 3,100 square-foot space will seat 70 people with a 14-seat bar and pool deck extension. Chef Shon Foster is developing an elevated Northwest Mexican cuisine menu while Alex Webb curates cocktails featuring agave spirits, citrus, and seasonal ingredients. The design blends neutral tones with vibrant colors inspired by desert skies and contemporary Mexican folk art.

Expect sunset-forward seating and Camelback Mountain views that will draw locals and visitors alike for date nights with a view.

Remember CrackerJax? Well, that 27-acre site on Scottsdale Road south of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard just got a major development update. The Development Review Board unanimously approved Phase One of The Parque, George Kurtz's massive mixed-use project that's being called "a legacy project."

Phase One includes 159 apartments and condos (about 15% of the total 1,182 planned units), over 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, plus a 2-acre park. The full project will eventually feature a five-star hotel with 223 rooms, offices, and 253,000 square feet of restaurants and shops.

What's exciting is the enhanced pedestrian crossing across Paradise Lane connecting to the shopping center to the north, plus restaurant pads and the "Paseo" area with a cafe and hangout space. After three years of planning, it's cool to see this former amusement park site getting new life as what one board member called having "that Central Park feel." I'm excited to watch this transformation unfold.

You probably haven't thought about your tires until that moment you're sliding around a wet parking lot or hearing that telltale thump-thump-thump on the freeway. Worn tires don't just ruin your day, they can be downright dangerous.

Discount Tire makes tire shopping straightforward. They're a national tire retailer with local Scottsdale locations, offering both online shopping and in-store service. You can browse options from home and schedule installation at your convenience, or stop by for a quick inspection.

Their approach focuses on what you actually need rather than what costs the most. Whether you're dealing with our desert heat, monsoon season, or those weekend mountain trips, your car deserves reliable grip on the road.

Don't wait for a blowout to remind you. Check your tread depth and get ahead of any problems.

See Their Limited Time Discount

If your dog could choose their own favorite local business, it would definitely be Happy Tails Barkery. I saw them at the Old Town Farmer’s Market and have been wanting to cover them! They’ve been crafting all-natural dog treats since 2018, and they've built up quite the following among dog parents who care about what goes into their pup's mouth.

What I love about this place is their no-nonsense approach to ingredients. They never add corn, soy, preservatives, salt, sugar, food dyes, or fillers. Just pure, simple stuff like USDA Choice beef for their Bow-WOW Beef Jerky and all-natural chicken breast for their Chop Lickin' Chicken treats.

Their Bacon Cheezy Bites have been getting rave reviews from dog owners and the "Magic Dust" food toppers sound like a total solution for picky eaters. Just sprinkle it on regular food and watch your finicky pup suddenly become interested in dinner again.

You can find their treats at Pet Planet locations throughout the Valley, or catch them at farmers markets.

The Goose in McCormick Ranch is a great little date spot.

This cocktail bar has that speakeasy vibe without being overly themed about it. The drinks are well-crafted and their shareable plates are perfect for lingering over conversation. It’s not too loud so you can talk and not get drowned out like a few other speakeasies I’ve been to.

The story behind the name is pretty cool too. Michael Merendino drew inspiration from the geese at Marguerite Lake at McCormick Ranch and the old speakeasy tradition of naming places after animals. It's open seven days a week starting at 4pm, which makes it perfect for those early evening dates that can stretch as long as you want them to.

You've been asking for it, so here it is — the third Scottsdale Scoop Dinner Club is happening and we're kicking things off on 1/28.

It's time to gather around the table, meet some neighbors, and discover new food spots while having a ridiculously good time.

Here's how it works:

The Logistics: The booking fee is $16 per seat, you pay for your own meal at the end of dinner, and I'll handle everything from the quiz to the matching to the reservations and reminders. All you gotta do is show up, meet some cool people, and have fun.

Here’s a link if you want to sign up. It’ll be a blast!

Wednesday, December 31

🐴 Paints Horse Show | Copper Country | Paint-o-Rama | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 8:00 AM (through January 3)

🎉 New Year’s Eve at Dave and Buster’s | Dave and Buster’s Phoenix | Multiple start times

🍽️ New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinner | Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale | 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM

🥂 Midnight in Black and Gold | Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort | 4:00 PM – late

🍾 Cala Blanc: NYE Celebration | Cala Scottsdale | Dinner 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Party 10:30 PM

🍷 New Year’s Eve at Prado | Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🍽️ New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu | COURSE Restaurant | 6:00 PM

🎵 Sunset After Dark | Weft and Warp Art Bar and Kitchen, Andaz Scottsdale | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, January 2nd

😂 Jon Lovitz | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

Sunday, January 4

🐾 Yappy Hour | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

🍝 Pasta & Vino | Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $4.65M! The kitchen is the epitome of my grandmother’s dream. Plus those mountain views 😮‍💨

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

Scottsdale Scoop is 100% free and independently run (it's just me over here). Your support helps me keep bringing you the best local spots, events, and inside scoop on what's happening in Scottsdale every week. Your contribution will go towards keeping the Scoop going so we can have more fun in community events! really appreciate all the support all of you 🙂 - John