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.

In today’s Scottsdale Scoop:

  • Boondocks owners have a new concept coming this winter

  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve is officially protected

  • A Cuban-themed date spot

Let’s get into it.

— John Apolinar

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

Boondocks Owners Opening New Mexican Steakhouse in Old Town

Best patio in Old Town

If you’ve ever been to Boondocks in Old Town you know it’s one of the best patio spots around.

According to this article, the brothers who own Boondocks, Jake Kory and Luke Kory are launching a wood-fired Mexican steakhouse in Q4 this year. There’s not much information out yet, but the name is set to be Pistoleros Parrilla and it will take the spot of a former office building at 4333 N Civic Center Plaza, right down the street from Boondocks.

Based on the documents they’ve filed with the city it will have a patio (which they know how to do well!) on the second story. I’ll keep my eyes peeled as more information comes available! Hopefully by then our community is big enough so folks share breaking news with us first 😂

Swysh Den is Opening Soon

Swysh Den is opening next month and I’m excited because this place looks like such a good spot for basketball families in Scottsdale. They're bringing high-tech shooting machines, interactive walls, pick-up games for all ages, plus a "Den" area with couches and big TVs where parents can actually relax while their kids train instead of standing around awkwardly.

From little kids just learning to dribble to adults who want to relive their glory days, they've got membership options and programs for everyone, plus they're doing birthday parties and corporate events too.

I have a feeling this is going to be one of those places that becomes an instant community hub. Definitely keeping an eye out for their grand opening details!

McDowel Sonoran Preserve is Officially Protected

Great news for all of us who love Scottsdale's natural beauty! The city has officially completed acquisition of all 30,500 acres of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which now makes up more than 25% of our entire city. This has been nearly 30 years in the making since the preserve initiative first launched in 1995, and it means this pristine Sonoran Desert landscape is permanently protected for future generations.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Discount Tire

I love that these guys are headquartered here. If you’re driving around in the Valley, you’re going need good tires. And if you’re like me, you don’t want to spend a fortune or waste your whole day at the shop. That’s why Discount Tire is great.

They hook you up with solid deals, fast service, and they actually care about getting you back on the road safely. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit (thanks, AZ construction sites), and every time, it’s been smooth sailing. They’ve even been nice enough to patch small holes for free.

Need new tires or just a quick rotation? Hit up Discount Tire.

THE BULLETIN

Want to spread the good word about your business, a fun concept you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hello to 6,500 locals?

State 48 Brewery is your local answer to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of hoppiness." This Arizona-born brewery has a massive dog-friendly patio with cornhole because beer tastes better when you can bring your furry friend. Visit State 48

Soko Skin brings that coveted Korean skincare magic to Scottsdale, complete with glass skin facials and meridian treatments. It’s a hidden gem in the skin-care space here. Book your glow-up

State 48 Garage Doors turns your broken garage door from neighborhood eyesore back to functional fortress. Plus, they’re good people! Get your quote

Buck & Rider serves the best seafood in the valley IMO. They have a daily happy hour from 3-7pm with $2.50 oysters. Do yourself a favor and try the nigiri. Make a reservation (and make sure to ask for the happy hour section or you wont get happy hour prices)

LOCAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Ninja Nation

Trying my best to include activities for families and this is a great start. If you've got kids with endless energy who are bouncing off the walls at home, Ninja Nation Scottsdale is about to become your new best friend with world-class obstacle courses that let them climb, swing, and jump their way through ninja warrior-style challenges.

They've got everything from open gym time where kids can just go wild, to actual ninja classes that teach proper techniques, plus birthday parties that'll make your child the coolest kid in their grade.

What I love is that it's designed for all ages and abilities, so whether your kid is a natural athlete or just needs to burn off some steam after school, they can find their challenge level and have fun getting stronger. Plus, it’s perfect timing to check it out now that we’re in the middle of summer.

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.

DATE SPOT OF THE WEEK

The Canal Club

Okay, this place is pretty cool, I love themed bars/restaurants! If you want to transport your date to the sultry romance of 1930s Havana without leaving Scottsdale, The Canal Club at The Scott Resort is about to become your new favorite spot with its Cuban-inspired decor and craft drinks that'll make you feel like you're in a classic movie.

Friday nights are especially rad with their "Havana Nights" featuring vintage films at dusk plus signature cocktails and Mexican street popcorn. Or you can test your chemistry over dominoes and chess during their Wednesday game nights.

The indoor-outdoor layout with banquette seating gives it a nice intimate atmosphere, and the fact that they have a vintage 1956 teal and white Bel Air convertible that can actually take you around Old Town adds to the whole vintage glamour experience.

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.

WEEKLY EVENTS LIST

Wednesday, July 23

🎄 Santa on Vacay | Royal Palms Hotel Mix-Up Bar | 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM (multiple days)

Thursday, July 24

😂 Alex Reymundo | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30PM (multiple days)

🎸 Christone "Kingfish" Ingram | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00PM

Friday, July 25

😂 Billy Gardell | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:00PM (multiple days)

🍣 Gourmet Class – Japanese Fusion | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎨 Paint & Sip With Curated Medical | Empire Scottsdale | 6:30PM

⛸️ TikTok Music Night - Public Skating | Mullett Arena ASU | 5:00PM

Saturday, July 26

🍷 Five Course Wine Dinner | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🎸 Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute | Casino Arizona | 7:30PM (multiple days)

🧘 Under the Sea Themed Yoga | Saule Yoga Studio | 3:00PM

🎵 Fitz and The Tantrums | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00PM

Sunday, July 27

🍝 Handmade Pasta Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

THE GOOD LIFE

19296 N 98th Pl, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Featuring last week’s most expensive home sold at 5.79M. I love how cozy and picturesque it looks.

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

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Our 6,500+ Scottsdale neighbors are always asking: "Where'd you find that place?"

We spotlight the local gems they can't stop talking about – from the coffee shop that gets your order right to the trainer who actually cares.

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