Pig & Pickle
2922 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
5.0 star rating

Yep - first stop - late night - right after landing and picking up the rental car. One of the few options for late night (that I found when doing my pre-trip research).

They even have a Late Night Menu. What did we have?

The pickle platter ("Some Pickled Things") is a must - many unusual (rarely pickled) items - red grapes anyone?! Delicious!

Also tried the "Apocalypse Sow" burger - ground pork burger, bacon, aged cheddar & grilled onions - absolutely great!

Final item we tried was the "Tot of the Day" - good - but not up to the standard set by the other two items listed above.

Oh and did I mention the extensive beer menu? I honestly don't remember what we had, but that's the point - take the guidance offered by the bartender. You like it hoppy? fruity? heavy/light? - answer honestly - and then drink whatever is put in front of you - you'll be glad you did!

Also went for dinner another night and enjoyed (very much so) several of the small plates including:
fried brussels sprouts with asiago & a farm fresh egg; pork shoulder tostadas, ginger aioli, kimchi, scallions;
the "dump truck" salad: mixed greens, shaved baby veggies, seeds, cucumber & shallot vinaigrette;
pork belly with braised collard greens, pomegranates & bourbon maple pecan brittle and a couple of the larger plates:
crispy duck breast - wild rice, balsamic pears, scallions, baby carrots, cherries, feta & toasted almonds, and;
shrimp & grits - anglo shrimp, house made andouille, creole sauce & buttered grits

Everything was delicious!

Run, don't walk, to the Pig & Pickle!


D'Lite Healthy On The Go
2613 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
5.0 star rating

What to do/eat before heading out to the game? D'lish is the answer.

Great place, great local crowd. Ended up going every single morning of our Spring Training trip.

The first day, we parked and went inside - ordered breakfast sammy's: a California club and a breakfast burrito - with a cup of coffee. Very good both - but as we watched what the Regulars were ordering and we continued to read and re-read the menu as we enjoyed our breakfast we realized we missed the BOAT (Best Of All Time) - that's right all you Regulars know what I'm talking about - The Breakfast Buzz shake!!!

Vitamins, protein, espresso, nonfat milk, peanut butter, banana, chocolate all blended with some ice! Oh yeah, great start and keeps you going all morning!

Oh and you don't even need to get out of the car. - 'cause you don't need to sit down at a table to enjoy it. Utilize the drive-thru - and you are all fueled up - drink and enjoy as you drive to the ballpark.


Diego Pops
4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
4.0 star rating

Taco Monday! Can't understand why you would ever eat anywhere else on a Monday.
Great tacos, very reasonable prices. Also had the "must have", very popular brussel sprout nachos ( a huge, very filling portion). The cocktails were tasty too (though they were not a bargain).

All in all I would certainly go back any day; and certainly on a Monday!!


Bosa Donuts
7444 E Mcdowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
4.0 star rating

Went late at night (for dessert ;-) ).

Sampled several - and found the buttermilk donut to be easily my favorite. All were good - but the buttermilk was the stand-out!

Can't compare Bosa to the other local donut shops (didn't try the others), but would certainly recommend Bosa to any Spring Training visitor to the area.


Ted's Hot Dogs
1755 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
4.0 star rating

A definite 4-star experience. Didn't visit Portillo's, but was sold on the charcoal grilling done at Ted's. All the dogs, brats and sausages available with all the fixin's you could ever want. The grilling makes the line move kinda slowly, but it's worth the wait. Go and Enjoy!


Il Bosco Pizza
7120 E Becker Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
4.0 star rating

Definitely a fan - made the pick from Yelpers' reviews - and they didn't steer us wrong.

First time here - and not sure when the next time would be, so tried a few things: the meatballs, the Biaggia pie and another special pie - red sauce, pancetta, red onions (I think) - all was delicious!

Like some other reviewers have mentioned, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with the owner - a very nice guy, who's really mastered the pizza art. We ate outside - enjoying the nice cool evening air.

All in all a great experience! Highly recommended.