#1044 - The Lodge, Scottsdale, AZ - 3/23/2010

This, as the name implies, is very lodge-like indeed.  That includes not only the decor, but the fairly standard drinks, with a few interesting beer choices, the better than average food (I had a fine sloppy joe and salad), and a warm feeling like you just came in through four feet of snow rather than 80 degree sunshine.

And their web site is a little trippy.

4422 N 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
scottsdalelodge.com - myspace - newtimes - yelp - metromix

#1043 - Pattie's First Ave. Lounge, Scottsdale, AZ - 3/22/2010

Patties is a standard issue dive bar with a random crowd oddly inserted into the middle of the faux cowboy art environs of Old Town, Scottsdale.  It's a fairly large place, with a semi-open patio with ping pong, etc., and it attracts more old drunks and losers than most bars in Scottsdale, which usually makes for a better bar

7220 E 1st Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - (480) 990-0103
yelp

#1042 - Italian Grotto, Scottsdale, AZ - 3/22/2010

This place is old-time Scottsdale, along the lines of the famous Pink Pony, and its easy to see why it is often packed.  It has good food, stunningly cheap prices (e.g. $11 for entree, salad, and bread), and a great selection of local characters (including RT, working the bar, and a couple umpires from the game when I went.  Since it was overflowing on the late Monday evening I attended, I asked RT what it would be like on a Friday night; he pointed out that it was that full because the Giants had a home (spring training) game that day, and "It's been like this since 10 this morning."  But every subsequent evening I passed it was just as full.  The bar is just the basics and you need to expect a wait for dinner, but it's worth it.

3915 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - (480) 994-1489
italiangrotto.com - yelp