Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Oliver's Modern American

    4.6 (303 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Order Oliver's Modern American Takeout or Delivery

    Oliver's Modern American Photos

    Business Info

    OLIVER'S MODERN AMERICAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

    You might also consider

    More like Oliver's Modern American

    Recommended Reviews - Oliver's Modern American

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Tanya K.

    We had our date night dinner here last night and thoroughly enjoyed it! We were greeted warmly by the hosts, service was prompt and courteous. Atmosphere is awesome, no blasting music so you can have a conversation. Food was delicious! We shared shrimp ceviche - light & flavorful. Ribs (fell off the bone) come with corn muffin & delicious beans. Short rib was very tender & came on top of polenta with cauliflower. Drinks were great too - we had French 75 and shared pecan espresso martini for dessert. Portions are large, prices are reasonable for the quality of food you get & a large portion. We will definitely return!

    Outdoor Seating Area
    Lindsay M.

    We loved the ambiance, the food, the history, the decor, the staff, and the experience. We ordered the Brussels sprout appetizer...it is sooo different but so delicious. We both ordered the burgers with fries. My husband said they were the best fries ever! The burger had a ton of onions, a really good sauce, and a great bun. We loved the history of the building...an old Dairy Queen and our waitress was so nice. We also met the owner. It was a great night out on our vacation!

    Semhar M.

    Service was fantastic, I wish I got our server's name. We visited Oliver's during happy hour for a chance to catch up with some colleagues old and current to just yap, nibble, and have a drink. The location and vibes were gorgeous. Their espresso martini was just fine. Our food was nothing too impressive. The bruschetta came out a bit cold - like it was in the freezer and needed to thaw out much longer. The bread also came out a bit cold. Calamari was fine and I really wanted to love the blondie dessert but that too seemed like the temperature was just a bit off. That being said, we sat for a couple of hours enjoying the views and cozy seating. I'd go back and try different menu items.

    Cheeseburger
    Hallie S.

    My boyfriend and I had our date night at Oliver's modern American and it was lovely. I've never been here before but the decor is super cute and classy. I loved the little Coca-Cola truck out front. Our server gave great suggestions when we asked what to order, and my boyfriend loved his Queen cocktail which was pretty sweet. I got a pecan espresso martini which was also delicious. For food, I ordered a hamburger which was huge! I couldn't eat half my fries because the portions here are outstanding. I had a bite of my boyfriend's pasta and the sauce was to die for. For a cute, casual date night I'd highly recommend this spot, but they also have larger tables for bigger groups and the outside seating looked like a fun vibe as well!

    Dani O.

    4.5 ****.5 We were at Fashion Square on a late afternoon on a Friday shopping for a graduation dress for one of my daughter's best friends and afterward we wanted to find a place not too far to have dinner because it was getting late. We called Oliver's Modern American, and they let us know they had plenty of open spots. When we arrived, there was plenty of seating and we didn't have to wait at all. The food was delicious across the board and everything we ordered was really good, but the calamari and my pasta dish were my favorite. What truly made the night unforgettable was the top notch hospitality. The bartender was wonderful! She was so engaging, easy to talk to, and recommended a truly ahhhmazing bottle of wine that paired perfectly with our meal. The general manager, Chris, also went above and beyond. He came over to our table to check on us and was incredibly personable and kind. I even got a chance to chat with him on our way out to compliment him directly on the amazing job he's doing. He is a phenomenal people person, and the restaurant has a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to have great conversation. The overall experience definitely exceeded my expectations and was a wonderful surprise. We had the most amazing time and will absolutely be back!

    Brussel sprouts
    Jaquay R.

    Riley the bartender is super amazing. After I checked the happy hour menu and saw the espresso martini I asked her if she could a chocolate martini because I can't have the espresso with the caffeine. She thought about it and asked me to let her check. When she came back she said she could go next door to get the decaf espresso if that was ok. I told her I didn't want her to go out of her way and she said she didn't mind. It will keep her busy. She came back, made my drink and it was excellent. I just wanted to spotlight her for going out of her way to make this drink for me to enjoy. She is absolutely amazing!

    Shanika H.

    Everything about this place was excellent. The environment and atmosphere were top-tier, and the patio is absolutely adorable for dining outside. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, super attentive, and made the whole experience feel effortless. The appetizers were so good. The calamari was a standout. For my main, I ordered the salmon and it was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. We were celebrating a birthday, and they surprised us with a complimentary dessert, which was delicious and such a thoughtful touch. Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. I'll definitely be back!

    Chantelle Y.

    My boyfriend and I enjoyed a lovely dinner here- we were greeted immediately by Dave and he was so warm and welcoming! Their craft cocktail menu is amazing- their espresso martinis are 10/10 and we can't wait to try more beverages in the future! Chris was our server, he did an amazing job making recommendations and telling us about their menu. I got the pork belly for an entree, my boyfriend got the cheeseburger (both 10/10 as well). Don't miss the calamari as an appetizer!! Their house made sauces are AMAZING! We can't wait to be back soon :) Hospitality: 10/10 Ambience: 10/10 Food: amazing 10/10 Bartenders know what's up!!

    Lavender Mule
    Kenna A.

    This place is so good! Came here for an early bday dinner and loved the ambiance of the dining room and patio, the staff is so friendly and attentive, the manager was also kind enough to stop at our table and talked about vinyl records which was cool as I am also a record collector! Our server was very helpful in recommending appetizers and entrees. I had the short rib entree and it was perfectly cooked, for the appetizers we had the pork belly and whipped feta (I personally loved the feta more) but both still very good! Also recommend trying the lavender mule! Will definitely be coming back.

    Our 2 appetizers and my wine
    Jamiee W.

    Beautiful MCM building. I would have taken the theme into the chairs, music and drinks. Building is so gorgeous. Husband ordered the smoked old fashioned. He says it was quite good and it came with a clear ice ball, which made him happy. I had a glass of Cabernet and it was tasty but nothing to remember. We got 2 appetizers- burratta with pesto and Noble bread plus the Argentinian red shrimp with Noble bread. The burratta was good and the pesto shined! The shrimp was spicy with red chili flakes and tons of sliced garlic! Sadly the dessert menu was lacking, IMO so we skipped it. We would come here for dinner in the future.

    Restaurant front
    Channon D.

    Oliver's is tucked away behind a lovely array of bushes, trees, and plants, lending to the intimate, upscale atmosphere. Beginning with the old, restored Coca Cola truck out front and the swooping elegance of the building itself, that taste of mid-century modern continues throughout the interior, the menu choices, and even the staff. As someone who loves mid-century modern as a style, in every way, it was an absolute delight to me. I couldn't stop smiling, couldn't stop feeling like I was sitting somewhere I belonged. Incredibly kind staff at the door, accommodating seating for me and my father, both of whom use canes. That experience was more than quadrupled by the waiter (who might I say, was dapper in his lovely Clark Kent-esque outfit) who didn't even blink at my allergen needs (potato, soy, gluten). He went right to the kitchen after I asked if it was easier for me to pick things I was interested in and ask or just ask the chef. He came back with a ton of recommendations. I chose the beef option along with a sub of squash puree and grilled carrots. The steak was the best steak I've ever had in my life, hands down. Medium was true medium, they'd let it rest like you should, and it was melt in your mouth delicious. I ate every bite slowly to savor it as I looked around the establishment, over adorable tabletop lights that emulated candles, booths brought straight out of upscale images of the past, waitstaff all clad in their own touch and variation of the same wonderful look, and patrons who all looked pleased to be there. The squash puree was delightful, so long as you like butternut squash (which I do) and the carrots were just right to be able to take back to the hotel with me and heat in the microwave for a late night snack. Wonderful all around. My father had the bison meatloaf, potatoes, and subbed in steak beans. He ate the whole thing with the same complements and joy at the food he was consuming that I did. The waiter talked with us about allergens and made us feel at home and made me not feel like a huge burden asking to be accommodated (which I sometimes feel like at other places). Zero allergen concerns cropped up after eating here. Didn't even feel the need for my traditional 'being careful' antihistamine because we were on vacation and not at home. The following evening, I was sad we had to eat too early to go to this place a second time. But I guarantee you I will be back. I live a whole state away, but this place is sealed in my memory as something special. Perhaps next time I will be traveling with my husband and can show him the absolute delight of this local. And maybe, just maybe, I will have packed the proper dress for such a location.

    Bison meatloaf
    Michelle C.

    I had the pleasure of dining in this amazing restaurant for my significant other's birthday with my parents. The ambiance was beautiful. The bar area is from the dairy queen that this building was built from. I love the outdoor patio and firepit area. It seems like a very relaxing place to meet friends for drinks. The restaurant decorating was trendy but loved how welcoming and unpretentious it felt. Our service was impeccable. One of the owners stopped by to check in on us and sat and told us the story of the restaurant. It was so nice to see how invested he was in the diners enjoying their dining experience. The food was amazing. We had the brussel sprouts appetizer. It was delicious. I had the short rib entree. The flavors were so good and the polenta was tasty and great texture. Someone had the salmon and enjoyed it. Another had the bison meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. They loved the taste. My dad is from the Midwest so his only critique was that it'd be better with some gravy. Another person had the pasta dish which they enjoyed. For dessert we shared the pound cake with berries. My dad is still talking about how delicious it was. I'd highly recommend this restaurant for a fun night out with friends or a family dinner.

    Brussel sprouts were crispy and perfectly cooked and sauced
    Chris L.

    Outstanding service and good. Ambiance and decor are funky and modern too. Bailey was our server and she and the other waiter were amazingly attentive and knowledgeable. Non-pretentious New American joint that looks like a diner bc it's the former Polynesian Tiki building! The brussel sprouts, short rib, beet salad and cheesecake with house made blackberry compote were all amazing. I would order all these dishes again. Great portions, pricing and lighting for photos. Really enjoyed our dinner here and would recommend to everyone. Can't wait to come back and try the happy hour when I'm back in town.

    Sesame pork belly

    See all

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of aa W.
    12
    104
    1

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris L.
    743
    2051
    1348

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jessie B.
    1
    138
    437

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Norm W.
    122
    767
    3601

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Oliver's Modern American

    So they serve homemade sangria, not out of a bottle?

    I believe they mix it up as a drink for you personally. It is definitely not out of a bottle. This place is too classy to give a basic drink. Enjoy!

    Hi, does anyone know if this restaurant is kid friendly?

    It is!

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    4.2
    (89 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    Gotta luv the changing vibes in Tempe!!! After a great dinner experience celebrating an anniversary…read moreat Filthy Animal, we slid over to Drop Dead Gorgeous to relax, chill & take in some more craft cocktails. Anytime you're dealing with a speakeasy, you feel like a VIP, and that's how we felt that evening. What a great way to close out the night, as the vibe and decor are what I'm all about. Do plan ahead with reservations. Our Server from FA & Bartender here hooked it up for us with a special toast and celebration for our anniversary!! VIP Treatment with the 70's to 2000's vibe. Looking forward to my return.

    I really wanted to love this place. Let me set off with the positives. The decor, the DJ, the…read moreseating ambience, and overall just vibes are 100%, 5/5 out of five stars. The chicken tenders were fire!!! What is lacking on this occasion was service. The server that we had was so unattentative. I have never been in a cocktail lounge in my life and had to beg for drinks. Our server would wait until every drinks was made for all of her tables before bringing out drinks. It was ridiculous. She was nice but seemed high. I ended up only having 2 drinks. We would have ordered more but they have 90min max seating and we didn't event get drinks for the first 30min. No exaggeration. Also one of my drinks I had to send back. My apple martini tasted like soap. It was like they did clean the glass after giving a soap bath. No bueno. So they need to get their service to match the vibe of a true cocktails lounge. Yes it is a 70s vibe but doesn't mean the lackadaisical style service. I would come back and try again. The music, the atmosphere and the food was good. They gotta get these cocktails together and service. We ended up walking to nearby competitors and that was money lost for DDG.

    Photos
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left.  DJ booth behind.
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left. DJ booth behind.
    Interior
    Interior
    Table seating

    See all

    Table seating
    Social Hall

    Social Hall

    4.2
    (933 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    We recently hosted our son's rehearsal dinner for 40 guests at The Social Hall and could not have…read morebeen happier with the experience. Since we were planning the event from out of town, having a team we could trust was incredibly important -- and Bailey and the entire staff handled everything flawlessly. Even the decorations were set up beautifully and exactly as we had hoped. The food was excellent, the staff was friendly and attentive, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. A special thank you to Bailey, the Event Coordinator, who was wonderful to work with throughout the entire process. She was organized, responsive, and made everything feel easy and stress-free leading up to the event and the night of the dinner. The highlight was definitely the Rafter Room -- it was even more impressive in person than in the pictures. The space had a great atmosphere for a rehearsal dinner and made the evening feel really special for our family and guests. Highly recommend The Social Hall for anyone looking to host a private event in Tempe.

    One of the worst DoorDash experiences I've ever had. Social Hall accepted my order, which consisted…read moreof only two items, then made me wait over two hours. If your kitchen can't handle a simple order in a reasonable amount of time, don't accept DoorDash orders in the first place. What's even more frustrating is the complete lack of respect for customers' time. There was no urgency, no accountability, and no reason a two-item order should take longer than two hours. Accepting orders you clearly can't fulfill is misleading and incredibly unprofessional. I won't be ordering from Social Hall again, and I wouldn't recommend anyone else waste their time either. Do better.

    Photos
    Social Hall
    Free table games. Ping pong, 2 billiard tables, and foosball.
    Free table games. Ping pong, 2 billiard tables, and foosball.
    Free arcade games

    See all

    Free arcade games
    Outrider Rooftop Lounge

    Outrider Rooftop Lounge

    3.8
    (166 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    Free WiFi
    Large group friendly

    Outrider is the best spot in scottsdale! We were able to watch the sunset with amazing drinks made…read moreby our super friendly and attentive bartender Tony! His drinks were so great we returned the next day because we couldnt stop thinking about them!! Highly recommend this spot and the spicy marg!!

    We went to Outrider for Sunday brunch because the reviews claimed it was the most spectacular…read morerooftop spot and the best place for brunch. Honestly, I have no idea how it got those reviews. Maybe they're paid, I'm not sure, but based on my experience I would not go back. The biggest issue was the service. We arrived and were told to sit anywhere we wanted. After sitting down, we waited about 20 minutes and no one ever came to our table. No greeting, no water, nothing. Eventually I had to walk up to the bar and ask what the procedure was. Do we order at the bar? Do you have table service? No one could give a clear answer. They just kept saying, "If you want, you can order here." That's not the point. If I sit down at a restaurant, I expect someone to come to the table and explain how things work or take our order. If the system is that you order at the bar, just say that clearly so people know what to do. The drinks were also very mediocre. Nothing special at all. Honestly, they tasted like something you could throw together at home with soda, alcohol, and ice. The surprising part is that the food was actually phenomenal. The kitchen clearly knows what it's doing. The dishes were delicious and probably the best part of the entire experience. But great food alone isn't enough to make me return somewhere with poor service and forgettable drinks. My recommendation is don't waste your time on a Sunday brunch. There are plenty of other brunch spots with good food and good service.

    Photos
    Outrider Rooftop Lounge
    Sharables
    Sharables
    Ahi Poke

    See all

    Ahi Poke
    Hai Noon

    Hai Noon

    4.6
    (75 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Another absolutely amazing food experience from Chef Nobuo Fukuda who already gifted us with great…read moredishes made with Sonoran produce at SeeSaw back in the 90's, and Teeter House downtown. The retro-vibed atmosphere of the Papago Motor Inn complements the laid back pace of your meal. This is not a sushi spot or an Izakaya. Hai Noon is a chef presenting southwestern ingredients in a most respectful, flavorful and innovative manner. I was lucky enough to return 3 times in the past month. To my surprise, ingredients and sauces did not repeat themselves, and dishes were completely distinct in flavor and presentation. This is definitely my favorite food experience of the past few years...anywhere. All of our visits were handled by our waiter/guide "Arizona", who described dishes, and when asked what his favorites were (and unlike many other places that say everything is good when it isn't), he informed us we would love everything, but he could help us with the order we ate them, and suggest a sampling if we were just picking out a half dozen dishes. He was right. Everything was captivating, surprising and...absolutely delicious. Do not miss the specials...there will be 4 or 5 on a small piece of paper, and a couple of "special" drinks. These are seasonal items the chef wants to add because of the timing and presentation. They exemplify the category...they are indeed, SPECIAL. The second visit established a pattern. Have Arizona order, until you are full. He checked in with us along the way, and made a few modifications based on our hunger level, and allowing for certain dishes to be repeated. A few things really stood out because I hadn't tasted anything quite like those dishes. Other dishes ie: variations on classic aguachile, were just better than anything I've had elsewhere. Salmon and Whitefish carpaccios were both stellar, with really good hot sesame oil adding to the dish's garlic, ginger and Yuzu base. And, when you are done with the last bite of fish, they bring out rich, grilled slices of bread to mop up that sauce. We last started with Sashimi featuring Sea Bream, that had fatty belly, and less fatty but oh-so-flavorful filet slices, and an accompanying broth. Big Eye Tuna was served on a flavorful beet puree with sweet dark cherry wine notes. Since we didn't read the menu's notes before, a quick check showed that Nobuo does create a Pinot Noir reduction that invites wiping the plate clean. The first time, the Tuna and all traces of the puree were finished by the time Arizona walked out to describe the dish for us. That's why I re-ordered it each time we visited. Soup spoons present a sashimi/ceviche/aguachile experience that is delicate, nuanced, complex and downright spectacular in your mouth. Whether it showcased an oyster, hamachi or kampachi, each spoon was an amazing taste experience with complementing flavors and textures that were completely unexpected. Softshell Crab with cold noodles was the most succulent Softshell crab I have ever enjoyed, warm, beautifully moist and flavor popping within its crispy exterior, set off by the chilled vinegar and broth accented noodles. Brussel Sprouts with a honey mustard and wasabi glaze disappeared immediately. As it turns out, wasabi is the missing ingredient in many Brussel Sprout dishes! The Yams with goat cheese and Fresno chiles reminded me of the amazing fire-grilled gourds and yam dishes I have had at Bacanora...just unique and different. Two Wash chicken was beautifully caramelized finger food that I could also have made a meal out of. We thought it was amazing, and then the chef came out and told us how inspired he was when he first met the chicken farmers and cooked with their chicken, and if possible, the chicken became even more memorable for the story and connection. Curry marinated lamb was rich, and savory, and was another dish I could make a meal out of. The Pork Belly and Mushroom rice was likewise delicious, and full or deep umami richness and delectable meat and mushroom morsels. The Mushrooms en papillote (mushrooms served in paper), had absorbed what tasted like a delicious Veal Stock, were tastily caramelized, and then steamed in the paper container. They were so good we had to have another...and we weren't skimping on food. Beverages (Alcoholic and non) get the same attention. The cocktail list sounds absolutely crazy, with improbable ingredients. But all of the ones we sampled work, and they are wonderful (sharing amongst our table, we have now tried over half of the cocktails...and so far, they are damn great drinks). The beer selection is small and ideal for the food, as are the well-chosen cold sakes that span all budgets. It is better with a small group of people so you can really explore the breadth of fabulous offerings, but I think it's also an amazing spot to share food on a date!

    Some restaurants announce themselves with neon lights and a line out the door. Others seem almost…read moredetermined to keep you away. Hai Noon falls firmly into the second category. I booked a solo seat at the bar just two hours before dinner, which, in hindsight, should have been my first clue. The night before, my plans at Chilte had evaporated after I arrived to discover the owner was hosting a baby shower and the ceilings were being painted instead of dinner being served. I wasn't eager to go 0-for-2 on my Scottsdale food pilgrimage. Pulling into what looked more like an aging roadside motor lodge than the home of a James Beard-recognized restaurant, I wondered if Google Maps had developed a sense of humor. I parked around back, followed the sign to the dining room, and found... a locked door. Naturally. For a brief moment I thought the Arizona restaurant gods were playing another practical joke. Then I spotted another entrance simply marked "Bar." Inside, Hai Noon revealed itself as a tiny oasis. Phoenix met Tokyo somewhere in a dimly lit room with clean lines, warm wood, and mellow music humming through the speakers. Three other guests occupied the restaurant--a couple finishing dinner and what appeared to be a delightfully intimate two-person baby shower. I took my place at the bar. The server welcomed me warmly. When I admitted I was in town for work and wanted to experience the restaurant rather than order safely, he smiled and took control. A few menu staples were unavailable but he confidently selected four dishes. The grapefruit avocado hamachi spoons arrived first and immediately justified the trip. Rich, buttery fish balanced against bright citrus acidity with avocado quietly stitching everything together. It's the kind of bite that reminds you why chefs obsess over simplicity done well. The white fish carpaccio followed with a little theater. Hot sesame oil was poured tableside, barely kissing the fish into submission. Fun presentation. Beautiful execution. Though once the spectacle faded, the dish itself never quite reached the same emotional high as the hamachi. The garlic butter mushrooms arrived... in a plastic bag. It shouldn't have worked. It absolutely did. Deeply savory, unapologetically rich, and refreshingly unconcerned with appearances. The house chicken, unfortunately, couldn't keep pace. Twice fried and topped with egg salad alongside a chili vinegar, it sounded far more exciting than it tasted. Sometimes clever combinations simply refuse to become memorable food. Cocktails, however, were another story. My first choice--the Kosho--was unavailable, so I settled on the Japanese Moss, a gin cocktail topped with yuzu cold foam. The foam leaned aggressively tart but never overwhelmed the drink. Later, after finally coaxing the bartender away from his phone, he suggested an off-menu serrano-infused rum cocktail with miso. Complex, vegetal, spicy, balanced. Exactly the sort of drink you hope to discover when you stop ordering from menus. By 7 p.m., I was the only customer left. Summer in Phoenix is merciless. One hundred thirteen degrees has a way of convincing even adventurous diners to stay home. I watched two reservations cancel while chatting with the bartender and server, who explained that between May and August, three tables can qualify as a good night. Location doesn't help either. Hidden behind an unassuming hotel, Hai Noon isn't exactly benefiting from walk-in traffic. The chef emerged from the kitchen several times during service. Each time he glanced at the empty reservation book, quietly acknowledged another cancellation with a shake of his head, and disappeared back into the kitchen without speaking to anyone. There was something heartbreaking about it. Here was someone capable of creating award-winning food, still chasing perfection while circumstances far beyond the plate slowly worked against him. Hai Noon isn't flawless. Service occasionally drifted. One dish missed the mark. The room felt almost too empty. But I'd rather spend an evening in an imperfect restaurant full of ambition than a polished dining room serving food without a soul. I just hope Scottsdale's relentless summer doesn't prove too Hai for many more Noons.

    Photos
    Hai Noon
    Brussels
    Brussels
    Hai Noon

    See all

    Bar Bambino

    Bar Bambino

    4.3
    (35 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Great cocktail bar with entertainment. We went on a Thursday night for the live jazz before our…read moredinner reservation. We enjoyed a few small plates that were delicious! They also bring you a little assortment of snacks while you drink. The ambiance was sophisticated and moody.

    Bar Bambino: A Little Hidden Gem With Major Speakeasy Energy…read more After dinner, hubby surprised me with a little nightcap at Bar Bambino, and this was SUCH a fun way to end the evening. Tucked away behind a curtain, this little speakeasy-style spot feels like you've discovered a secret Scottsdale hideaway. The atmosphere is dark, intimate, chill, and just the right amount of sexy. Definitely giving late-night cocktails and good music energy. The music was actually one of my favorite parts. It created this effortlessly cool backdrop without being overwhelming, so we could relax, sip our drinks, and enjoy the vibe. It felt sophisticated but still very laid-back -- exactly what I want from a post-dinner cocktail spot. We started with the Porn Star Martini and the Mocha Martini, along with a couple glasses of champagne because obviously we had to keep the celebration going. And yes... we loved them enough that we ordered another round of both martinis LOL. The Porn Star Martini was fruity, playful, and perfectly balanced, while the Mocha Martini was rich, smooth, and dessert-like without feeling overly heavy. Both were SO delicious and beautifully crafted. Our waitress was also incredibly sweet and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. I always appreciate when the service matches the atmosphere, and she definitely added to the warm, welcoming feel of the night. And then came the snacks! They brought us truffle potato chips, truffle popcorn, and some delicious nuts to enjoy with our drinks. Everything was so good that we actually got a second refill because apparently we were not ready to share with the table next to us. The truffle flavor throughout the snacks was such a luxe little touch and paired perfectly with our cocktails. Overall, Bar Bambino is such a cool, sexy, intimate little escape. I loved the hidden entrance, the moody atmosphere, the music, the cocktails, and the little elevated snack situation. It's the kind of place that feels like a secret you want to keep to yourself... but also absolutely want to tell everyone about.

    Photos
    Champagne
    Champagne
    Bar Bambino Interior
    Bar Bambino Interior
    Paper plane and shrimp appetizer

    See all

    Paper plane and shrimp appetizer

    Oliver's Modern American - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...