Great golf is only one of the perks of a Scottsdale, Arizona golf vacation.

As good as the courses are in Scottsdale, man cannot live on golf alone. Thankfully, there are some great restaurants in which to dine on a Scottsdale, Arizona golf vacation, and you don't even have to leave the main thoroughfare, Scottsdale Road, to do it.

Driving north from Sky Harbor airport, you'll pass two of our recommended dining spots. The first is Roaring Fork, known for its easy, Western hospitality and a warm décor highlighted by Western art and wood beams. Dishes include pan-seared catfish, fillet of salmon "campfire style," and blackened beef tenderloin glazed with coffee and molasses "shellac." If you are in the mood for a Western hamburger, come for the Happy Hour special and try the house variation on a margarita, which is spiked with wild huckleberry puree. On our last visit, the level of service was not quite equal to the quality of the cooking, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. [Editors note: Our thanks goes to GVI subscriber Eric L. who informed us (and we confirmed) that former owner and acclaimed chef Robert McGrath sold his interest in the restaurant but, "the food is still at the same great level." Eric also recommended Drinkwater's City Hall Steakhouse, just down the road from RF and owned by the Mastro's group (see below).]

Just five miles up Scottsdale Road, you'll find Razz Restaurant.. Chef Razz (real name: Erasmo) Kamnitzer is an affable, energetic man whose eclectic menu highlights influences from all over the world. Razz loves to add edible flowers and exotic fruits and vegetables to his creations. He is also very accommodating, especially for those who want small samples of his signature dishes. If you are in the mood for something light during your Arizona golf vacation, try the Indonesian-style pan-friend noodles; they are legendary.

Another good choice is Mastro's Steakhouse. We love the style and panache of this upscale, North Scottsdale restaurant located another 10 miles up the road. The liveliest dining space is the Lounge, whose high-back, overstuffed chairs, dark wood accents, large bar and live music suggest a dinner club atmosphere. We also love the food, namely, the sizzling, mouth-watering steaks drizzled with butter and served on piping hot places. The only downside to Mastro's is that it's not quite as easy to get to. You have to make exactly one right turn onto Pinnacle Peak Road.

Did you know?Golf Vacation Insider and Golf Odyssey are the world's only golf publications that travel anonymously and do not accept advertising, discounts, or "freebies" from the golf courses, resorts or restaurants they review.

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