Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Scottsdale, AZ

BILTMORE. Although part of a national chain, this restaurant is amazingly good. It's not difficult to get in, but...

BILTMORE. Although part of a national chain, this restaurant is amazingly good. It's not difficult to get in, but there's often a wait for a table. To pass the time, hang out at the bar and enjoy the relaxed ambience and diverse clientele. You can also head over after work and take advantage of happy hour. The atmosphere is great; it's not unusual for patrons to continue conversations long after happy hour has ended. To satisfy the munchies, look for your favorite appetizer and accompany it with a cosmopolitan that'll absolutely blow you away.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Boxy leather furniture and wooden accent walls set the scene at this moody bar for Phoenix's beautiful...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Boxy leather furniture and wooden accent walls set the scene at this moody bar for Phoenix's beautiful people. Unmistakably chic, it's a place to see and be seen, whether you're a celebrity or an upscale professional. (Have your self-esteem in place if you plan to attend.) The exterior isn't marked, so you may have to scout out the location. Once inside, though, you can sample one of their famous martinis and take in the sophisticated ambiance, all with the benefit of no cover charge.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat-Sun 6pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Char's (pronounced with an "sh," not a "ch") promises an unpretentious evening of good...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Char's (pronounced with an "sh," not a "ch") promises an unpretentious evening of good music in cozy environs. Most of the audience isn't more than a few steps from the stage, so the immediacy of the blues is right there in front of you. A varied audience checks out the tunes nightly, and many times, they hit the dance floor as the music moves them. Some basic food is available for munching, and a pool table offers a between-sets option. One of the city's best live-music venues.

Hours: Sun-Wed 8pm-1am; Thu-Sat 7:30pm-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. It's been around for decades, and perfect martinis, fantastic steaks, and incomparable service prove...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. It's been around for decades, and perfect martinis, fantastic steaks, and incomparable service prove its longevity. Dark woods, leather booths, and flocked wallpaper hark back to earlier days, and the bar is a prime place to take in all the character and the patrons. Join a few colleagues with a bloody Mary or a well-mixed dry martini and finish up the business day. After you've hashed out the details of the latest deal, treat yourself to prime rib, crab cakes, lamb chops, or a rare porterhouse. Great wines can also be had, and if you park in back, don't hesitate to come in through the kitchen ­ everyone does.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 4:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. This classy bar, with exposed brick walls and refined details, attracts an upscale clientele who move...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. This classy bar, with exposed brick walls and refined details, attracts an upscale clientele who move effortlessly, cocktails in hand, from the ornate bar to stylish upholstered furniture. They come for designer martinis and the social scene as well as for live piano music and performances by "female illusionists." There's a good mix of straight and gay patrons, and the whole place has a sophistication that's often lacking in clubs today. One of their most popular events is Martinis & Manicures, where five dollars buys a tasty concoction laced with an exotic flavor or some attention for your nails.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat-Sun 4pm-4am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. This bar and grill, owned by NBA All-Star Dan Majerle, pulls in hard-core sports lovers. Dim and...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. This bar and grill, owned by NBA All-Star Dan Majerle, pulls in hard-core sports lovers. Dim and lively, its decor is heavy on sports memorabilia, and several TVs allow die-hard fans to keep up with the game. While taking in the ambiance, chow down on burgers, chicken fingers, and other American favorites. Portions are enough to please even the toughest of appetites. If a game is played downtown, be prepared to wait for a seat, especially if the Suns players decide to hang out.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Phoenix's Hard Rock is, among other things, 8000 square feet of cold AC ­ a welcome haven after a...

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX. Phoenix's Hard Rock is, among other things, 8000 square feet of cold AC ­ a welcome haven after a long trip or an afternoon at the ballpark. The place is characterized by speedy service, a fully loaded bar, great memorabilia, and rockin' tunes. If you've had a tough day or just want to leave work behind, it's eminently reliable. Sure, it's a tourist destination known for souvenir t-shirts and ball caps, but it's also a popular neighborhood bar with a reliable menu of salads, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and more.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express