What: Waltz and Weiser Whiskey Bar and Cantina
Website: Click here
Where:
Westin Kierland, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Rating: 
Why:
Nestled underneath the stairs leading out to the central outside seating area overlooking the golf course, is the Westin Kierland’s homage to the mining history of Arizona, the Waltz and Weiser Saloon / Whiskey Bar and Cantina.
While there is a smaller inside eating area, done up very much like an old western saloon bar, the outside area takes advantage of the delightful Phoenix air and, by day, the resort’s sweeping views of the golf course and the Phoenix mountains as backdrop.
By night, when we attended, the darkness of the Phoenix desert is brightly illuminated by the resort’s several large fire pits around which willing participants sit and enjoy the many varieties of scotch whiskey and cigars available to be ordered. There is also a reasonable array of beers and wines, and even a couple of beer cocktails, as well as the usual soft drinks.
It was a mild clear night and there were perhaps 100 people sat outside enjoying the food, drinks and the enormous suspended Skywatch screen which televises the latest scheduled football match and sports wrap afterwards. Many partaking of the cigars on offer may be seated near you so if you don’t like eating around cigar smoke, you’d best eat inside.
Outside is a better option subject to your cigar sensitivities, but between November and March, take a jacket as the desert air can be quite cool at night.
Despite the size of the area and number of people outside, we were looked after fairly swiftly. The restaurant is a casual one so don’t expect silver service and fine dining here, but you can expect a warm friendliness and willingness to please.
The food menu is duly focused on old style saloon fare bearing in mind that it is supposed to represent a slice of Arizona mining history, and it does not disappoint in that regard. Some may feel the menu is a little on the limited side, but that is to be expected given what it represents.
While the options are focused, they are delicious and we can certainly recommend the Chipotle Drummettes, onion rings and pulled pork sandwiches.
As is customary in this part of the world, the servings are generous so you will not go hungry – it is definitely worth a visit.
