Southbridge Scottsdale

This downtown Scottsdale district stretches along the south side of the revamped Arizona Canal on West Stetson Drive.

Part of the Southbridge Scottsdale district overlooks the Waterfront

The creation of developer Fred Unger, Southbridge is a $41 million urban, pedestrian-friendly development notable because it only has independently-owned boutiques and restaurants; there are no chains.

Along with the Scottsdale Waterfront, it is one of the newest downtown Scottsdale revitalization projects.

Although it is only 3 acres, Southbridge packs a lot into a few blocks.

A waterfront park, tree-lined sidewalks and open air courtyards give the area a European flair.

The Southbridge Scottsdale retail area is called The Mix,a bi-level of collection eclectic shops.

The original development plans called for many boutiques.

However, the downturn in the current economic climate meant that some Southbridge Scottsdale retailers have closed in the past year.

Current stores include:

The Mix at Southbridge Scottsdale

• Toy Jungle: selling unique toys, baby items, furnishings and accessories for children,
• Garage: which bills itself as a “body shop for kids” and brings international high fashion to children's clothing,
• Nestldown: offering European and Eastern luxury linens and bedding, bath accessories and garden décor,
• Studio Joy Li: is an independent label that offers well-designed clothing at reasonable prices for real women, beautifully designed to travel easily.
• Amy, Inc.: selling slinky dresses, blouses and skirts.

Across the street on the south side of Stetson Drive there is:

• Oh MyDog: a boutique and salon for the pampered pooch,
• Scottsdale Pen: with hundreds of fine writing implements, stationery, bottled ink and journals.

Cowboy Ciao restaurant offers delicious and unique dishes in a creative atmosphere

The south side of Stetson Drive, opposite the Waterfront, has been known for the popular Scottsdale restaurants Cowboy Ciao, Kazimierz World Wine Bar and the now-closed Sea Saw.

All three were the brainchildren of Peter Kasperski, an innovative restaurateur who has helped to raise the bar on the Scottsdale dining scene.

Our favorite Kasperski venture is Cowboy Ciao.

This unique restaurant serves an eclectic cuisine that melds the flavors of Mexico, Italy and the Southwest.

If the great food wasn't reason enough to visit, adventuresome diners would come for the whimsical and creative atmosphere, which one reviewer referred to as "Addams Family meets Old West Bordello."

Kazimierz Wine Bar (7137 E. Stetson Drive, Suite 8; 480-WINE-004) boasts a collection of over 2,400 wines with 20 varietals from over 40 countries.

You can relax on plush couches and armchairs in a comfortable setting reminiscent of a European wine cellar.

In addition to wine, Kazimierz offers a global grazing menu of flatbreads, patés, fondue, cheese plates and salads.

Stop by on Sunday, Monday or Thursday evenings to hear live jazz from local musicians.

As their web site says, "Like all good speakeasys, the entrance is hidden in the rear."

Besides Peter Kasperski's eateries, there are currently three other Southbridge Scottsdale restaurants to try.

Marcellino Ristorante (7114 E. Stetson Dr.; 480-990-9500) is an upscale Italian restaurant know for its fresh, handmade pastas and daily specials.

Chef Marcellino Verzino has had restaurants in Calabria, Abruzzo and Rome as well as cooked in Greece and New York.

His menu reflects his diverse cooking experience with dishes such as scallops al pesto ($16.95), pasta with sauteed asparagus, tomato, arugula and ricotta ($20.95) and grilled filet mignon with a Barolo wine reduction and truffle oil ($38.95).

Marcellino Ristorante is west of the canal bridge

Tapas Papa Frita (7144 E. Stetson Dr. #210, Scottsdale AZ 85251; 480-699-5004) is a Spanish restaurant. True to its name, you'll find a wide variety of tapas - the popular Spanish appetizers and snacks - here.

Examples include classics such as imported, aged, cures Serrano ham, fire-roasted peppers with olive oil, Cabrales cheese with quince paste, and tortilla de patatas - Spanish potato pie.

There's also soups, salads, and classic Spanish entrees like sarsuela - a Catalan style seafood stew - and several versions of paella including a vegetarian option.

Tapas Papa Frita offers entertainment with live music four days per week and flamenco dancing three nights per week.

Although the The Estate House closed on October 17, 2010, a branch of the popular Scottsdale eatery the Herb Box (7134 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85251; 480-289-6160) has opened in its place.

The menu is similar to the other two Herb Box outlets, focusing on a "farm-to-table" theme with items such as a grilled chicken and sage pesto sandwich ($12), corn and goat cheese flatbread ($14), market steak salad ($15), and short rib tacos ($14).

You can eat in the full service restaurant or stop by the market next door, which has the same delicious food-to-go and a few tables for eating there.

Even though seven new restaurants were planned for Southbridge, none of them are still in business, and some never opened.

While the tough economy has changed the original Southbridge Scottsdale development, there is still plenty here to intrigue.

Phone:   (480) 421-1004 for the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, access, hours, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the business or facility before making reservations and/or travel plans.

Click here for a printable Map of Downtown Scottsdale from the City of Scottsdale

Click here for a printable Downtown Scottsdale Directory from the City of Scottsdale

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