I am a big lover of Spanish guitar, flamenco, and trendy Latino music. When I was a little girl, my world-traveling grandmother came to visit my family in our dusty, small Texas town fresh off a trip to Spain. The gift she brought me from her journey ignited my love for travel and all things Spanish: a beautiful female flamenco dancer doll in a blazing red dress with a male doll in all black and a matching red-accented vest. I was mesmerized.
As an adult, I find something intoxicating about Spanish dancers, the music and the cries heard during their performances. While women in flame-red dresses twirl on the floor, eyes fierce and feet stomping, the men howl gut-wrenching sounds to the beat of the Spanish guitar. This is where the magic begins and is what captivates me so.
Fortunately, I can get my fill of Spanish music and dancing right here in Scottsdale. These restaurants and bars offer an authentic entertainment experience, paired with scrumptious food and drink.
Mbar’s Musica En Vivo at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Since Spanish guitar is one of my favorite styles in the genre, let’s start with the Mbar at Montelucia. This gorgeous, Spanish hacienda-style property features live music nightly, Thursday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails such as classic Sangria and Gin Tonics all while sharing assorted tapas.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Toro, located at the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, offers live Latin music every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and during brunch on Sunday. It’s the perfect complement to Toro’s stellar menu, which is headlined by Latin-inspired entrées and their signature “suviche” (sushi + ceviche) bar.
Sofrita
This Puerto Rican restaurant in nearby Fountain Hills offers an eclectic mix of Latin-style music with a Spanish guitarist and live flamenco shows. In addition to the great food and entertainment, the patio offers views of one of the world’s tallest fountains, which spouts every hour on the hour for 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tapas Papa Fritas
You can also take in a night at Tapas Papa Fritas, located on the Scottsdale Waterfront. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy a live Flamenco from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday Nights, a Cuba-style band takes the stage from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dr. Cacinda Maloney is a scuba diving, cocktail-loving, smart-luxury world traveler. She was once a physician and traded that in for life on the road as a digital travel writer, blogger and social media influencer. When she is not on her iPhone, she is at home in her colonial Mexico-inspired home in Arizona. You can find more of her travels at PointsandTravel.com