Planning a rehearsal dinner can feel like an overwhelming task, particularly since it’s done in tandem with planning your wedding and occurs right before the big day. It can be even harder to choose the best venue in a city like Scottsdale, which boasts hundreds of restaurants and dozens of special event venues, as well as parks and other outdoor facilities, many of which are perfect for a rehearsal dinner. To help narrow the playing field, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites, with notes about the amenities that earned them their spot on the list.
BEST FOR VALUE: Culinary Dropout/The Showcase Room
Style: Casual
Known For: Soft pretzels with provolone fondue, chopped chicken salad and ribs.
Capacity: 325 reception / 200 seated
Average Entrée Price: $16 - $25
Good to Know: Culinary Dropout boasts yard games on the patio and often has live music. It’s sister property, The Showcase Room, is a blank canvas that can be decorated to fit any theme.
BEST FOR OVER-THE-TOP: Dominick’s Steakhouse
Style: Formal
Known For: Prime beef and fresh seafood
Capacity: 200 reception / 100 seated
Average Entrée Price: $26+
Good to Know: Dominick’s boasts a swanky rooftop pool (decorative only!) under an open-air sky that is sure to make a long-lasting impression on your guests.
BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS: El Chorro
Style: Semi-Formal
Known For: Brown-sugar cinnamon sticky buns, beef stroganoff and twisted Caesar salad
Capacity: 600 reception / 500 seated
Average Entrée Price: $26+
Good to Know: El Chorro sits between Camelback and Mummy mountains, so the views are stellar, particularly at sunset. You’ll find eight different venue options on the property, from small to grand.
BEST FOR SMALL GROUPS: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
Style: Semi-Formal
Known For: Sweet potato and pepper jack empanadas, roasted branzino, The Stetson cocktail
Capacity: 70 seated
Average Entrée Price: $26+
Good to Know: The Hermosa Inn was originally crafted in the 1930s by artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee as his residence. With only 43 casitas, it’s a small and intimate property.
BEST FOR MEXICAN FOOD: The Mission
Style: Semi-Formal
Known For: Twelve-ingredient tableside guacamole, pork shoulder tacos and the Aguacate Margarita
Average Entrée Price: $16 - $25
Good to Know: The Mission sits next to Old Town’s Old Adobe Mission, the first church in Scottsdale, which still operates today and is even available for weddings. You’ll get a true taste of the Southwest with locally sourced ingredients and hand-pressed cocktails at this intimate retreat.
MOST SCENIC: Gertrude’s at Desert Botanical Garden
Style: Semi-Formal
Known For: Elote Fritters, risotto and green chile hummus.
Capacity: 100 seated
Average Entrée Price: $16 - $25
Good to Know: Gertrude’s is tucked into the Desert Botanical Garden and offers views of the immaculately manicured landscape. Allow your guests to explore the Garden before or after dinner (admission to the Garden is an additional cost).
