Second Story Liquor Bar

Can’t say enough great things about this place! Second Story is the real deal: superb cocktails and equally impressive food. I’ve been here a few times and it’s always been nothing short of wonderful. The last time I was there for dinner, I decided to get a small plate and ended up having the most incredible butternut squash soup. The atmosphere is really cool (maybe a little too dark) and it’s also fun sitting at the tiny bar and chatting with the bartenders. The only downside is needing a reservation if you’re planning to eat dinner on Friday or Saturday.

I’m in a different city each week for work. Hands down best meal ever; the Chilean Sea Bass. Not only was it a beautiful presentation but the flavors were suburb! Do not be turned off by parsnips on the plate, they were very mild and delicious. Service was excellent! Hard to find these days. Beth took great care of me!

great food and drinks! wait staff is good as well too!

What a wonderful find ! Not a place you would find on your own .the ambience is beautiful and sexy. The food was wonderful and service was helpful but ‘green’. Meaning young and inexperienced. But have it all she had and very pleasant. However when she brought the entrée before appetizer and asked if it was ‘ok?’ We replied .‘no’… With a smile. The squash soup was like Dessert ! Would definitely return …

This is our new favorite date night spot. Reminds me of SFO bars. The staff is great, and drinks are on point. It is a bit pricey though. We really enjoyed the chefs board, and the beer bread! Yumm!
They’ve had the same menu for a while– I look forward to a spring update (I hope)

Because of it’s name, i’ve only come here for liquor. I have been here several times, but I have never eaten here, maybe if it was called meat bar, then odds are I would have. But i digress.
First of all the «bar» itself is tiny, theres like maybe 5 desirable seats at the bar. So getting a seat at the bar is not a convenient process. It starts with standing outside on the sidewalk & attempting to get the attention of the hostesses that give you attitude as if you’re interrupting them from their latest snapchat & instagram updates.
Have faith though, you will eventually be sat. In contrast, the bartenders themselves usually give great service & make pretty good drinks. Are they amazing drinks, no, but still very good. The prices are a tad high, but that’s kind of expected since you’re probably paying for their prime location.
Overall, this place is just ok. This place is right on par with the other decent cocktail bars in the Scottsdale area. You can defintely do much worse, at the very least you’ll get a decently made cocktail here.

You wouldn’t know it by just the name, but this place is more than just a full service liquor bar. It’s a gourmet dining experience with an abundance of decadent flavors. The ambiance is so unique, upscaled and refined, yet relaxed. I felt like I was in a scene from The Great Gatsby, shelves adorned with mini wooden barrels, alcohol regalia, comfortable seating, and a beautiful chandelier. It reminded me of a smaller version of Beauty and Essex in NYC. Even when I was in the bathroom, I was captivated by the stories of Paul Harvey.
Service was spot on thanks to Bethany. There were three of us and we each considered doing a tasting menu, but she suggested that we order more plates so that we could get more variety and save some money. Mind you, everything is fairly priced and worth every penny. What a great recommendation because there was not a dish that we did not love!
Now onto the food!
Social Plates:
1. Beer Bread: Our plate was presented to us with 6 – 8 pieces of delicious chunks of warm, savory bites and the house made churned butter was revealed with the lift of a small glass dish releasing a swirl of smoke.
Opening Fare:
2. Seasonal soup: Jalapeño soup: It was just the perfect amount of froth and such an original taste with a spicy kick. We have never had anything like it and wished we had some more beer bread to dip in it.
3. Roasted little gem salad: The texture was on point, beautifully plated, and refreshing.
4. Corned pork belly: I loved the pork belly spaeztle combination.
5. Foie gras: Last year, one of us had a bad experience when trying foie for the first time. However, this plate changed his experience and now he has a greater appreciation for properly prepared foie. All the components were perfectly selected for this dish. It is not easy to properly prepare foie and I applaud the chef for executing such a fantastic dish.
5. Ahi tuna (Hamachi crudo-​unavailable): We did not mind the tuna substitution. The delicately sliced pieces of tuna were fresh and worked so well with the radish and sauce.
6. Whole grain gnocchi: The perfectly al dente gnocchi worked harmoniously with the pieces of tender brisket.
Dinner Fare:
7. Pan seared duck: The rich bold flavors of the duck blew us away.
8. Coffee charred venison: It’s understandable to be intimidated by the name of this dish as venison is deer and can taste gamey if not properly prepared. However, we were all impressed by how it was exquisitely prepared. It tasted more like filet mignon rather than venison. And the wild boar bacon, wow!
9. Salmon (Wild striped bass-​unavailable): Again, we did not mind the salmon substitution. The salmon was so delicious including the skin. Combined with the spaghetti squash and ponzu broth, the flavors and textures were just spectacular!
Sweet side:
10. Banana foster bread pudding: Scrumptious and paired with burnt popcorn ice cream. Yum!
11. Chocolate beignets: Definitely way better than Café Du Monde beignets! There are 5 pieces that come with the order along with a generous dollop of freshly made cream.
12. Cappuccino: A perfect cap to the end of dinner keeping you from falling into a sleep coma from all the astounding dishes!
Nick the chef is absolutely incredible and talented! Super down to earth and friendly, he came out to chat and to share some stories. He mentioned that the menu changes every ~4−6 weeks. Thank you again for such a special and unique experience! Our bellies are growling with anticipation for the next time!

I planned a dinner for my colleagues and I for our first night in Scottsdale, and the experience from start to finish was phenomenal. I worked with Tommy, and he was great to help suggest menu items and was very flexible with our group and reservation. The chefs cooked us special mini versions of the appetizers they had on the menu so that it was easier to share with the table and all of the food and drinks was delicious. I eat out a lot and work with restaurants a lot for my job, and I wish it was always this easy to work with them!

Where is the 2^nd Story Liquor Bar?! Ahh yes… up on the 2^nd floor next to the Gelato Spot! Reserved for a table of 9 the hostess brought us upstairs to the 2^nd floor where a huge chandelier hung above a table for 2. Booths and tables all around and a bar at the top. A server immediately asked if we have been here before and educated us of their drinks, as well as recommended a couple drinks. Good job. And then came back with waters.
This place has a few of the «weird» plates that the general crowd will not normally eat so I of course had to go for it!
Social Plates:
— Bone Marrow — this in hindsight is one of the peasant part of the cow… the throw away parts you throw as a treat for your dog — but is becoming the beginning attraction of the show. With a bit of decoration to liven the dish it becomes a beauty to devour. The bone marrow — which is high in fat– is eaten like a spread over some toasted buttered bread and garnished with some baby fennel dressed in red vinegarette, literally a couple micro cress, garlic-​grape marmalade. The combination of everything jammed like jelly. $ 16.
Opening Fare:
— Foie² — this is the cold strawberry-​like pâté and a little fatty sac atop the same rectangle buttered toasted bread, cranberries, barley smacks (which I didn’t think go well with the dish) (there was no Brie and no winter squash and I received the white bread instead of the brioche).The dish was very odd as if they didn’t have all the ingredients listed on the menu– but was at least presented and hidden well. $ 23
Dinner Fare:
–Chicken Fried Brisket– a fried battered large square cube of the beef brisket was deep fried with a side of horseradish mashed potatoes, shallot gravy, baby white and yellow carrots and broccoli. I liked the presentation of this dish especially with the cubed fried brisket. $ 25
Sweet Side:
–Banana Foster Bread Pudding — bread pudding with ice cream and coin pieces of banana $ 10
Cocktail:
— Corpse Reviver — a citrus like drink. $ 13
Too bad they were out of the bass and only had salmon. Overall the dinner was likable but a few ingredients were missing. Water was not there after the first glass was given. I give this a 3.5 stars but will bump it up due to half stars.

I was really excited about coming here, at first.
Then I realized that the $ 26 dollar meat and cheese board was the worst «board» I have ever seen. They «forgot» to mention they were out of the pâté and didn’t replace it with anything. For $ 26 (and I do not care about the price as far as the food is good) it was just about the worst rip off I’ve experienced dining at a restaurant. The beet risotto was good, and the drinks were okay too. Expect the fact that the corpse reviver tasted like an aviation…

Alright where to start?
Atmosphere: classy and modern definitely a great dating spot! Dark colors with a lot of candles that add a really nice touch to the whole place.
Service: I had a reservation for 10 people and everything was set for us! After that more of my friends started showing up and they took care of it without me saying a word they added a table and chairs really quick. Lori was our server and she went above and beyond.
Food: I’ve had the duck and it was really juicy and tender it was just perfect. Also every other dish that I tried on the table was above my expectations.
I’m definitely coming back.

This place is a hidden jewel. The atmosphere is very dark and kinda like a Jazz bar type feel. I was beyond impressed with the flights and drink selections. The only reason I’m
Not giving it 5 stars because the service we had was eh… Not horrible but not fantastic. She seemed knowledgeable on some stuff but on other stuff like our order or which flight was which… Not so much. I do wish they would change the music up, we went last time on a Friday night but the music was very tranquil like a spa? It just didn’t make sense. I love the concept and the detail of the bar and I look forward to trying them again and actually ordering food next time because the food smelled amazing! It would be a great place to take a date, or co workers or impress an out of town visitor. I don’t believe it’s kid friendly nor handicap friendly as you do walk up a flight of stairs. Enjoy!

Very cool whiskey and cocktail bar. You can smell the whiskey aromas as you walk up the steps. Nice private place with a simple menu. Very good mixologists. However, no happy hour as of 11÷6÷15 even though it appears on the top 10 happy hour places for Scottsdale, AZ.
**update** ask the server about happy hour not the bartender. Also the pork crêpe is fantastic

A win for liquid refreshment… But be wary of the portion sizes.
Second story is a restaurant really hitting its stride in some ways and slipping in others. The atmosphere is really cool (dark, hip with a bi of swank in the mix), the drink menus is refreshing and innovative (broken up into different eras for a time machine of booze!), and the drinks are made with care.
At this point most people are unplugging their phones to head there way but hold on.
The complaints I have deal with the food. At first the restaurant had great portion sizes and delicious food. Then one of those fell off and it’s the portion size. After three recent visits I’ve come to realize the food is way over priced for what you get. (I even asked the waitress about the change and she did not appreciate the observation). In fact the wait staff is friendly but a bit quick with you. As though saying «you need to be quite to understand the depth of our restaurant.»
Probably too deep into that last point but I don’t need someone to explain away why I spending 20 plus dollars for a rather modest size meal when there are so many wonderful restaurants in this area.
Conclusion: great place to start the night for a drink. Stay away from the food since you will end up resenting what was ordered for not satiating Your hunger.
To try: phil fish punch cocktail, pins cup cocktail.

Very quaint… maybe 40 seats strategically arranged so that you wouldn’t bump shoulders too much with your neighbor. The atmosphere is laidback, semi-​dimly lit, quiet. Nice place to meet on a first date or after work with friends. Parking garage is adjacent, so no circling the blocking and hoping! Staff was very welcoming in passing.
I sat at the 5-​stool bar. Very Sarcastic «keeper of the bar»! Alex is his name. Doesn’t have the typical bartender personality… can come across as very rude.
I didn’t order any food, but the drink was nice and stiff. I will return to get the full experience; I wouldn’t think of sitting at the bar.

Drinks galore!
The drinks menu has so many choices I was on overload. Whiskey to the left, Bourbon to the right, Scotch at the bottom (ahhhh the choices) I want them all. Lol I have been wanting to come here for some time and so glad I finally did. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent drink choices for every one from the unique fruity/​speciality cocktails to the people who take it neat!
They have something for all. As someone who thoroughly enjoys a great Bourbon and Scotch they have it all. I am so glad I finally found a bar that carries Stanahan’s Colorado Wiskey. It’s hard to find out here and is worth it once you do.
I was so entranced by the booze choice I’m pretty sure this place also has food ;) lol. Enjoy and can’t wait to come back.
Oh and make a reservation. It’s easier to get in.

after being seated we waited for at least 10 minutes for water, typically wouldn’t be a huge deal but we had asked to be seated on the patio and it was rather warm out even though it was the evening.
I ordered the lobster corn dog as a starter for the table and the 6 oz filet. The filet was good. The server compared their filet to Mastro’s, not even comparable! The lobster corn dog never made it to the table. When i asked about the starter she said she could bring it, but at that point we had already waited 30+ min for our food.
Overall the food and cocktails we had were good, but not great and not worth returning for.

We only stopped in for a cocktail. There was no one at the front, bottom of the stairs so we started walking up the stairs. A flumoxed looking man approached us at the top…“uh,.um…can i help you? do you have reservations?”…i’m not sure why we were so odd looking to him.
anyway, we did not have reservations… but another gentleman was able to seat us at a table. our DD wanted something other than water, but the waitress said they didn’t have anything non-​alcoholic Except water. Hmm.
the waitress was essentially just there. not good, not bad, just dropping a drink off and then we didn’t see her again until we flagged her down for a check. we would’ve had another round, but our group got better service at another bar so we went back to it.
décor is quite impressive and so is the crowd… very pretty and good looking people.
maybe just an off night for our server.

Robert, the bartender makes the bar here more than just a bar, he makes it’s an experience. He is fun to watch and teaches his mixology techniques along the way. He teaches mixology classes here on Sunday afternoons. I’ve never been, but I can only imagine how much fun it would be.
My boyfriend and I go here often on a Sunday night to grab a cocktail before the work week begins. They offer happy hour all day on Sunday’s which is great! Robert always has a new drink for us to try and it never disappoints. He outdoes himself every time. I can’t say enough good things about this place. I look forward to trying their food soon. I’m sure it will exceed my expectations.

Very memorable and unique experience. Upscale and different from the your typical bars with a speakeasy vibe and beautiful art/​trinkets surrounding the dining area. The waitresses don chic maid lacy maid outfits done classy not halloween-​esque at all, and the men are suited up to the t. Very cool vibe and i felt like a movie star being in here.
Drinks and food are 5 star quality and too pretty to eat but we demolished them anyways.
GET THE PIMMS CUP! Delicious cocktail with bright and fresh herbal tones it went down so smooth. From beginning to end the service was impeccable and all of our food arrived in perfect unison. Park behind the gelato shop and walk around for FREE PARKING.
The cherry on top was the way they completely accommodated me with their own vegan creation because there wasn’t one already available on the menu. It was very good, but with a top chef in the kitchen it wasn’t too much of a surprise. The only con was feeling like the majority of things were overpriced. Definitely would come again for a special occasion but this is not a place you can come daily unless you got money to burn. Perfection!