The Skeptical Chymist is a great North Scottsdale bar for happy hour or dinner/drinks before going out.
I went a few weeks ago with a group of friends where we did just that. We all bellied up to the bar which probably wasnt the most ideal spot for the 12 of us but the rest of the tables were full so we made do. The bartender was really attentive and the food came out quickly. My friend and I split the chicken tenders which, in true Irish fashion, are extremely battered but equally delicious.
Music was probably louder than it actually needed to be, it was pretty hard to hear anything anyone was saying when the live band played, but when the playlist came on, the volume was just about right.
Fun time had by all, different, tad older crowd than I'm used to, and it was a nice change of pace. I'd definitely go back.