I like to sneak into Mabel's and pretend I'm not in Arizona. The brick walls, overstuffed leather booths & chandeliers make Mabel's definitely one of my favorite spots, at least aesthetically. They also have great tapas-style food & the service has always been excellent. They are really helpful when you're trying to book a table the day of your event (as I did last weekend). Certainly one of my favorite spots in downtown Scottsdale.
I like to share a bottle of champagne & pretend I'm in NYC or some hip European dive...once a small buzz hits I might be more prepared to venture out into the more typical "Old Town"... but staying at Mabel's all night with some good friends is just fine with me.