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| - We dragged into Scottsdale after a long afternoon of fighting traffic and, after checking into our motel, started to look for a decent place to grab a beer and a bite to eat.
A bit of internet searching turned up Papago Brewing Company right next door to our motel. The extensive beer list sounded intriguing, and the menu of mostly pizza and sandwiches sounded like just what we needed after a tiring afternoon, so we headed on over.
First, a small warning...if you're using a GPS to navigate, be aware that it may land you a half a block away from the restaurant. We wandered around the block a couple of times before we figured out that the restaurant was located in the small Papago Plaza shopping center, on the corner of Scottsdale Road and McDowell Road.
Inside, it's pleasantly "pubby," with lots of wood and a combination of tables and counter seating. I liked the hundreds of beer tap handles decorating the rafters and exposed beams. The use of cardboard six-pack holders as silverware and napkin holders on the tables was also a nice touch.
We decided to order a large pizza topped with artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil for dinner (their pizzas only come in large and personal, and the large is a good bit too big for two, but our motel room had a fridge, so we decided what the heck...the leftovers would be good for breakfast!). The pizza came out promptly, and was just what the doctor ordered: thin, nicely crispy crust, tangy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese (I like my cheese a bit on the light side). I could have asked for a more liberal hand with the toppings, but that's just me. It was a really good pizza, and I'd order it again (and maybe just ask for a few more artichoke hearts and olives!).
To drink, we each had their signature Orange Blossom Ale...a wonderfully creamy wheat ale delicately infused with mandarin and vanilla, served with an orange slice on the rim. It was soooooo good! The orange and vanilla flavors perfectly complemented the slight sweetness of the wheat beer...nothing too sweet, but a perfectly harmonious combination. If I lived in the area, it would definitely be a favorite!
Service was prompt, helpful and friendly. Nothing to complain about there.
Should we find ourselves in the area again, we will definitely be repeat customers.
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