About us: My husband and I live in Scottsdale and go out to breakfast once every weekend. I try to pick a different place each time because I'm adventurous and we haven't yet found a place to become a regular favorite.
This review is for the: Scottsdale Road Scrambles location (September 2014).
Summary: Atmosphere lacking for me, but food good. A little spendy for what it is. Fast, friendly service.
The atmosphere: This is almost a cafeteria-style eatery. The space is small, but bright with lots of windows and high ceilings; very open and also industrial (metal decor) and modern despite the wood laminate flooring. Not a lot of personal, freestyle seating - there are bench seats and tables largely lining walls and partitions; you can easily get friendly with other parties seated next to you. It's upbeat, noisy and active.
While none of that's bad, it's not what I like in a breakfast or dinner place - that really only works for me for lunch. My preference for breakfast is somewhere comfortable and warm to ease into the day where the noise level is low, music is soothing, but happy, and where my husband and I can keep to ourselves enjoying coffee and food.
The process: You need to check the menu, first, before ordering. Then, you get in line and order at the front counter and pay beforehand like at a buffet, but with ordering from a menu instead of buffet. Then, take your number, stop by at the beverage section to grab your coffee or whatever drink, and find your place to sit. Someone will bring your food soon.
The food: The food is just fine. Cooked right, tastes good, no complaints, but definitely not a place comfortable enough for me to want to linger; more of "please bring my food so I can eat and get the hell out of this chaos" kind of place to me. Now, there is some outdoor seating, that I'm assuming is quieter, but not sure, but when we went, it was too hot outside to try it (hello, Arizona, it's too hot most of the year to be outside).
End result: I won't be going back unless I'm hanging out with someone who really wants to go there. As a personal choice, it's a no.