Heading to Phoenix for the first time next month. I've jotted down a few things to do. Little Miss Barbecue has long been on my to do list. But can y'all help me out with some Must Dos in the Phoenix area?

One specific request: I'm expected to put together some company dinners for about 10-12 people. I'm looking for trendy with some atmosphere, but not white tablecloth, stuffy type dining. Any suggestions in that regard?

We went to the Desert Botanical Garden and saw the Electric Desert installation. It was pretty amazing and unique. I'd def recommend that.

http://www.durantsaz.com

i hear there is a pizza joint thats suppose to be top notch....pizzeria bianco?

I'm there every week now.. Bourbon and Bones is great.

It's awesome! I was there last week.

Barrett Jackson auction if you're there that week and are into cars

Thanks for the feedback. Any other dinner recommendations for my group?

Went to Phoenix last February. We loved The Arrogant Butcher in downtown. Went back a second night just for the peanut butter cup mouse.

The Botanical Gardens is awesome.

I've been looking at the arrogant butcher. Menu looks awesome. But I'm unsure of the atmosphere from the pictures. How is it?

Upper scale casual. Most people were in jeans & nice shirts. Fun place. I think for a group dinner with good food, it would be perfect.

Figured I'd revive this thread- might be doing Scottsdale in february- Enjoy outdoorsy things like hiking (not sure how weather will be). Restaurant recs above look great. Anything else to consider doing?

Weather is usually nice in February. highs around 70. lows 40.

You can either pick one of the many preserves/parks in the city to hike like Camel back, or get out of town.

Came Back is the most famous. parking can be a pain. I can't give you much on hiking beside that. We did most of the hiking in Tucson (January) and just relaxed in scotsdale/fountain hills.

Martinis by the pool at the Arizona Biltmore

If you're there in Jan/Feb check dates for WM Phoenix Open - especially Wednesday pro am.
Arrogant Butcher is ok - like most places downtown. Scottsdale has better restaurants but is 30 minutes from down town. Fun bars at Tempe/ ASU area.
Highly recommend hiking - Camelback early in am or else it is like Disneyland. Could also hike Thunderbird or Pietswa Peak.