The Venue Scottsdale

This venue is HUGE! We recently went to a work event here and couldn’t believe the size of this place… multiple rooms inside, lots of space outside and upstairs. Great venue! The food was outstanding… we couldn’t get over how delicious it was. They had a fajita station that was very tasty, we had churros and cookies throughout the venue and at the end of the night pizza and sliders. The pizza was super cheesy and delicious. The food makes this place great. The staff… makes this place eh. I don’t believe I saw a single smile from any one of the staff members the entire 6 hours we were there. The bartenders were busy, so that’s understandable but still… a smile or something would of been nice. Luckily this was an open bar event otherwise I don’t think we would of stayed to enjoy the bartenders much longer. A smile or friendliness from at least one employee would of make this the best venue we’d been too.

I really liked this place. I love how the inside is decorated. It’s also not very big which is what I like when I see a live band. I just wish they had more events here that interested me.

Beautiful space; terrible to work with, all based around poor communication. Ended up over-​charged and felt like it was a big headache. For example, while our event was always contracted for a certain number of guests, found out 5 days before our event that they wanted to charge us $ 700 for chairs that they didn’t have. Ended up NOT charging us for chairs after arguing with them. Also, building was not ADA accessible (for people in wheelchairs) but did not inform us of this — found out at our event that their elevator could not be used.

We held our company awards event at The Venue this week. The space is perfect for a celebration. The food was good, the staff went above and beyond and the AV went smooth. We had music, light show on stage and a screen for a video.
I planned the event from Dallas, TX and Marissa and Awelle made it happen! These ladies are professionals!
The only thing from getting 5 stars was the a/​c and cooling of room which is important when everyone is dressed up. Construction is going on so I understand it was hard to cool down.
Easy location for everyone to find. Signage for parking is ample. Great day!

Tonight we were here for a wedding rehearsal dinner. The place is impressive the moment we walk in. It’s decorated like a New York City upscale club. The dj already had great music, the photobooth the bride hired was ready and operating. The roof is retractable which they opened making for a spectacular transition from afternoon to evening.
The buffet was ready on time with a large selection of entrees. I had the short RI s, Romain alade, potatoes, and grilled vegetables. Tiramisou was the desert. The food was served hot and was delicous.
One very impressive component was the staff to guest ratio. There was an abundance of bartenders, servers, security, and management for our small group.
John Magor was the manager on duty and I got the opportunity to chat with him. Since this is a «private» party style place they host some of the hottest celebrities and DJS for exclusive events. He was able to drop some really big names, impressive.
Anyone looking for an exceptional spot for any size party, event, dinner, or special occasion will want to check this place out.

My complain here is not about the place. Is about the owner/​general manager Nicholas Larez of the venue. My car was towed because tonight they have a big event and I happened to park in one of the several spaces in front of their door. This morning at 10 the space was not marked, but he said it was, even said he had cameras! Which I pleaded for him to check and see. He also said my car had been there since 7 am which is also not true I work in the area and we open at 10 am and I parked my car at 9:50 am. At 5:50 pm my car is gone and I’m responsible to pay to get my car out? I said they should have signs warning people, he pointed to a piece of paper on the counter in the back office. Not sure what the paper says, apparently they can claim public parking spaces whenever they want to! His rudeness and lack of empathy is amazing! Not worth it of people spending any money on this place! Clearly is no cheap. He does not deserve it!

I heard The Venue Closed and took down their website.

I’ve only been once but I’m a big fan. This space is quite nice. My indoctrination to The Venue happened this weekend during the Scottsdale Spice Culinary Event. Tons of people meandered about as we nibbled on food and drink, listening/​watching/​dancing to a band. Good times were had and we never felt over crowded.
The old school style of the building, with dark accent wood paneling and incredibly large chandeliers, offered a non-​generic experience. The main bar wraps around and is rather large, providing plenty of access to the bartenders. The secondary bar is made for tall people (not the shorties who can’t be seen in a crowd, desperately waving a drink ticket). Still great for those over 5’3″.
The acoustics were phenomenal. I scored parking immediately around the corner so I can’t comment on how challenging it might be to find something. (And no, I’m not giving away my new secret.)
I’d highly recommend this place to attend a music event and to host a private event. Plenty of space to have a large number of people comfortably moving around.

Spice culinary festival last night was FABULOUS!!!
sapphire sky band rocked all the attendees.
Good times!

This place is ok, we have been there for a concert and then another event, place is laid out well and is reasonably clean. The main issue is the security, when we were there for the concert there was no pat downs at the door, the other event did have extensive pat downs. What is funny is there was a group of complete douchers drunk as hell trying to get in around the same time we were, initially the Venue would not let them in, but after a while they went ahead and allowed them to enter. So after all the patdowns and doucher patrol we get in and then it is like security is non-​existent and those guys go on to be complete idiots… then we found out the reason for the patdowns: drink prices are outrageous…$ 8 for a well vodka in what amounts to a dixie cup worth of watered down drink, can only imagine the price for a non-​swill spirit… so it seems the shift in focus for security has gone from actually making sure the patrons are safe to just searching for people bringing in alcohol… who can blame us, $ 8 for a well is Vegas bar prices… anyways this place is greedy and doesn’t have enough events to merit going back, the event we went to wasn’t even listed on their website as it wasn’t some trust fund baby’s graduation party or sweet sixteen… stay snobby Old Town… lol

I recently got married at the Venue. First of, the staff was incredible. Deanna, who was the event coordinator, was patient, understanding, and willing to help me at each stage of the preparation. She was there reminding me of things I had to get done, vendors I still needed, etc. When it was time for the big day, she was there directing people, so that all I had to do, was show up and enjoy my very special day. Now, the place was fabulous. It was elegant and classy. All of our guests raved about how awesome the food was, how elegant it was, and how nicely the entire event was organized. From the appetizers to the cake, everything was perfect. My husband and I both are so thankful to them for making our special day so much less stressful and much more enjoyable. I definitely recommend them. Trust me, not only will you love the place, but your guests will be left impressed.

The only thing really redeeming about this location is how unique it looks inside. My fiancé and I attended a work holiday party here last night and there was much left to be desired.
There were two bars on the main floor with two people working each location; needless to say, the venue was understaffed to cater the drinking needs of 200 people or so. Not only were there not enough bartenders, the ones working were the worst I’ve encountered. I work in the service industry and expect a certain level of professionalism, speed and a quality drink. It look about ten minutes each time to get a drink; everyone seemed to be diddly-​daddling around and didn’t seem to understand that a long line should instill some urgency. On two separate occasions I watched the female bartender pour no more than .25 ounces of liquor into a glass and top it off with soda, and then proceed to charge $ 8.00 for it. We found one male bartender that poured a good drink but had the personality of a gnat; he wouldn’t even make eye contact with his customers.
The food was mediocre, and not terribly hot. The dessert table was pretty good though with cheesecake lollipops and mini cups of chocolate goodness.

I read another reviewers review of the Oktoberfest event from this past weekend, and I second everything they said. Food was lame. The brats were a ridiculous $ 7, and they were served on a terrible baguette bun. The soft pretzel with cheese was $ 4 and the cheese was gross, like worse than stadium nacho cheese. What REALLY made me mad is that admission came with 4 drink tickets to get beers. Since I was the designated driver, I wanted to use some of my beer tickets for soda and they wouldn’t let me! Instead they charged me $ 4 for a SMALL soda. UGH, it made me so mad. Wouldn’t come here for Oktoberfest again.
The best thing about the event was the band who played cover songs. But would it have been so hard to find some polka bands?

We went here for an Oktoberfest today after having purchased a coupon deal for admission and beverages (4 beers per person). The place was easy to locate in Old Town Scottsdale, and on-​street parking was readily available nearby.
Pros:
Surprisingly, this was an indoor venue instead of outdoor, and it seemed more like a large beer hall with lots of old world décor, which took some of the disappointment out of being confined indoors on such a beautiful day.
Staff were generally pretty friendly and helpful, seating was plentiful, the oompa band (3 local musicians) was entertaining and fun, and the craft beer (especially the Oktoberfest Lager) was very nice.
Cons:
In spite of having a printed (and web published) schedule of activities, the stage crew & management seemed genuinely confused as to the order of things. When the band went on break, the sound team played loud rock music from some radio station over the PA system, rather then anything remotely themed to the event.
Food offerings were meager (brats $ 7, soft pretzels $ 4, small bags of potato chips, etc). The brats were served in a sliced, hard baguette with choice of grilled onions and/​or sauerkraut, but were dry and somewhat flavorless. In addition, there was only regular, yellow mustard available at the counter. No spicy or German style mustard was available, but one of the staff did manage to scrounge up a small bowl of Dijon after I asked. No other accompaniments were available, such as potato salad or fries, nor were there any desserts on offer.
Overall, I’d rate this event at about a «2», mainly because of the disorganization and poor quality of food offerings.

Interesting place. The event I attended there was no hassle or lines getting inside with my free e-​ticket. Dos Equis had sponsored a soirée and the place was all jazzed up with strange food and a live band and attractive women handing out scorpion lollypops. I liked the little dark corners on one side of the front bar which was filled with Scottsdale type girls and some Dos Equis random people. The hall was quite large and the place was never crowded. Back-​to-​Back urinals was a new twist, but never experienced it on my two trips. Upstairs was VIP for some reason, but it just looked like a long balcony. Beer battered shrimp were good and free beer at the event was a plus. It was a nice venue.

It’s a neat venue once you get inside but the whole process is incredibly disorganized. I waited 90 minutes to go see a show I already had tickets to. When I went inside, I thought the place would be packed, thus explaining the long wait. Nope. Tons of empty space. The line was so long and so poorly managed that many customers who had already purchased tickets went home. And no refunds for the tickets they bought!
The drinks were also incredibly overpriced. $ 8.00 for a mixed drink in a plastic cup.

Attended a private event here. I was pleasantly surprised to find a very large venue in Old Town Scottsdale that felt like a nice concert hall. I can’t believe this isn’t used more frequently. It’s located in a part of Old Town that doesn’t get much foot traffic at night and the parking is scattered around small lots surrounding the building plus side streets, so it’s not a convenient place to visit. However, the interior is perfect for small to mid size (1000) events.
There’s a stage, lighting, and sound already built in as well as large bars and booths, tables, and chairs. A large dance floor or main room that allows for a variety of design concepts is in the center of the building.
The event I attended used one of the bars and about ¾ of the room. It went off without any issues. I’m seriously considering renting this place for several events I have coming up.
Return Factor — 90%

Well holy crap. I just visited this place the other day and a lot has changed. I came back here to check reviews and found out that I was the first to review this place back in 2007. How about that?
Well, I’m glad to see I posted a solid rating back then and left room for improvement because let me tell you — they improved it… lots.
This is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the Valley. The current owners have clearly sunk a lot of money into the place to restore it to better than it’s former glory. It’s absolutely stunning inside. I walked around it during the day and I was awestruck. It’s such a gorgeous spot with so much character.
Perhaps the best part about all of this is that the roof opens up again! It was forbidden for about a decade, but no longer.
They broke ground recently next door on what will end up being a swanky multi-​story ultra lounge, and next to that they opened a new pizza joint — K.I.S.S. I’m anxious to give them a try.

I am The Director of Special Events for The Breast Cancer Society. We held our «Pink Carpet Gala» at The Venue Scottsdale this past September. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the complete experience I had with The Venue. I don’t know where to begin describing the exceptional service we received. From the very first phone conversation, to the planning, all the way through to the execution of the event, and even the days following, our event was handled with the upmost professionalism and care.
I could go on all day about how wonderful and accommodating the staff is. Their hearts and passion for what they do are just as abundant as their knowledge and professionalism in executing events. We were offered brilliant suggestions and were given many tips on inexpensive ways to make our evening even more elaborate. They worked with our vendors, provided extraordinary service to our guests, and went above and beyond to make sure our gala was the perfect evening.
The venue itself is breathtaking! It offers multiple areas, each just as beautiful as the next. The unique décor and spacious rooms make for an ideal place to hold an unforgettable evening (or day for that matter).
Our guests are still buzzing about what an amazing night it was and are all ready inquiring about how they can attend again next year! I highly recommend The Venue Scottsdale for your next big day. We will without a doubt be using them again!

This is a real nice place to hold an event, just not a beer festival.
With its four, yes, count them, four urinals in the men’s room, this is not exactly the place you want to be during a five hour drinking event.
I felt like a little kid, standing there, legs crossed with one hand on crotch squeezing, grimacing.
Not really, but I couldn’t concentrate on anything that was being spoken since I had to pee so badly. Another good life experience is what I chalked it up to.
I’ve always wanted to test the limits of my bladder, similarly to one of those astronauts in that movie ‘The Right Stuff’.
The Winter Beer Festival was just ok.
I met a girl who had the most perfect eyebrows I’ve ever seen. She said they were natural but I don’t believe her. They were too perfect. (I’m not gay, but supportive)
I drank some Habanero IPA and burned my throat.
The band was good.
Venue should offer Frito Lay products instead of Jay’s brand potato chips.
I really could have really used a bag a Cheetos or sour cream and green onion Doritos.
A ride home would have been nice too.
I woke up in a parking lot.

We went here last night for the Emmure, We Came as Romans, Woe is Me, and blessthefall show. I really like the venue. It has a really interesting layout, one you wouldn’t expect for a show. They have tight security, but I didn’t mind. I’d rather wait in line a little longer to prevent getting shanked. They have several bars selling semi-​overpriced drinks, which was expected. They have clean, accessible bathrooms and a lot of space to mingle or join in on the pit. The acoustics could have been better, but it was also a hardcore show so I wasn’t expecting them to be amazing. They have free parking in a garage right across from the venue as well, which is always nice. I’d definitely see another show here. It also doesn’t hurt that Dos Gringos is right across the street!

For those people giving it 4 – 5 stars — have you been to another concert… like a professionally coordinated, big boy event? What are you comparing it against?
This place is a train wreck. I saw Foster the People, a sold out show. The doors opened at 7PM so I showed up around 9PM. Despite arriving a whole 2 hours after the doors opened, I still waited 15 min in line to get into the place.
The acoustics are awful and if you’re not within 50 feet of the stage, you’re not going to see the act.
I wouldn’t come back here if Foster the People were giving out free hand jobs.