Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in South Mountain

Walked in late for our reservation, the staff kindly greeted and sat us, from the entry to our dessert the experience was one of the best I’ve had in the past 15 years of downtown dinning. The attention from the staff as group in the entire restaurant was truly a testament to the culture that has been created at the Arrogant Butcher. We look forward to our next experience. Happy Holiday’s! ABOMB the artist

We went to breakfast there today and we had one meal that wasn’t cooked the best and the server and the manager were fantastic about it. They turned a not so great experience into an unforgettable experience. They were just fabulous and it just goes to show you what kind of place Olive and Ivy is, Top Notch! I wish I remember the name of the server and the manager. We will definitely be back!! 

There's something decidedly civilized about dining al fresco in December when the rest of the country shivers through winter's early descent. Gertrude's at the Desert Botanical Garden understands this privilege, and on a balmy 80-degree afternoon, they orchestrated a lunch service that would make even the most jaded restaurateur take notice. The true mark of excellence in service isn't in the grand gestures, but in the subtle dance of anticipation and delivery. Bryce, our server, demonstrated this art with remarkable finesse – present when needed, invisible when not, maintaining that delicate balance that separates the professionals from the merely competent. The menu, while firmly rooted in southwestern sensibilities, shows flashes of innovation that catch one's attention. Their hummus duo – a roasted red chili version paired with pipian verde – arrives with an array of pristine raw vegetables and house-made tortilla chips that crack with satisfying precision. It's the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more restaurants don't take such care with seemingly simple preparations. The chicken posole, while generous in portion, needed a bolder hand with seasoning – a rare misstep in an otherwise carefully considered meal. However, the gertie burger more than compensated: eight ounces of quality Angus beef, properly handled and cooked, topped with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions that had been given the time to develop their full potential. The black pepper-ranch aioli showed restraint and judgment, while the accompanying fingerling potatoes arrived with the kind of crisp exterior that speaks of proper technique and attention to detail. The draft Irish Red Ales proved an inspired choice for the season – refreshing enough for the desert air while carrying the weight and complexity appropriate for the holiday season. It's this kind of thoughtful curation that elevates a good restaurant to an excellent one.

This was such a find! The service, was excellent and the menu was so unique and freshly made. More than impressed by ambiance and style of Mexican cuisine.

Great experience! And it is an experience. It's how food should be eaten imo...savoring each unique bite. They estimate 2.5-3 hours and time flew by. Beautiful setting in or out. The service was fantastic, staff was knowledgable about the dishes, the history of the farmhouse and the farm. We were offered a tour of the kitchen and I could've watched the chefs all night - it's like watching an artist. I've had Quiescence on my list to visit for several years and I am so glad we were finally able to make it happen. I for sure want to visit Morning Glory next for breakfast.