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Writer's pictureMeghan Alfonso

What to Expect When Going to Old Town Scottsdale

*** UPDATED APRIL 6, 2021 ***

On March 25th Gov. Doug Ducey lifted the remaining restrictions in place. Arizona no longer has a mask mandate or any social distancing rules. While the state is no longer enforcing COVID-19 restrictions, restaurants and some bars still seem to be enforcing their own safety rules. It is still common to find mask and social distancing rules at places of business in Scottsdale.

We have found that many clubs in Scottsdale are back to normal and are not enforcing their own rules. Guests are free to drink and dance the night away.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend contacting the bar or restaurant.

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Old Town Scottsdale was once the place to be on a Friday night. Right before the sun fell, you could grab a bite to eat at Diego Pops, Toca Madera, or Daily Dose and drink the rest of the night away at Whiskey Row, Bottled Blonde, or Wasted Grain. You didn’t have to worry about wearing a mask or any other new rules while enjoying yourself on a night out. Now with COVID restrictions, there are some things you should know before heading to Old Town.


As of January 26, 2021, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the U.S. to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three days of international departure.

With record coronavirus cases and deaths, Arizona does not have any restrictions or required mask mandates. If you plan to go to Old Town Scottsdale, know it is not the same as it was pre-COVID.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HEADING OUT TO OLD TOWN:

  1. Restaurants are operating at half capacity for both indoor and outdoor dining. Bars are only at 25% capacity and must operate as a restaurant in order to remain open. so don’t think you can get in most places without a wait. We recommend planning ahead and reserving a table for the night. Check out our blog post on Our Perfect Scottsdale Weekend!.

  2. It is common for GROUPS of people to be standing in line waiting because they did not plan ahead. You do NOT want to be one of those groups because no one wants to stand in heels on a corner. ;)

  3. Don’t expect to be given a menu. Most bars or restaurants all have digital menus now. So, if you don’t have a usual, make sure to charge your phone before going out!

  4. You must have a mask to be let into any bar or restaurant. While the state of Arizona does not have any mask mandates under a Maricopa County Emergency Order, face coverings are required in public places in Scottsdale including restaurants and bars, retails stores/malls, grocery stores, and public transportation. You may take your mask off while eating or drinking however; it is mandatory to wear a mask through any public place.

  5. Thinking about dancing the night away? Think again. While Old Town bars are still playing the best songs, you can’t get up and dance, or mingle with strangers at the bar (RIP ur dating life). Everyone must be seated with no more than 10 people at a table. If your party has more than 10 people, you will be seated at different tables, but don’t always expect to be right next to each other.

As always, be courteous to your hosts and waitstaff. It is their job to make sure their guests stay safe and their business follows capacity guidelines.


If you’re coming to Scottsdale but don’t want to go out, reach out to our team to set up your indoor, COVID safe, event! Girl About Town is your local concierge company, so while you may not need itinerary planning for your weekend, we can help decorate for your special occasion and fill your fridge with all the goodies and beverages you need.


We hope just as much as you do that we will be back to “normal” one day soon, We miss the nights of dancing on tables and cramming into a bar packed with people (never thought we would one day miss that!). But, until then we will work with what we have and be thankful we can still support our little desert town!


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