Oliver's Modern American — Restaurant in Scottsdale

My visit was for Father’s Day. Actually the evening before which was a Saturday night. I had read good things about the chef in a local periodical that included a brief history of the architecture and building that Oliver’s occupies. So my curiosity was piqued. I arrived before my son and his date but policy prevented my being seated before our appointed reservation time. So, I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a dry martini. My bar experience was less than stellar. While busy, there were two bartenders working. It took several minutes before being acknowledged and even more to have my questions answered and place my order. My questions were regarding what vodka they poured and was surprised at their lack of options. I placed my order which amounted to cold vodka in a glass and it still took several minutes before delivery. Twelve minutes from the time I took my seat at the bar. There is a trend happening in dining establishments that I do not care for. There has always been a premium price assigned to martinis and I get it. But the trend is to continue to charge an arm twisting amount while serving the cocktail in a “coupe” styled glass. So basically 5 oz. vs. 6.5 oz. Bar tab with tip, $22.00.

Fortunately, the meal experience was much more pleasant. We shared the grilled shrimp starter and were enjoyable. My son’s girlfriend had a food sensitivity to an element of her dish that was not listed on the menu. The waiter quickly removed the dish once she was made aware and the chef corrected the dish an personally returned it to the table all in less than five minutes. My son ordered the NY strip and said it was prepared perfectly. I enjoyed the lime scallops and they were also prepared perfectly. The accompanying succotash was a great addition, as well. The chef returned to the table to be certain that our meal was up to expectations and we shared our positive views. For dessert the table shared the strawberry shortcake which is prepared with an in-house made biscuit and fresh whipped cream was a delight.

Despite my disappointing visit to the bar, I fully plan on visiting Oliver’s again.

Feedback? Martini drinkers are used to being abused. Two martinis usually pay for a bottle of Belvedere. Give us a damned drink. Not a little bowl to lap at like a thirsty pup. And then, either make sure your menu is totally transparent in dish components or make certain wait staff ask patrons if there are any food...

Recently tried this local gem. We were greeted & seated fast (it was a sunday night on a holiday weekend). Everyone was extremely kind & friendly. Nicole S. was our server - loved her! We looked at the menu ahead of arriving so we didn't have too many questions or need too much help deciding. We went right in with their Burrata to start. Toasted sourdough, with beautiful roasted grape tomatoes, a delicious pesto, and of course the burrata. Before we could ask, one of the other servers/food runner(?) saw we ran out of bread and brought us some more 😍🤌🏻🤌🏻. We both enjoyed the Prime Bistro Steak which was cooked beautifully. I ordered medium rare. Many places tend to have trouble getting MR right these days. Not here. Even the center was warm 🤌🏻 I love loved LOVED the Au Poivre sauce! It came with a mountain of fries (which also pair perfectly with the au poivre btw) that were also made really well. We finished with their Peach Cake though it wasn't on the menu. It was dense - not in a bad or overwhelming way - full of peach and flavor, and came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (but you could get chocolate if you want)

My drink of choice was their Smokey Old Fashioned. It was well balanced. Smooth, silky, smokey, rich, and full of flavor. Exactly how they should be. It's easily the best I've had in a while.

The place was clean, the staff seemed to truly be enjoying their time there - no off vibes from anyone. They also were on top of everything. Loved the decor. I liked the open kitchen, the layout, the atmosphere. 👏🏻 Kudos, thank you, and we'll see you soon! Maybe next door for Breakfast!

(I'm sorry for not having pictures. We were so hungry that we just dove right in and it smelled too good to wait! 🤭) The scheduled staff on this night is the crew. Host, servers, manager, cooks, they worked seamlessly together. Can't applaud this enough...

What a fabulous restaurant. Every aspect of our experience was flawless, and for a reasonable price.

The food was delicious (I had the blue cheese burger) and generously portioned. Everything was perfectly cooked. The menu is well crafted with a blend of classic and original and creative choices, making me want to return to try everything. It's clear that the owner and staff care a great deal about the quality that they are presenting, from the food options to the menu design, etc.

The atmosphere is interesting, warm and welcoming. The look is a combination of mid century modern and sleek industrial. The tables were wood, spacious and comfortable and I love that there are choices of different types of areas where you can sit. I look forward to sitting outside by a fire pit when it's cooler. The overall style is attractive but with a casual feel so that you feel that you're a guest at a friend's dinner party with a "come as you are" tone.

I noticed that even though every table was filled, my party and I could hear each other easily. I think that some of the wood paneling is dampening the sound. If that was intentional, THANK YOU!

The service was outstanding. We were well cared for, without hovering. The staff was welcoming and friendly in a genuine way.

The history is awesome, of course. My family has been in South Scottsdale since the 50s and I think that Oliver's has captured the down to earth and unique personality of past and present middle class S. Scottsdale perfectly.

I'm excited to return. I live within walking distance and I'm so grateful that you chose this area to settle in. We needed you! Thank you for a pleasant and...