The Goose — Restaurant in Scottsdale

As a speakeasy enthusiast here in Arizona I’ve tried just about every speakeasy there is and no complaints especially as major as this for me to come on Yelp on my one night off.

Here are the facts of my experience at The Goose: Like any other time, made a reservation accordingly. We arrived on time and were asked to wait outside the speakeasy at the main bar of the Italian restaurant attached to it. We waited 20-25 minutes past our reservation time to be showed inside. Over 20 minutes passed after being seated and were never once asked for drink orders, however the table of four next to us was offered a second round. When they were asked a gentleman from that group replied “I think those girls need one”. The server gave a smug look and replied back “Yeah, I know” and continued taking drink orders from them. We saw numerous tables get second round and new tables be seated with orders taken, yet we were never greeted by a single server. Once the table next to us got their second round they cringed even thinking of drinking it seeing that we were left ignored. After 50 minutes went by my partner was really upset and we ended up leaving and heading to AZ88 which is 13 minutes away and has always been a pleasant experience.

Now here are my opinions of The Goose: I don‘t ever want to use the word discrimination however we were the only visible LGBTQ couple there and that is the way it made us feel. It made us feel disregarded completely. If you are looking to have a pleasant night out or especially a date night highly recommend against going to The Goose. This feeling of being dismissed and embarrassed of leaving was overwhelming although it may have seemed small to them, their lack of customer service impact on cliental...

We first visited this spot during their soft opening about five months ago and had an incredible experience. The bartender was exceptionally knowledgeable and welcoming, the cocktails were generously sized and made with top-shelf liquor, and the rotating food items added a creative touch. My boyfriend’s Old Fashioned was even finished with smoked orange peel and wood—an impressive detail that really captured the essence of a true speakeasy.

Unfortunately, our return visit last night was a letdown. While cocktail prices have gone down, the quality has noticeably declined. The top-shelf spirits have been swapped for mid-tier alternatives, and when I asked to substitute the vodka in my drink with Ketel One, I was told the cocktails are now “batch made”—definitely not what you’d expect from a craft cocktail bar. The Old Fashioned lacked the smoked elements that made it special the first time, and the portion was significantly smaller.

It feels like the concept is shifting from an elevated speakeasy experience to a more generic bar and restaurant. Disappointing, especially after such a...

Well, I finally did it. I chased the signs, rounded the corner, and waddled my way into cocktail heaven—aka The Goose.

After months of saying “I really need to check that place out,” fate (and a craving for a strong drink in a sexy setting) finally brought me to this moody, marble-floored gem. Walking in felt like stepping into a Manhattan lounge, but without the ego or overpriced pretzels. Instead, I got soft lighting, curvy decor, and the kind of playlist that makes you want to text your ex just to say “look what you’re missing.”

Ashley was behind the bar mixing cocktails smoother than a late-night voice memo, and Kain? Well, if you’re lucky enough to catch him—ask him to spin a playlist and shake up a Tuxedo No. 2. He’ll charm your ears and your taste buds. Honestly, I don’t know if I was more intoxicated by the drinks or the vibe (…okay, maybe both).

Do yourself a favor: follow the signs, embrace your inner goose, and glide into this little slice of cocktail paradise. And if Kain’s around—tell him I said hi. Or better yet… tell him to call me.

10/10...