Bar Cena Is the Chillest Scottsdale Bar in Town
If you like Hush Public House but want to trade some of the food stuff for cocktail stuff, Bar Cena is your spot. It’s right next door, is owned by the same people, and has, uh, more cocktails and less food. That’s not to say the food isn’t the same quality though—the Muffuletta Croquettes were on Don Armato’s best bites of 2023 (in Phoenix New Times), and Phoenix Magazine didn’t mention cocktails at all in their review. They claim chill vibes and Italian comfort nibbles, but I see it as more of a complete cocktail date spot. Tomayto, tomahto. Did you know they have a table side absinthe service for 4? Get it.
Where: N. Scottsdale / Website: barcenascottsdale.com / Reservations: Tock
Reviews
March 7, 2024 / NIKKI BUCHANAN
Phoenix Magazine: Dining Review: Bar Cena in Scottsdale
If anything, Bar Cena, centered around European classics, is the most relaxed of the Ruggieros’ three restaurants, a quiet date spot for sipping craft cocktails on couches or making dinner of old-school dishes given modern twists.
January 5, 2024 / Natasha Yee
Phoenix New Times: Bar Cena brings rich Mediterranean flavors to north Scottsdale
It's dark and alluring, sophisticated yet subdued with a bit of mystery and an abundance of flavor. Welcome to Bar Cena, chef Dom Ruggiero's latest concept in north Scottsdale.
Accolades / Awards
+1 YUMPOINT
2024 Foodists Awards: Outstanding Hospitality Group - Winner
+.5 YUMPOINTS | December 28, 2023 / Dominic Armato
Phoenix New Times: Critic's Picks: Dominic Armato's 10 favorite dishes of 2023
Muffuletta Croquettes - Here, he's taken the spirit of the classic New Orleans sandwich and turned it into a fancypants riff on fried cheese that's equal parts playful and delicious.Provolone croquettes are studded with sesame and fried to a crisp, then topped with a bright olive and fennel relish. The flavors are as fabulous as they are familiar, but what makes the dish is the texture. The croquettes are surprisingly light, and when you bite, provolone comes oozing out almost more like a fonduta.
