Citizen Public House Is the Upscale Scottsdale Home of the Original Chopped Salad
5 Yumpoints | Tied for #46 in Phoenix | Tied for #11 in Scottsdale
What you need to know about Citizen Public House is that it has the ‘Original Chopped Salad’. At Cowboy Caio (RIP) it was called the Stetson Chopped Salad, and at the Gladly it’s called—lemme check—uh, the Original Chopped Salad. We’ve clearly landed on that being the name. Regardless, this particular chopped salad is the best dish in all of Phoenix. I say that as someone who couldn’t care less about salad. To be fair, the only reason I tried it in the first place was because I did my wedding reception dinner at Cowboy Caio and it was just part of the package. It’s life changing. I’m serious. I wouldn’t blame you for driving 45 minutes just to get that one dish. The drinks are also really good, so get a few of those while you’re at it.
Where: Old Town Scottsdale
Website: citizenpublichouse.com
Reservations: OpenTable
Tip: Apparently there’s a speakeasy upstairs but I’ve never been and that makes me sad.
Reviews, Articles, and Awards
+2 Yumpoints | FEB 26, 2020
James Beard Foundation: 2020 James Beard Awards
Best Chef: Southwest - Semifinalist
+1 Yumpoint | FEB 1, 2024
Phoenix New Times: The Top 100 Restaurants
Don't let the name and the address fool you. Citizen Public House, founded by former Cowboy Ciao culinary master chef Bernie Kantak, may sound pretentious, but its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere and offerings of classic American fare with a delicious kick are nothing short of modest classiness. From picture-perfect scallops and standout starters like the luscious crispy sesame pork belly to the Original Chopped Salad (so popular it has its own Facebook page) and dreamy desserts, at Citizen Public House, deliciousness is in every detail. Whether it's an evening out, a pairing dinner, happy hour fun, or late-night noshing — all with the added enjoyment of a team that's as comfortable to be around as your dining companions — Citizen Public House deserves to be in heavy rotation on your restaurant playlist, particularly if you find yourself in Scottsdale.
+1 Yumpoint | JAN 13, 2024 / LAUREN MILLINGTON
Female Foodie: The 16 Best Phoenix Restaurants
We rarely find salads that are truly noteworthy, but if you’re looking for one of the best salads you’ve ever eaten, then The Original Chopped Salad, located at two of our favorite Phoenix restaurants, Citizen Public House and The Gladly, is a must. On days when a gorgeous pile of wholesome ingredients is the only thing that will satisfy, this salad absolutely fits the bill. With juxtaposing layers of smoked salmon, freeze-dried corn, arugula, couscous, and diced tomato, all topped with a homemade buttermilk dressing, it’s no wonder this salad has its own Facebook page. If you are looking for something a little more hearty to accompany your dreamy greens, we also love the seared scallops with sweet corn grits.
+.5 Yumpoints | DEC 22, 2023 / LAUREN TOPOR
The Infatuation: The Best Restaurants In Scottsdale
Citizen has a divey pub vibe without the lingering cigarette smoke or sticky floors, making it an obvious contender for a Manchester United-loving dad’s 53rd birthday dinner. Expect sunburned tourists and hospitality industry folks snacking on the bacon fat popcorn, and excellent barrel-aged cocktails like the Rose Garland with bourbon and blood orange liqueur. The menu goes hard on comfort classics including fondue-dipped pretzels, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and a salmon, buttermilk-herb dressed salad. Chat up the host and casually drop a question about Citizen’s private dining—you might be invited to the restaurant’s hidden speakeasy to drink whiskey in heavy glasses.
+.5 Yumpoints | AUG 7, 2023 / ASONTA BENETTI
Thrillist: The Scottsdale Restaurants You Should Be Dining at Right Now
Heralded by James Beard Foundation award nominee Chef Bernie Kantak, Citizen Public House offers a contemporary approach to gastropub eats. The unpretentious Old Town restaurant has nabbed numerous awards and accolades since its opening in 2011. And guests come back again and again for their fine cocktails and pub-style fare, which includes the signature mac and cheese, crab cakes with oaxacan chile remoulade, sauced short ribs, and of course, the original chopped salad. Don’t miss Benjamin’s Upstairs on your next visit to this Scottsdale staple. The swanky, speakeasy-style lounge is an extension of the restaurant that’s effortlessly hidden above the main floor.
