Found this spot while browsing Yelp for a happy hour/dinner location during our most recent trip to Scottsdale. Their happy hour menu and daily specials, along with the awesome looking vibes, made Dodo Bird a must try for us!
They are located in a strip mall with plenty of parking in front. Their signage is very prominent, and they have a chalkboard menu out front with their daily special and happy hour menu. There is also a large dodo bird statue by the door so you know you're in the right place!
Once inside, you forget you're in a strip mall bar-the decor is chic but fun, with lots of plants and art, prominently featuring dodos. There is plenty of seating: low booths, high top tables, and a large bar in the middle with high chairs for close to 18 people. There are several TVs, and they seemed accommodating when people asked to switch to certain games. They have an electronic darts game, Pop-A-Shot, and a Skeech table as well. Their bathrooms are also super clean!
The service was great right from the start: Monica greeted us and was quick to give us the rundown of how long they have been open, and her favorite menu items-she even made a point to ask what we ended up with and how our experience was. Our waitress, Bailey, was super attentive, gave us great recommendations, and was very patient with us as we snapped photos of our items.
Onto the main event-the drinks and food! Here is what we tried:
*DRINKS*
- Hot & Bothered (Mi Campo Blanco, Ancho Reyes Verde, Watermelon, Lime, Agave): Loved this to kick off the night! Perfectly balanced heat and refreshing watermelon-I recommend having this before you eat, so it doesn't overpower the flavors.
- Naughty by Nature (Grey Goose Vodka, St. Germaine, Strawberry, Basil, Lemon, Ginger Ale): This was delicious! Not too sweet, and the ginger ale makes it taste light. Will definitely order again.
- Negroni Bianco (Gray Whale Gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Lillet Rose): I've tried negronis in the past and they haven't been my favorite. This take was a bit different (it was clear) and it was good, but very alcohol forward.
- Counterfeit Cantaloupe (Bacardi Rum, Watermelon Liquor, Orange, Lime, Fee Foam, Bitters): YUM! This was really refreshing, and the tropical flavor was perfect. Definitely order this!
*FOOD*
- Cauliflower KFC (Crispy Cauliflower, Hot Sauce, Dill & Buttermilk Dressing, Bleu Cheese Crumbles): WOW. This was by far one of our favorite iterations of crispy cauliflower. The seasoning was flavorful, the amount of breading was a perfect ratio, and the cauliflower was cooked perfectly; the sauces were also super tasty! If you only order one appetizer, let this be it.
- Crispy Spicy Tuna Bites (Ahi Sushi, Spicy Aloi, Avocado Jalapeno, Rice Cake, Sweet Soy): These were decent; the rice was a bit crispier than I've had at other places, but the flavor was good. Be sure to get some extra sides of sauce for dipping.
- Short Rib Chili Dumplings (Handmade, Beef Short Rib, Onion, Sesame Soy Garlic): A must order!! These pack so much flavor, and the sauce is an incredible complement. The short rib filling is moist and tasty. Seriously, I could have eaten another order with zero regrets.
- Steak Frites (New York Strip, Hand Cut Fries, Peppercorn Au Poivre or Chimichurri): The Monday Special is $20 for their Steak Frites which was a great deal! This was a good entree to split-I only wish we had ordered our steak medium rare as it was more medium plus, but it was still yummy! We also upgraded to the Truffle Fries (Hand Cut Fries, Truffle Oil, Parmesan) and though they brought us regular fries, they quickly grabbed our truffle fries which were hot and crispy. The truffle oil was prominent, but not over-powering.
Big thanks again to Bailey, Monica, and the whole team for a delightful first experience at Dodo Bird! Top-tier food and service make this a permanent part of our yearly Scottsdale itinerary from now on! read more