Don & Charlie's
Sport Hound Reviews
It was the most breathtaking array of baseball memorabilia I've seen west of the Hall of Fame – and so far we had only seen the entryway and the bar!
I'm talking about the famous Don & Charlie's restaurant in Scottsdale, which I had heard referred to as the one “must-see” establishment on the Cactus League circuit. Our evening there during Spring Training '04 justified the reputation.
First, there's the matter of getting in. Somehow we managed to wiggle a table for 5 despite not having a reservation, but I don't recommend relying on that kind of luck.
To snag that table, we first waited in the bar for about 45 minutes. Now this wasn't hard labor, mind you, because the drinks were well-poured and there was plenty to see. One person in our group kept getting up and wandering around to look at the autographed balls and bats and photographs and uniform shirts covering every inch of the walls and ceiling. (“That's a cast of Lou Brock's hands holding that bat over there!”)
Even the squeeze into the front door and through the packed entryway was full of temptation to stop and gawk at the memorabilia lining the walls.
When we were seated in the main dining room, it was time for another round of admiring the incredible collection. In the midst of that, we almost forgot to notice that two large tables next to us were unoccupied, and stayed that way for another half hour – which is very unusual at Don & Charlie's, because you'll notice they really try to turn the tables fast during this peak season.
Engrossed in our martinis and the liver pate that was plunked on the table, we missed the grand entry at first. A party of about a dozen filed through the room to plop down next to us, and that's when I saw HIM – Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig. Dressed in his trademark long sleeve button-down blue shirt, the Budster was greeted like royalty. We struggled to identify the members of his party and concluded that daughter Wendy, head honcho of the Brewers, was present, but didn't recognize anybody else.
Soon we were scanning the room intently, and discovered Giants pitcher Kirk Reuter in another corner.
We dragged out the consumption of our steaks (try the George Will NY strip with garlic) as long as possible to gawk at the baseball royalty, and restrained ourselves admirably from giving Bud the benefit of our wisdom on how baseball should be run.
By the time we staggered into the parking lot, we were sated with good food and a great baseball fix.
- Thanks to John E. for the review!
Don and Charlie's has been Spring Training HQ since 1981. Their baby back ribs and prime rib come highly recommended. They also win the “Best Sports Memorabilia” trophy from our staff. Every foot is covered with photos, autographs and caricatures.
You are bound to catch major leaguers here any day of the week. This place is a must for the first time spring training attendee. You will find yourself back every year from here on out. If you are planning a large event, they also have banquet facilities to accommodate from 40-400 people.
Vasu Review
Don & Charlie's, located in Scottsdale, is one of the finest dining
pleasures one could ever have. They are world famous for the variety of steaks
they serve. Whether it is New York, Filet, Rib Eye or a variety of different
steaks Don's & Charlie's makes it to perfection as ordered.
They also have a variety of chicken and pasta dishes available to others who
wish to dine on something different. Everything on the menu has a mouth-watering
taste to it. They also have plenty of appetizers and salads for a great start
to any meal served.
Don and Charlie's has been a staple in the community and has been a long favorite of athletes and tourists both. Located 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix, it is a perfect place to have dinner and drinks before or after the game. They have an expanded bar area for customers to come in and eat in a more casual atmosphere. The restaurant has a beautifully designed shape that separates the bar and dining area. With a variety of drinks both on tap and in bottle, all connoisseurs will find something to their liking. The walls are splattered with memorabilia and photos of both actors and athletes who have found Don and Charlie's to their liking.
Scottsdale is a thriving community that grows every year. Don and Charlie's has been an established part of the community for over a quarter-century. Anytime is a great time to go and during Spring Training is great time to catch some of your favorite baseball players, coaches, executives, and broadcasters enjoying a perfectly cooked steak.