It’s almost graduation season in Arizona. As May rolls around, so do high school and college graduation ceremonies, and people are looking to celebrate. Whether it’s a nice dinner after walking the stage or hosting a party for the graduate, here are some of the places to check out for a celebratory graduation dinner.
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Elephanté in Scottsdale: This Italian restaurant is perfect for graduation celebrations. For parties of 8-12, there is a fixed family-style menu. For groups of 13 or larger, a private room must be booked. Elephanté offers an elevated dining experience to celebrate your new graduates. It is open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. on the weekend, perfect for a late-night bite amidst a busy graduation schedule.
The Henry: With two locations in the Phoenix area, the Henry is a great option for those in Arcadia or Uptown. The Henry’s menu size gives just enough options without overwhelming you. You can order a classic burger or a filet mignon, should you choose. The Henry’s Great Gatsby-esque settings make it a great place to settle in for dinner with loved on this graduation season.
The Arrogant Butcher: Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, merely a block away from Chase Field and the Footprint Center, the Arrogant Butcher is another great option for celebratory activities. For a more casual meal, you can grab a sandwich and a beer, or you can up the ante with a slow-roasted prime rib, filet mignon, or a roasted half chicken
First and Last: Just off Roosevelt Row and the arts district of Phoenix, First and Last has an amazing lunch and dinner menu. For a more casual celebration, visit at lunch and order pizzas, sandwiches, or soups, and salads. For dinner, there are pasta dishes or various chicken, steak and fish plates. First and Last is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
La Zozzona: This restaurant is perfect for a regular dinner reservation or a private event, depending on your graduation plans. Whether you want a private event for a smaller group or a larger celebration, La Zozzona is accommodating of both. Acclaimed chef Richard Blais used his travels in Italy to foster the creation of the La Zozzona menu, which includes dishes such as the spinach cavatelli, lamb ragu lasagna or the swordfish chop.
Culinary Dropout: Culinary Dropout is the way to go if you’re in need of a large menu with lots of options for potentially picky eaters. The restaurant offers countless appetizers, including pretzel bites and deviled eggs. There is a large variety of entrees, sandwiches, and not to mention, cocktails. The Tempe location has several options for group dining, including the Patio Lounge, which seats up to 100 people or the Grand Dining Table, which seats up to 30 people.
Cala: This Mediterranean restaurant is in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The restaurant combines desert flavors with coastal dining. With later dining hours, Cala is a great option after a later graduation ceremony or a day full of grad-related festivities. You can make special accommodations for large parties or even book a private event in addition to making a regular dinner reservation.
Rōsso Italian: A modern Italian restaurant located in Downtown Phoenix with a great event space for large groups. You can host a group of up to 70 in the main dining room or a group of 24 out on the patio. Choose from pasta, pizza and other entrees, including grilled salmon or pork chop milanese.
Social Hall: Social Hall is the perfect place for a big blowout graduation party. With options available for groups of 10 or up to 600 people, there is plenty of room for your party. You can also make a reservation for a regular, good old-fashioned dinner. Social Hall leans into the more casual side of things but has a robust menu for whatever dish you may be craving on graduation night.
Society: Located near the ASU Tempe campus, Society is perfect for an ASU grad dinner. Start your celebration night with one of the many appetizers. Then move on to your main course and choose from the creamy lemon lobster, duck meatloaf, filet and many other options. Society is open until 2 a.m., making it a great spot for dinner and drinks. It also has private party options if you’re looking for a more intimate and private night when celebrating.
