Old Town Scottsdale Landmarks and Haunts

Description:

Los Olivos is a Scottsdale institution, one of the last restaurants in Old Town that dates to the days when cowboys tied up their horses on Main Street. Although the food is just standard Mexican fare, the building is a fascinating folk-art construction. The entrance is a bit like a cement cave, with strange figures rising from the roof. Amazingly, this throwback to slower times is only steps away from the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. On Friday and Saturday nights, there's Latin dancing from 9:30pm to 1am.

There's another Los Olivos up in north Scottsdale at 15544 N. Pima Rd. (tel. 480/596-9787).

Description:

Open since 1958, the family-owned Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor is a Scottsdale landmark in the heart of Old Town. The pink, white, and black vintage decor is awash in nostalgia, and yes, very cute, but don't let the cuteness factor stop you from ducking in for a sweet treat. The "Super Fancy Sundaes" menu is a go-to for locals who know the pleasures of the Top Hat (creampuff filled with vanilla ice cream and smothered in hot fudge) and the Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split, featuring Turkish coffee ice cream, caramel sauce, red raspberry sorbet, and marshmallow sauce. Not the best place to go if you're on a diet, although the Sugar Bowl also features a sandwich and salad menu with items for the calorie-counters. The walls of the Sugar Bowl feature original art from Bil Keane of "Family Circus" fame. The famous comic strip artist was a Paradise Valley resident who visited the Sugar Bowl with his own young family, and the ice cream parlor was often featured in his popular strip.

Description:

One of its kind in the city, Rusty Spur Saloon is a bar that reminds one of the old world charm and offers live entertainment seven days a week. Previously a cowboy salon, this bar features numerous mementos and souvenirs. With a full-stocked bar that offers the choicest variety of liquors and spirits, this place is extremely popular amongst the locals.