(Huh?) Jose Garces' Old Town Whiskey in Scottsdale Shutters to Become Hotel Event Space

Bourbon and bar bites for bridal and baby showers? (Sigh.) It's true. See also: - CLOSED: Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar in North Scottsdale - Opening Weekend at Morning Squeeze in Old Town Old Town Whiskey, celebrity chef Jose Garces' upscale saloon inside The Saguaro hotel in Old Town...

By Laura Hahnefeld

February 22, 2013

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18478561",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "16759093",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759092",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759094",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        }
      ]

Bourbon and bar bites for bridal and baby showers? (Sigh.) It's true.

Old Town Whiskey, celebrity chef Jose Garces' upscale saloon inside The Saguaro hotel in Old Town Scottsdale, has shuttered to be used as event space for the hotel.

What? No. Why?

The decision is a curious one given that Old Town Whiskey, which opened in November 2011, was the hotel's only lounge (and a cozy one at that) offering a unique selection of more than 100 varieties of whiskey in addition to some decent bar bites.

Spokeswoman Lisa Nicita says though she doesn't know the financial status of Old Town Whiskey, it was the hotel that ultimately made the decision to shutter the tavern so that the space could be used for events. (Garces' other whiskey-themed tavern in Philadelphia, Village Whiskey, remains open.)

So where do guests and visitors of The Saguaro now go to kick back with an adult beverage? It seems the answer is Distrito. But with its big, open room, brightly colored interior, and seating choices of tables or a less-than-lounge-worthy bar, the experience will hardly be the same. Plus, you'd better like tequila.

Follow Chow Bella on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest.

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.