The Bottom Line
Pros
- Upscale dining with reasonable prices
- Nice place to take out-of-town visitors
- Western and rustic, but classy
- Opens at 3 p.m. for Happy Hour
Cons
- I was still hungry after an appetizer and a dinner entree.
- Tables in main dining room are very close together.
Description
- Renegade Canteen is open for dinner seven days per week.
- On weekends, enjoy brunch with breakfast staples, creative “odd things” and “hangover cuisine” with live entertainment.
- Happy hour specials at Renegade Canteen are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every evening.
- Appetizers and sides at Renegade Canteen are not large enough to share.
- Renegade Canteen is probably best described as rustic/elegant.
- Large booths at Renegade Canteen afford the most privacy. Dining room tables are close together.
- There's a large, outdoor patio area for those that like to dine al fresco.
- Happy hour specials are offered only in the bar. It's worth considering sharing small plates there for a casual supper.
- If you love that huge burger at that other place that Chef McGrath used to own, try the Big Bob’s Big Burger & Fries here!
- Business dinners, romantic dinners, dinner with friends are all good here.
Guide Review - Renegade Canteen
Nationally acclaimed James Beard Award winner Chef Robert McGrath brings another restaurant to Scottsdale that I'd put in the category of Scottsdale-Western-Chic. Somewhat more affordable than its peers, Renegade Canteen's menu combines standard favorites like Filet Mignon with eclectic creations like Crabmeat ‘Enchiladas’ with Mango Vinaigrette.
When visiting a restaurant for the first time I always like to combine menu items that can be obtained at other restaurants with those that are totally unique. The Tortilla Soup ($9) is a definite thumbs up with a lovely, not-too-spicy flavor and plenty of chicken. In the "I've -never-had-that-before" category I decided to order the Smoked Salmon Cheese Cake with Watercress Salad and Champagne Vinaigrette ($12). It was nice to try once, like eating a lox and cream cheese wedge on a cracker.
The Filet Mignon ($32) at Renegade Canteen was one of the best I've tried recently and comes with one side dish which is enough for one person, not to share. On recommendation we ordered the Green Chile macaroni, and it was, indeed, delightful. The 1/2 Spiny Lobster ($30) with lobster mashed potato stuffing was a special that evening. I was able to wrangle about 6 bites of lobster of it. While I enjoyed the potato combo stuffing, when all was said and done I was still hungry.
“Candy Cap” Mushroom Bread Pudding with Vanilla Gelato and Candy Cap Cookie Crumbles ($7) doesn't even sound appealing to me. I asked and yes, there are really mushrooms involved. Being a bread pudding lover I gave it a try and I was happy I did. The Chocolate Toffee Pecan Pie with Bourbon Spiked Vanilla Ice Cream ($7) was rich and sweet.
Renegade Canteen is a good choice for a first date or casual, romantic evening if you get a booth, a family night on the town (there's a nice children's menu with selections from $4 to $6) or a business dinner. The environment is rustic, in an elegant sort of way. Business casual or resort casual attire is appropriate.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
