I would normally say this would be the place to hang out in Scottsdale for a great relaxed atmosphere, until my New Year' 2007 was ruined by Martini Ranch's extremely rude attitude towards their patrons that night.
I paid $25 to walk in the door, because Metalhead was playing..no biggie..I like Metalhead, and I planned on spending quite a bit at Martini on this night. I was completly prepared to ring in my new year here, and brought a few of my friends who were ready to do the same thing.
My party arrived at 8:30 to avoid a line and get a seat at the bar..the only place to sit not reserved. We started drinking, having a good time, and then at 10pm had our seats yanked from us so they could "make more room for customers at the bar".
So I look around, this place isn't even half full yet..not even looking like a normal Metalhead night at all. There was no apology when I said "hey, I've been here since 8:30, I came here to sit around and drink and you charged me $25 to walk in and there is no one here, and we aren't in anyone's way". There was just a shrug and an "oh well, we have to make room."
10:30 Metalhead comes on. Crowd size hasn't changed. Now my party is STANDING at an EMPTY bar while the small crowd this bar has is huddled on the dance floor like their at a Metalhead concert.
Now we weren't there for just Metalhead, we were there to hang out and have a good time. Sit around, drink and talk. I have gone to Martini for the last 2 years for New Year's..and last year I sat in the exact same place I did last night, and we never were asked to give up our seats..and the crowd was actually bigger last year than this year.
After half an hour of standing at an empty, uncrowded bar, my group walked out at 11:00 pm. We were made to feel uncomfortable for no reason, and I will never recommend this place again.
Pros: Metalhead's great..go watch them at the Library!
Cons: Bartenders even kept handing out drinks not asked for just to put on our tab!..with a "oh oops" response when called on it.
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