Kierland in north Scottsdale

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Kierland: shopping, pasta, putting

The polished outdoor shopping district at Scottsdale Road and Greenway. Walk it after a sesh at home, eat too much, play mini golf like a pro.

Kierland is the area around Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway, built around two open-air shopping centers: Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Fountains, misters, patios, dogs in strollers. It's clean, it's tidy, and it's built for wandering.

Here's the local trivia: Kierland Commons is actually inside Phoenix city limits. It just uses Scottsdale mailing addresses, like a lot of this area. Everyone calls it Scottsdale anyway, and nobody at the bar is checking. If you want grit, go to South Scottsdale. If you want air conditioning and a nice patio, you're in the right spot.

Kierland's vibe and a little history

Kierland is a 730 acre master planned community, and Kierland Commons was built as its main street. Woodbine Development started construction in the mid-1990s, the first stores opened in 2000, and the whole retail strip was open by 2005. It was designed to feel like a small town center, with storefronts facing streets instead of a mall parking lot.

Scottsdale Quarter came later on the same stretch of Scottsdale Road. It's an open-air center with more than 80 retailers and a park-like lawn called The Quad, which has a big pop-jet fountain. Between the two, this is where North Scottsdale and north Phoenix do their errands, date nights and post-golf dinners.

Things to do in Kierland

This is a walk and eat neighborhood. Show up hungry and comfortable.

  • Scottsdale Rd and Greenway Pkwy (Phoenix city limits)

    Kierland Commons

    15205 N Kierland Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

    Kierland's original main street. Tree-lined blocks, shops, patios and a lot of restaurants packed into an easy loop. It's the best people watching north of Old Town, especially on a cool night when every patio is full.

    It's technically Phoenix, with a Scottsdale address. Fun fact for your friends who think they never left Scottsdale.

    TipGo after sunset in the warm months. Midday in July is not a stroll, it's a dare.

  • Scottsdale Rd north of Greenway

    Scottsdale Quarter and The Quad

    15279 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

    Open-air center with more than 80 shops and The Quad, a lawn with the biggest pop-jet fountain in the region. Kids run through it, adults stare at it. Both are valid.

    It's the slicker, newer half of the Kierland area, with offices upstairs and a lot of dining mixed in.

    TipSit by the fountain at night with a cold drink and let your brain go quiet.

  • Scottsdale Quarter

    Puttshack Scottsdale

    15059 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

    Mini golf, but with tech. The balls carry trackers that keep score for you, so nobody has to count strokes, which is a relief for certain people. There's a full bar and restaurant next to the course.

    It's a great pick for a group, a bachelor or bachelorette crew, or a date where you want something to do with your hands.

    TipBook a tee time on weekends. Walk-ins on Friday night are a gamble.

Where to eat and drink in Kierland

Kierland is chain-heavy, but some of those chains started here and do it well. For the citywide list, see our munchies guide.

  • Kierland Commons

    North Italia, Kierland Commons

    15024 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

    Handmade pasta and pizza in a busy, warm room. The Bolognese is the house specialty and it's earned. The spicy rigatoni vodka is the order for anyone who wants a little heat.

    Pasta is the correct munchie food. Carbs, sauce, cheese, done.

    TipGet the Bolognese and a margherita pizza for the table.

  • Scottsdale Quarter

    SOL Mexican Cocina

    15323 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

    Coastal Baja-style Mexican, made from scratch, in a big festive room with a patio. Live music on some nights.

    Coconut calamari and goat cheese enchiladas are the signature plates, and the frozen margaritas are what most tables are drinking.

    TipCoconut calamari first. Thank us later.

Questions about Kierland

Is Kierland Commons in Phoenix or Scottsdale?

Kierland Commons is inside Phoenix city limits, but it uses Scottsdale mailing addresses and everyone calls it Scottsdale. For cannabis purposes it doesn't matter, because Arizona's rules are state law and apply the same in both cities.

Can you smoke weed at Kierland Commons or Scottsdale Quarter?

No. Smoking cannabis in public is a petty offense in Arizona, and the walkways and courtyards of a shopping center are public spaces in practice. Have your sesh at home or another private place where it's allowed, then come walk around.

What is there to do at Scottsdale Quarter at night?

Dinner on a patio, a lap around The Quad fountain, and a round of mini golf at Puttshack, which has a bar and restaurant next to the course.

How far is Kierland from Old Town Scottsdale?

It's a straight shot up Scottsdale Road, roughly a 20 minute drive depending on traffic. Rideshare is the easiest way to do it, especially if you've been smoking.

Where should I eat in Kierland?

North Italia at Kierland Commons for pasta, and SOL Mexican Cocina at Scottsdale Quarter for Baja-style Mexican and frozen margaritas. Both are easy, casual and good for groups.

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