Thirty Years in the Bat Cave
Carlsbad Tavern has brought bold New Mexican cuisine to Scottsdale since 1995 — cave walls, the Guano Canal, and award-winning grub included.
Carlsbad Tavern | Our Story
One Chef, One Bold Vision
In 1995, Michael P. Capriola brought authentic New Mexican cuisine to Scottsdale — not Tex-Mex, but the real thing, served inside a cave inspired by Carlsbad Caverns. The bat décor, Guano Canal, and Roswell memorabilia were the whole point from day one.
Inside the Cave
Stone walls, carved-face sculptures, and dramatic pendant lighting make the dining room unlike anywhere else in the Valley. Nearly thirty years later, first-time guests still stop in their tracks at the door.
The Food Earned the Awards
Food Network Magazine named the Habanero Cheeseburger the Best Burger in Arizona; Travel + Leisure agreed, and Phoenix New Times has praised the carne adovada and New Mexican potstickers for years. The "grub" sign out front is an understatement.
Award-Winning Best Patio
Phoenix New Times named the lagoon-style Guano Canal patio the Best Patio in the city. String lights, a water feature, and warm Scottsdale evenings make it easy to understand why.
Still Family, Still Day One
Andrew Capriola and Judith Merritt carry the restaurant forward with the same day-one care Michael built into every plate. Nearly three decades in Scottsdale isn't luck — it's what happens when a place truly belongs to its neighborhood.
