Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse: A Vibrant Addition to the Carefree Dining Scene

Contributor Molly Cerreta Smith was introduced to Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse on a recent media introduction. Here’s her tasty recap:

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Adds Vibrant Yet Casual Atmosphere to Carefree Dining Scene

By Molly Cerreta Smith

It takes confidence to simultaneously host a restaurant grand opening celebration and New Year’s Eve bash. Yet that’s exactly what restaurateur Paul Keeler of Keeler Hospitality Group did with his latest concept, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree… and with great success, naturally.

The party hasn’t stopped since opening on December 31 of last year. Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse has staked its claim in the North Scottsdale restaurant scene, adding a much-needed high-end steakhouse menu combined with a warm, inviting and relaxed atmosphere to Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village complex and offering an extensive dinner menu by Chef Anthony Apolinar that ranges from comforting classics such as burgers to a wide selection of steaks, chops, and market-fresh seafood.

Chef Anthony Apolinar (Christina Barrueta)

Even traditional dishes make their way to stardom at Keeler’s. The Beefsteak Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, for example, features crispy-thin basil leaves that practically melt on your tongue.

Beefsteak Tomatoes (Molly Smith)

Of course, steaks are a main attraction at Keeler’s.

USDA Prime 18-oz ribeye with sides of scalloped potatoes and Brussels sprouts (Christina Barrueta)

From Baseball Cut, Petite Filet, Bone-in Ribeye and New York Strip, carnivores can select their cut of choice and also enjoy other selections including decadent Rack of Lamb, Double-Cut Pork Chop and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib.

Prime rib with sides of loaded baked potato and mushrooms (Christina Barrueta)

We tried a variety of sides to accompany these meaty mains including the Loaded Baked Potato and Brussels Sprouts, but the Mac and Cheese was by far my favorite. Other outstanding starters include the Steak Tartare and Crab Cakes, which had my dinner mates and I practically arm wrestling for the last bite.

Lobster mac and cheese (Christina Barrueta)

Seafood also steals the show at Keeler’s. The Seafood Pasta, featuring Argentinian red shrimp, diver scallops, and PEI mussels over a bed of linguine pasta tossed in mushroom cream sauce is a delight for the taste buds. And the Atlantic Salmon served with herb-asparagus risotto and roasted red pepper cream sauce is as fresh as they come.

Seafood pasta (Molly Smith)

You may already be uncomfortably full after a meal at Keeler’s. Order dessert anyway. Whether you choose the Apple Pie, Cheesecake or Crème Brulee, you won’t be disappointed.

In addition to a well-rounded menu, the bar program at Keeler’s is worth noting. From a classic PK Martini to the “Pina-Cillin” featuring Highland Park Magnus Scotch, lemon, pineapple, honey, and ginger beer with lemon and orange twist, a cocktail is the perfect way to begin — or cap off — a meal at Keeler’s.

PK’s Martini (Molly Smith)

Beginning in March, Keeler’s opened its Rooftop Terrace for happy hour from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, featuring a selection of brews, cocktails, wines and sangrias for a steal, as well as $5, $10 and $15 menu selections including Loaded Steak Fries ($5), Lobster Mac and Cheese ($10) and the Prime Rib Dip Combo including a non-alcoholic beverage and steak fries ($15).

Keeler’s now offers brunch on Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Choices run the gamut from breakfast selections like the Big Poppy Omelette with bacon, sausage, ham, mushroom and cheddar, served with hash browns and Crab Cake Benedict featuring poached eggs, crab cakes, hollandaise sauce and cilantro to lunchtime plates such as PK’s Burger featuring an 8-ounce CAB burger, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions and the lobster roll with butter-braised lobster, celery, Bibb lettuce and garlic aioli.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse offers diners the elevated menu of a Scottsdale steakhouse without the stuffy atmosphere or out-of-this-world prices. Comfortable and classy, Keeler’s is right at home in Carefree.