Flip flops and board shorts are an odd combination in any club, let alone one in Scottsdale. But this is the typical attire for the twenty- to thirtysomething patrons who flock to The Sandbar Mexican Grill — a new beach-themed restaurant and bar that nightlife moguls Les and Diane Corieri opened in early September — on a Friday night.
Unlike the Corieris upscale Scottsdale clubs Axis/Radius, Myst and Suede, there's no pressure to dress up at their new kick-back north Scottsdale night spot. However, a few people attired in flashy club wear (read: cleavage-baring shirts, tight dresses and glittery shirts) appear to have missed the no dress code memo.

First-time Sandbar patron Kristen Mahoney, who is wearing a pink T-shirt, gray velour pants and has her blonde hair tied in a pony tail, says she feared she would be underdressed.

“I was under the impression that this was going to be an upscale beach bar but it's super laid-back,’’ Mahoney, 24, of Tempe, says. “I love that you don't have to dress up. What a nice change for Scottsdale.’’

Colorful mosaic pillars comprised of pieces of broken plates, beach shells and tiny Corona bottles decorate the Sandbar, which took over the former Jetz Americana location. A chandelier made of beer bottles is suspended from the entryway ceiling and several tables feature a variety of beer bottle caps. Scattered TVs play an eclectic mix of music videos from artists such as the All-American Rejects, Beach Boys, Dave Matthews Band and David Lee Roth.

Although the drink menu is packed with options ranging from mojitos to Long Island iced teas to martinis to specialty drinks, Coronas and margaritas are the must-have drink accessory on this night. The bar also offers Mexican cuisine such as chimis, tacos and enchiladas until 2 a.m.

The Sandbar features three bars (one's wall is decorated with several pairs of colorful flip flops), a game room with Golden Tee, shuffleboard, air hockey and a pool table, and a large sand-covered patio, which is clearly the joint's hot spot on this beautiful night. Pastel-colored stools and chairs are spread around the patio. There is also a small fountain complete with a surfboard that patrons can splash around on.
“The patio is awesome,’’ says Bryan Young, 30, of Scottsdale. “With the weather cooling down, it's nice to have a place to sit back with a drink and relax. I really dig the sand. It makes me feel like I'm drinking at a bar in Pacific Beach.’’

Mahoney agrees.

“It's very beachy,” she says. “The patio really stands out. I don't think I've ever seen sand outside a playground in Arizona. I'll definitely come back to chill outside and sample more of the drink menu.’’