Poppy’s Office Sets Opening Date

The much-anticipated Poppy’s Office will open on Tues., Oct. 17.

The speakeasy, located next door to Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse in North Scottsdale, is an homage to the late Paul Keeler, founder of Keeler Hospitality Group, which operates Liberty Station, as well as Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse.

The concept for the speakeasy—which is a replica of Paul’s private office and showcases a number of personal mementos, family portraits, memorabilia of Paul’s favorite sports teams, and “Poppyisms” (such as quotes Paul had become known for saying—came to his son, Matt, in a dream. Prior to Paul’s passing, Matt and Paul had often contemplated how to use that extra space. After having the dream, Matt knew he wanted to use the space to honor his father and help others remember him, too.

Poppy was the name originally given to Paul by his grandchildren, and it quickly caught on with the entire hospitality community, who also began affectionately calling him the term of endearment.

The menu at Poppy’s Office will include options such as Papi’s Tacos (choice of carne asada, adovada, pollo asada, or carnitas, all served on white corn tortillas with cabbage, diced onion, limes and salsa), chips and salsa with chile verde and chile rojo, chips and dips such as chilled queso dip and chunky guacamole, and grilled elote.

The drink menu will also be inspired by Paul, incorporating many of his favorite beverages. Some selections include:

• Drink With Me Bebe: La Caravedo Pisco, rosemary-caper shrub, Judy’s Limoncello, local honey, sesame and peach bitters with a lemon twist ($16)
• Poppy’s Cigar: Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, The Deacon Whisky,  apple bitters, chocolate bitters, Peychaud Bitters and local honey. This cocktail is smoked tableside and finished with a luxardo cherry. ($20)
• Silver Fox: Buffalo Trace, salted espresso simple and black walnut bitters served on the rocks with an orange twist. ($16)

Poppy’s Office will be open Sun., Tues., and Wed. from 4-10 p.m. and Thurs. through Sat. from 4-11 p.m. First Hour and Last Happy Hour are offered Sun., Tues., and Wed. from 4-5 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., as well as Thurs. through Sat. from 4-5 p.m. and 10-11 p.m.

34522 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Devil in a Pink Dress. Courtesy Poppy’s Office

My Thai. Courtesy Poppy’s Office