Problem Lounge, a three-story restaurant, hookah lounge and rooftop bar from NFL player Deebo Samuel and chef Cleaz Hill is now open in Old Town Scottsdale.
It's not uncommon for former football players to open restaurants in Phoenix — just look at Chilte or Randizzle's. But unlike the owners of those spots, Samuel is still an active athlete, playing for the San Francisco 49ers as a wide receiver. In between opening celebrations of Problem Lounge, he had to report back to training camp.
"Football has always been the main focus, but I've always been interested in developing a business that could have an impact off the field," Samuel wrote in an emailed statement to The Republic. "Opening a restaurant gave me the opportunity to create a place where
people can come together, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories."
What's on the menu at Problem Lounge?
"Working with Chef Cleaz, the menu came together through a combination of personal influences and the vision we had for the restaurant," Samuel told The Republic. "We wanted to include dishes we appreciate and cuisines from different backgrounds so we can provide guests with a variety of options consisting of high-quality ingredients and a range of bold flavors."
The dinner menu focuses on three main categories: pasta, ocean and land, supported by selections of starters, salads, vegetables, sides and desserts. Starters include lobster deviled eggs, surf and turf frites and grilled stuffed oysters. Main highlights include crab and shrimp pappardelle, blackened chicken penne, king crab stuffed salmon, rack of lamb and the 48-ounce Titan cut signature tomahawk. For dessert, there's peach cobbler, Basque cheesecake and butter cake.
The drinks menu includes several signature cocktails, wine, beer, cider and mocktails. The namesake Problem Signature cocktail is made with vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curacao, citrus and a house tropical blend. There are also a couple of shareable cocktail options, including a fruit fire mimosa tower and a tropical punch bowl.
How to visit Problem Lounge in Scottsdale
"I hope guests leave feeling like they were part of something special. We put a lot of thought into every detail, from the food and atmosphere to the music and hospitality," Samuel told The Republic. "At the end of the day, we want people to have a memorable time and look forward to coming back."
Problem Lounge opens daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Happy Hour, followed by dinner service from 5 p.m. to "late".
Details: 7345 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale. 480-297-2525, problemlounge.com.
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: An NFL star opened a restaurant and lounge in Scottsdale. Peek inside
