North Scottsdale Speakeasy: Ode to Liberty Station founder

By Susie Timm

Paul Keeler’s unexpected and untimely death in 2021 left a hole in the hospitality industry and his restaurant family. To honor Paul’s legacy, his family (who actively run Keeler Hospitality Group and the restaurants therein), have opened Poppy’s Office next door to their Liberty Station location at 34522 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 160 (not the one on Market Street).

The entry vestibule is a replica of Paul’s actual office complete with his desk, lamp, bookshelves and memorabilia. Patrons then enter the speakeasy through a secret passageway.

Once inside, the 1500 square-foot bar features rich fabrics, wood and dark leather bar stools, as well as elements of copper, low lighting and a lot of unique artwork and photos of the Keeler family. Two “family booths” seat large parties with curtains that can be drawn around them for privacy. Type-X Design Studio was the design firm partner for the project. “North Scottsdale doesn’t have many speakeasies—and like all our concepts —we are delighted to open in this part of town. These residents deserve the same type of amazing cocktails and experiences as other parts of the Valley offer. We will continue to innovate in this area—we love playing in the sandbox with our neighbors,” said Matt Keeler, Paul’s son and CEO of Keeler Hospitality Group.

Poppy’s Office is replete with “Poppyisms,” or sayings that the elder Keeler was famous for espousing at any given moment. These sayings are placed around the speakeasy and serve as another reminder of the impact Paul had on the community.

Poppy’s office is open daily for happy hour and closes around 10 p.m.—later on weekends. A rotating selection of “Poppy’s Tacos” are offered daily and customers can also order food to-go from Liberty Station.

Keeler Hospitality Group’s director of beverage, Adam Downey has created an elevated cocktail menu which includes a margarita prepared tableside with freshly squeezed juices, a smoked old fashioned and other innovate libations. A full wine and beer menu is also available.

A month after his father’s passing, the idea for Poppy’s Office came to Matt in a dream. “I woke up, called my family, and said, ‘we have to do this,’ and they agreed,” said Keeler.

For more information, visit keelerhospitalitygroup.com.