In late 2014, Tempe favorites La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar and Modern Margarita were set to open downtown Chandler locations at The Row, a new development anchored by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. After 13 months of delays, though, The Row still hasn’t broken ground.
In the meantime, Texas-based Alamo has chosen a new location at Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights in south Chandler, and Julian Wright, owner of La Bocca and Modern Margarita, decided to sell both concepts when he opened Pedal Haus Brewery.
Now, it turns out, La Bocca and Modern Margarita are coming to downtown Chandler after all – and sooner rather than later. The two restaurants will share the former Coach & Willie’s sports bar on the southeast corner of Arizona and Boston – a block south of The Row.
Construction already has begun to divide it into two spaces, and building owner Desert Viking confirmed to MXSW that La Bocca and Modern Margarita will be the tenants.
La Bocca offers an upscale menu of bruschetta (pictured), salads, pastas, and gourmet pizzas. Modern Margarita focuses on Mexican small plates and 15 kinds of margaritas. Look for late summer or early fall openings.
