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🍺 Wren House Brewing just hatched something special at PV. Known for its cult-favorite staples like Spellbinder and Big Spill Pils, the award-winning brewery has spread its wings with a new cask-focused taproom.
It’s Wren House’s fourth location, joining the original brewery and taproom in central Phoenix, production brewery and patio in Prescott, and European-inspired beer hall in Ahwatukee.
Wren House Paradise Valley is a visual stunner, blending the brand’s laid-back vibe with custom booth fabric, tile patterns that replicate a traditional plaid, and a covered patio to create a modern European pub feel.
There are no TVs or kitchen (you can bring in your own food). Instead, the tap list is the star. The highlight is four hand-drawn cask engines serving naturally carbonated beers sourced from Wren House’s Phoenix and Prescott breweries.
Those include a cask version of Spellbinder, which was named the country’s best hazy IPA at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival in 2020. (It also won at the 2021 Brussels Beer Challenge and 2023 European Beer Star.)
Open noon-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday.
Carnitas Cochiloco in Mesa
🐖 Former food truck Carnitas Cochiloco (‘‘crazy pig’’) has opened a Mexican sit-down restaurant on the northwest corner of Alma School and University in west Mesa. The menu focuses on tacos, tortas, and carnitas plates. Open for lunch and dinner daily, plus breakfast on weekends.
Cork & Craft in Chandler
🍷 The Wild Vine, a 10-year-old wine bar on the northwest corner of Gilbert and Chandler Heights in south Chandler, has been sold and renamed Cork & Craft. The menu ranges from Latin-style tapas and bruschetta to sandwiches and comfort-food entrees. Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.
The Larder & The Delta in Phoenix
🐓 The Larder & The Delta, an elevated Southern restaurant in midtown Phoenix from chef-owner Stephen Jones (pictured), has closed its third incarnation after just nine months in the former Binkley’s building at 24th Street and Osborn. ‘‘I hope not forever because I truly believe that southern food belongs in the fine dining atmosphere,’’ Jones posted on social media.
Le Taco in Phoenix
🌮 Le Taco, a Mexican eatery and listening room that moved into the former Little O’s space at Seventh Avenue and McDowell in Phoenix, has closed after just seven months. No explanation was given. Anyone interested in the space should contact The Restaurant Brokers.
Da Kitchin Grill in Ahwatukee
🍳 Da Kitchin Grill, an all-day restaurant that just opened in March after three years of construction, has closed. It had taken over the the former Trattoria D’Amico space at 48th Street and Warner in Ahwatukee. No reason was given.
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18 top craft beer bars in the Valley
🍺 Whether you’re chasing hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, or rare sours, Valley taprooms offer killer selections and welcoming vibes. MXSW Insiders can read more here.
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