🍺 The Sleepy Whale opens its uptown Phoenix location today, taking over the Uptown Plaza space on the northeast corner of Central and Camelback that Dynamite Beer Company vacated in June after just 15 months.
Doors open at 11 a.m. with draft beers, bar food from the bar’s new kitchen, and to-go cans from a rotating beer fridge. The grand opening kicks off a California tap takeover running through Sunday, with pours from North Park Beer Company and other Golden State breweries.
The Sleepy Whale opened its original downtown Chandler location in 2019.
It adds to a growing lineup of new dining and drinking options at Uptown Plaza, which has recently welcomed Korean sandwich shop Let’s Toast, Sam Fox’s all-day New American restaurant The Henry, and Oregon-based ice cream chain Salt & Straw.
Arizona Chef’s Week
👨🍳 Arizona Chef’s Week kicks off today, running through next Sunday, Aug. 9. Independently owned restaurants across the Phoenix metro area are rolling out exclusive, chef-designed three-course menus for $55 or $66 per person.
Expect seasonal ingredients, limited-time dishes, and creative pairings, with some spots even adding custom cocktail or wine pairings.
No tickets needed, but reservations are strongly recommended since tables fill fast. This year also marks a first step toward statewide expansion, with select restaurants from northern and southern Arizona joining the Phoenix-area lineup.
Find participating restaurants and menus here.
Gold Bar Espresso closes
🚫 Gold Bar Espresso, a beloved Tempe coffeehouse owned by Karen and Dennis Miller, has closed its doors on the northeast corner of McClintock and Southern after nearly three decades in business.
In a heartfelt note to their ‘‘Gold Bar Family,’’ the couple thanked the community for an outpouring of love and support, calling it a true demonstration of the neighborhood’s strength. They apologized for not being able to say goodbye in person and said they’ll work on returning any outstanding donations as quickly as possible.
‘‘It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this incredible community,’’ the Millers wrote. ‘‘Onward and Upward!’’
F*ck Cancer pop-up
💝 Cancer doesn’t stand a chance against fried chicken. Casey’s Woodshed in Tempe is hosting a “Christmas in July” pop-up from 5 to 10 p.m. today benefiting F*ck Cancer and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Chefs Adam Allison, Nick McGinness, and John Paul Emmanuelli are teaming up to serve a fried chicken sandwich and fries for $15 – or skip the cash and bring an unwrapped toy worth at least $15 instead. All proceeds go straight to the cause. Expect a 50/50 raffle, prizes, and drink specials.
Casey’s Woodshed is located on the southwest corner of Mill and Baseline.
16 Handles opens at PV
🍨 16 Handles, the self-serve froyo brand that made its Arizona debut in Chandler in March, opens its second Valley location Saturday at PV, the former Paradise Valley Mall redevelopment in north Phoenix.
It’s located next to LongHorn Steakhouse in front of IKEA.
Grand opening festivities include free froyo for the first 100 guests, half-price treats from noon-5 p.m., and 25% off through Sunday. Expect 16 rotating soft-serve flavors, 50+ toppings, and lounge-style seating.
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