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Eat My Taco, a taco shop with a Day of the Dead decor, has opened next to ASU near the southeast corner of Rural and University in Chandler. It takes over the small adobe building that has been home to
Biscuits, a locally owned breakfast-and-lunch concept not to be confused with Oregon-based Biscuits Cafe, has opened a third restaurant on the northwest corner of Dobson and Riggs in Sun Lakes. It takes over the building that formerly was home to
Chicago-based Portillo’s opens its fourth Valley location today in front of Arrowhead Towne Center near the northeast corner of the 101 and Bell in Glendale. Portillo’s offers Windy City favorites like Chicago-style hot dogs, Polish sausages, and Italian beef sandwiches. One
Sushi-n-U, a new restaurant from the former owners of Got Sushi in northeast Mesa, has opened near the northwest corner of Kyrene and Elliot in south Tempe. Featuring a large dining area, a sushi bar, and a full bar, Sushi-n-U
El Charro Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, a Mesa icon for almost 60 years, isn’t dead after all. The family-run Mexican restaurant, closed for four years, will reopen next week. The restaurant began life as El Charro Cafe on Main Street
If you’re a connoisseur of Sonoran hot dogs, there’s a new restaurant you’ll want to check out. Tacos & Hot Dogs Los Mayitos has opened near the northwest corner of Gilbert and Broadway in Mesa. Besides Sonoran-style dogs – bacon-wrapped
Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda finally has confirmed what many have feared: His acclaimed Nobuo at Teeter House, closed by the covid-19 pandemic since March 2020, will not reopen. Fukuda, who was named Best Chef Southwest in the 2007 James Beard
Chandler-based AZ Bitters Lab, the state’s first research and production lab for handcrafted cocktail bitters and flavor extracts, has stopped production after eight years. The company’s popular bitters included cirtusy Orange Sunshine, spiced Figgy Pudding, and chocolatey Mas Mole. They
Mesa-base Angry Crab Shack will open its first Scottsdale restaurant near the southeast corner of Pima and Indian Bend this spring. It will be the concept’s 13th restaurant in Arizona and 15th overall. The menu will feature Angry Crab Shack’s
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, a Utah-based chain of fast-casual Mexican eateries, has opened its third Gilbert location near the southeast corner of Ray and Power. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, it offers lunch and dinner only via carryout, curbside pickup,
Hair of the Dog – a canine-welcoming craft beer taphouse, wine bar, and coffeehouse – has opened on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Pecos in Gilbert. Dogs are allowed not just on the small north-facing patio but throughout the
Naked BBQ, one of the Valley’s top barbecue joints, is expanding again – this time with a location at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. Oren Hartman launched his first Naked BBQ in north Phoenix in 2015. As the smokehouse’s
Rancho Pinot, one of the Arizona’s most acclaimed restaurants, is closing May 15 after 27 years. Owner-chef Chrysa Robertson made the announcement over the weekend on the Scottsdale restaurant’s social media and website. ‘‘I have been at this place called
SanTan Brewing closes Phoenix brewpub SanTan Brewing & Distilling, Arizona’s largest craft brewery, has closed its Phoenix brewpub after three years on the southwest corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home. SanTan was founded in downtown Chandler in 2007 and
Rula Bula in downtown Tempe to close Rula Bula Irish Pub, a downtown Tempe mainstay for 20 years, says it has been unable to reach agreement on a new lease with its landlord and will be forced to close at the end
I Heart Mac & Cheese opens in Tempe I Heart Mac & Cheese, a 5-year-old Florida-based chain featuring build-your-own bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, celebrates the grand opening of its first Arizona restaurant today in south Tempe. It’s taken over the
Khmer/Arabic eatery opens in Chandler Thaily’s, a small restaurant offering Khmer (Cambodian) and Arabic finger foods, has opened near downtown Chandler. It’s located on the north side of Chandler Boulevard about halfway between Arizona and McQueen. The owners are Thai
Picazzo’s to add location in Gilbert Sedona-born Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, which already has four locations in the Valley, is adding another in Gilbert. It’s taking over the former Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille space on the northeast corner of Lindsay and
Bama BBQ food truck destroyed, 2 hurt Queen Creek-based food truck Bama BBQ – operated by Robert ‘‘Bam’’ Everson and his wife, Amber – suffered a catastrophic fire Thursday night in southeast Gilbert, according to several posts on social media.
Bottle your favorite SanTan whiskey Attention, whiskey lovers! SanTan Brewery & Distillery in Chandler hosts a Single Barrel Bottle Filling at 6:30 p.m. today. Attendees will join head distiller Brant Gasparek for tastings from four Sacred Stave single-malt whiskey barrels along with
Today is National Beer Day! Breweries and taprooms across the Valley will be celebrating National Beer Day with specials and activities today. For example, Craft 64 in Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Chandler will be selling $5 pints of its
Salmon La Scala and Paella Barcelona (pictured) will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus (pictured) and his
A King Salmon Burger is the new Burger of the Week at craft sandwich shop Surf City in southeast Gilbert. The burger is made with Canadian king salmon, house seasoning, roasted garlic aioli, crunch leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, and
The Ainsworth, a New York-based upscale sports bar and restaurant, is taking over the former Hard Rock Cafe building on the northeast corner of Second Street and Jefferson – just north of Talking Stick Resort Arena – in downtown Phoenix.
The Cellar: Wine & Tapas in Ahwatukee has announced its lineup of April wine tastings, which explore a varietal, region or winery from 5-7 p.m. Thursdays: Thursday: Oregon April 15: Stolpman Vineyards (Santa Barbara, Calif.) April 22: Argentina April 29:
TC’s Pub & Grub, an 8-year-old neighborhood grill in Queen Creek, has opened a second location near the southeast corner of Gilbert and Ray in Gilbert. It takes over the stand-alone building that formerly was home to JC’s Steakhouse, which
Less than six months after opening in Chandler, Mexican seafood restaurant El Pacifico moves to Mesa today. Its original location was in front of Von Hanson’s Meat & Spirits on Alma School about halfway between Elliot and Warner. Its new
The experimental virtual version of Flower Child, which opened in January near downtown Tempe, already has been shut down. The ‘‘ghost kitchen’’ offered delivery and takeout only out of the kitchen at Fox Restaurant Concepts sibling Culinary Dropout on the
OHSO Brewery in downtown Gilbert releases this year’s version of its award-winning Te Quiero imperial stout at 11 a.m. Friday, April 2. The third edition of Te Quiero is aged in reposado tequila, reposado mezcal, cinnamon whiskey, and Sagamore rye
After 22 major-league seasons and one World Series championship, TGI Fridays Front Row Sports Grill at Chase Field is retiring. The restaurant and bar, which overlooks left field, saw its 2020 opening delayed and ultimately was limited to takeout while
Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe has opened its first Scottsdale restaurant on the east corner of Frank Lloyd Wright and Thompson Peak Parkway. To celebrate, it’s offering $1.99 24-ounce smoothies on Friday, $2.99 toasted flatbreads on Saturday, and $5.99 smoothie/flatbread combos
Texas-based Whataburger is building its first Gilbert restaurant near San Tan Village. It’ll be on the west side of Market Street just south of Williams Field. That’s right across the street from Chick-fil-A and Someburros, and not too far from
Harbor Seafood Cajun House, which just debuted in October in southwest Phoenix, is expanding into the East Valley. The concept, similar to the Valley’s much larger Angry Crab Shack chain, is working on two new locations: The former Korean BBQ
Humble Bistro, the new ‘‘neighborhood wine parlor’’ concept from the owners of the Valley’s two Humble Pie restaurants, finally has opened at High Street in northeast Phoenix. The restaurant originally scheduled a grand opening on March 22, but abruptly canceled
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants is celebrating National Burrito Day on Thursday with $5 a la carte burritos all day. Diners can choose from shredded beef, shredded chicken, or bean and cheese burritos for in-house dining or curbside takeout. In addition, the
SanTan Brewing in downtown Chanler and Cuisine & Wine Bistro in south Chandler are offering special Easter meals on Sunday, April 4. SanTan Brewing SanTan will host an Easter brunch buffet for dine-in and takeout diners from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.:
The Living Room at Downtown Ocotillo in Chandler has launched a new weekly theme night: Whiskey Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, whiskey is half-price starting at 4 p.m. The evening will feature live music by Al Ortiz, an Arizona native perhaps best-known
Pinkberry, the iconic fro-yo concept that started in Los Angeles in 2005 and inspired hundreds of copycats, has opened a kiosk location at Scottsdale Fashion Square. A second Valley location is in the works for Chandler Fashion Center. The tart
Surf City, a 10-month-old craft sandwich shop in southeast Mesa, has launched a Burger of the Week special. This week’s burger is a Pastrami Burger. The burger is made with an Angus beef patty, all-natural pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, pickled
Salonika Chicken and Ravioli Marco Polo will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus (pictured) and his
Cider Corps in downtown Mesa is the fifth-best cidery – out of more than 800 – in the United States according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest. A panel of experts and 10Best editors picked the initial nominees for
Mr Brews Taphouse, a Wisconsin-based chain of burger-and-beer eateries, will take a second try at the Arizona market with a location that just started construction on the northeast corner of Signal Butte and Southern in east Mesa. The concept made
Four Valley chefs who prevailed on the Food Network competition show “Chopped’’ are teaming up for a May 16 dinner to raise money for local cancer-related charities. Preparing the five-course Sunday night dinner at The Simple Farm in Scottsdale will
Forefathers Cheesesteaks opens its third location today, taking over the former Farmboy Market, Meats & Sandwiches strip-mall space on the southwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek in south Chandler. Locally owned Forefathers – which serves cheesesteaks, salads, and
Buck & Rider, LGO Hospitality’s 5-year-old seafood restaurant in Arcadia, is opening a second location next year in north Scottsdale. It will be located in the Shops at Chauncey Ranch on the southeast corner of Scottsdale and Mayo. Buck &
James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Stratta has closed his Stratta Kitchen after eight months on the northwest corner of Hayden and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale. Stratta is retooling the Mediterranean seafood-focused restaurant into an Italian concept to be called
Food Network personality, restaurateur, and self-appointed ‘‘Mayor of Flavortown’’ Guy Fieri will host a Flavortown Feast & Fiesta on Thursday, April 15, at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with
All Arizona bars can resume ‘‘normal operations’’ under a new executive order signed by Gov. Doug Ducey today. The order lifts all previous covid-19 restrictions on businesses. The order also rescinds a previous order allowing local governments to issue mask
Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits – the 4-month-old brew pub that took over the former Uncle Bear’s space on the southwest corner of I-10 and Ray in Ahwatukee – taps its first in-house beers today. The ales to be tapped at
Eat My Taco, a Day of the Dead themed taco shop, is opening soon on the southeast corner of Rural and University in Tempe. It’s taking over the small building whose previous occupants include Pita University and Urban Campfire. Look
Honolulu-based Ono Hawaiian BBQ, known for its island-inspired plate lunches, has opened its second East Valley location on the northeast corner of Val Vista and Pecos in Gilbert. Ono’s specialties include Hawaiian BBQ chicken, grilled spam, kalua pork, and crispy
Chino Bandido, the Valley’s iconic Mexican-Chinese-Jamaiican fusion eatery, is moving this summer. After 31 years on the northwest corner of 19th Avenue and Greenway in Phoenix, the restaurant will moving to the northwest corner of Bell and Third Avenue. The
Tuck Shop, a well-regarded restaurant in Phoenix’s Coronado neighborhood that’s been closed for months due to the pandemic, will not be reopening. Phoenix vegan restaurant The Coronado will move into the space on the southeast corner of 12th Street and
Mostaccioli Secundo and Sun Flower Beef (pictured) will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his
If you were looking forward to today’s debut of Humble Bistro in northeast Phoenix, you’ll have to wait awhile longer. The new ‘‘neighborhood wine parlor’’ concept from the owners of Humble Pie abruptly canceled its grand opening at High Street
State 48 Tap House, the latest spinoff of Surprise-based State 48 Brewery, has opened in Gilbert. It takes over the former Gordon Biersch space at SanTan Village shopping center. Although it’s State 48’s first foray into the East Valley, it’s
Mark your calendar: The third annual You’re Bacon Me Crazy Brunch Crawl in downtown Chandler will take place on Saturday, May 15. The self-guided crawl runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features 14 downtown brunch spots. With purchase of a
Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of Texas Roadhouse, committed suicide last week after his ‘‘long-haul’’ symptoms of covid-19 became unbearable. He was 65. Taylor had been suffering from an ongoing case of severe tinnitus – a loud ringing or buzzing
Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates the first anniversary of its satellite brewpub in downtown Chandler with a party from noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The $10 admission fee includes a Von Hanson’s beer brat with fries and a Pedal Haus beer (steins and
It’ll be another three weeks or so until The Perch Pub & Brewery unveils its amazing rooftop patio expansion. In the meantime, though, the downtown Chandler hotspot is preparing to launch another project. The Aviary, a shaded beer garden (artist’s
Novel Ice Cream, a small Phoenix shop that’s received national attention for its ice cream sandwiches made with glazed doughnut ‘‘buns,’’ has opened a second location in downtown Mesa. The pint-sized store – just 150 square feet – is located
5 Star Dive Bar & Grill has opened on the southeast corner of McClintock and Baseline in south Tempe, the latest sports bar/pool hall/neighborhood grill to occupy the strip-mall space. Previous occupants in the past eight years have included The
Hot Noodles Cold Sake, chef Josh Hebert’s north Scottsdale ramen shop, will close next Saturday, March 27, after nearly five years in business. The eatery was a spinoff of a popular ramen night Hebert (pictured) held at his former improvisational
By the Bucket – a Payson restaurant that sells to-go spaghetti, just as its name says, by the bucket – is coming to the East Valley. It’s opening its first Valley location in front of Safeway on the northeast corner of
Construction has begun on Eegee’s first Valley location, which is taking over the former Arby’s near the southwest corner of Val Vista and Baseline in Gilbert. The iconic Tucson-based chain announced in October it would open a total of five
Drive-through salad eatery Salad and Go launched its 29th location at 6:30 a.m. today on the southeast corner of Signal Butte and Guadalupe in southwest Mesa. The concept, which began in Gilbert in 2013, offers nine chef-created salads (all $5.74
Tempe-based Pedal Haus Brewery, which expanded to downtown Chandler last year, now is joining the burgeoning craft beer scene in downtown Mesa. The brewpub will open its third satellite location in the former Pit Stop auto body shop on the
North Phoenix’s Pork on a Fork, one of the Valley’s top barbecue joints, is coming to the East Valley. It’s opening a second restaurant in the long-closed Carl’s Jr. building near the southwest corner of Alma School and Warner in
Pollo del Fuego and Veal Pirata will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his wife, Janice, is
Vero Chicago Pizza, the local group of pizzerias formerly known as Buddyz, is expanding into south Chandler. It just signed a lease for a space behind AutoZone on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Chandler Heights. Chicago native JoeScarnato brought
Chef Aaron Chamberlin, who closed his Phoenix Public Market Cafe and Tempe Public Market Cafe last year, has a new venture: cannabis edibles. Chamberlin founded Good Things Coming, a line of edibles using local, gourmet, and chef-driven ingredients. ‘‘If you’re
B Gastrobar: Irish stew pie (lamb baked into a flaky pastry crust, $26), Irish soda bread board with smoked salmon ($14), and John Barry cocktails ($10). Copper & Logs: Traditional corned beef ($17.95), corned beef mac and cheese ($16.95), corned
OHSO Brewery in downtown Gilbert will celebrate Pi Day on Sunday with its annual Pie Social pairing 11 pie-inspired beers with 11 artisan pies from The Pie Snob. The beers to be tapped at 9 a.m. will include: Key Lime
Romeo’s Euro Cafe in downtown Gilbert will host its monthly ‘‘3rd Tuesday’’ dinner – featuring three new food dishes paired with three wines – at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16. The three-course dinners feature three new dishes from chef Romeo
Oregon-based Black Rock Coffee opens its 17th Valley store at 5 a.m. Friday on the north side of Broadway, halfway between Priest and Hardy, in Tempe. To celebrate, the new location will be offering $2 medium coffee drinks all day.
Perhaps Donald Trump’s recent move to Florida – along with his disdain for face masks and his bombastic social media commentary – have rubbed off on Kavasutra Kava Bar. The Florida-based chain, which has a location near the southwest corner
You may have noticed several of the Valley’s 14 ATL Wings restaurants – winners of numerous Best Wings awards – have a new name: Sauced & Loaded Chicken Wings. D. Mike and Cianna Kirksey, founders of the original Chandler location,
Cuisine & Wine Bistro chef and owner Fabrice Buschetz is French, but his wife and operations manager, Mairead, is Irish, which explains why the French bistro in south Chandler is looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day. Menu specials will include
Another month, another new Salad and Go. The latest location of the popular salads and wraps drive-through eatery opens Wednesday on the northeast corner of Val Vista and Pecos in Gilbert. The Gilbert-born concept offers nine chef-created salads (all $5.74
Austin, Texas-based Torchy’s Tacos – a “craft casual” brand that offers tacos, queso, and margaritas – will make its Arizona debut in Gilbert. It will move into one of three buildings on a currently empty 3.9-acre lot on the northwest
Tempe-based Four Peaks Brewing has jumped into the fast-growing hard seltzer game with the release of Sun Day Solar Seltzers. The seltzers’ name references the clean, renewable energy used to brew the beverage. Last year, Four Peaks installed 500 solar
Vasco De Gama and Milanesa will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his wife, Janice,
Good news for fans of New York-style pizza: Brooklyn V’s Pizza is opening a fourth East Valley location in south Chandler. It’s taking over the 3,000-square-foot space on the northeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights that has been
After 18 years in Chandler, Shimogamo, one of the East Valley’s premier Japanese restaurants and sushi bars, is launching a second location in Gilbert. It’s constructing a new building on the northwest corner of Williams Field and Santan Village Parkway
SanTan Brewing in Chandler has released a new year-round beer: PebbleHead Stoney Hazy IPA. PebbleHead IPA features fresh fruit flavors – stone fruit, tangerine, and passion fruit – without the bitterness of most hops-heavy IPAs. The summer-friendly ale has an
A huge fire destroyed two buildings, killing 165,000 chickens, Saturday afternoon at Hickman’s Family Farms west of Phoenix. The family owned and operated farm, which was founded in 1944, is the largest egg company in the U.S. Southwest. Besides the
Gov. Doug Ducey has announced a loosening of Arizona’s covid-19 restrictions to allow restaurants and bars to immediately return to 100% occupancy. The catch? They still must maintain at least 6 feet between tables for social distancing, require customers to
If you missed Thursday’s huge Bobby’s Block Party fundraiser at restaurants and bars in downtown Chandler and beyond, you have another opportunity to donate this weekend. South Tempe dive bar Casey’s Woodshed will host a Bulleitt Backyard BBQ to raise
The newly rebranded Downtown Mesa Farmers Market moves to a new location – the Mesa Arts Center on the southeast corner of Main and Center – from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. The year-round market, previously known at the Mesa Farmers Market
Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta in Chandler is bringing back Reuben sandwich pizza muffins for this month only. In a nod to St. Patricks Day, the specialty muffin of the month for March features corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese rolled
Former Ghost Ranch chef Rene Andrade has reemerged with his own restaurant, Bacanora, in west Phoenix. It takes over the Grand Avenue space formerly home to Barrio Café Gran Reserva. The 2-year-old Ghost Ranch in south Tempe closed for six
Bobby’s Block Party, a fundraiser for the family of Bobby Kramer, from noon to 11:30 p.m. Thursday at businesses in downtown Chandler and throughout the Valley. Kramer, the 31-year-old beverage director for The Brickyard Downtown and The Hidden House was killed by a
Arizona Wilderness Brewing in Gilbert releases its seasonal March For Orange IPA, an annual fundraiser for the Arizona chapter of the national MS Society, on Thursday. The beer is brewed with brewed with oranges from Agritopia in Gilbert and Sinagua Malt
Alamo Drafthouse, a Texas-based chain of brewpub theaters, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today, nearly 10 months after the owner of Alamo’s three Valley franchises filed. The covid-19 pandemic forced Alamo’s 18 company-owned locations and 23 franchises to close for
Downtown Mesa is booming. The latest addition, just announced: The Beer Research Institute Taproom and Old School Arcade. The city’s first brewpub, which opened on the northeast corner of Stapley and Baseline in 2014, is launching the taproom and arcade
Boondocks Patio & Grill, a popular Old Town Scottsdale indoor-outdoor hangout for the past seven years, is opening a second location in Tempe. It’s taking over the former Prankster’s Gar & Brill, which closed in 2018 after 33 years, on the
Rosati’s Pizza – which closed its restaurant and bar on the northeast corner of McQueen and Ray in Chandler more than a year ago – has reopened it under new ownership. The location originally was launched by brothers Rick and
AZ Women in Food, a movement created to support woman-led food businesses, will host a Dine Together takeout dinner and online conversation with women restaurateurs on Monday, March 8. To participate, you must order one of the two four-course takeout
Popular neighborhood bar and grill Matty G’s Steak Burgers & Spirits has opened its fifth Valley location in south Tempe. It takes over the recently closed Smashburger on the southwest corner of Rural and Baseline. Matty G’s is best-known for
With baseball’s spring training underway, it’s a good time to point out that Visit Mesa, a marketing organization for Arizona’s third-largest city, keeps a running list of spring training specials at Mesa businesses, including restaurants. Current specials include: Desert Eagle
