March was magical for the local restaurant scene, with awhopping 37new places to eat and drink springing up around Phoenix. That's one of the highest number of openingswe've seenin one month since we started tracking restaurant openings almost six years ago.
The newcomers range froma solid sushi spot at Mesa Riverview toa barbecue joint in downtown Phoenix toa craft beer restaurant in downtown Gilbert. Among a fewclosures areJoe’s Midnight Run in central Phoenix andWildfish Seafood Grille in Scottsdale.
NOW OPEN
Trapp Haus BBQ
Pitmaster Phil Johnson, known as "Phil the Grill," opened this barbecue joint in downtown Phoenix. It serves barbecue platters, sandwiches, bowls anda variety of sides and appetizers. You can also buymeat by the pound. The fast-casual restaurant is at Roosevelt and Fifth streets in The Blocks, the same complexas Taco Chelo, which also opened in March.
Details: 511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-466-5462, trapphausbbq.com.
Makitto Sushi
Sushi chef Jay Chung, formerly of Sushi J, is back at a new restaurantat Mesa Riverview. You’ll find tuna sashimi, spicy octopus nigiri and sushi burritos among the menu choices.
Details: 1055 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. 480-962-4555.
Scottsdale Burger Bar
Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, loaded fries and milkshakes are the stars at this local fast-casual spot on Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale roads. Options include a bacon cheeseburger withchoice of cheese and toppings,a chili cheese hot dog,buffalo chicken fries and a root beer float.
Details: 23535 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-867-1968, scottsdaleburgerbar.com.
Osteria
This new Italian restaurant in northeast Mesa makes pasta and bread fresh. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features savory scones, roasted vegetable panini, wood-fired meats, pizza and salads. Executive chef Tony Snyderwas most recently at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Owned byAlec Golzio
Details: 5609 E. McKellips Road, Suite A 111, Mesa. 480-300-5404, osteriausa.com.
Valley Wings
Wings come dressed in sauces such as garlic Parmesan, Korean barbecue, sweet teriyaki, honey hot and buffalo at this new restaurant near 19th Avenue and Greenway Road in Phoenix. Don’t forget the fries, whichcome in flavors such as chicken Alfredo and chicken bacon ranch.
Details: 15414 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix. 602-504-3937, search “Valley Wings Az” on Facebook.
Bri
This central Phoenix restaurant is named after braai, the Afrikaans word for grill. Chef Vince Mellody cooks a globally inspired menu on a specially designed South African-style grill. Look for pork spare ribs in black bean sauce; frico caldo, a pan-fried cheese and potato pancake; slow-roasted duck in chili sauce; and seared lychee in carrot curry. Located in the Coronado historic district,Bri has a full bar.
Details: 2221 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. is 602-595-8635, brion7th.com.
Pubblico Italian Eatery
Start off your meal with bruschetta or an antipasto board at this restaurant, whichtook over the former Okraspace at Crown on 7th in central Phoenix. Follow it up with a wood-fired pizza or a bowl of handmade pasta, such as clam linguini or Italian sausage ragu rigatoni.
Details: 5813 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-601-5651, pubblicoitalianeatery.com.
Serafina Coffee Bar
This cafe opened in downtown Phoenix in the historic Luhrs Tower. The menu includesdrip coffee, lattes, cappuccino, cold brew, hot chocolate andchai tea. If you’re hungry too, there are bagels, toasts, parfaits and grilled cheese to order. Opened by Damian Serafine, originally of One Coffee.
Details: 45 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 480-259-1718, serafinacoffeeroasters.com.
Rubicon Deli
Well known in Mission Beach and San Diego, this premium sandwich shop is now open near Scottsdale Road and Acoma Drive in Scottsdale. Look for soups, salads and sandwiches like the Dapper Dipper (slices of slow-roasted tri-tip with crispy onion haystack, Swiss cheese, creamy horseradish and au jus for dipping). Choose from fresh-baked breads such as jalapeño jack, garlic cheese and pesto.
Details: 14601 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 110, Scottsdale. 480-795-2369, rubicondeli.com.
SanTan Brewing Company
This Chandler-based brewery opened in the former Z’Tejas space at Bethany Home Road and 16th Street in central Phoenix. It’s the company’s second location, although its beers are sold across the Southwest. Signature beers include Devil’s Ale, Epicenter Amber and Mr. Pineapple. All the beers, food, hours and prices from Chandler arethe same in Phoenix.
Details: 1525 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix. 602-595-7390. Also, 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. 480-917-8700, santanbrewing.com.
Scramble, a breakfast & lunch joint
Thisfast-casual restaurant serves breakfast and lunch in the form of breakfast pizzas (brizzas), breakfast burritos, omelets, pancakes, burgers, wraps and salads. The third locationopened in Phoenix'sBiltmore area, at 24th Street at Camelback Road. The othersarein theSunnyslope neighborhood and in Scottsdale. Icon Hospitality Group owns ScrambleandHalf Moon Sports Grill.
Details: 2375 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-875-6888. Also,9832 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-374-2294. And,6590 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-404-7264,azscramble.com.
High & Rye
High & Rye serves co*cktails and Southern food at the High Street developmentin northeast Phoenix. Smoked trout deviled eggs, pimento grilled cheese sandwiches, smoked beef brisket plates and Carolina Gold risotto are among the offerings.
Details: 5310 E. High St., Suite 100, Phoenix. 480-634-4143, highandryeaz.com.
The Brass Tap
This craft beer bar and restaurant opened in downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District. You’ll find dozens of beers on tap and even more in bottles. Food choices include boom boom shrimp, chicken tacos, barbecue-bacon cheeseburgers and caprese flatbreads. This otherValleylocation isat Mesa Riverview.
Details: 313 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. 480-268-9557. Also, Mesa Riverview, Loop 202 and Dobson Road. 480-610-2337, brasstapbeerbar.com.
Miss Dessert
You’ll find a variety of Hong Kong-style desserts at Miss Dessert, located near the Arizona International Marketplace in Mesa. Among the creations:basil seed and mixed fruits in vanilla snow; milk tea with purple sticky rice; and sticky rice pellets, watermelon, mango and palm’s seed over coconut nectar.
Details: 1832 W. Broadway Road, Mesa. 480-912-3585.
FIND A NEW RESTAURANT NEAR YOU ON THE MAP:
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
This locally owned chain of sports bar delivers on the promise in its name: There are plenty of beers on tap and delicious hand-formed burgers to choose from. Now opennear Cactus Road and Tatum Boulevard, this istheninthValley location. Square One Concepts operates the brand, as well asWasted Grain, The Funky Monk, Famous 48 and Bourbon & Bones.
Details: 4731 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. 602.601.4766. Other locations at coldbeers.com.
Cookie Brokers
Cookies are made from scratch at this bakery on Grand Avenue in Phoenix. Look for flavors such as lemon, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip. Also served: cookie bars,combination traysand, of course, glasses of milk.
Details: 1325 Grand Ave., Suite 1, Phoenix. 602-651-1352, cookiebrokers.com.
Wraps N Curry
Satisfy your Indian-food fix in a hurry at this new quick-serve restaurant near 43rd Avenue and Bell Road in Phoenix. Masala fries, samosa, tikka masala wraps and chicken curry grace the menu.
Details: 4221 W. Bell Road, Suite 111, Phoenix. 602-866-1907, search “wraps ' n curry” on Facebook.
Esso Coffeehouse & Roastery
This coffee shop in central Phoenix roasts its espresso beans in-house and uses a refurbished 1976 hand-hammered copper Victoria Arduino machine to make drinks. Owned by Sharon Koger, Esso opened at the Strip, a complex at 12th Street and Highland Avenuethat also housesOriginal Gravity and DK Dogs.
Details: 4700 N. 12th St., Suite 107, Phoenix. essocoffeeshop.com.
Mighty Gyros
Kefta kabobs from the grill, chicken shawarma plates and gyro pita sandwiches are all on the menu at Mighty Gyros in Glendale, near 59th Avenue and Union Hills Drive. You can also get hummus, tabouli and Greek salad.
Details: 18589 N. 59th Ave., Suite 103, Glendale. 602-559-4088, mightygyros.com.
Bevvy
Pretzels, flatbreads, burgers, salmon bowls and chicken wings are all up for grabs at Bevvy, which took over the Casa Añejo space in central Phoenix. Stop by for lunch, brunch, dinner or happy hour, from 3-7 p.m. weekdays. Owned by Scottsdale-based Evening Entertainment Group, which operates many local restaurants, including Bottled Blonde, Stock & Stable, Honor Amongst Thieves, Sandbar Mexican Grill and RnR.
Details: 5600 N. Seventh St., Suite 100, Phoenix. 480-588-2908, bevvyaz.com.
The Baked Bear
Cookies, brownies or doughnuts hold together such ice cream flavors as rocky road, peanut butter cup and strawberry cheesecake. Anthony and Ginger Velez are the franchisees of the Arizona locations: in Tempe's Mill Avenue;near Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale; and the newest inGilbert'sSanTan Village.
Details: 2206 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. 480-912-8954. Also, 420 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. And, 7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-998-1945. thebakedbear.com.
PNPK
Named for nearby Pinnacle Peak Mountain, PNPK serves small plates, wine, beer and co*cktails. Formerly Grape Bistro, the restaurant has a dog-friendly patio and daily happy hour from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Look for offerings of charcuterie, sliders, bruschetta, deviled eggs and other comfort food.
Details: 23335 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-305-0907, pnpkaz.com.
Saigon Jade Restaurant
This Vietnamese restaurant serves dishes such as grilled pork vermicelli, beef pho, fried rice, yellow curry and grilled beef with rice. Locatedat Three Fountains Plaza near Southern Avenue and Longmore Street in Mesa.
Details: 1316 S. Longmore St., Suite 101, Mesa. 480-265-0024, search "Saigon Jade Restaurant" on Facebook.
Asian Corner Cafe
Whether you’re in the mood for Thai sweet chile chicken or Singapore noodles, this restaurant has you covered. You can also order Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, ma po tofu and chow fun noodles. Located in the shopping center at Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road in Chandler.
Details: 1940 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 1, Chandler. 480-899-9967.
Teaspressa
ThisArcadia cafelets you order your latte with a shot of tea or espresso. Drinks include the London Fog (a shot of Charles Grey tea or espresso with steamed milk, vanilla and lavender); and the Caramel Cape (a shot of Cape Town tea or espresso with steamed milk and caramel). The shop also sells pastries, cookies, T-shirts and brewing accessories. ASU grad Allison DeVanepitched the concept on "Shark Tank" in 2016.
Details: 4628 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. teaspressa.com.
Original ChopShop
Made-to-order açai bowls, protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and smoothies grace the menu at this fast-casual spot. First opened in Old Town Scottsdale in 2013, this new location, near Scottsdale and Bell roads in Scottsdale, is thesixth for the brand. Plans to open another one in Arcadia are in the works.
Details: 16205 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-372-2333. Other locations at chopshopco.com.
Someburros
Someburros, a family-owned chain of Mexican restaurants, opened its eighth location. The newspot issouth of Apache Boulevard near theASU Tempe campus, and offers financial incentives to student employees. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dining room and street-side patio haveseating for 90 people. Diners can call ahead orders and pick up at a window or use UberEats for delivery.
Details: 1314 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-446-8226. Other locations at someburros.com.
Dutch Bros
This growing drive-through coffee chain opened two new stores in the West Valley in March. The Glendale branch, the city’s first, is at Westgate Entertainment District. The other, in Goodyear, is the second 24-hour location in the West Valley.
Details: 6965 N. 95th Ave., Glendale. Also, 580 N. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. dutchbros.com.
Over Easy
The menu is popular for its specialties dishes such as waffle dogs, brioche French toast and Wolf Pack(two eggs, bacon and cheese stuffed between two hash brown layers). Now open near Tatum and Shea boulevards in northeast Phoenix.
Details: 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Other locations at eatatovereasy.com.
Taco Chelo
This Mexican restaurant fromchef Suny Santana, designer Gennaro Garcia and restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin (St. Francis, Phoenix Public Market Cafe, Tempe Public Market) opened on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix. The menu features five tacos filled withseasonal vegetables, fish, carnitas, carne asada and beef barbacoa. Quesadillas, salads and flan are also served.
Details: 501 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-368-5316, tacochelo.com.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
Grab a Hawaiian barbecuechicken plate and a couple of Spam musubi at this island-inspired, fast-casual restaurant. Kalua pork, Island fire chicken, chicken katsu and crispy shrimp are also offered. Now open near Bell and Litchfield roads in Surprise. This is the national chain’s 70th location.
Details: 13864 W. Bell Road, Suite 103, Surprise. 623-214-8788, onohawaiianbbq.com.
i-Tea
Get your boba and pork dumplings, too, at this new cafe and restaurant near Hardy and University drives in Tempe. Taro milk tea, black tea Oreo smoothies, white peach oolong tea and passion fruit green tea are among the manydrink options. The food menuincludes seasoned curly fries, deep-fried garlic wings and Japanese egg tofu.
Details: 825 W. University Drive, Tempe. 480-256-0181, itea-usa.com.
Five Guys
Order a burger or cheeseburger and then pile on as many of the free toppings as you’d like. Choices include grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, barbecue sauce and A1 sauce. Hot dogs, grilled cheese, veggie sandwiches, fries and milkshakes are also on the menu. Now open in Gilbert at the San Tan Pavilions, on Williams Field Road and SanTan Parkway.
Details: 1877 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. 480-307-8603, fiveguys.com.
Ahipoki Bowl
This fast-casual eatery is inspired by the Hawaiian dish poke. Diners build their own bowls with rice or greens; proteins like spicy tuna or scallops; and toppings such as cucumber and roasted seaweed. The newest location opened near Shea Boulevard and 92nd Street in north Scottsdale.
Details: 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Other locations at ahipokibowl.com.
Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery
This Kansas City-based sweet shop features cupcake flavors such as birthday cake, caramel crunch, chocolate cream, lemon drop, pink vanilla and red velvet. Also serving small-batch ice cream, the newest Arizona location opened near Camelback and Dysart roads in Litchfield Park.
Details: 5110 N. Dysart Road, Litchfield Park. 623-233-5729. Other locations at smallcakescupcakery.com.
Cicis
Head through a buffet of unlimited pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert at this national chain that opened its newest Arizona locationnear Christown Spectrum Mall in Phoenix. This marks the third Arizona store and the 432nd total.
Details: 1818 W. Montebello Ave., Phoenix. 480-702-3644. Other locations at cicis.com.
Mango Rabbit
Barbecue chicken lettuce wraps, fried squid balls, basil popcorn chicken and fries are all served, but it’s the drinks that star at this new spot, near Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane in Tempe. Pick you base from choices such as mango green tea, strawberry slush or sea salt caramel milk tea. Then add toppings like boba, coconut jelly or pudding.
Details: 1250 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. 480-912-6283.
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NOW CLOSED
Joe’s Midnight Run, the restaurant built out of a former drive-through liquor store that served wood-fired dishes and late-night eats in the Seventh Street food hub in central Phoenix, just north of Bethany Home Road. New owner Bob Mayosaid slow weekday traffic was not enough to make up for the busy weekends.
Urban Tacos, Tim and Lisa Perkins' taco and salsa shop on 16th Street north of Maryland Avenue in central Phoenix.
Wildfish Seafood Grille, one ofDarden Restaurants conceptsat Scottsdale Waterfront (the company owns Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cheddars,The Capital Grille and Eddie V's Prime Seafood).Maple & Ash, a popular Chicago steakhouse, will take over the space for its second location in the country.
