New restaurants in Phoenix: 90+ restaurants and bars opened in the first half of 2018
Nearly 100 restaurants opened their doors in the first six months of the year around the Valley. We've rounded up as many as we could find, from farm-fresh breakfast eateries, to Mexican restaurants and dessert shops with cookie dough that is safe to eat. Scroll through the gallery to find your next foodie date night...
Named after Pinnacle Peak Mountain, owner Kellie Pruitt opened PNPK, a restaurant and wine bar, in north Scottsdale. After her daughter's death, Pruitt found peace and comfort hiking the mountain and decided to give the restaurant business another try. She formerly owned Grape Bistro in the same space. The restaurant's menu features several "flights" like deviled eggs, sliders, bruschetta, and dessert.
Address: 23335 N Scottsdale Road, D105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255Photo by: Handout Las Palmas Cantina is the latest restaurant concept from restauranteur Julian Wright, who also owns Pedal Haus Brewery. Las Palmas Cantina is a Mexican restaurant with a coastal vibe. It's located in downtown Chandler where Vintage 95 used to be. Address: 95 W Boston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225Photo by: Handout/Las Palmas Meatballz Inc. is a new casual make-your-own meatball concept in Scottsdale. They have meatball bowls, meatball sandwiches, and sliders. There are four kinds of meatballs on the menu: chicken, spicy pork, beef and vegetarian. They have nine different sauces and gravies. Address: 7342 E Shea Blvd Suite 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85260Photo by: Meatballz Inc Twenty-six years after opening on Tempe's Mill Avenue, Fat Tuesday expanded with a second location at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. It is located next to Whiskey Rose and across from McFadden's.
Address: 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale, Arizona 85305Photo by: Emily Piraino Photography The Rafter Room cocktail lounge opened on the second floor of The Social Hall, a new restaurant in Tempe. The bar has a tequila-focused drink menu, along with a mix of aged whiskeys and rums, tiki-style drinks, and classics like the French 75.
Address: 715 S McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: The Rafter Room/AWE Collective Taco Chelo opened in the revamped Flowers building off Roosevelt Street, now referred to as The Blocks of Roosevelt Row. The Mexican concept is the latest from Aaron Chamberlin, founder of St. Francis, Phoenix Public Market Cafe, and Tempe Public Market Cafe. He partnered with artist Gennaro Garcia and Chef Suny Santana. There is no food item on the menu that costs more than $7. They have street tacos, chicharrones, quesadillas, and a couple salads.
Address: 501 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout Union Grill and Tap is the newest concept from the group behind "The Hub" and "The Vue". You'll find comfort foods and some healthier dishes on the menu.
Address: 1686 N Higley Rd Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234Photo by: Josh Frigerio Ramen Hood is a build-your-own ramen concept that opened near the Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Guests pick the noodles, broth, protein and toppings (they have 24 of them). You can also make a rice bowl. Ramen Hood also has gyoza, Karaage chicken, and steamed bao.
Address: 15807 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260Photo by: Ramen Hood Nishikawa Ramen touts itself as the first authentic noodle bar in the East Valley. They first opened in Chandler. In 2018, they expanded with a second restaurant in Phoenix. They have four traditional ramen recipes, including a vegetarian one; three special soups, and small plates.
Address: 3141 E Indian School Rd, #110 Phoenix 85016Photo by: Nishikawa Ramen Zookz Sandwiches opened a second location in the heart of downtown Phoenix. They serve their sandwiches in half-rounded, pressed pita pockets.
Address: One N 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Zookz Sandwiches/Facebook Jimmy T's Holy Crab Shack, a customizable seafood concept, opened near Ray and Alma School roads in Chandler. Guests choose their pound of seafood, the seasoning, and the level of spice.
Address: 1050 W Ray Road., Chandler, AZ 85224Photo by: Jimmy T's Holy Crab Shack/Facebook Pomegranate Cafe is an organic vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Ahwatukee. They opened a second restaurant in central Phoenix near the bustling 7th Street stretch.
Address: 5555 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85014Photo by: Pomegranate Cafe/Facebook Phil Johnson, also known as "Phil The Grill," is an award-winning barbecue competitor. He is also the owner of Trapp Haus BBQ, his barbecue restaurant that opened off Roosevelt Street in downtown Phoenix. The menu features traditional smokehouse barbecue with some southwestern flare, including deep-fried pieces of brisket stuffed with mac and cheese, smoked brisket empanadas, sandwiches, and smoked meats by the pound.
Address: 511 E Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Shaun Cheney/handout The Larder & The Delta is a southern restaurant from Arizona chef Stephen Jones. Jones launched the concept at Desoto Central Market, then closed that location to open it in a larger space with an expanded menu. He opened it in July at Portland on the Park, a condominium complex in downtown Phoenix.
Address: 200 West Portland Street Suite 101 Phoenix, Arizona 85003Photo by: Handout Bubba's 33 is an American sports bar and restaurant chain. It opened a location -- its only one in Arizona -- at Fashion Fountain Center in Peoria.
Address: 16100 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382Photo by: Bubba's 33/Facebook Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill is a quick-service Japanese concept that serves rice bowls, salads, and wraps. In fact, the first restaurant opened in Scottsdale in 1994, according to its website. The concept is now owned by Kahala Brands and is franchised. They have at least five locations in the Phoenix area and 45 worldwide. They opened a new location in Phoenix in 2018.
Address: 3039 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite 103, Phoenix AZ 85029Photo by: Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill Cocina Madrigal is a new Mexican restaurant in south Phoenix. It was opened by Leo Madrigal, whose background includes stints at Z'Tejas, Taco Guild, Salty Sow, and HopDoddy. The menu was inspired by flavors of Mexico City and Oaxaca. You'll find tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and salads on the menu, along with burgers and pasta.
Address: 4044 S 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040Photo by: Handout Since opening in 2013, The Whining Pig has opened five locations, with its newest in Ahwatukee. It is a locally-owned wine and beer bar with elevated grilled cheese sandwiches. They have five grilled cheese sandwiches on the menu, including "The Heart" which has fig spread, prosciutto, and goat cheese.
Address: 5030 E Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044Photo by: The Whining Pig Oak & Fork is a new restaurant at Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa. The menu features Arizona wine and small plates, such as bruschetta, lamb loin, burrata cheese and tomatoes, and meat-and-cheese boards.
Address: 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139Photo by: Handout Provisions is a pizza and pasta concept that opened inside the U.S. Bank Building in downtown Phoenix.
Address: 101 N 1st Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 85003Photo by: Josh Frigerio Gadzooks, the make-your-own enchiladas and tacos concept, opened a second location in Arcadia. The first restaurant opened near Osborn and 7th Street in 2013. They company has plans to open a third restaurant in Tempe by the end of 2018.
Address: 4031 E Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018Photo by: Handout/MMPR Marco's Pizza, a national pizza chain that started in 1978, has opened a restaurant in Gilbert. They have at least six signature pizzas, including "All Meat," "Hawaiian Chicken," and "Pepperoni Magnifico". They also have subs, salads, and dessert.
Address: 3051 N. Market Street, Gilbert AZ 85295Photo by: Handout When Bone Haus Brewing opened, it became the first craft brewery in Fountain Hills. It is themed after bone houses in Europe, sometimes called ossuaries or catacombs. They have eight beers on tap, including a couple IPAs, and three non-alcoholic drinks, including a vanilla-lemon ginger beer.
Address: 14825 East Shea Boulevard, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268Photo by: Bone Haus Brewing Cici's, known for its unlimited flatbread and pizza buffet, opened a third restaurant in Arizona, and its second in Phoenix. Besides pizza, they also have salads, cheese bread, and dessert pizza and brownies.
Address: 1818 W Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015Photo by: Cicis/handout New York Bagels N' Bialys, a Kosher New York-style made-from-scratch bagel shop in the Valley, opened a third location at ASU's SkySong Center. It was founded by Ruth Leatherman and Shelley Curtis in 1987. They reportedly serve 7,000 bagels and bialys a day! They have more than 20 bagel flavors, and 15 bialy flavors.
Address: 1455 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85257Photo by: Handout Bowlero, formerly Bowlmor AMF, has been renovating its bowling alleys in Arizona for the last year, with its most recent in north Scottsdale. The bowling alley has 36 backlit lanes, each with its own video screen, an arcade, and oversized food. For the adventurous, they have a five-pound burger and a two-foot-long Chi-Town hot dog. They also have a 100-ounce cocktail for those 21 and up.
Address: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85054Photo by: Bowlero/Handout Uno Mas Cantina opened in Ahwatukee near Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway. The menu features tacos, bowls and burritos, nachos, burgers and salads.
Address: 1327 E Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85048Photo by: Una Mas Cantina/Facebook Sip Coffee and Beer House is the third "Sip" concept in the Valley, but the first full-service restaurant for the brand. Travis Radevski and his team renovated an old Comerica Bank near Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road.
Address: 3617 N Goldwater Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251Photo by: Handout Jamba Juice, the national juice chain, opened a store in Peoria, marking nearly 30 locations in the Valley. They have different smoothies, juices, and health shots like wheatgrass and orange-ginger cayenne.
Address: 9940 W Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383Photo by: Handout/Jamba Juice Quartiere is an Italian restaurant that replaced Riazzi's, which had been in business for decades. When Riazzi's closed, Erick and Rochelle Geryol moved in. The name means "neighborhood" in Italian.
Address: 2700 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282Photo by: Handout La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe opened two restaurants in the Valley. Both of them are located in the East Valley: Chandler and Gilbert. A third location is slated to open in downtown Phoenix. The restaurant chain has franchises in multiple states. It started as a bakery in 1983 in Dallas, Texas.
Addresses: La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe and 3605 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226Photo by: Handout Ahipoki has continued its rapid expansion with restaurants in Scottsdale and Queen Creek. The quick-service concept serves poke, the Hawaiian dish that combines raw fish, dressing, and other toppings. At Ahipoki, guests make their own poke bowls and salads. Ahipoki has 10 restaurants around the Valley with more planned to open.
Address: 21202 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Queen Creek AZ 85142Photo by: Handout National sandwich shop Jersey Mike's Subs opened its ninth location in the Valley.
Address: 3350 N 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013Photo by: Handout/Jersey Mike's The Bodhi is a health-focused casual restaurant. It opened in Tempe at the beginning of January. The menu features breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, and juices.
Address: 521 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Handout Thai Chili 2 Go, a casual counter-service restaurant concept that serves Thai food, opened its fifth restaurant in the Valley. The Gilbert location is also the chain's first location to use ordering kiosks vs. having an employee at the counter. You'll find various noodle dishes on the menu, along with dumplings, curry-based dishes, and Pad Thai.
Address: 1887 E Williams Field Rd #101 Gilbert, AZ 85295Photo by: Handout Olive Garden is bringing its unlimited breadsticks, soup and salad to Glendale. The opening also marked the debut of the national chain's sign and revamped restaurant design.
Address: 6970 N 95th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305Photo by: Olive Garden/handout TRES Tempe blends Mediterranean and Southwestern flavors. The menu is divided into small, medium, and large plates, depending on your appetite. You'll find grilled asparagus spears bacon-wrapped dates, pork wings, sliders, and lettuce cups on the menu.
Address: 7192 S. Price Road., Tempe, AZ 85283Photo by: Handout Pokitrition expanded with a second location in central Phoenix. The fast-casual restaurant serves poke, the Hawaiian-inspired bowl that combines raw fish, rice or salad, and various toppings. They also make a sushi burrito, essentially a poke bowl turned into a large sushi roll. Not to one-up themselves, they also have a Hot-Cheeto-dusted sushi roll.
Address: 4811 N 16th Street, Ste 104, Phoenix, AZ, 85016Photo by: Handout The Blind Dragon is an Asian-themed karaoke lounge and bar that opened near Scottsdale's Entertainment District. It has six private karaoke suites, large booths, and bottle service.
Address: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale AZ 85251Photo by: ELIZABETH DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY Riot House is a South Beach-themed bar and lounge in Scottsdale's Entertainment District. It is the latest concept from Riot Hospitality Group, the people behind Farm & Craft, El Hefe, and Hand Cut. Riot House's menu has 18 items between appetizers, entrees, and desserts. You'll find flatbreads, salads, and paninis.
Address: 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale AZ 85251Photo by: RiotHouse/Handout Egg n' Joe is a breastfast concept part of Elmer's Restaurants, a Portland, Oregon-based restaurant chain. You'll find a lot of breakfast favorites here: pancakes, omelets, crepes, eggs Benedict, plus sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch. They opened two locations in Gilbert and Chandler.
Addresses: 3131 S. Market Street, Gilbert AZ 85295 and 4010 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85248Photo by: Egg 'n Joe's Facebook Flying Basset Brewing is one of the newest breweries in the Valley, and to Gilbert. Rob Gagnon is a pilot, and his wife, Sara, works at a hospital. They named the brewery after their dogs.
Address: 720 W. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233Photo by: Basset Brewing/Facebook Flower Child, a health concept from Fox Restaurant Concepts, joined the restaurant lineup at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Other Valley locations are in Arcadia, Uptown Plaza, and Scottsdale. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They have a variety of salads, wraps, and small plates.
Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050Photo by: Handout After closing Casa Anejo, Evening Entertainment Group renovated the space and opened The Bevvy, a neighborhood restaurant with a high-energy nightlife.
Address: 5600 N 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Handout/MMPR In 2016, Original ChopShop was bought by a Texas-based investment company. Since then, the concept has expanded with more locations in the Valley. In 2018, they opened two in Scottsdale and Phoenix, bringing their Valley total to eight locations. They also opened their first restaurant in Texas with two more on the way. The concept serves health-conscious protein bowls, sandwiches, salads, and fresh juices and smoothies.
Addresses: 4503 N 32nd Street., Phoenix, AZ 85018 and 16205 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254Photo by: Handout/Original ChopShop Rehab Burger Therapy, a burger joint with a knack for over-the-top burger creations, opened its first restaurant in Phoenix, and third in the Valley. It opened near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, across the street from SanTan Brewing's new brewpub. Address: 1534 Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Handout At Baked Bear, people make their own ice cream sandwiches. They have more than a dozen ice cream flavors that can be sandwiched between cookies, brownies, doughnuts, or a combination of the three. The dessert is then rolled in whatever topping chosen. A third location opened at SanTan Village in Gilbert.
Address: 2206 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295Photo by: Handout Breakfast restaurant, Over Easy, opened in Paradise Valley, its fifth restaurant in the Valley. The restaurant got its start in 2008, and has been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Guy Fieri tried the Nut Banana French Toast, Chicken Fried Steak, and Ham Steak.
Address: 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028Photo by: Handout Barrio Queen opened a third restaurant at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix. The local Mexican restaurant chain has two other restaurants in Gilbert and Scottsdale. A fourth restaurant is slated to open at Tempe Marketplace in 2019.
Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050Photo by: Handout Root and Soul's menu includes gluten-free chicken and Belgian waffles, six-cheese mac and cheese, collard greens, and the "Big Catch Sandwich," which has an 8-ounce serving of catfish, shrimp, and spicy aioli. The southern restaurant opened at Desoto Central Market in the former RADish space.
Address: 915 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout Izzy's Pantry is a new restaurant at Desoto Central Market. It is described as "improvisation street fare" with a mix of shareable plates, salads, sandwiches, and dessert. Israel Medina is the executive chef. It took over the space formerly occupied by The Provisionary.
Address: 915 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout The Tempe Public Market Cafe is the sister concept to the Phoenix Public Market Cafe, a concept from Valley chef Aaron Chamberlin. Like the Phoenix restaurant, it boasts a locally-sourced, health-conscious menu. One element that is different is pizza. The Tempe restaurant has five types of pizza on the menu, including a specialty pizza that changes.
Address: 8749 S. Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284Photo by: Handout/AWE Collective Sports bar and "breastaurant" Twin Peaks opened in Glendale, its third restaurant in the Valley. The bar has 32 beers on tap and there are 86 flat-screen TVs around the restaurant.
Address: 6922 N 95th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305Photo by: Handout Husband-wife duo and franchisees, Randy and Ann Sevilla, opened their second Firehouse Subs restaurant in Gilbert. Randy reportedly spent 32 years as a firefighter. Firehouse Subs has a variety of toasted sub sandwiches, salads, and platters. The company donates a portion of each sandwich to its Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
Address: 4764 S Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296Photo by: Handout Riot Hospitality Group's health-focused Farm and Craft expanded with a second location at The Colony, a multi-use restaurant and retail center off 7th Street. It took over the space formerly occupied by The Herb Box. The restaurant's "wellness" menu is divided into four focus points: anti-inflamantory, increase probiotics, increase anti-oxidants, and reduce overall stress. You'll find vegetarian, chicken, steak, and fish entrees. They also have kombucha on tap.
Address: 5538 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Peter Speyer/Handout Luna Gelateria is an Italian gelato concept from Pomo Pizzeria Group, the founders of Pomo Pizzeria. The gelateria is located within their Scottsdale restaurant at the Shops at Gainey Ranch. Most of the ingredients, and the machine that makes the gelato, were imported from Italy, the company said. It is served in cake cones, waffles cones, and waffle bowls.
Address: 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253Photo by: Handout NCounter, the breakfast and lunch restaurant that started in Tempe in 2012, expanded north to Scottsdale, its third location in the Valley. It opened near Loop 101 and Mayo Boulevard. In 2016, the concept was sold to Due North Holdings. They have plans to franchise the restaurant nationally under a new name, "Daily Jam".
Address: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054.Photo by: Handout The Halal Guys expanded with two more restaurants in 2018, opening in Mesa and Phoenix. The restaurant serves "American Halal" fare, including chicken and beef gyro platters and wraps, falafel, baba ganouj, and baklava.
Addresses: 1818 W. Montebello Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85015 and 1859 S Stapley Drive Suite 106, Mesa, AZ 85204Photo by: Handout Scramble, a breakfast and lunch joint, is a quick-casual restaurant from Icon Hospitality Group. They expanded with a third location at 24th Street and Camelback Road. They use fresh ingredients from local farms and markets. The menu has a variety of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, salads, sandwiches, pancakes, and pastries.
Address: 2375 E Camelback Road., Phoenix, AZ 85016Photo by: Chad Ulam/handout Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the national Hawaiian restaurant chain, opened two restaurants in the Valley in the first half of 2018. One opened in Phoenix and the other in Surprise. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including chicken plates, Spam musubi, and soups.
Addresses: 13864 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 and 1818 W Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015. Photo by: Handout Local family-owned Mexican restaurant chain Someburros opened its eighth location near Arizona State University's Tempe campus. It was founded by George and Mary Vasquez in 1986 after they were unable to find authentic Mexican food in the Valley. The menu features a variety of burritos, tostadas, chimichangas, tacos, tamales, and salads.
Address: 1314 S Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Handout Marijuana-themed sub shop Cheba Hut opened an eatery in Ahwatukee.
Address: 4905 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044Photo by: Handout Babbo Italian Eatery, a local family-owned Italian restaurant chain, opened its eighth location in Scottsdale. The menu has spaghetti and meatballs, Neopolitan pizzas, and focaccia bread. Mr. Babbo is also looking to open a location in Glendale. Address: 8840 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250Photo by: Handout Dunkin Donuts opened its first location in Maricopa, just south of Phoenix. Besides doughnuts, Dunkin' also has bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and various coffee drinks.
Address: 20555 N. John Wayne Parkway, Maricopa, AZ 85139Photo by: Handout Morning Squeeze, a 70s- and 80s-themed breakfast and brunch restaurant, opened a second location in downtown Tempe. Its funky colors and decor took over the former Delice Bistro space. The concept first opened in Scottsdale in 2013. You'll find three kinds of eggs Benedict, along with pancakes, French toast, and omelettes on the menu.
Address: 690 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Josh Frigerio Dine-in movie theater, Alamo Drafthouse, opened at The Collective, a newly-renovated entertainment complex in Tempe. The theater has seven screens, plus a bar. It is the second location for the theater chain. The other is in Chandler. While watching the movie, theatergoers can order appetizers, or turn it into dinner-and-a-movie with a complete meal.
Address: 1140 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283Photo by: Handout
Address: 23335 N Scottsdale Road, D105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255Photo by: Handout Las Palmas Cantina is the latest restaurant concept from restauranteur Julian Wright, who also owns Pedal Haus Brewery. Las Palmas Cantina is a Mexican restaurant with a coastal vibe. It's located in downtown Chandler where Vintage 95 used to be. Address: 95 W Boston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225Photo by: Handout/Las Palmas Meatballz Inc. is a new casual make-your-own meatball concept in Scottsdale. They have meatball bowls, meatball sandwiches, and sliders. There are four kinds of meatballs on the menu: chicken, spicy pork, beef and vegetarian. They have nine different sauces and gravies. Address: 7342 E Shea Blvd Suite 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85260Photo by: Meatballz Inc Twenty-six years after opening on Tempe's Mill Avenue, Fat Tuesday expanded with a second location at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. It is located next to Whiskey Rose and across from McFadden's.
Address: 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale, Arizona 85305Photo by: Emily Piraino Photography The Rafter Room cocktail lounge opened on the second floor of The Social Hall, a new restaurant in Tempe. The bar has a tequila-focused drink menu, along with a mix of aged whiskeys and rums, tiki-style drinks, and classics like the French 75.
Address: 715 S McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: The Rafter Room/AWE Collective Taco Chelo opened in the revamped Flowers building off Roosevelt Street, now referred to as The Blocks of Roosevelt Row. The Mexican concept is the latest from Aaron Chamberlin, founder of St. Francis, Phoenix Public Market Cafe, and Tempe Public Market Cafe. He partnered with artist Gennaro Garcia and Chef Suny Santana. There is no food item on the menu that costs more than $7. They have street tacos, chicharrones, quesadillas, and a couple salads.
Address: 501 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout Union Grill and Tap is the newest concept from the group behind "The Hub" and "The Vue". You'll find comfort foods and some healthier dishes on the menu.
Address: 1686 N Higley Rd Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234Photo by: Josh Frigerio Ramen Hood is a build-your-own ramen concept that opened near the Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Guests pick the noodles, broth, protein and toppings (they have 24 of them). You can also make a rice bowl. Ramen Hood also has gyoza, Karaage chicken, and steamed bao.
Address: 15807 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260Photo by: Ramen Hood Nishikawa Ramen touts itself as the first authentic noodle bar in the East Valley. They first opened in Chandler. In 2018, they expanded with a second restaurant in Phoenix. They have four traditional ramen recipes, including a vegetarian one; three special soups, and small plates.
Address: 3141 E Indian School Rd, #110 Phoenix 85016Photo by: Nishikawa Ramen Zookz Sandwiches opened a second location in the heart of downtown Phoenix. They serve their sandwiches in half-rounded, pressed pita pockets.
Address: One N 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Zookz Sandwiches/Facebook Jimmy T's Holy Crab Shack, a customizable seafood concept, opened near Ray and Alma School roads in Chandler. Guests choose their pound of seafood, the seasoning, and the level of spice.
Address: 1050 W Ray Road., Chandler, AZ 85224Photo by: Jimmy T's Holy Crab Shack/Facebook Pomegranate Cafe is an organic vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Ahwatukee. They opened a second restaurant in central Phoenix near the bustling 7th Street stretch.
Address: 5555 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85014Photo by: Pomegranate Cafe/Facebook Phil Johnson, also known as "Phil The Grill," is an award-winning barbecue competitor. He is also the owner of Trapp Haus BBQ, his barbecue restaurant that opened off Roosevelt Street in downtown Phoenix. The menu features traditional smokehouse barbecue with some southwestern flare, including deep-fried pieces of brisket stuffed with mac and cheese, smoked brisket empanadas, sandwiches, and smoked meats by the pound.
Address: 511 E Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Shaun Cheney/handout The Larder & The Delta is a southern restaurant from Arizona chef Stephen Jones. Jones launched the concept at Desoto Central Market, then closed that location to open it in a larger space with an expanded menu. He opened it in July at Portland on the Park, a condominium complex in downtown Phoenix.
Address: 200 West Portland Street Suite 101 Phoenix, Arizona 85003Photo by: Handout Bubba's 33 is an American sports bar and restaurant chain. It opened a location -- its only one in Arizona -- at Fashion Fountain Center in Peoria.
Address: 16100 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382Photo by: Bubba's 33/Facebook Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill is a quick-service Japanese concept that serves rice bowls, salads, and wraps. In fact, the first restaurant opened in Scottsdale in 1994, according to its website. The concept is now owned by Kahala Brands and is franchised. They have at least five locations in the Phoenix area and 45 worldwide. They opened a new location in Phoenix in 2018.
Address: 3039 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite 103, Phoenix AZ 85029Photo by: Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill Cocina Madrigal is a new Mexican restaurant in south Phoenix. It was opened by Leo Madrigal, whose background includes stints at Z'Tejas, Taco Guild, Salty Sow, and HopDoddy. The menu was inspired by flavors of Mexico City and Oaxaca. You'll find tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and salads on the menu, along with burgers and pasta.
Address: 4044 S 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040Photo by: Handout Since opening in 2013, The Whining Pig has opened five locations, with its newest in Ahwatukee. It is a locally-owned wine and beer bar with elevated grilled cheese sandwiches. They have five grilled cheese sandwiches on the menu, including "The Heart" which has fig spread, prosciutto, and goat cheese.
Address: 5030 E Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044Photo by: The Whining Pig Oak & Fork is a new restaurant at Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa. The menu features Arizona wine and small plates, such as bruschetta, lamb loin, burrata cheese and tomatoes, and meat-and-cheese boards.
Address: 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139Photo by: Handout Provisions is a pizza and pasta concept that opened inside the U.S. Bank Building in downtown Phoenix.
Address: 101 N 1st Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 85003Photo by: Josh Frigerio Gadzooks, the make-your-own enchiladas and tacos concept, opened a second location in Arcadia. The first restaurant opened near Osborn and 7th Street in 2013. They company has plans to open a third restaurant in Tempe by the end of 2018.
Address: 4031 E Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018Photo by: Handout/MMPR Marco's Pizza, a national pizza chain that started in 1978, has opened a restaurant in Gilbert. They have at least six signature pizzas, including "All Meat," "Hawaiian Chicken," and "Pepperoni Magnifico". They also have subs, salads, and dessert.
Address: 3051 N. Market Street, Gilbert AZ 85295Photo by: Handout When Bone Haus Brewing opened, it became the first craft brewery in Fountain Hills. It is themed after bone houses in Europe, sometimes called ossuaries or catacombs. They have eight beers on tap, including a couple IPAs, and three non-alcoholic drinks, including a vanilla-lemon ginger beer.
Address: 14825 East Shea Boulevard, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268Photo by: Bone Haus Brewing Cici's, known for its unlimited flatbread and pizza buffet, opened a third restaurant in Arizona, and its second in Phoenix. Besides pizza, they also have salads, cheese bread, and dessert pizza and brownies.
Address: 1818 W Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015Photo by: Cicis/handout New York Bagels N' Bialys, a Kosher New York-style made-from-scratch bagel shop in the Valley, opened a third location at ASU's SkySong Center. It was founded by Ruth Leatherman and Shelley Curtis in 1987. They reportedly serve 7,000 bagels and bialys a day! They have more than 20 bagel flavors, and 15 bialy flavors.
Address: 1455 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85257Photo by: Handout Bowlero, formerly Bowlmor AMF, has been renovating its bowling alleys in Arizona for the last year, with its most recent in north Scottsdale. The bowling alley has 36 backlit lanes, each with its own video screen, an arcade, and oversized food. For the adventurous, they have a five-pound burger and a two-foot-long Chi-Town hot dog. They also have a 100-ounce cocktail for those 21 and up.
Address: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85054Photo by: Bowlero/Handout Uno Mas Cantina opened in Ahwatukee near Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway. The menu features tacos, bowls and burritos, nachos, burgers and salads.
Address: 1327 E Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85048Photo by: Una Mas Cantina/Facebook Sip Coffee and Beer House is the third "Sip" concept in the Valley, but the first full-service restaurant for the brand. Travis Radevski and his team renovated an old Comerica Bank near Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road.
Address: 3617 N Goldwater Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251Photo by: Handout Jamba Juice, the national juice chain, opened a store in Peoria, marking nearly 30 locations in the Valley. They have different smoothies, juices, and health shots like wheatgrass and orange-ginger cayenne.
Address: 9940 W Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383Photo by: Handout/Jamba Juice Quartiere is an Italian restaurant that replaced Riazzi's, which had been in business for decades. When Riazzi's closed, Erick and Rochelle Geryol moved in. The name means "neighborhood" in Italian.
Address: 2700 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282Photo by: Handout La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe opened two restaurants in the Valley. Both of them are located in the East Valley: Chandler and Gilbert. A third location is slated to open in downtown Phoenix. The restaurant chain has franchises in multiple states. It started as a bakery in 1983 in Dallas, Texas.
Addresses: La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe and 3605 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226Photo by: Handout Ahipoki has continued its rapid expansion with restaurants in Scottsdale and Queen Creek. The quick-service concept serves poke, the Hawaiian dish that combines raw fish, dressing, and other toppings. At Ahipoki, guests make their own poke bowls and salads. Ahipoki has 10 restaurants around the Valley with more planned to open.
Address: 21202 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Queen Creek AZ 85142Photo by: Handout National sandwich shop Jersey Mike's Subs opened its ninth location in the Valley.
Address: 3350 N 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013Photo by: Handout/Jersey Mike's The Bodhi is a health-focused casual restaurant. It opened in Tempe at the beginning of January. The menu features breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, and juices.
Address: 521 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Handout Thai Chili 2 Go, a casual counter-service restaurant concept that serves Thai food, opened its fifth restaurant in the Valley. The Gilbert location is also the chain's first location to use ordering kiosks vs. having an employee at the counter. You'll find various noodle dishes on the menu, along with dumplings, curry-based dishes, and Pad Thai.
Address: 1887 E Williams Field Rd #101 Gilbert, AZ 85295Photo by: Handout Olive Garden is bringing its unlimited breadsticks, soup and salad to Glendale. The opening also marked the debut of the national chain's sign and revamped restaurant design.
Address: 6970 N 95th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305Photo by: Olive Garden/handout TRES Tempe blends Mediterranean and Southwestern flavors. The menu is divided into small, medium, and large plates, depending on your appetite. You'll find grilled asparagus spears bacon-wrapped dates, pork wings, sliders, and lettuce cups on the menu.
Address: 7192 S. Price Road., Tempe, AZ 85283Photo by: Handout Pokitrition expanded with a second location in central Phoenix. The fast-casual restaurant serves poke, the Hawaiian-inspired bowl that combines raw fish, rice or salad, and various toppings. They also make a sushi burrito, essentially a poke bowl turned into a large sushi roll. Not to one-up themselves, they also have a Hot-Cheeto-dusted sushi roll.
Address: 4811 N 16th Street, Ste 104, Phoenix, AZ, 85016Photo by: Handout The Blind Dragon is an Asian-themed karaoke lounge and bar that opened near Scottsdale's Entertainment District. It has six private karaoke suites, large booths, and bottle service.
Address: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale AZ 85251Photo by: ELIZABETH DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY Riot House is a South Beach-themed bar and lounge in Scottsdale's Entertainment District. It is the latest concept from Riot Hospitality Group, the people behind Farm & Craft, El Hefe, and Hand Cut. Riot House's menu has 18 items between appetizers, entrees, and desserts. You'll find flatbreads, salads, and paninis.
Address: 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale AZ 85251Photo by: RiotHouse/Handout Egg n' Joe is a breastfast concept part of Elmer's Restaurants, a Portland, Oregon-based restaurant chain. You'll find a lot of breakfast favorites here: pancakes, omelets, crepes, eggs Benedict, plus sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch. They opened two locations in Gilbert and Chandler.
Addresses: 3131 S. Market Street, Gilbert AZ 85295 and 4010 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85248Photo by: Egg 'n Joe's Facebook Flying Basset Brewing is one of the newest breweries in the Valley, and to Gilbert. Rob Gagnon is a pilot, and his wife, Sara, works at a hospital. They named the brewery after their dogs.
Address: 720 W. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233Photo by: Basset Brewing/Facebook Flower Child, a health concept from Fox Restaurant Concepts, joined the restaurant lineup at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Other Valley locations are in Arcadia, Uptown Plaza, and Scottsdale. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They have a variety of salads, wraps, and small plates.
Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050Photo by: Handout After closing Casa Anejo, Evening Entertainment Group renovated the space and opened The Bevvy, a neighborhood restaurant with a high-energy nightlife.
Address: 5600 N 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Handout/MMPR In 2016, Original ChopShop was bought by a Texas-based investment company. Since then, the concept has expanded with more locations in the Valley. In 2018, they opened two in Scottsdale and Phoenix, bringing their Valley total to eight locations. They also opened their first restaurant in Texas with two more on the way. The concept serves health-conscious protein bowls, sandwiches, salads, and fresh juices and smoothies.
Addresses: 4503 N 32nd Street., Phoenix, AZ 85018 and 16205 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254Photo by: Handout/Original ChopShop Rehab Burger Therapy, a burger joint with a knack for over-the-top burger creations, opened its first restaurant in Phoenix, and third in the Valley. It opened near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, across the street from SanTan Brewing's new brewpub. Address: 1534 Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Handout At Baked Bear, people make their own ice cream sandwiches. They have more than a dozen ice cream flavors that can be sandwiched between cookies, brownies, doughnuts, or a combination of the three. The dessert is then rolled in whatever topping chosen. A third location opened at SanTan Village in Gilbert.
Address: 2206 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295Photo by: Handout Breakfast restaurant, Over Easy, opened in Paradise Valley, its fifth restaurant in the Valley. The restaurant got its start in 2008, and has been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Guy Fieri tried the Nut Banana French Toast, Chicken Fried Steak, and Ham Steak.
Address: 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028Photo by: Handout Barrio Queen opened a third restaurant at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix. The local Mexican restaurant chain has two other restaurants in Gilbert and Scottsdale. A fourth restaurant is slated to open at Tempe Marketplace in 2019.
Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050Photo by: Handout Root and Soul's menu includes gluten-free chicken and Belgian waffles, six-cheese mac and cheese, collard greens, and the "Big Catch Sandwich," which has an 8-ounce serving of catfish, shrimp, and spicy aioli. The southern restaurant opened at Desoto Central Market in the former RADish space.
Address: 915 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout Izzy's Pantry is a new restaurant at Desoto Central Market. It is described as "improvisation street fare" with a mix of shareable plates, salads, sandwiches, and dessert. Israel Medina is the executive chef. It took over the space formerly occupied by The Provisionary.
Address: 915 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004Photo by: Handout The Tempe Public Market Cafe is the sister concept to the Phoenix Public Market Cafe, a concept from Valley chef Aaron Chamberlin. Like the Phoenix restaurant, it boasts a locally-sourced, health-conscious menu. One element that is different is pizza. The Tempe restaurant has five types of pizza on the menu, including a specialty pizza that changes.
Address: 8749 S. Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284Photo by: Handout/AWE Collective Sports bar and "breastaurant" Twin Peaks opened in Glendale, its third restaurant in the Valley. The bar has 32 beers on tap and there are 86 flat-screen TVs around the restaurant.
Address: 6922 N 95th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305Photo by: Handout Husband-wife duo and franchisees, Randy and Ann Sevilla, opened their second Firehouse Subs restaurant in Gilbert. Randy reportedly spent 32 years as a firefighter. Firehouse Subs has a variety of toasted sub sandwiches, salads, and platters. The company donates a portion of each sandwich to its Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
Address: 4764 S Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296Photo by: Handout Riot Hospitality Group's health-focused Farm and Craft expanded with a second location at The Colony, a multi-use restaurant and retail center off 7th Street. It took over the space formerly occupied by The Herb Box. The restaurant's "wellness" menu is divided into four focus points: anti-inflamantory, increase probiotics, increase anti-oxidants, and reduce overall stress. You'll find vegetarian, chicken, steak, and fish entrees. They also have kombucha on tap.
Address: 5538 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014Photo by: Peter Speyer/Handout Luna Gelateria is an Italian gelato concept from Pomo Pizzeria Group, the founders of Pomo Pizzeria. The gelateria is located within their Scottsdale restaurant at the Shops at Gainey Ranch. Most of the ingredients, and the machine that makes the gelato, were imported from Italy, the company said. It is served in cake cones, waffles cones, and waffle bowls.
Address: 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253Photo by: Handout NCounter, the breakfast and lunch restaurant that started in Tempe in 2012, expanded north to Scottsdale, its third location in the Valley. It opened near Loop 101 and Mayo Boulevard. In 2016, the concept was sold to Due North Holdings. They have plans to franchise the restaurant nationally under a new name, "Daily Jam".
Address: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054.Photo by: Handout The Halal Guys expanded with two more restaurants in 2018, opening in Mesa and Phoenix. The restaurant serves "American Halal" fare, including chicken and beef gyro platters and wraps, falafel, baba ganouj, and baklava.
Addresses: 1818 W. Montebello Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85015 and 1859 S Stapley Drive Suite 106, Mesa, AZ 85204Photo by: Handout Scramble, a breakfast and lunch joint, is a quick-casual restaurant from Icon Hospitality Group. They expanded with a third location at 24th Street and Camelback Road. They use fresh ingredients from local farms and markets. The menu has a variety of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, salads, sandwiches, pancakes, and pastries.
Address: 2375 E Camelback Road., Phoenix, AZ 85016Photo by: Chad Ulam/handout Ono Hawaiian BBQ, the national Hawaiian restaurant chain, opened two restaurants in the Valley in the first half of 2018. One opened in Phoenix and the other in Surprise. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including chicken plates, Spam musubi, and soups.
Addresses: 13864 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 and 1818 W Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015. Photo by: Handout Local family-owned Mexican restaurant chain Someburros opened its eighth location near Arizona State University's Tempe campus. It was founded by George and Mary Vasquez in 1986 after they were unable to find authentic Mexican food in the Valley. The menu features a variety of burritos, tostadas, chimichangas, tacos, tamales, and salads.
Address: 1314 S Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Handout Marijuana-themed sub shop Cheba Hut opened an eatery in Ahwatukee.
Address: 4905 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044Photo by: Handout Babbo Italian Eatery, a local family-owned Italian restaurant chain, opened its eighth location in Scottsdale. The menu has spaghetti and meatballs, Neopolitan pizzas, and focaccia bread. Mr. Babbo is also looking to open a location in Glendale. Address: 8840 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250Photo by: Handout Dunkin Donuts opened its first location in Maricopa, just south of Phoenix. Besides doughnuts, Dunkin' also has bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and various coffee drinks.
Address: 20555 N. John Wayne Parkway, Maricopa, AZ 85139Photo by: Handout Morning Squeeze, a 70s- and 80s-themed breakfast and brunch restaurant, opened a second location in downtown Tempe. Its funky colors and decor took over the former Delice Bistro space. The concept first opened in Scottsdale in 2013. You'll find three kinds of eggs Benedict, along with pancakes, French toast, and omelettes on the menu.
Address: 690 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281Photo by: Josh Frigerio Dine-in movie theater, Alamo Drafthouse, opened at The Collective, a newly-renovated entertainment complex in Tempe. The theater has seven screens, plus a bar. It is the second location for the theater chain. The other is in Chandler. While watching the movie, theatergoers can order appetizers, or turn it into dinner-and-a-movie with a complete meal.
Address: 1140 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283Photo by: Handout