May was a rough month for Metro Phoenix restaurants, with one closure after another, including one of the city's most historic spots. However, all is not lost. We also said hello to a few intriguing new offerings, and even a new option for hipster tacos in Arcadia.
Openings
Original Gravity, Phoenix
We're interested in what Original Gravity is bringing to the table — wine and tapas, to be exact. The new restaurant is on the northwest corner of North Twelfth Street and Highland Avenue.
Casa Anejo, Phoenix
You don't have to drive far in Phoenix to find the alluring combination of tacos and agave cocktails. Casa Anejo in Central Phoenix makes your search that much easier, and they have killer frozen mezcal pina coladas to boot. The restaurant is being opened by the same people behind RnR and Stock & Stable.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey, Phoenix
Like we said, it's not hard to find tacos and tequila in Phoenix, and now there's another option in the Arcadia neighborhood. The restaurant started as a Denver-based food truck and expanded from there.
Pasto di Forno, Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has a new option for Italian, with a menu offering casual eats like bruschetta, paninis, and flatbread.
The Original Rainbow Doughnuts, Scottsdale
This spot offers traditional doughnuts, plus a few more curious variations like a s'mores doughnut topped with marshmallow icing and graham crackers.
The Grande Stand, Scottsdale
In the spot where infamous Amy's Baking Co. used to stand is now The Grande Stand, an outpost of The Stand burger restaurant in Arcadia.
Pho Gia Dinh, Chandler
This Vietnamese restaurant is now open in Chandler — and there's more than pho at this spot, according to the location's Facebook page.
Sunny's Breakfast & Lunch, Chandler
Sunny's is expanding from its original Tempe location to a new outpost of the classic diner in Chandler.
Joey's PSG, Mesa
Looking for soup, pizza, and sandwiches in Mesa? Joey's is gunning to be your next one-stop shop at lunchtime.
Carolina's Mexican Food, Mesa
There's nothing like Carolina's homemade tortillas. And now, fans can grab them at a new location in Mesa, plus other popular menu items.
Mucha Lucha Taco Shop, Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills has a new spot for tacos — the already very popular Mucha Lucha Taco Shop, which has several locations across the Valley.
Ramen Dozo, Tempe
Perfect for the college crowd, Ramen Dozo offers sushi and a few different ramen combinations at competitive prices.
Poke Wave, Tempe
The poke trend may not have peaked just yet, Tempe now has at least two spots for the Hawaiian fish dish, with the addition of Poke Wave on Ray Road.
Closings
Tom's Tavern, Phoenix
Tom's Tavern, one of the city's most historic restaurants, closed its doors after 87 years in early May. Chef/owner Jim Gallen said in a statement, "The complexity of operating an 88-year-old restaurant in today's restaurant environment proved to be too difficult to overcome with just good food and good service."
The Herb Box, Phoenix
The Colony location of the Herb Box on Seventh Street shuttered last month. There are two other locations of the Herb Box still in operation, both in Scottsdale.
Couscous Express, Phoenix
Owner Abdul Chaara told New Times that business at the McDowell Road location of Couscous Express dropped off after the election, prompting his decision to close the restaurant's doors for good.
Rice Paper, Phoenix
The second location of an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, Rice Paper in the Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix, closed in May after the first location in the Coronado neighborhood closed last year.
Crab & Mermaid, Scottsdale
A food truck remains, but the brick-and-mortar location of the Crab & Mermaid has officially closed in Old Town Scottsdale. The restaurant was open for a little more than a year.
Remington's Restaurant and Lounge, Scottsdale
After three decades of fine dining, Remington's in Scottsdale at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort closed its doors — but the space will live on as an events venue starting this fall.
Moonshine Whiskey Bar and Grill, Tempe
The Mill Avenue bar closed at the very end of May, with one final celebration. There's rumors that the space may undergo a rebranding and reopen at the end of the summer.
British Open Pub, Scottsdale
After 14-years slinging pints in Scottsdale, this British football pub closed its doors for good on the last day of the month.