June 2017 Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

June brought more shuffling around in the Metro Phoenix restaurant scene, with half a dozen closings and nearly 20 openings. We were thrilled to see new outposts of favorites like The Vig and Carolina's, and devastated to bid farewell to innovative dining venues like Posh Restaurant, but perhaps most surprising of all, was the restaurant that closed before it even opened its doors.

Openings

The Vig, North Scottsdale
The popular local chain added a fifth location on Bell Road (and sold its Fillmore location). Fans can expect to find the same casual fare, including burgers, fish tacos, and a wide assortment of appetizers, that are found at the other Vig locations, but this branch will also feature views of McDowell Mountain from a massive patio with outdoor games, fire pits, and lockers for those heading off for a pre- or post-dinner hike.

Camp Social, Phoenix
A summer camp-themed, casual hangout on Seventh Street is now serving up spicy pork wings, poutine, and wood-fired pizza. Don't miss the tire swing barstools.

Carolina’s Mexican Food, Mesa
The beloved family-run micro chain added a spot off U.S. 60, offering Mesa residents a great new spot to satisfy their burrito, chimichanga, and tostada cravings.

MAS Peruvian Restaurant & Bar, Tempe
Tempe's newest answer to Peruvian food cravings is serving Peruvian-style whole chicken, ceviche, arroz con pollo, and papa a la huancaina.

Press Coffee, Phoenix
Coffee fans rejoice — Steve Kraus has opened his latest coffee joint on Central Avenue and McDowell Road, for Phoenicians looking for cold brew, pour-over coffee, and espresso.

Wine & Design, Scottsdale
A new creative studio and wine bar has opened in Scottsdale offering painting classes with local artists — and lots of wine.

When in Rome, Scottsdale
Tomaso Maggiore's newest concept is a Roman-style trattoria on Scottsdale Road. The 5,000-square-foot space is serving up spaghetti cacio, mozzarella boards, and veal saltimbocca alla Romana.

The Organic Bean Cafe, Mesa
A family-owned, health-conscious cafe opened in Mesa, offering a large selection fair trade coffee, vegan, gluten-free, and ketogenic-friendly snacks and meals.

Pita Jungle, Queen Creek
The local favorite added a new location on Rittenhouse Road with an outdoor patio and a full bar. Fans can expect their favorite dishes, including hummus plates and Mediterranean-style wraps.




Yaki Ramen, Phoenix
Chef Johnny Chu of Red Thai and Shabu Fondue has opened a brand-new restaurant. This time, it is a ramen-centric joint, featuring yakitori and soup dishes, including tom yum, tonkatsu, and red miso.

Pok-U, Phoenix
One of the newest places to get your poke fix has opened in WTF Express, a food court near Buckeye Road and 10th Street in Phoenix.

Sushi Sen, Scottsdale
Japanese dishes, including sushi rolls, sashimi, tempura, hot pots, and nigiri are now being served at this new spot near Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads (in the former ShinBay location).

Creamistry, Scottsdale
Scottsdale gets its own edition of the cool science chain that turns liquids to tasty solids in seconds with liquid nitrogen.

Spice Spirit Chinese Cuisine and Bar, Mesa
A traditional Chinese spot on Main Street in Mesa (in what was supposed to be a branch of Chicago chain, Lao Sze Chuan) offering Sichuan-style lamb chops, Peking duck, and spicy cabbage.

Gangnam BBQ, Mesa
A new Korean BBQ spot (all-you-can eat starts at $19.95 per person) is now serving up traditional and grilled dishes near Southern Avenue and Longmore Road.

Aloha Poki Company, Tempe
The latest location of Aloha Poki is now open in Tempe. The fast-casual spot specializes in build-your-own poke bowls with bases of salad or rice topped with a choice of seafood and toppings like wonton strips, jalapeño, and daikon sprout.

Freezer’s Ice House, Tempe
Tempe gets a 20,000-square-foot spot with 30 pool tables, darts, and arcade games along with draft beer and a full food menu.

Modern Market, Phoenix
The Colorado-based restaurant chain is now open in Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center, serving up brick-oven pizzas, salads, soups, and combo plates.

Poke 2U, Tempe
Mill Avenue gets yet another place to get your poke fix near Fifth Street. Build your own barbecue or poke bowl with an assortment of toppings.


Closed

The Monocle
After it came to light that the owner of the soon-to-open restaurant was a felon, making him ineligible for a liquor license, a "for lease" sign went up outside the anticipated restaurant in downtown Phoenix.

Pizza People Pub, Phoenix
After four years, the neighborhood pizza spot called it quits. It will be replaced by Twisted Grove, a concept by restaurateur Christopher Collins.

Eddie’s House
After longtime troubles, Chef Eddie Matney’s spot in Scottsdale will be replaced by a new concept called Blue Clover.

Barrio Urbano
Silvana Salcido Esparza's concept at The Yard on Seventh Street closed somewhat mysteriously. Esparza says she's working on a new concept, as well as a few books, and has plans to revive Barrio Urbano elsewhere at some point.
Posh Restaurant, Scottsdale
Opened in 2009, chef Josh Hebert’s fine-dining restaurant will be transformed by the chef/owner into a "chef's lounge," which will serve as a space for pop-ups, classes, and more.

Blue 32 Sports Grill, Scottsdale
Two of the three locations of the family-friendly sports bar will remain open in Gilbert and Chandler.

Native Grill, Chandler
Native Grill & Wings near Alma School and Queen Creek Roads had been open since 2009, but a notice posted on the restaurant's door announced that they would be closing. Initially the sign blamed the rise in minimum wages, but the company later retracted that statement, siting instead poor financial performance.