May 2016 Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Last month was a big one for restaurant debuts. May 2016 saw the opening of some of the Valley's most anticipated new restaurants including Chris Bianco's Tratto and chef Gio Osso's Nico in downtown Gilbert. On the downside, we lost a longstanding neighborhood bar and grill. 

Openings

Tratto, Phoenix 
After months of awaiting Chris Bianco's new eatery in the Town & Country shopping center, the chef's first pasta-focused restaurant finally opened up. It's the famous pizzaiolo's first spot to not serve pizza, but promises top-quality Italian dishes.

Lou Malnati's, Phoenix
Now open in Uptown Plaza in central Phoenix, Lou Malnati's first Arizona location appeals to ex-Chicagoans and deep-dish pizza aficionados alike, having been eagerly awaited since last year. 

The Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen, Phoenix 
This restaurant comes from Rich Stark, the former CEO of NYPD Pizza, as well as the folks behind The Phoenix Ale Brewery. The-beer-and-food destination is now open at The Crown on North Seventh Street.

Pomelo at The Orchard, Phoenix 
The menu at Pomelo includes pizza, wings, salad, burgers, and more. And this is just one part of The Orchard PHX, a property in central Phoenix which used to be a citrus farm in the 1900s.

Wink24, Phoenix 
Now open at Biltmore Fashion Park, Wink24 advertises fresh and "exceptional" ingredients, along with beer and wine. 

WaBa Grill, Phoenix 
The new location of this chain opened up on Tatum Boulevard in north Phoenix last month. The restaurant's menu includes chicken, steak, and other proteins.

Smoothie King, Phoenix 
The new Phoenix location is the first from the smoothie chain in metro Phoenix and is located on Indian School Road.

Helton Brewing Company, Phoenix 
On Indian School Road near 22nd Street, this new brewery debuted with just one beer on tap, but also serves a variety of artisan cheeses.

Sharky's Tacos & Tequila, Tempe 
This bar and grill on Baseline Road and Hardy Drive offers a range of cocktails, plus tacos. 

Asian Fusion Cafe, Tempe 
The new cafe has an extensive Asian-inspired dessert menu, including shaved ice.

Roadhouse Cinemas, Scottsdale
Scottsdale now has another option for a gourmet movie theater in the newly opened Roadhouse Cinemas, which serves guests food during the movie — including cocktails, beer, and wine.

Alma WxSW, Scottsdale
Alma is now open up at the Shops at Gainey Village, promising a mix of Western and Southwestern cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

BLK Live, Scottsdale
BLK opened late in May and is both a live music venue and a restaurant that serves Kobe and Wagyu steaks.

Island Girls International Foods, Chandler 
The family-owned eatery offers weekly and daily specials, such as jerk chicken and oxtail. 

Los Taquitos, Chandler
Serving up Mexican food, Las Taquitos offers plenty of options, including burrito bowls.

Nico Heirloom Kitchen, Gilbert 
Nico in downtown Gilbert is chef Gio Osso of Virtu Honest Craft's second restaurant, and serves "seasonally inspired" Italian dishes.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, Gilbert
The ever-expanding chain of gastropubs continues its growth in Arizona with a new location in Gilbert.

Sobas, Gilbert
Soba noodles, boba tea, and more — Sobas' menu is intriguing, and the spot is now open in the Crossroads Towne Center on Gilbert Road.

Fractured Prune Doughnuts, Gilbert 
Looks like the hottest place to open a restaurant was in Gilbert last month. Fractured Prune's newest location is in San Tan Village.

Bullpen Bar N Grill, Mesa 
Now open, this bar and grill seems to revolve around the waffle-battered chicken wings. Find it in Mesa on the corner of Power and Baseline roads.

First Watch, Mesa
Looking for breakfast and brunch in Mesa? Your search just got easier. First Watch is exclusively dedicated to breakfast and brunch service, including trendy items like avocado toast and energy bowls.

Boots & Bourbon Bar and Grill, Surprise
There must have been a demand in metro Phoenix for more bar and grills. Boots & Bourbon serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Creek Patio Grill, Cave Creek
This restaurant is serving a variety of American pub dishes like sliders, burgers, fries, pizza, and even salads.



Closings 

Hazelwood's First Place Sports Grill, Phoenix 
The classic bar and restaurant on Indian School has been sold, which means the end of of the bar's popular trivia nights.