The 6 most exciting new restaurants that opened in March

Each month, plenty of restaurants open their doors around the Valley. But when some spots open, we can’t wait to check them out. March was a busy month for restaurant openings in Phoenix, and here are the six most exciting spots to make their Valley debut.

George & Gather

336 S. Washington St., Chandler George & Gather made its official debut in downtown Chandler on March 12 and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with brunch service on the weekends. The kitchen focuses on using clean ingredients to create dishes that are organic and free of seed oils or GMO-produce. But that doesn’t mean they are any less indulgent. Start with some whipped goat cheese with local, raw honey or some Wagyu meatballs. Bubbly, cheesy pizzas are made with a 130-year-old sourdough starter and brunch options include carrot cake pancakes and pork poutine. Customers can also stop by for coffee and pastries for a quick snack or to do some work in the art-deco-inspired space. There’s also a grab-and-go market and an outdoor patio at this one-stop shop. Designed as a community gathering space, George & Gather is settling into the neighborhood.

Title 9 Sports Grill

4221 N. Seventh Ave. Short Leash Hot Dogs closed its doors in December after 15 years. But sadness over its loss quickly turned into excitement for its replacement. Title 9 Sports Grill officially opened its doors on March 15 as the first dedicated women’s sports bar in Arizona. Photos of great female athletes adorn the walls, and a mural of Phoenix Mercury great Diana Taurasi features a 3-D basketball and a neon sign declaring, “Play like a girl.” Dozens of screens spread around the space ensure customers never miss a play. The women’s sports bar movement is growing nationwide and Phoenix joins the party with Title 9. The food and drinks reflect the theme, with cocktails named after athletes and a menu of wings, sliders and salads.

Filthy Animal

740 S. Mill Ave., #140, Tempe The hospitality company Pretty Decent Concepts is in the midst of adding many new spots to its repertoire, including the recently opened Filthy Animal. The new restaurant and bar opened for dinner reservations starting on March 17, with a planned grand opening celebration set to take place in April. The menu centers around live-fire cooking, with dishes pulling inspiration from worldwide cuisines. Start with tuna ceviche or beef tartare before digging into some lemongrass chicken or branzino with chorizo. Entrees start at $21 and go up to $160 for a 32-ounce bone-in ribeye. While this new restaurant is located on Mill Avenue and University Drive, just off the Arizona State campus, this swanky spot goes far beyond classic student eats. Golden chandeliers light the plush space decorated with patterned banquettes and stuffed jaguars that match its logo.

Faava

3491 W. Frye Road, #2, Chandler Faava, a fast-casual concept from a fine-dining chef, welcomed its first customers on March 18. Opened by Zest Hospitality Group, the team behind Indian restaurant Feringhee, and award-winning chef Sujan Sarkar, the new restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cuisine. Share a selection of mezze, or small plates, served with house-made pita, or choose from veggie or meat kebabs, stuffed pitas and sides including fries with zaatar mayo and parmesan. Finish your meal with a sweet slice of date cake. The restaurant is in a soft-opening phase and is set to celebrate its grand opening in April.

Bad Jimmy’s

7620 E. Indian School Road, #101, Scottsdale The downtown Phoenix burger bar Bad Jimmy’s has a devoted crowd of regulars. Now, a second location seeks to build a customer base in Scottsdale. The neon-lit, ultra-hip hangout opened its second spot on March 20 in the former home of Starlite BBQ on Indian School and Miller roads. On the menu, customers will find classic smash burgers, waffle fries and rotating specials. Pair your burger with a cold beer or a craft cocktail and finish off with a swirl of vanilla soft serve topped with olive oil and sea salt.

Sana Sana Cerveceria

915 N. Fourth St. Roosevelt Row continues to establish itself as a craft beer destination with the help of its latest addition, Sana Sana Cerveceria. Located in a bright yellow-painted building on Fourth Street, the new brewery welcomed its first customers on March 21. It is currently in its soft-opening phase, with a grand opening celebration planned for April 19. Owners Daniel Castro and Johnny De Luna have infused their heritage and culture throughout the space and the menus. Artwork adorns the walks with colorful lowriders and the bar is painted with a sparkling shine to mimic the classic cars. As the brewery settles into its space, the owners want to experiment with adding flavors such as Abueita’s hot chocolate, hibiscus and tamarind to their core lineup of clean beers. Classic or creative, we’re excited to try them all.