The 7 most exciting new restaurants that opened in October

October was a big month for the metro Phoenix restaurant scene, with new eateries opening all around the Valley. Well-known names such as restaurateur Sam Fox and chef Mark Tarbell debuted new concepts and menus. The owners of O.H.S.O. transformed one of their restaurant spaces into a new, colorful cantina, and some skilled brewers and barbecue experts teamed up to bring a smokehouse and taproom to downtown Phoenix.

Here are the seven most exciting new restaurants that opened in October.

Alden
1625 N. Central Ave
Phoenix Art Museum visitors now have a new restaurant to grab a bite after perusing the galleries. Alden opened on Oct. 1. and was brought to life by CS Hospitality, the team behind former downtown sushi restaurant Kaizen and Tempe eatery Silo, and Monica X. Castillo. The menu includes a wide range of unique, artfully plated dishes. Try the lychee and coconut salad to start, before digging into steak frites or kielbasa and pierogi. The restaurant also features gluten-free options, a kids’ menu and a drinks list that spans alcoholic and non-alcoholic sips.

Diamond Don’s
42 S. MacDonald Drive, Mesa
On Oct. 7, Diamond Don’s celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and party. The new eatery is connected to Mesa’s legendary Saltmine Studio Oasis. Over the decades, owner Don Salter fed musicians who were hungry after long recording sessions with his signature cheesesteaks. Now, customers can officially order sandwiches, pizza, wings, burgers and other craveable, late-night eats. Cocktails and mocktails are on offer, which can be sipped beneath spinning disco balls and sparkling chandeliers in the music-themed space.

Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Gertrude’s, the well-known eatery at the Desert Botanical Garden, reopened on Oct. 6 after taking a hiatus. The restaurant and menu have been reimagined, with acclaimed chef Mark Tarbell at the helm. Expect seasonal dishes and drinks that utilize locally grown and sourced ingredients. Try crispy nopales with mole, barbacoa short rib tacos or vegan fettuccine. A beer, wine and cocktails list is available, along with a kids’ menu.

Society Swan
7014 E. Camelback Road, #559, Scottsdale
Restaurateur Sam Fox’s latest restaurant concept, Society Swan, made a splash at Scottsdale Fashion Square on Oct. 15. The new restaurant is described as an “American Brasserie,” on its website, and specializes in steak and seafood, with a raw bar and a few sushi rolls on offer. The drinks menu focuses on martinis, but also includes beer, wine and non-alcoholic options. The new restaurant is part of the mall’s expansion, bringing new food options to shoppers, including the recently opened Catch and hotly anticipated Din Tai Fung.

Funky Frida’s
4910 E. Indian School Road
The Arcadia location of Little O’s closed this summer for renovations. Then, owner Jon Lane announced the space would be getting a colorful makeover and reopening as an artist-inspired Mexican cantina. On Oct. 15, Funky Frida’s made its debut. The new restaurant is drenched in color, with huge murals and paintings depicting tropical scenes. The menu spans traditional Mexican fare plus Tex-Mex staples. Start with Kahlo’s Guacamole with charred pineapples before digging into a chicken burrito bowl or Mexico City Smash Burger with sizzling cheese. A dozen margaritas, cocktails, beer and wine round out the offerings.

Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom
1326 N. Central Ave.
The former home of Pizza People Pub and Throne Brewing on Central Avenue now has a new tenant. Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom welcomed its first customers on Oct. 24. The full-service restaurant offers barbecue staples smoked on-site and sides with Latin American flair. Part-owned by the owner of Mesa’s Oro Brewing Co., the beer list is packed with local options perfect for washing down some decadent eats. Wine and creative cocktails are also on offer.

Pinyon
7363 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale
The team behind Buck & Rider has crafted a new concept in Scottsdale. Pinyon opened facing the green lawns of Scottsdale Civic Center on Oct. 29. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves small plates including classic Spanish tapas, hummus and Greek salad. Entrees focus on meat and fish grilled over charcoal and drinks center on spritzes and other refreshing sips. The indoor-outdoor space flows from the dining room to the patio, with views into the park.