July 2016 Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Restaurant openings slowed down in Phoenix last month, but new dining spots include a chicken salad joint and a Middle Eastern marketplace. And Old Town Scottsdale said farewell to The Upton, a new American restaurant that replaced the beloved Petite Maison a few years ago. 

Openings

The Whining Pig, Gilbert 

One of the best-kept secrets on the Phoenix drinking scene has spread to Gilbert. The Whining Pig's new location is on South Val Vista Drive, offering nearly three dozen taps.

Creamisty, Phoenix

Located at Uptown Plaza in Central Phoenix, this ice cream spot specializes in made-to-order liquid nitrogen creations that can be ordered with either a signature "premium" milk base, an organic milk base, a water-based sorbet, or a nondairy coconut base.

Ahipoki Bowl, Chandler 

The latest location of Ahipoki Bowl is now open in the Chandler Pavilions Shopping Center. The fast-casual dining spot specializes in build-your-own poke bowls, or Hawaiian raw-fish salad with a variety of toppings.

Baiz Marketplace, Mesa 

With freshly baked bread, imported oils, and more, Baiz is a great spot for Middle Eastern groceries — and a second location is now open in Mesa.

The Joy Bus Diner, Phoenix

This breakfast and lunch spot can be found on the southeast corner of Shea Boulevard and State Route 51 and helps raise money for the nonprofit The Joy Bus organization, a meal-delivery service for homebound cancer patients. The menu includes made-from-scratch fare such as biscuits and gravy and patty melts. 

Helio Basin Brewing Company, Phoenix

Central Phoenix gained yet another destination for craft beer and Mexican-inspired fare in Helio Basin Brewing Company, now open at 3935 East Thomas Road. The brewery and restaurant serves house-made brews and food such as crispy banana cornbread and rabbit chorizo with fried angel-hair pasta. 

Carlson Creek Vineyard Tasting Room, Scottsdale 

The new tasting room from Carlson Creek Vineyard in Old Town Scottsdale makes it a lot easier for fans of the Willcox-based winery to get their hands on a bottle or glass of its award-winning wines.

The Chicken Scoop, Scottsdale 

The fast-casual restaurant dedicated to scooping up chicken salad is finally open on Scottsdale Road. The spot offers 14 different flavors of chicken salad, including buffalo, spicy Thai, and sweet berry.

Habaneros Mexican Grill, Phoenix

This Scottsdale eatery opened a second location at 620 East Roosevelt Street last month. Look for a menu that includes chicken, steak, and shrimp fajitas; enchiladas; flautas; and more. 

The Egg I Am, Scottsdale 

In case Scottsdale needed a new breakfast spot, The Egg I Am has surfaced to fill the void on Via Linda. 

El Alboroto Mariscos & Chavelas, Peoria 

Dedicated to Mexican-inspired seafood, this new restaurant serves a variety of dishes ranging from clamatos to fish tacos.


Closings

The Upton, Scottsdale

After less than two years, The Upton, which replaced beloved French eatery Petite Maison, has shuttered in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

ShinBay, Scottsdale 

The Valley's sushi scene suffered a big loss last month when chef Shinji Kurita's award-winning ShinBay restaurant closed its doors for good. So far, Kurita has no plans to reopen the restaurant elsewhere. 

The Grind, Phoenix

Arcadia-area eatery The Grind closed its doors last month. The restaurant served burgers and other dishes cooked in unique coal-fired ovens.