The chef opened Bar Cena next door to his popular Scottsdale restaurant Hush Public House in October 2023. It was the third eatery from Ruggiero’s Cast Iron Concepts, which also includes Scottsdales’s Fire At Will. But now, after 14 months, the bar is set to close.
“We appreciate the support you have shown Bar Cena since it opened,” the announcement reads. “However, in this economic climate, we have decided to close its doors and focus our efforts on our other two restaurants.”
Bar Cena's European-influenced menu included a popover with cacio e pepe butter (right) and mussels escabeche (left).
Natasha Yee
The luxe lounge, with dark floral wallpaper, dim lighting and low leather couches, served a craft cocktail menu and sweet treats that included Billionaire’s Shortbread.
Bar Cena’s elegant approach to crafting a swanky bar with food to match led to it receiving Phoenix New Time’s award for Best Bar Food in 2024.
When the announcement was shared on Tuesday, followers chimed in on the post with their support and advocated for some of their favorite dishes, such as Bar Cena’s popovers, to be placed on the menus of Ruggiero’s other restaurants.
While the fate of those dishes remains to be seen, the post noted Cast Iron Concepts’ other restaurant crews looked forward to serving guests, “this holiday season and beyond.”
Bar Cena
Closes on Dec. 3114202 N. Scottsdale Road, #165, Scottsdale
