The 12 biggest restaurant closings of 2024

Throughout the year, restaurants open and close. But some leave a lasting impression, with customers reminiscing about meals enjoyed and visits over the years. Others may have only been open a short while, but their closure sends shock waves through the local food scene.

Over the course of 2024, multiple spots shuttered after serving customers for decades and one of Phoenix's most famous restaurants closed its doors. Here are the 12 biggest restaurant and bar closings of the year.

Carly's Bistro

The red-painted building with turquoise awnings on Roosevelt Row was recognizable as Carly's Bistro for nearly 20 years. But the owners were ready to pass the torch. Along with its food and drinks, Carly's was known to host local musicians and artists, displaying works on the restaurant's walls. Carly's closed after one final First Friday event packed with many of the creatives that found a home there over the years.

Barrio Cafe

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has hung up her chef coat at Barrio Cafe. The Mexican restaurant served its last customers on May 31 and was a Phoenix institution over 20 years. It is credited with launching Mexican food into the fine dining realm in the Valley. The chef and co-owner has won many awards and accolades throughout her cooking career and is also a celebrated community advocate. In her retirement from the kitchen, she turned her attention to writing and released her first book.

Binkley's

Fine-dining restaurant Binkley's served its last tasting menus in mid-August after bringing upscale dinner experiences to customers for 20 years. Chef Kevin Binkley helmed the kitchen, creating new and exciting bites that were offered as part of the restaurant's ticketed prix fixe dinners. The Osborn Road space has evolved to become chef Stephen Jones' reimagined version of The Larder & The Delta.

Geisha A Go Go

Sushi, cocktails and karaoke were the name of the game at Geisha A Go Go. The Old Town Scottsdale spot served fun-seeking crowds for 17 years. In June, the bar announced its impending closure, giving longtime fans the opportunity to come in for one final drink before it closed on June 16. The bar served a selection of sushi rolls and Asian-fusion cuisine along with kitschy cocktails such as the Hello Kitty.

MercBar

When it opened 28 years ago, MercBar was a pioneering bar bringing craft cocktails to the Valley. Over the years, it became a go-to spot for well-heeled customers looking to see and be seen. As it racked up the decades, the bar solidified its spot as an iconic Valley drinking destination. Over the last few years, it's gone through some changes including a temporary closure, a renovation and reopening. But after nearly 30 years of serving the Valley, MercBar handed out its last drinks and complimentary Goldfish crackers.

Chantico

The splashy restaurant on Camelback Road was hard to miss when driving past. Chantico's large patio, gas fires and towering metal walls gave a hint at the resort-style spot within. Owned by the same team as Ocotillo and Sidecar Social Club, the kitchen served a menu inspired by Mexico City. A somewhat vague closing announcement was made online which was solidified as an "available" sign went up outside. The restaurant is permanently closed and the building and business were put up for sale.

Mora Italian

In early May, Scott Conant left Mora Italian, an uptown Phoenix restaurant synonymous with the celebrity chef. Just under three months later, the restaurant closed. The modern Italian eatery was known for its pizzas, pastas and fresh entrees along with wine and cocktails. It served customers on Seventh Street just south of Bethany Home Road for seven years.

Little O's

The central Phoenix Little O's, an offshoot of O.H.S.O. Brewing and Distilling, abruptly closed in August, notifying fans of the closure after it had served its unsuspecting last customers. The McDowell Road hangout was known for its patio outfitted with bright orange umbrellas and misters that enticed those driving by. It served a menu of burgers and classic pub fare along with O.H.S.O. beers. Other locations of O.H.S.O. and Little O's were unaffected and remain open.

Full Speed Chicken & Ribs

The little sister of Little Miss BBQ closed after just seven months in business. Located on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix, Full Speed Chicken & Ribs served fried chicken platters and sandwiches along with Little Miss' famous barbecue ribs. It fulfilled orders for turkeys on Thanksgiving and closed a few days later.

Short Leash Hotdogs & Taproom

Short Leash Hotdogs & Taproom, formerly known as Short Leash Hotdogs and Rollover Doughnuts, closed after 15 years in late December. The concept had multiple homes over the years, starting as a food truck, but was most recently located in the Melrose District on Seventh Avenue. The space is set to become Phoenix's first women's sports bar early in the new year.

Bar Cena

Chef Dom Ruggiero opened Bar Cena next to his lauded restaurant Hush Public House in October 2023. The moody bar served as a spot for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap and served small bites and desserts. But after just over a year in business, the bar and restaurant announced plans to close. It's the second concept Ruggiero has tested in the space, following Vanilla Gorilla Tap Room & Bottle Shop.

Devil's Advocate

Longtime Tempe bar Devil's Advocate announced its closure, explaining on social media that the land underneath the bar has been sold. The bar was a favorite among Arizona State University students and fans for 15 years. The land is slated to become home to a luxury apartment complex.