February Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

This month saw a whole slew of restaurant openings including some highly anticipated concepts from local restaurateurs Peter Kasperski and German Osio. February also introduced some new restaurants in familiar spaces -- Cafe Tranquilo took over the space formerly occupied by Gallo Blanco the old Bungalow Bar and Grill in Scottsdale debuted as a new Long Island-themed restaurant called The Montauk.

See also: January Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Openings

• Cafe Tranquilo, Phoenix

"All said and done, Cafe Tranquilo isn't that far off the mark. The food is the same brand of approachable Mexican fare that diners fell for at Gallo Blanco. With a little tweaking and a little more time, we're hopeful we'll love this spot as much as we loved its predecessor."

• Creole Cajun Bistro, Chandler

"Just in time for Mardi Gras, the southeast Valley will be getting a new destination for Southern eats such as crawfish, etouffee, and gumbo."

• Pieology Pizzeria, Avondale
• Bistro du Lac, Scottsdale

"Francophiles probably will be happy to hear that Bistro du Lac comes from a duo of French-born friends, one of whom may already be familiar to Valley diners. Catherine Berraud Dufour, of the now defunct Au Petit Four, will serve as restaurant and bakery manager for the new spot."

• Kale & Clover, Scottsdale
• Milk Bar, Phoenix

Openings Continued...

• Peixoto Coffee, Chandler

"As far as the coffee goes: Peixoto wants to bring a quality coffee experience to Chandler. Their menu is clean and simple: no flavored syrups, no blenders, just various permutations of coffee, milk, and water. Sugar is available to those who prefer things on the sweeter side."

• Guido Garcias, Carefree
• The Draft Sports Grill, Mesa
• Counter Intuitive, Scottsdale

"Day-drinking be damned. Weekday drinking, too -- or so the story goes for the highly-anticipated cocktail concept from Cowboy Ciao and Kazimierz World Wine Bar owner Peter Kasperski, which is now open to the public as Counter Intuitive. Only awake from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., the menu features cocktails from top-shelf Valley talents Micah Olsen and Jason Asher and will change themes every few months."

• FrinGo's Kitchen, Chandler
• The Montauk, Scottsdale

"Designed to look something like a Long Island beach house, this new spot took over the building that formerly housed Bungalow, a sports bar and restaurant. With a new white paint job on the outside and a dining room decorated in eclectic, East Coast preppy style inside, there's no doubt that, at least aesthetically, The Montauk is a nice change."

• Broken Yolk Cafe, Mesa
• Classic Crust Pizza, Phoenix
• Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, Gilbert

Closings

• Herb 'n' Flavors, Tempe

Opened in 2011 but local company Dr. Hummus, this Tempe strip mall spot served wraps, pizzas, rice bowls, sandwiches, salads, and vegan options using ingredients from local producers including Maya's Farm and One Windmall Farm.

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