March 2016 Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Seafood, Mexican, coffee — it was a banner month for metro Phoenix restaurant openings, with new spots spread all over the Valley, from a tea cafe in downtown Phoenix to a distillery in Cave Creek. We're also saying goodbye to an option for comfort food in Chandler. Oh, and Shake Shack continues its takeover of the Valley. 

Check out your new dining options: 

Openings

Crab & Mermaid, Scottsdale 
Old Town Scottsdale has a new stop for seafood. The locale offers a variety of seafood dishes including New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and tuna ceviche. The restaurant comes from the same folks behind Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. 

Oliver's Sophisticated Bean, Phoenix 
The co-owners of this new downtown Phoenix coffee shop are both survivors of brain injuries. The spot is open on the ground floor of the Roosevelt Point apartments on Roosevelt and Third Streets.

Tacos Chiwas, Phoenix 
Located at 1923 East McDowell Road, Tacos Chiwas offers a straightforward menu including lengua tacos and breakfast burritos.

Burger Theory, Phoenix 
Particular about what tops your burger? This build-your-own burger spot is now open on McDowell Road, with a menu that includes specialty burgers like the Lone Star featuring cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, a Parmesan-panko onion ring, and barbecue sauce. 

Stetston Steak and Seafood, Scottsdale 
Replacing Holy Spirits on Stetson Drive, this newly opened steakhouse can be found in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale's night club scene.

The Teapot, Phoenix 
Looking for tea in the Roosevelt neighborhood? The Teapot is on Fifth Avenue near Roosevelt Avenue, with a menu that includes house made quiche, scones, and, of course, tea.

Rita's Italian Ice, Scottsdale 
The national chain of frozen ice spots opened another location in metro Phoenix, this time at the Pavilions at Talking Stick, on Indian Bend Road near the Salt River Fields.

Uberrito, Phoenix 
This new spot just opened up on Shea Boulevard near Tatum Boulevard, serving up "fresh Mex" such as burritos, bowls, and nachos. 

Shake Shack, Phoenix 
You might have heard about this New York-based burger chain, which already opened its first Arizona location at Scottsdale Fashion Square earlier this year. The highly-anticipated second location is now mixing up concretes at Uptown Plaza on Camelback Road and Central Avenue. 

Rita's Restaurant and Cantina, Mesa 
Looking for margaritas in Mesa? Rita's is a new option on University Drive, serving up different cantina-style dishes and cocktails. 

Black Mountain Tavern & Distillery, Cave Creek
Cave Creek officially has a new option for beer and pub food. The new distillery and tavern offers a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., including $5 craft beer drafts.

Doglicious Hot Dogs, Glendale 
The new hot dog place offers an extensive menu, which includes classics like the Chicago dogs, and unique dogs like a Hawaiian dog topped with pineapple relish.

Hot Burrito Mexican Food, Tempe 
The new Mexican restaurant is on Warner Road near Kyrene Road. 

Octane Cafe, Mesa 
This family-owned cafe on Southern Avenue is open for breakfast and lunch, offering coffee and sandwiches.

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican, Gilbert 
Costa Vida is another option for "fresh Mexican," open now in San Tan Village in Gilbert.  

Cornish Pasty Co., Tempe 
A new outpost of the British pasty restaurant is now open on Mill Avenue, less than a mile from the original location. 

Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria, Chandler 
This Chandler pizzeria's menu offers a range of different pies, plus a pretty long beer list.

Closings

Earnest, Chandler 
After about two years, the American comfort food restaurant's owner, Danielle Morris, decided to shutter the spot at the end of March.