OPENINGS
Humble Bistro
5415 East High Street, #127A new wine parlor, Humble Bistro, opened its doors along High Sreet in City North. Patrons can partake in a global wine program, pasta dishes, and entrees from its sibling restaurant, Humble Pie.
Carousel Arcade Bar
6770 North Sunrise Boulevard, Suite G207, GlendaleWestgate Entertainment District recently welcomed the Carousel Arcade Bar — another spot for cocktails, food, and arcade games. And here’s a twist: You can order a Choco Taco Shake.
Bacanora
1301 North West Grand Avenue, #1Chef Rene Andrade, formerly of Ghost Kitchen, opened Bacanora in the spot once occupied by Barrio Café Gran Reserva. Sonoran dishes are served via takeout for now.
5 Star Dive Bar & Grill
1807 East Baseline Road, Tempe5 Star Dive Bar & Grill debuted its bar, pool hall, and neighborhood grill concept in Tempe. The must-eat menu item is the pepper steak sandwich which comes in five varieties — classic, hoagie, Italian, Baja, or with a fried egg.
Salad & Go
2814 South Signal Butte Road, Mesa1660 East Pecos Road, Gilbert
Salad & Go landed in Mesa and Gilbert with its 29th and 30th locations. There are nine chef-created salads to choose from, and the service is known for being quick and efficient.
Black Rock Coffee Bar
1202 West Broadway Road, Tempe13648 North Tatum Boulevard
1829 East Williams Field Road, # 101, Gilbert
Black Rock Coffee Bar opened three new locations — one in Tempe, the others in Phoenix and Gilbert. The menu offers typical coffee blends, as well as non-coffee options and energy drinks.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
15033 North Thompson Peak ParkwayThe first Tropical Smoothie Cafe made its Arizona debut in Scottsdale. Menu items include a dragon fruit smoothie, citrus garlic Hawaiian wrap, and roasted jalapeño corn salad. Wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches, and of course, smoothies, are available for dine-in and takeout.
State 48 Taphouse
2218 East Williams Field Road, #101, GilbertState 48 Taphouse debuted its sixth location in the Valley. Menu highlights include fish and chips, meatloaf with gravy, and sandwiches. Also, house beers like the Lost Dutchman Golden Ale, Mango Wheat, Javelina Hefeweizen, and the Van Buren Belgian Blonde are also on deck.Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion
2501 East Telawa TrailChef Christopher Gross hopes to thrill patrons with his seasonal cuisine at Christopher's at the Wrigley Mansion. Guests can enjoy the views, as well as a tasting menu with wine pairings. See more information here.
Crumbl Cookies
1911 East Brown Road, #3, MesaIf you are craving something sweet and inventive, Crumbl Cookies is the place. Now open in Mesa, the cookie shop offers carrot cake, iced oatmeal, sugar, and of course chocolate chip. Have that glass of milk ready — all cookies are served warm.
Matty G’s Steak Burgers & Spirits
815 East Baseline Road, TempeOpening its fifth location, this one in Tempe, Matty G's Steak Burgers & Spirits has 20 specialty burgers. The restaurant also offers hot dogs, salads, wraps, and tacos. Oh, and Matty G's Lobsta' Rolls.
Farmer Boys
1535 West Higley Road, GilbertThe first Farmer Boys in Arizona has set up shop in Gilbert. The fast-casual restaurant offers award-winning burgers, hand-breaded zucchini sticks, onion rings, and more. Farmer Boys has dine-in, drive-thru, and takeout services.
Forefathers Cheesesteaks
1075 West Queen Creek Road, #1, ChandlerThe third location of Forefathers Cheesesteaks has opened in Chandler in addition to its Tempe and Scottsdale spots. The restaurant offers cheesesteaks, yes, but also salads and fries.
El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery
760 North Arizona Avenue, ChandlerAlready known for its breakfast burritos, El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery also offers tacos, tortas, and enchiladas. But on the treat side, expect colorful conchas and housemade watermelon, melon, and lemonade slushies.
Novel Ice Cream
40 North MacDonald, MesaNovel Ice Cream has opened its second location, this one in Mesa. Creative flavors are a thing here (think Oatmeal Creme Pie and Iced Gingerbread Cookie Butter), scoops of which are often served between two doughnut buns.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
3135 South Val Vista Drive, GilbertOno Hawaiian BBQ opened in Gilbert and offers island favorites like Hawaiian barbecue chicken, grilled Spam, Kalua pork, and crispy shrimp. Each plate comes with two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and seasonal vegetables.
Pinkberry
7014 East Camelback Road, ScottsdaleThe California yogurt joint Pinkberry opened its first Phoenix location at Scottsdale Fashion Square. There is a wide variety of yogurt selections as well as specialty toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate, and granola.
NOTABLE CLOSINGS
(For a running list of notable closings since March 2020, go here.)