14 Restaurants Opened in September; Landmark Chop Suey House Among Closings

It’s been a busy month for the Phoenix restaurant and bar scene. Thirteen new dining options are now available. A 1920s era speakeasy, an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant, and a Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzeria are just a few of the new spots offering drinks and meals in the Valley. Unfortunately, several high-profile restaurants did not survive the summer. After decades of service, Sing High Chop Suey House and Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant are among those that have closed.

The Openings

The White Rabbit
207 North Gilbert Road, Gilbert
The newest 1920s-era speakeasy has opened its secret door in downtown Gilbert. Nick Median and Corey Potts have transformed a space beneath the Heritage Court Building on Gilbert Road and Cullumber Avenue to a high-end hidden basement bar. The White Rabbit is serving classic cocktails, beer, wine, and several specialty drinks. Charcuterie boards, flatbread pizzas, and other small plates are also available.

Hula's Modern Tiki Bar/The Captain's Cabin
5114 North Seventh Street
This favorite Phoenix tiki bar has reopened in a new location. Hula’s Modern Tiki Bar’s will still feature its Polynesian-inspired menu and a plethora of tropical cocktails. The new space is significantly larger and has an attached secret bar known as “The Captain’s Cabin.” This nautically themed speakeasy can be accessed through a door located near the main entrance.

Manna BBQ
6751 North Sunset Boulevard, Glendale
The Glendale Westgate Entertainment District welcomes a new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant. Manna Korean BBQ is located in an ample space directly across from Buffalo Wild Wings. The restaurant offers an almost endless list of pork and beef cuts that can be cooked tabletop to your liking and doused with sweet and savory house-made sauces.

KOVO Modern Mediterranean
10625 North Tatum Boulevard
KOVO Modern Mediterranean has opened in the Paradise Village Gateway shopping center. The traditional Mediterranean menu features wood-fired salmon, juicy grilled lamb chops, calamari fried to perfection, and warm pita bread served with house-made tzatziki and hummus. Meals can be enjoyed in the hip dining area or outside on the dog-friendly patio.


Wildflower Bread Company
5813 North Seventh Street, #130
This fast-casual chain is now serving up freshly baked bread from its new Phoenix location. In addition to  artisan loaves and other baked goods, Wildflower’s menu features a variety of wholesome soups and hearty sandwiches. Crowd favorites include the Salmon Roll BLT, Buffalo chicken served on a ciabatta roll, and New England clam chowder.

Rito's Mexican Food
5813 North Seventh Street, #135
This cult favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant has opened its third Valley location, but this is not like the one in the Garfield District. It has a much bigger space, with a full wait staff, and a bar. Plus, what may be the best news for fans of the downtown Phoenix location – it's open for dinner. Order up a famous green chili burrito at Crown on Seventh. 

Maskadores Taco Shop
3140 South Gilbert Road, #3, Chandler
True to its name, Maskadores Taco Shop is plating up classic street tacos that can be taken to go or enjoyed in-house. Other Mexican restaurant staples like carne asada quesadilla, chimichangas, and enchiladas are also featured on their budget-friendly menu.

Char'd Brisket Dogs + Burgers
1015 South Rural Road, #106, Tempe
Mac ‘n' cheeseburgers, avocado tomatoes, and hot dogs topped with pesto sauce or bacon and cheese sauce  are just some of the highlights on the Char’d Brisket Dogs + Burgers menu. This fast-casual concept is now open in Tempe.

Kuka Sushi & Izakaya
1221 East Apache Boulevard, #103, Tempe
This new cozy Japanese restaurant has a serious sushi selection. In addition to traditional California, spicy tuna, and shrimp tempura rolls, Kuka Sushi & Izakaya is offering a variety of hearty Asian noodle soups and artistically plated skewer-speared appetizers.

Shawarma Corner
521 South College Avenue, Tempe
A Middle Eastern casual restaurant chain is slicing up the Shawarma in Tempe. Shawarma Corner focuses mainly on serving sandwiches. Vertically broiled and marinated chicken and lamb are served on Iraqi bread, wraps, and sesame-seed buns. Rice and noodle bowls are also available.

Poke Fuzion
6602 East Superstition Springs Boulevard, Mesa
In a space that once housed a Chipotle, a new poke place has opened. Poke Fuzion is offering giant brown or rice bowls topped with ahi tuna, albacore tuna, salmon, scallops, and more. In addition to rice bowls, Poke Fuzion is serving sushi burritos, salads, and macaron ice cream.

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
4910 East Ray Road, #9
Ahwatukee says aloha to Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade. The lemonade stand started serving its frosty beverages in 2012 at farmers markets in San Diego and Hawaii. Now fresh-pressed pineapple ginger lemonade, lavender blackberry lemonade, and iced pomegranate green tea can be enjoyed at the new Ahwatukee location.

Lou Malnati's Scottsdale
17787 North Scottsdale Road
One of the oldest family names in Chicago pizza is now baking its deep-dish pies in Scottsdale. Lou Malnati's is combining flaky, buttery pizza crusts with vine-ripened plum tomatoes an exclusive sausage blend and Wisconsin cheese. In addition to pizzas with varying crust depths, Lou Malnati's offers salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Parma Italian Roots
20831 North Scottsdale Road, #117, Scottsdale
North Scottsdale’s newest Italian restaurant is hand making pasta from scratch. Parma Italian Roots resides in a space once occupied by Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers. Up and chef Chris Gentile is using high-quality seafood, fresh vegetables, and other locally sourced ingredients to create refined California-style Italian cuisine. Dishes can be enjoyed in a stylish and modern dining room that seats 65.

Closings

Sing High Chop Suey House
After a 90-year run, Sing High Chop Suey House has served its last meal. This Chinese restaurant has been plating Cantonese-American cuisine in downtown Phoenix since 1928. Ownership has not ruled out the possibility of reopening in a new location.

Wimpy’s Paradise
Wimpy’s Paradise was more than just a Hamburger and Hotdog joint, Wimpy’s was a meeting place for many Chandler locals. After 10 years of providing quality food and memorable dining experiences, owner Randy Walters is closing up shop.

Pedro’s Glendale
A well-known Mexican restaurant in Glendale has closed after five decades of business. Pedro’s last Facebook post reads “No words can express how hard it is to believe we will be saying goodbye.” An employee says slow business forced ownership to close the restaurant.

Market Street Kitchen
Market Street Kitchen was a north Scottsdale restaurant that focused on communal dining and wood fire rotisserie cooking. This establishment has closed and will reopen as Liberty Station Tavern.

Peony Garden Buffet
This Chinese buffet in Chandler was known for all-you-can-eat budget-friendly lunches and dinners.