The 5 most exciting new restaurants and bars that opened in June

At the start of the long, hot summer, June is often a difficult time for Phoenix restaurants. But a few new spots decided to open right into the fire. That's good news for locals sticking out the heat, as we have new exciting spots to try before the crowds come back to the Valley.

Multiple new restaurants have recently opened their doors across the metro Phoenix area. Here are the five we're most excited about.

The Mercer American Bistro

2525 E. Camelback Road, #120

Located in the former home of the longstanding MercBar, The Mercer made its debut on June 9. The new eatery is part of 151 Hospitality, the company behind the freshly reopened Little Pickle. It serves an eclectic menu that includes a raw bar and sushi handrolls, salads and entrees that skew French or Italian. The drinks menu boasts seven varieties of martinis, one of which includes dill vodka and pickle brine, and a long list of classic cocktails. The new spot is open for lunch and dinner, with happy hour in between.

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The Frederick, the mid-century retail space on Missouri Avenue, is home to Lydia's Kitchen & Market.

Chantell Nighswonger

Lydia's Kitchen & Market

1215 E. Missouri Ave., #10

What better to pair with mid-mod architecture and local shops than an adorable brunch spot? That's what the team behind Valley staple Berdena's and the owners of The Frederick knew when they opened Lydia's on June 10. The new space includes a dining room and patio to enjoy brunch, coffee, cocktails and pastries alongside a market selling home decor and gifts. As the restaurant gets up to speed, the owners hope to add dinner service as well.

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Wren House Brewing Co. is now open at PV.

House of Form

Wren House at PV

12650 N. Tatum Blvd., #106

The latest location of Wren House Brewing Co. opened at the former Paradise Valley Mall on June 19. The long-awaited taproom pours a rotation of the local craft brewer's creations and specializes in cask beers, a style co-owner Drew Pool says gets a bad rap. He and the Wren house team have set out to challenge that perception as they welcome customers to their cozy new taproom.

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Family and friends gathered with Tacos Chiwas owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin to cut the ribbon on their new airport location.

Tirion Boan

Tacos Chiwas

Terminal 4, 3400 Sky Harbor Blvd.

Flying out of Sky Harbor International Airport got a little more flavorful last month, when Tacos Chiwas officially opened its newest location in Terminal 4. On June 27, owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin were joined by friends, family and a mariachi band to cut the ribbon on their airport eatery. The popular Valley taqueria serves a taste of Chihuahua in midtown Phoenix and Mesa. At the airport, the restaurant will offer a slightly different menu, but fans can expect plenty of tacos along with quesadillas, salads, elote and margaritas.

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Rocco Raschillo, pictured behind the counter at the Scottsdale location of Culinary Gangster, has opened a Phoenix location of the restaurant on Roosevelt Row.

Culinary Gangster

Culinary Gangster

513 E. Roosevelt St.

A new burger joint joined the mix on Roosevelt Row in June. Culinary Gangster, which has a location in north Scottsdale, opened in the former Full Speed Chicken & Ribs on June 30.  The casual, counter-service spot serves signature 8-ounce burgers and crinkle-cut fries. Customers at the new downtown location can also expect a full bar and creative carnival-worthy desserts from Culinary Gangster's early days as a food truck.