Category: comfort food

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries, and wineries.

National Gyro Day deals at Pita Jungle and Feta Cowboy

Next Monday, September 1st (Labor Day) celebrates the meat filled pita and tziki sauce and these two valley favorites are celebrating. Pita Jungle is serving up $5 Gyros all day for dine-in and with a 2 gyro limit. Feta Cowboy is offering Buy One Gyro, Get One Free from 2 – 4 p.m.

“Dinner on Us” back for Labor Day at Roaring Fork

This promotion for the Scottsdale restaurant returns on September 1st from 4 – 9 p.m. Buy One Entree, Get the 2nd Free with over 10 entrees to choose from. Reservations are recommended for this popular promotion.

1/2 price pancakes at Scramble this weekend

You have until August 31st to score 1/2 off all full orders of any pancakes on the menu. The dine-in only special is a “Thank you” to customers as the restaurant has been named Best Breakfast for the sixth year in a row.

Quiche & Pies named “One of the Best Places for Pie in the West”

AAA’s Via magazine just awarded the Chandler bakery this prestigious accolade earning national attention. The bakery joins 8 other bakeries from California to Alaska for their buttery French-style crusts and decadent fillings. The bakery is owned by Chef Fabrice Buschetz and his wife and business partner Mairead who also owns Cuisine Wine Bistro in Chandler.

Prince Street Pizza now open

The long-awaited opening of the iconic NYC pizzeria is now open on Mill Ave. in Tempe. It was announced almost a year ago about the location and more details are in this previous post.

The Gridiron Monster Burger and more game-day specials at Lakeside Bar & Grill

When the college football season starts this Saturday, August 30th and the NFL games next Sunday, September 7th, Northwest Peoria’s Lakeside Bar & Grill will be ready with 2 new game-day menus and specials. One of the new specials they will be showcasing is the massive Gridiron Monster Burger on Saturdays. All games will be shown on over 40 hi-definition TVs.

Over-the-Top Tailgate Eats and the Gridiron Monster Burger

Every Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. college football fans can start their day with a Bloody Mary Cart, 43 cans of Huss Brewing’s Devil’s Halo, $3 domestic pints and tailgate eats that include the Gridiron Monster Burger, Hail Mary mozzarella sticks, Chain Gang Chili Cheese Fries and the First Down Sampler.

The towering $40 burger has layers of four beef patties, a crispy chicken breast, bacon, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, onion rings and mozzarella sticks, all piled high with chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Served with a pound of fries and dipping sauces, the burger is designed to feed four.

“Game days are about more than just watching the screen,” said Janeth Moore, vice president of operations for POV Foods, which owns Lakeside Bar & Grill. “We’ve created a lineup that makes football season feel like a weekly destination for good food and excitement.”

NFL Sundays Brunch

Prefer to watch the pros on Sundays, starting at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. guests can enjoy breakfast (pictured above). Guests can enjoy game-day favorites such as the Sunday Snap Breakfast Burrito with eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and cheese, the Red Zone Breakfast Sandwich with eggs, bacon and cheddar on a toasted bun, and the Gridiron Breakfast Bowl layered with eggs, potatoes, sausage, peppers and cheese. For a sweeter option, the RPO Pancake Bites feature mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with syrup.

Enjoy all-day happy hour prices on beer and $2 Tito’s Gatorade Shots.

“Our goal is to create an all-day experience for fans, whether they’re here for the early games, brunch or to stay through the evening matchups,” Moore said. “Football season is about community, food and energy, and we want Lakeside to be the place that captures it all.”

For more information and to see the full menus visit Lakeside’s website.

 

Aftermath to open Gilbert location in 2026

Charles Barber Jr. opened his first restaurant, Aftermath Bar & Kitchen in 2021 in Central Phoenix and since then has gone on to open two locations of his second concept, Born & Bred in Scottsdale and Downtown Chandler. He’s announced that he will open the second location of Aftermath in Downtown Gilbert in January 2026.

“We’ve always wanted to be in Gilbert, and after 10 years the timing is finally right,” says Charles Barber Jr., owner of Aftermath Bar & Kitchen. “This spot will bring the same heart and quality people know us for, but with a unique vibe that reflects Downtown Gilbert.”

Known for using local vendors including Noble Bread and Frites Street fries, the new location will serve scratch made dishes and flavorful cocktails in a high energy atmosphere. Once opened in the heart of Gilbert at 366 N. Gilbert Rd. the restaurant, will serve weekend brunch and late-night cocktails.

As the opening nears more details will be available and information can be found at their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries, and wineries.

Chula Seafood celebrates National Oyster Day early

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 2nd is the 3rd anniversary of the seafood cafe’s Grayhawk location and they’re celebrating with oysters. All 3 locations are shell-ebrating along with an early start to National Oyster Day (August 5th) with two-buck shuck raw oysters all day and exclusive one-day specials.

Pumpkin season starts today at 32 Shea

You know the summer is coming to an end when you start seeing and hearing the words “pumpkin season” so we’re almost done with Summer 2025 as 32 Shea starts serving a new line-up of dishes and drinks today, Friday, August 1st. The North Phoenix coffee shop and restaurant will be making their new Pumpkin infused cold brew daily with only 30 made each day, they’re sure to sell out.

The food menu includes house-made Pumpkin Hummus with chili crisp, pumpkin seeds and toasted flatbread ($10) and the Pumpkin Pasta a multicolor cheese tortellini tossed with Italian sausage, kale, roasted squash and a drizzle of chili honey ($17). For dessert, the Pumpkin Cheesecake is finished with a bruléed top, pumpkin caramel and vanilla whipped cream ($8).

Limited-time specials will be run throughout August and new Fall pumpkin coffees and beverages will be introduced each month through November 30th. August specials include Pumpkin-Infused Cold Brew coffee, Pumpkin Cinnamon Caramel Latte and Blueberry Pie Latte. Each drink is topped with cinnamon bun sweet cream and a dusting of blueberry crumbles for the pie latte.

Fall cocktails debut on September 1st and include The Pumpkin Espresso Martini is made with vanilla vodka, house-made pumpkin pie syrup, fresh espresso and a pumpkin caramel chew garnish ($14). The Fall Fashioned offers a spiced take on the classic Old Fashioned with toasted almond bitters and a pumpkin wafer ($14).

National Sandwich Month at Miracle Mile Deli

The popular Phoenix deli is celebrating with a $19.49 special on its award-winning sandwiches this month. For that price you get the “sandwich of the week”, a side, a pickle spear and a slice of pie. The “Sandwich of the week” are …

8/4-8/9 – New Yorker Sandwich 8/11-8/16 – Brisket Sandwich 8/18-8/23 – Combo Sandwich 8/25-8/30 – The Straw

New “morning happy hour” at Hash Kitchen

Early risers get rewarded with some new specials from 7 a.m. -9 a.m.  and save $5 on well cocktails and $4 off any signature breakfast dishes at all 6 Phoenix area locations including……

  • Chilaquiles – corn tortilla chips / simmered in salsa verde or salsa roja / queso fresco / cilantro / crema / fried eggs
  • Basic AF – two eggs any style / applewood-smoked bacon / two Has# Hash browns / silver dollar buttermilk pancakes
  • Breakfast Burrito – chorizo / bacon / pepper jack cheese / Has# Hash brown / onions / peppers / black beans / eggs
  • Biscuits and Gravy – three buttermilk biscuits / country sausage gravy / fried eggs
  • Carnitas Hash – Coca-Cola braised pork / queso fresco / roasted corn / avocado / cilantro / fried onions / salsa verde / crema / fried eggs
  • Melina’s Benedict – toasted English muffin / Canadian bacon / hollandaise
  • Mexicana Scrambler – chorizo / jalapeños / tomatoes / avocado / pepper jack cheese
  • Classic pancake or waffle

El Bandido Bingo Night at Cien Agaves

Reserve your seats for Thursday, August 14th at 7 p.m. for a first come, first serve night of fun. It’s free to play and players will enjoy complimentary tequila tastings from El Bandido and prizes can be won and this communal table event. RSVP is required and you can do that here.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries, and wineries.

Summer Sunshine season menu at Over Easy

Now available at all 17 locations the bold and bright are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery, except alcohol.

  • Pork Belly Hash – Sweet potato, crispy pork belly, caramelized onion, poblano, cherry tomato, bell pepper, cotija cheese, baja sauce, cilantro, and two eggs any style
  • Brown Butter Beignets – Fresh berries, powdered sugar, house jam, and orange blossom honey
  • Sunny Side Spritz – A summer-perfect blend of Aperol, peach, lemon, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda. Light, citrusy, and just sweet enough — it’s brunch sunshine in a glass.

New 4-course Chef’s Menu at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Chef Michael Rusconi is offering a new menu for $60++ per person with wine pairings for an additional $29. The dinner starts with the chef’s amuse bouche before serving….

  • First Course—Tomato and Burrata Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet Optional wine pairing—Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc–Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Second Course—Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus Optional wine pairing—Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay–Russian River
  • Third Course—Pecan Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin with potato puree, candied baby carrots and cabernet reduction Optional wine pairing—Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon–Columbia Valley
  • Fourth Course—Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces
  • Optional wine pairing—Chef’s selected dessert wine

Reservations are suggested by heading to their website.

Local beer flights at GenuWine Arizona

Summertime sipping calls for cold beer and now at the Downtown Phoenix wine bar you can get 6 tastes of local draft beers for $15. Wine Club members can save 15% as well.

Christmas in July at Koibito Poke

Loyalty app users can save 20% off their entire order through Monday, July 14th when placing an order under the Rewards tab on the app. Order ahead or in-store for pick-up or delivery.

BOGO Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company are back

Stock up at their Scottsdale or Willcox tasting room to get a bottle free when you purchase one at regular price. Only available on their 7 new releases, not available on clearance wines.

The Summer Culinary Countdown is on at The Phoenician

When the temperatures hit 100+ degrees, the countdown until the end of summer begins. Who knows how long the countdown will go on, but The Phoenician Resort & Spa celebrates summer with its Summer Culinary Countdown at the luxury resort’s restaurant and for Afternoon Tea.

Summer Culinary Countdown specials

Afternoon Tea

Thursday through Sunday guests can a 3-course English traditional experience for $85++. Included are finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & preserves, pastries and fine tea blends. 480-423-2649

J&G Steakhouse

The fine-dining steakhouse with beautiful views offers a special 2-course menu for $65++ per person. The dinner begins with a chef amuse of black truffle cheese fritters. For the second course, choose from two starters: an endive and sugar snap pea salad with parmesan dressing and herbs, or charred corn ravioli with cherry tomato and basil fondue. Entrée selections are a slowly baked salmon with sautéed corn, fingerling potatoes in a basil butter, scallions, baked cherry tomatoes and lime, or a grilled, marinated prime flat iron steak accompanied by roasted summer squash, homemade angel hair pasta, and basil-pistachio pesto. For reservations, call 480-214-8000.

Mowry & Cotton

Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere for this 3-course meal for $45++. Choose from pickled deviled eggs with chives and ninja radish; local melon with cucumber, feta, frisée, vanilla lemon vinaigrette, and tajin creme fraiche; or roasted tomato flatbread with Oaxaca cheese, tomato jam, and arugula for your first course. The second course features charred hanger steak(pictured) topped with wild mushroom, pickled blueberry, and sunflower pesto, or Scottish salmon with rainbow chard, cherry agro dolce, preserved lemon labneh, and rye soil. Finish the meal with brown sugar cheesecake or mulled berry chocolate cake. For more information or to make a reservation, call 480-423-2445.

The Phoenician Tavern

Above the Golf Clubhouse with mountain and golf course views features a burger and beer pairing for $25++. Choose from a variety of burgers, such as a classic Tavern burger, a cowboy burger, Kobe beef sliders, a salmon burger, triple bacon cheeseburger, southwest cheeseburger, a patty melt, or a vegan black bean burger. All served with a side of seasoned tater tots or a small pub salad. The meal is paired with either a draft beer, a house margarita, a house glass of wine or a soft drink. 480-423-2445.

Four Corners Taphouse bringing elevated sports bar to NW Peoria

Next Monday, June 23rd marks the opening of Westside Concepts newest concept, Four Corners Taphouse on Lake Pleasant Pkwy in Peoria. The new upscale sports bar takes over the original location of Haymaker, another concept from owner Joey Lucidi and his team at WCs. Haymaker relocated across the street last year, and the transformation began. WCs also owns Copper & Sage, Maple & Rye, NW Coffee and other West Valley concepts.

“I am so excited for this new concept,” says Lucidi. “We’ve been wanting a local sports bar and taphouse for years. Moving Haymaker gave us the perfect opportunity to make it happen, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It’s going to be the go-to spot for all the big games and fun times.”

During the first week of operation the restaurant will offer happy hour all day, every day until Sunday, June 29th. The “ultimate game-day spot” offers over 4,400 square feet of space with indoor and outdoor seating to watch the game on 21 oversized 85-inch flat screen TVs with 360 degrees of viewing from every seat and 24 beers on tap. The space was designed by Social Design Studio.

On the menu at Four Corners Taphouse

The menu will offer a variety of classic and new dishes that work well for date night or to watch your favorite team. Dishes include Chicken Nachos, Italian Beef Sandwiches, The Mac-Daddy Burger, Artisan Pizzas, Chicken Philly Hoagie and more. A curated cocktail and wine menu will be available in addition to rotating taps for guests to pair their meals with. Lunch specials and rotating dinner specials will be available Monday-Friday.

Four Corners Taphouse will open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is at 24762 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy and the full menu, and more information can be found at their website.

Round up for Eric Marsh Found. at Bill’s Grill & Red, White & Brew

A somber day is approaching as the 12th anniversary of the 19 firefighers of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Fire near Prescott on June 30th, 2013. Two of Prescott’s favorite restaurants, Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew are honoring their lives with fundraisers in June for the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters.

The Prescott non-profit helps wildfire firefighters and their families through financial and emotional support as many firefighters are volunteering to protect the Arizona wilderness. The Foundation is named after and is the legacy of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Superintendent.

“This cause is deeply personal to the Prescott community and to anyone who understands the risks wildland firefighters take every time they go out,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods. “We want to keep their legacy alive and support the families and crews who continue to serve with the same dedication.”

Throughout June, guests can round up their checks with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. On Monday, June 30th both restaurants will donate $1 of each specially created burger sold to the foundation as well. The month-long fundraiser also helps in remembering the bravery of the 19 firefighters, so they’re never forgotten.

Burgers for the Eric Marsh Foundation

At Bill’s Grill guests can order the Valor burger or the Five Alarm Chili Size burger and the Hot Shot burger at Red, White & Brew.

The Five Alarm Chili Size burger features a brioche bun stacked with a juicy patty, house made chili, ghost pepper cheese, fried jalapeños and chipotle aioli.

The Valor burger keeps it classic with cheddar, ketchup-based Valor sauce, red onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle.

The Hot Shot burger features a half-pound patty topped with poblano peppers, pepper jack cheese, onion tanglers and poblano crema, served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and a choice of one side.

“We’re grateful for this continued support from Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew,” said Amanda Marsh, founder and executive director of the Eric Marsh Foundation. “These kinds of partnerships make it possible for us to meet the needs of wildland firefighters and their families when it matters most.”

151 Hospitality opens The Mercer at the Esplanade

When the Little Pickle opened last month in the Esplanade at 24th St. & Camelback Rd. it marked the first of three new concepts for 151 Hospitality. The fast casual deli serving bagels sandwiches, eggs, a Hand Cut Hot Pastrami sandwich, and more is now joined but the group‘s second concept The Mercer.

The American bistro housed in the former Merc Bar offers guests lunch and dinner comfort food with menus filled with seafood, meats, salads, a raw bar, sushi and more in the wood lined dining room and bar. Dishes such as Salmon Tartare, a Prime Rib French Dip sandwich, Linz New York Strip and Brick Chicken.

Like its predecessor, cocktails are taken seriously and  award-winning mixologist Jason Asher was brought in to oversee the beverage program and create a menu of Martinis and classic cocktails including a Pisco Sour, Negroni and a Sidecar.

3 concepts, one kitchen for 151 Hospitality

Opening three restaurants at one of the, if not the most highly visible intersections in the valley doesn’t come at a discount amidst high rises filled with law firms, financial advisors and Fortune 500 companies. To help keep the high cost of kitchen equipment and labor down partners Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn use one kitchen for both restaurants and later in the year their high-end Mexican concept, Camello will have its dishes prepared from there as well.

The idea for one kitchen isn’t new as hotels have done it for years but it’s not often to see smaller restaurants groups with two full service and a fast casual concept so close together that they can make it happen. The kitchen staff doesn’t care about which restaurant the food is for, they just see food being ordered and it will be for the expediters to get the plate ready and direct traffic as the food goes out to guests. No small task that is overseen by Executive Chef Fidencio Alatriste, who’s worked around the valley at The Mission and with local restaurant groups including Fox Restaurant Concepts, Evening Entertainment Group and The Maggiore Group. Both Phillips and Hearn, feel this is the best way to offer high quality food in an upscale atmosphere and keep labor costs low. At the end of the day, they want the food and cocktails to tell the story.

The pair opened The Merc Bar, in New York, and in 1996 came to Phoenix to open a second location. Hearn left for a while to work with his college friend, Sam Fox before reuniting with Phillips to bring these concepts to life. Phillips concentrated on The Merc Bar and food festivals over the years before deciding it was time to close one chapter and start the next.

The two speak highly of each other and their decades old friendship with Phillips calling Hearn a “very inspiring, cultlike figure” who seeks out those who look to grow and have a career in the hospitality industry.

Camello coming later this year

Still under construction and in no hurry to open (in the summer) Camello “camel” will bring high end Mexican food inside and on the patio with views of The Biltmore Fashion Park and the peaks of the Phoenix Preserve. Not many details are available yet, but Hearn says, “it will be like a pool party, without the pool”. Stay tuned.

The Mercer is open 7 days a week at 11a.m. with menus and more information at their website.

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

It’s A Wrap Month and more Summer Specials at Miracle Mile Deli

Summer is here and so are some deals at the Central Phoenix deli in June and July.

June is “It’s a Wrap Month” at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from three mouthwatering wraps for just $15, served with a side and a crisp kosher dill pickle:

Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap – Crispy white meat chicken, romaine hearts, wonton noodle strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in our Asian honey sesame dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Chipotle Ranch Turkey Wrap – White meat turkey breast, fresh avocado, shredded asadero cheese, romaine hearts, tri-color tortilla strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Chipotle Ranch dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Athena Chicken Wrap – Grilled white meat chicken breast, Feta cheese, romaine hearts, crispy onion strings, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Greek Athena vinaigrette, wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

From June 1 to August 31, Miracle Mile’s popular Summer of Shakes & Floats returns! Cool off with a classic milkshake or ice cream float for just $6.

“Burger at The Bar” in June at Virtu Honest Craft

Every Wednesday in June, Chef Gio Osso creates a uniquely creative burger paired with hand cut fries and draft beer. Sounds good right, but there are some rules….Only 12 burgers made each week, Only at the bar, No splitting, No reservations and No exceptions. Each burger for the following week gets revealed the Friday before(today!!) at their website or on their social media.

DAOU Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The Downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines from the Paso Robles winery on Friday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The night starts with an Heirloom Tomato Salad before the pasta courses and the Filet Mignon entree, all paired with red, white & rose wines. Seats are $125++ per person and to see the full menu & reserve your seat head to their website or call 480-427-2264.

New Summer hours at LDV Winery’s tasting room

The Downtown Scottsdale tasting room that pours award-winning Arizona wines has new hours for the summer. They open 7 days a week at noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s. Happy Hour just got happier where you can get a glass of wine for $7.00 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Also happening this summer……..

Date Night Fridays starting at 6:00 p.m. get two flights of wine & choice of a meat or cheese charcuterie board for $41.62. The price includes a free flight, 10% off the board, and an 18% gratuity.

Mid-Week Summer Sale- Every Tuesday and Wednesday get 50% off all bottles of wine to enjoy at the tasting room or take home and all boards are $5 off.