Category: multiple locations

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.

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.

Celebrating over 50 years of pizza and pipes at Organ Stop Pizza

The Mesa pizza restaurant hasn’t always been at its current location, but it has been since 1975 after three years at 7th St. & Missouri in Phoenix. Now in 2025 they’re celebrating both 50 years in Mesa and 53 years of pizzas and pipe organ music. To celebrate they are offering guests a $60 Meal Deal for “Cheers to 50 Years in Mesa” through September 30th.

Get Two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (extra cheese not included), Two appetizers (combo basket excluded), Two pitchers of soft drink. Mention this deal when ordering
Dine-in only. No substitutions. MUST mention deal when ordering. 

J&G Steakhouse named to Top 100 Hotel Restaurants

Kayak and OpenTable have named the Scottsdale restaurant to their list of Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. It’s one of only two Arizona restaurants on the list and only one in Scottsdale to make it. The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa is run by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin who says, “We aim for all our guests to have an extraordinary, sophisticated evening out, with every detail executed to the highest level,” said Qualin. “J&G Steakhouse is not only a destination for guests of The Phoenician; it has also become a spot for locals to enjoy a consistently unrivaled dining experience.”

New seasonal dishes on the menu at Pizzeria Virtu

James Beard Award nominee Gio Osso has added 4 new appetizers and 4 pizzas using seasonal ingredients at his Downtown Scottsdale pizzeria.

  • Appetizers:
    • Olive – Warm mixed olives, lemon, chile, oregano, flatbread
    • Pezzetti – Chopped salad, salame, formaggi, tomato, cucumber, fregola sarda olives, onion, pinenuts, pepperoncini sott’olio, raisins, basil buttermilk dressing
    • Montata – Lemon whipped ricotta, honey drizzle, pistachio crumble
  • Pizzas:
    • L’Estate – Fior di latte, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, evoo
    • Vongole – Garlic butter clams, bacon, lemon, oregano, pecorino
    • Spilinga Bianca – Fior di latte, n’duja, torpedo onion, crema di pecorino picante
    • Campania – Sugo cotto, mozzarella di bufala, basil, prosciutto crudo

Tracy Dempsey Originals and ODV Wines back open after summer break

She’s back in her kitchen getting ready to roll into cooler temps with cooking classes, fun lunch & dinner menus for the family, Spontaneous Sip Saturday and more at her Tempe bakery, kitchen and wine shop.

ATL Wings now sells grab & go ZOYO Neighborhood Yogurt

Nothing like cooling off the mouth after some hot & spicy wings, now you can do so at the 16 ATL Wings locations around Arizona. They’ve collaborated with the yogurt shop to offer customers several frozen yogurt favors including the popular Kool Aid, Dole Whip, Tropical Punch, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl and others.

 

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.

Ramen Days of Summer starts Monday at Ramen Hood

It’s hard to conceive slurping down a bowl of hot broth and noodles in the summer but for ramen lovers the heat doesn’t phase them. Starting Monday, July 28th and for the following 8 weeks, North Scottsdale’s Ramen Hood highlights a different bowl of ramen or appetizer with $2 off ramen or $1 off the appetizer. The weekly special is as follows…..

Monday, July 28-Sunday, Aug. 3

Bowl ($2 off) The Classic—Featuring Tonkotsu broth, sliced Chashu Pork, bean sprouts, green onion, cabbage, seasoned bamboo, Naruto (fish cake) and nori (seaweed)

Monday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 10

Bowl ($2 off) The Angry Chicken Bowl—Featuring spicy miso broth, teriyaki chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, corn, green onion and nori

Monday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 17

Bowl ($2 off) Hokkaido Tofu Bowl—Made with vegetarian broth, tofu, bean sprouts, cabbage, corn, fried onion chips and butter

Monday, Aug. 18-Sunday, Aug. 24

Bowl ($2 off) Shrimply Shoyu—Featuring Shoyu broth, tempura shrimp, bean sprouts, broccoli, green onion, seasoned bamboo and nori

Monday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 31

Appetizer ($1 off) Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken—Eight lip-smackin’ Japanese fried chicken pieces served with a side of zesty sriracha mayo sauce

Christmas in July at Aridus Wine Company

Friday, July 25th get 50% of all holiday blends at their Scottsdale and Willcox tasting rooms.

Free wings at ATL Wings on National Chicken Wing Day

Next Tuesday, July 29th enjoy 6 free wings with the purchase of a dozen wings at any of the 16 locations throughout the Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson area.

Signature Summer Menu available at Bourbon & Bones Chophouse

From now until October 2nd guests dining at the local favorite for meat and seafood can enjoy a 3-course menu for $79 per person. Choose from several starters, entrees and desserts with upgrades available for an additional cost. You can find the full menu here.

 

Chula Seafood Summer Tour starts next week

Tickets are now on-sale for the first stop of Chula Seafood’s Summer Tour that will make stops at each of their 3 locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Each stop, once a month will feature the location’s chef’s specials dinner.

Tickets are on sale for the first stop next Wednesday at Chula’s South Scottsdale (Rosie) location.

Summer Tour schedule

Wednesday, July 23rd at South Scottsdale– Enjoy Chef Anthony’s Italian inspired family meal that will feature Oysters Florentine, Rigatoni Alla Fiorentina and Ribeye Parmesan. There will be two seatings at 5:30 or 8:00 p.m. and seats are $120++ per person.

Thursday, August 14th at Grayhawk– Tickets go on-sale at 10a.m. July 25th for a deep dive into Chef Monique’s five-course Mexico City inspired menu. The plated dinner features Aguachile Scallops, Roasted Duck with Sweet Potato and Café de Olla Affogato. Seatings offered are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and seats are $80++ with optional wine pairings for an additional cost.

Monday, September 15th at Uptown- Tickets go on-sale at 10 a.m. on August 22nd for Chef Kyle’s Korean Street Food dinner. This meal will be to-go and available for pick-up after 4 p.m. The meal will feed two people includes Korean Fried Chicken (aka Kyle’s Fried Chicken), Tteokbokki, Gimbap and Sweet Potato Hand Pies. Dinner for two is $65 and will be ready to serve.

Seating is limited and you can reserve your seats for the Summer Tour at Chula’s website.

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.

Arizona Chef’s Week 2025 debuts August 1st-10th

As successful as the local restaurant scene is most of the year, the summer months can wash that all away. To help generate some off-season business, the Arizona Restaurant Association is building on the success of the twice-yearly Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) as they are debuting Arizona Chef’s Week the first 10 days of August. To help support the local restaurant industry, like ARW, ACW will offer 3-course menus from a limited number of restaurants encouraging them to offer new unique and seasonal dishes. Each dinner will cost $55 or $66 per person.

“Year-round, it is our mission, our calling and our passion to promote and advocate for our hospitality industry,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “Summertime in the Valley serves as a particularly challenging period for many restaurants, and therefore, it is more vital than ever to go out and support these establishments. This event is truly about local residents supporting local restaurants while experiencing an incredible meal.”

Familiar restaurants such as Vecina, The Mexicano, Fire at Will and others have already signed up to participate and in mid-July diners can head to the Arizona Chef’s Week website to see a list of participating restaurants and the menus they will be serving.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

New cocktails at Maya Day + Night

The Scottsdale club is now serving up 8 new hand crafted and vibrant cocktails to keep you cool.

  • Mykonos Mule – Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh lime, peach purée, ginger beer, Angostura bitters
  • Ibiza Glow – Belvedere Vodka, elderflower liqueur, dragon fruit syrup, lime, tonic water
  • Aegean Breeze – Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, yuzu-pineapple, fresh lemon, mint, soda water
  • Azure Mojito – Tanqueray Gin, lavender syrup, pineapple juice, lemon, fresh basil, soda
  • Moonlit Dream – Bacardi Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lime, coconut water
  • Mediterranean Spritz – Aperol, fresh orange juice, prosecco, club soda
  • Espresso Aphrodite – Chilled espresso + your choice of ouzo, vodka, tequila, or gin
  • Aphrodite Sparkplug Sampler – Four mini espresso cocktails featuring your choice of spirit: Ouzo, Still G.I.N., Maestro Patrón Reposado Tequila, or Ketel One Vodka

New seasonal menu at Streets of New York

We don’t have to tell you the summer has arrived and that menus new dishes at your favorite restaurant(s). All 15 of the locally and family-owned restaurants serve these 4 new dishes for dine-in, take-out or delivery.

  • Mango Habanero Wings – These wings are sweet with mango, fiery with habanero, and bold, balanced, and built to bring the heat.
  • Mac n Cheese Bites – Crispy, cheesy perfection! Served with a trio of sauces: Buffalo, Marinara, and Chipotle Ranch
  • Best of Everything Pizza – Inspired by Streets of New York’s fan-favorite sandwich! This pizza is loaded with Capicolla, Genoa salami, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pepperoncinis, and the signature Streets Italian dressing (thin crust recommended!)
  • Italian Lemon Cake – Vanilla cake layered with lemon mascarpone cream, topped with vanilla cake crumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar

The Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie is back at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery

For a limited time, guests can enjoy the popular and nostalgic dessert layered with Ghirardelli® chocolate, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbles, and topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s just one of the restaurant’s summer specials at the 6 Phoenix area locations that also include….

– BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter – brewed with Ghirardelli chocolate, rich and roasty

-BJ’s Hard Root Beer – classic soda shop vibes with a boozy twist (make it a float!)

-BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils – a crisp-meets-hazy collab with Germany’s König Brewery

-All-American Smash Burger – two seared patties, melty cheese, signature sauce, and summer BBQ vibes.

Myke’s Pizza serves up new lunch specials

The popular Downtown Mesa pizza shop inside Cider Corps is now serving lunch specials every Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Mortadella Sandwich ($12.50) Layers of Italian favorites with a twist. Mortadella, burrata and pistachio pesto are piled onto a fresh baked pizza bread, drizzled with olive oil and then folded in half.

  • Meatball Sandwich ($14) Meaty and rich, this sandwich classic stuffs meatballs made in house with Arizona beef sourced from Capital Farms, marinara sauce and melty provolone cheese into fresh baked pizza bread.

  • Tuna Salad Sandwich ($12) This isn’t your mamma’s tuna salad. Meaty albacore tuna is tossed in house with just the right combination of lemon, red onion, capers, fennel, Castelvetrano olive and other seasoning. It’s generously topped onto fresh-baked pizza bread with cracked pepper and salad greens and a drizzle of olive oil.

  • Toasted Cheese Sandwich ($8) – Nothing beats this comfort classic with mozzarella, provolone and Kasseri cheeses toasted inside pizza bread. Served with a side of warm crushed tomato sauce.

  • Chips & Soda Combo ($3.50) – Add a bag of chips and soda with any sandwich order.

Swizzle Inn collecting classroom supplies

From July 1st – 27th the Madison neighborhood bar is collecting crayons, glue sticks, scissors and more for the Madison Elementary School District. Those bringing in supplies will be getting a ticket for the grand prize raffle at the end of the month. Those donating can also get a shot of the bar’s monthly $ shot the “Teacher’s Pet”.  The full list of needed supplies is posted in the bar or can be found on their Facebook page.

Big Nate’s Backyard Grill opens in Downtown Gilbert

Five years after opening their first location in Mesa (a 2nd location in E. Mesa opened in 2023), the family-owned Big Nate’s Backyard Grill has opened its third location in Downtown Gilbert. Their low and slow cooked Texas style BBQ, fresh ground brisket burgers and more are made from family recipes with meats smoked for more than 12 hours.

The concept came to brother-in-laws and partners, Ray Dandridge and Eric Solheim and their wives, all who shared a love of barbecue and family gatherings. What started in the backyard now has 3 locations and a food truck.

“We just loved cooking for friends and family,” said co-owner and pitmaster Eric Solheim. “It grew from there, and we’ve stayed committed to that same mindset. Make everything from scratch, treat people right and serve food we’d be proud to put on our own table.”

Signature dishes include brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken with classic sides dishes including cole slaw, bbq beans and house-made sauces. Everything on the menu including desserts are made from scratch without soy, gluten and high fructose corn syrup.

Family friendly at Big Nate’s Backyard Grill

The Gilbert location includes a stage which gets used for entertainment including Jester-Z Improv. The group, founded in 2001, moved from Mesa to Gilbert late last year and offers clean, family friendly fun around the valley and at its 55-seat Gilbert venue on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We started Big Nate’s to bring families together over real, slow-smoked barbecue,” said co-owner and pitmaster Ray Dandridge. “Pairing that with clean comedy from JesterZ felt like the perfect downtown Gilbert addition.”

To celebrate July 4th, they’re offering 10% off Family Packs and the first 50 orders that weekend will get a free smoked apple pie. The small family pack includes three pounds of meat and two quart-sized sides for $109 and serves six people. A large family pack includes six pounds of meat and two half-gallon sides for $215 and serves 12 people. Big Nate’s food trucks will be out and about on the 4th at Gilbert’s celebration at Gilbert Regional Park and at the Phoenix Fabulous 4th celebration.

Big Nate’s Backyard BBQ is open Thursday- Saturday during the summer and is at 543 N. Gilbert Rd. 85234. To see the full menu and for more information visit their website.