Category: Where to eat

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.

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.

 

 

Mendocino Farms to open 2nd Arizona location in 2026

A new salad and sandwich shop will be opening its 2nd Arizona location at The Scottsdale Promenade in 2026 as Mendocino Farms continues its national expansion. Currently there are approximately 80 locations in Scottsdale (Gainey Ranch), California, Colorado, Washington, and Texas. The concept is known for its seasonal sandwiches and dishes that include popular menu items including “Happy Hippie,” a veggie-heavy sandwich served on toasted honey whole wheat, and the “Not So Fried Chicken,” a healthier take on a traditional chicken sandwich, to the “Baja Green Goddess” salad and “Corn and Hatch Chile Soup.”

“Arizona has been a key growth market on our list as we continue expanding our footprint across the U.S.,” said Kevin Miles, CEO of Mendocino Farms. “When determining where to introduce our brand to the state, The Promenade stood out for its strong visibility, high foot traffic, and complimentary retail environment, which will allow us to make a meaningful first impression in the market. We look forward to joining Scottsdale’s vibrant dining scene and creating a welcoming space for guests to gather and enjoy delicious, fresh meals when we open in 2026.”

Once opened, the new Mendocino Farms will be at Scottsdale Road and Paradise Lane will be over 3,000 square feet and include a 500-foot patio. The family-owned concept was founded in 2005, and its mission is to help guests “eat happy”, offering guests chef driven elevated takes on classic lunch and dinner fare.

“We are very proud that Mendocino Farms has chosen to open their first location in the state at Scottsdale Promenade, and we’re confident it will quickly become a local favorite,” said Harrison Cole, Leasing and Development Manager at Vestar. “Their commitment to feel-good food made with wholesome, high-quality ingredients makes them a perfect fit for this health-conscious community.” 

For more information visit Mendocino Farms website.

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.

 

Belmont Kitchen welcomes Alex Stratta as Executive Chef

One of Scottsdale newest restaurants, Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails has hired one of the valley’s leading chefs, Alex Stratta as its new Executive Chef. The Michelin starred and James Beard award-winning chef, Stratta is no stranger to the Phoenix food scene as he’s worked with several local restaurants including Campo Italian, The Herb Box and at The Phoenician Resort,  before and after he opened Alex at the Wynn Las Vegas where he received his two Michelin stars.

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails and Rosewood Concepts co-founders Philip Lewkowicz and Neal Thompson hired Stratta to give the restaurant a building block for the BKC and Rosewood as it plans for future growth. “Having Alex in our kitchen is more than an honor — it’s a defining moment,” says Lewkowicz, “With my background in fine dining and genuine hospitality, and Alex’s unmatched culinary excellence, I’m incredibly excited to see how far we can take Rosewood Concepts. His presence raises the bar for everything we’re building.” Lewkowicz’s is also no stranger to the restaurant industry as he’s part of the family that opened the award-winning Cafe Monarch and Reserve in Old Town Scottsdale.

Stratta, who tutored under world renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse will be bringing his globally inspired dishes, high impact wine dinners and seasonal tasting menus using fresh and high-quality ingredients. “I’m excited to be part of something that’s growing, evolving, and built around passion,” says Stratta. “This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about mentoring, collaborating, and delivering a dining experience that feels personal.”

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails is at 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale 85255. For more information and to make a reservation visit 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.

Taco Tuesday at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Every Tuesday from 3-5p.m. throughout the summer guests can get 2 tacos for $13 at the Carefree steakhouse. When you add a refreshing margarita for $7, your total is $20, not a bad deal. Choose from Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Shrimp or Fried Fish tacos and your choice of red or green salsa.

Italian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop will host an Italian wine tasting next Thursday, July 24th from 6-8p.m. Taste and learn about 3 wines for $10 or Free if you’re a Wine Club member. All will get 20% off any bottles purchased from the evenings event.

Chill at The Mill happy hour specials

Through Labor Day guests visiting the Queen Creek Olive Mill after 3 p.m. can score some great happy hour sips & bites. Sunday through Wednesday from 3p.m.–5p.m.and Thursday through Saturday from 3p.m.– 6p.m. enjoy….

  • Pizza & Pint – Any artisan pizza, paired with your choice of draft beer – $25
  • Tapas Five – Five of our favorite brochettes, featuring QCOM Meyer Lemon Olive Oil – $8.75
    • Caprese: Tomato, mozzarella, basil
    • Sonoran: Spicy green beans, Calabrese salami
    • Genoa: Genoa salami, garlic stuffed olives, provolone
    • Milano: Herb-roasted chicken, artichoke, provolone
    • Stuffed date: Yuma dates, Chardonnay herb mascarpone, crushed pistachio
  • Mill Meatballs – 3 mill-made meatballs, simply sugo, parmesan, Noble baguette – $10
  • Garlic Parmesan Frittes – Fries, roasted garlic olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, garlic aioli – $8.50
  • Olive Harvest Hummus – Mill-made hummus, sweet red pepper & olive tapenade, carrots, celery, cucumbers, balanced EVOO, Noble baguette – $13
  • Draft Beer – $6 (rotating, always local)
  • Glass of Sangria – Red, white or seasonal – $6
  • Carafes & Pitchers – Sangria carafe – $29.90 or draft beer pitcher – $25

Anhelo opening on July 25th in Scottsdale

The award-winning fine dining restaurant from Chef & Owner Ivan Jacobo is ready to make its long-awaited debut next Friday. Jacobo announced last November of relocating to Old Town Scottsdale from Downtown Phoenix. The ultra-exclusive restaurant seats only 16 guests who can order from any of the chef’s three tasting menus. Reservations can be made and more information found at Anhelo’s website.

 

 

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.