Tag: central Phoenix

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.

 

 

Prime Steak Concepts buys the Chart House for new concept

The owners of upscale restaurants Steak 44, Ocean 44, Dominick’s Steak House and other restaurants around the country announced that they have bought the popular Chart House restaurant in McCormick Ranch but won’t be operating it for long. Prime Steak Concepts has closed the lakeside restaurant with plans to open a new concept in the Fall ’26 after demolition and complete rebuild. The new concept is still in the R & D phase with no details available currently.

“We are excited to bring a new concept and new building to this incredible location. The entire property will be re-imagined,” said Jeff Mastro. “We have been developing a great new concept and menu and are excited to share it with our community and our guests. My brother Mike and I grew up just a few blocks away in McCormick Ranch and this is the perfect place for us to do something very special that fits this iconic location.”

The announcement comes a few months after Prime purchased the iconic Durant’s Steakhouse in Central Phoenix and is giving it a refresh while keeping its vintage interior and decor. Durant’s is scheduled to open later this year. The Chart House opened in 1984 on Camelback Lake and offered views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains while serving meat and seafood and was known for its large salad bar.

Details for Prime Steak Concepts new restaurant will be shared late in 2025, and you can stay up to date for Durant’s opening and the new concept at their website.

 

 

Swizzle Inn joins POV Foods portfolio of bars and restaurants

Midtown Phoenix’s Swizzle Inn changed ownership last month, and its new owners are no strangers to running local bars and restaurants. POV Foods took over the neighborhood dive bar that opened in 1996 tucked into a corner of a strip mall at 5835 N. 16th St. The windowless bar with nautical touches is known for its holiday lights glowing year-round and its “No Starbucks Parking” sign out front.

“The Swizzle Inn is the neighborhood’s living room,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods. “It’s a place people come to unwind, share a story, shoot some pool. We’re not here to change that, we’re here to honor it and keep the doors open for the next generation of regulars.”

POV Foods was founded in 2014 with plans to maintain and revitalize Arizona local haunts in the Phoenix and Prescott area. They also own Scottsdale’s Rusty Spur Saloon that has been pouring drinks since 1951, Mesa and Prescott’s Red, White & Brew, 32 Shea in Phoenix, Lakeside Bar & Grill in Peoria and Bill’s Grill in Prescott.

No changes coming to Swizzle Inn

There are no plans to change anything at the Swizzle Inn under the new ownership as the same smiling faces pouring your drinks, daily $2 brown bag special shots, the “catch of the day” and Wednesday night trivia will all continue.

“We’re not some big corporation coming in to rebrand or remodel,” said Annie Gaillard, General Manager of the Swizzle Inn and POV’s beverage director. “We’re local folks who believe in the power of community, and we plan to carry on the Swizz’s tradition of being a spot where everyone feels welcome.” The “come as you are” bar is open daily from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

 

 

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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Only Michelin one star taco stand coming to Dbacks game tonight

Tonight’s baseball game will have a pop-up taco stand from Mario Hernandez Alonso, son of the founder of Taquería El Califa de León. The Dbacks are kicking off Mexican Heritage Weekend with tacos on Chase Field’s Plaza with the famous Gaonera tacos which debuted back in 1968.

Craft 64 celebrates Cinco de Mayo all month long

Both the Scottsdale and Chandler pizza & beer restaurants is exploring Arizona’s Mexican heritage and how its ingredients work with traditional pizza. All month long get the house-made 64 Al Pastor, Tha’ Taco and 64 Fajita pizzas along with a Jicama Fresca salad and a Cinco De Pollo sope special. 3 Mexican style beers were made by co-owner James Swann are on tap and 4 seasonal cocktails including the Watermelon Margarita were created for the month-long event.

Chula Seafood Uptown offers new Tuna Tataki Salad

For a limited time, guests visiting the Central Phoenix location can enjoy a new salad. The seared tuna tataki comes served alongside a crispy medley of Napa and red cabbage, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, snap peas and julienned carrots all tossed in a vibrant soy-ginger dressing and paired with chilled Udon noodles and enoki mushrooms.

Famous 48 closes its doors

The Scottsdale restaurant served its last meal on Sunday, May 4th and wanted to thank their customers that supported them over the years.

 

 

In the Melrose District, Royale Kitchen launches daily specials

The recently opened Royale Kitchen + Cocktails has become a neighborhood gathering spot within Phoenix’s Melrose District for its creative cocktails and delicious dishes. This week they’re rolling out six new daily food & drink specials for locals and visitors to enjoy.

  • Monday – Pitchers & Platters: Four mix-and-match sliders (burger, grilled chicken, or crispy chicken) plus a pitcher of Modelo, Mich Ultra, or a signature cocktail for $38.
  • Tuesday – Tapas Night: Two tacos for $8 (veggie, grilled chicken, or pork), $8 Nachos Jr. (add chicken for $3), $10 Chips, Salsa & Queso, $5 tequila shots, and $6 house margaritas.
  • Wednesday – Humpday Happy Hour: Select apps from $3.50, $4 Modelo & Mich Ultra drafts, $5 wells, $6 Deep Eddy, house wine, and champagne, and $7 YUMtinis.
  • Thursday – RKC Martini Social: $7 YUMtinis all night long.
  • Friday – Flashback Fridays: $7 flashy cocktail of the week with throwback music videos.
  • Saturday & Sunday – Funday:
    • Brunch (10 AM–3 PM): $6 mimosas, $8 Bloody Marys, $13 bottles of champagne, $11 espresso martinis, and more.
    • Sat & Sun Funday (2–6 PM): $3 drafts, $5 wells, $6 Tito’s, plus DJ Sundays on the patio.

Ocotillo Restaurant launches Arizona inspired Spring menu

Set among Palo Verde trees and Spring flora that adorns the property, Central Phoenix’s Ocotillo Restaurant has rolled out its new Spring menu and hasn’t looked far for inspiration. Chef Michael Shirilla’s New American menu is inspired by Arizona and its local and seasonal ingredients for more than a dozen new dishes.

“I’m excited to introduce these delicious new dishes to our guests. We’ve worked hard to develop innovative flavor combinations for a new twist on familiar comfort foods,“ said Shirilla.

In addition to the new dishes Ocotillo Restaurant also has a new beverage program that includes dozens of new crafted cocktails, a larger wine list and more beers from local brewers. Below are a few of the highlights from the new Arizona Influence menu.

  • Thick-cut bone-in pork chop, served with green beans, miso-mustard vinaigrette, citrus-honey sambal glazed fingerlings, scallions, herbs, and chiles.

  • Grilled octopus with romesco sauce, crispy fingerlings, artichoke hearts, grilled lemon, and chimichurri.

  • Orecchiette – sausage, greens, garlic, shallots, tomatoes, Calabrian pork jus, basil, oregano, and parmesan.

  • Bucatini with green olives, capers, eggplant, shallots, artichoke, lemon sauce, herbs, basil oil, and crispy garlic.

Ocotillo is at 3243 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85012. For more information and to view the entire menu 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.

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

The Main Ingredient raising $$ for Pediatric Cancer

The Coranado neighborhood restaurant since 2010 is celebrating the opening of their new outdoor bar with $4.80 draft beers from 2p.m. til closing, raffles to win free sandwiches for a year, entertainment and an afternoon ribbon cutting with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. A portion of all the day’s sales will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, who helps local families affected by cancer.

Pita Jungle Gilbert to donate money next Tuesday

On March 25th the location at 1431 E. Williams Field Rd. will donate 50% to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Guests dining in must mention LLS when ordering and those ordering online can enter promo code LLS as the coupon code. Third party deliveries are excluded from this promotion.

Women in Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar will be pouring 3 wines made by women on Thursday, March 27th from 6 -8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. The wines poured will be 20% off bottle purchases during the evening.

Bad Jimmy’s opens in Scottsdale

The popular burger food truck turned brick & mortar restaurant opened its 2nd location in Scottsdale this week at Miller & Indian School Rds. Open Wednesday – Monday at 11 a.m. the Scottsdale location follows the Downtown Phoenix location and presides a third location opening later in 2025 in Uptown Phoenix.

Thai Chili 2 Go continues expanding in 2025 and 2026

The quick casual Thai concept will be opening 7 locations in the coming 2 years with the first in Queen Creek in late March. Other locations opening later this year include Marana (near Tucson), Peoria (Vistancia), Surprise (Asante), Buckeye and near Cactus Rd. & Loop 303. In 2026 a second location in Buckeye at Verrado is planned. The new openings will bring a total of over 20 locations in Arizona.