September brought a flurry of new restaurants in the midst of a pandemic and the closure of seven, some of which were longstanding establishments. Here’s to cooler days and chilly nights as we make our way through 2020.
Aioli Gourmet Burgers
This popular burger outlet opened its third location in the former Caveman Burgers in north Phoenix. 430 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 602-633-3030, aioliburger.com
B Gastro Bar
Family-owned Cuisine & Wine Bistro has rebranded as B Gastrobar with a scratch kitchen, craft beers and cocktails. 1422 W. Warner Rd., Gilbert, 480-497-1422, bgastrobar.com
Backyard Taco
Backyard Taco’s fourth restaurant opened in Chandler with a spacious dining room and patio. Dine in or take out. 2400 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, 480-809-6482, backyardtaco.com
Ghost Street Asian Taqueria
The folks behind Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill recently debuted a virtual Asian-inspired street taco restaurant featuring “new spins on classic street tacos.” Pick up or delivery only. 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-767-5464, ghoststreettacos.com
GoGo Greens
Virtual restaurant GoGo Greens offers a tidy menu of five salads with grilled chicken or soy citrus tofu ($10 each). Other proteins available at an extra cost. Order online for delivery only. gogogreensalads.com
Hash Kitchen
Hash Kitchen now has a branch in Peoria’s Park West shopping center, serving breakfast, brunch and morning cocktails. 9870 W. Northern Ave., Peoria, hashkitchen.com
Lylo Swim Club
Enjoy craft cocktails, Mochiko fried chicken and other savory snacks at ARRIVE Phoenix hotel’s mid-century style poolside restaurant in downtown Phoenix. 400 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 480-536-8899, lylophx.com
Mr. Mesquite Taqueria
Featuring “authentic meets modern” Mexican food, Mr. Mesquite has opened a new Mesa location. 1222 S Crismon Rd. Mesa, eatmrmesquite.com
Nurdberger
The popular Globe burger joint opens an outpost in Gilbert with burgers, chicken sandwiches, Philly steaks, rice bowls and killer onion rings. 235 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert, 480-306-6485, nurdberger.com
Pachamama
Chefs Maria and Kevin Lebron whip up 100 percent plant-based Latin food sourced mainly from local farms. 4115 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, 602-586-3991, pachamamphx.com
Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood
Husband-and-wife team Federico Venturini and Viola Tagliaferri, owners of Carefree pizzeria Pizzicata, have partnered with Philip Igneri to transform the shuttered Cartwright’s location into an upscale Italian restaurant. 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-524-0989, pomodorousa.com
Postino
Upwards Projects has opened a south Tempe location of the bustling wine cafe in a “lush open-air space.” Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 8749 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, 602-325-2211, postinowinecafe.com
Snowtime
Family run shop offers a modern take on traditional Korean desserts, including shaved ice, ice cream, frosty drinks and golden buns. 2095 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, 480-268-7711, snowtimeaz.com
Thai Chili 2 Go
This fast-casual restaurant offers scratch-made Thai food, including curries, rice and noodle dishes and plenty of vegetarian and vegan offerings. 5029 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-867-7764, tc2go.com
Closings
CaskWerks Distilling Co.
After a five-year run, this Tempe distillery that made high-octane vodka, gin and liqueurs lost its lease after a lengthy court battle. They hope to reopen in a new location.
Coconuts Fish Café
The south Chandler location of Coconuts Fish Café, opened in 2016, has closed permanently. The two Scottsdale locations are still open.
Desert Cider House
Arizona’s oldest craft cider house, located in Chandler, has closed due to “economic realities brought on by COVID-19,” according to a Facebook post. The cidery opened in 2016.
Kimberly Ann’s Tea Room
After 26 years, the Victorian-style tea room in Glendale has called it quits due to the pandemic.
La Calabria Ristorante
A Facebook post on Sept. 1 announced that the Gilbert Italian restaurant has closed after 10 years because of COVID-19.
Pane Bianco
The Van Buren location of the legendary sandwich shop has closed, but Chris Bianco plans on moving Tratto from Town and Country Shopping Center into the space. The Central Pane Bianco remains open.
Phoenix Public Market Café
Aaron Chamberlain’s Phoenix Public Market Café has permanently shuttered after seven years due to the pandemic and the end of the lease.
