More than 20 new restaurants opened in July amid sizzling 115-degree-plus temperatures. But the month also delivered a big round of closures, including an Old Town Scottsdale institution that has been around for 30 years.
June ushered in more than 20 new Valley restaurants – and bid adieu to some longtime favorites, including a Tempe institution that was in business for 47 years. Bourbon Jim’s Chandler’s newest neighborhood bar boasts 15 big screen TVs and sports bourbon and beer options aplenty, along with a small menu of burgers, sandwiches, bowls and fries. Live music on the weekends. 5945 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, bourbonjims.com Brooker’s Founding Flavors The Utah-based...
Three BitesMaize the Force Be with You
Marilyn HawkesJuly 1, 2026
Wielded by top Valley chefs, the arepa slays diners with the power of Latin American flatbread.
Our local product-guru has eyes on glorious granola, craft coffee beans and confetti cake mix.
Q&AEat Beat Interrogation with Devon McConville of Matilda’s All-Day Café
Marilyn HawkesJuly 1, 2026
After walking away from a finance career in 2015, Devon McConville longed for more fulfilling work.
After April’s dearth of new restaurant openings, May brings more than 20 new local eateries, featuring everything from upscale Asian to tacos to Indian pizza. May also marked the closing of six restaurants, including one that had been a Valley mainstay for 34 years. OPENING 212° Shabu Shabu From the folks at Three Thirty Three, an elevated dining experience showcasing shabu shabu, a design-your-own combo of broth, meats, seafood, vegetables and noodles cooked...
Ask Andrew Robertson about the nuances of brewing coffee and he will gladly guide you toward a better cup of joe. As the coffee director of PRESS Coffee, Robertson has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and enjoys sharing his tips and tricks with customers. With sweltering summer days nipping at our sandals, we thought this might be a good time to learn the art of making cold brew coffee. Robertson also teaches specialty coffee...
Though a staple of modern Asian menus, crab rangoon was most likely invented in the 1950s at the original Trader Vic’s in California – an addictive nosh that became a central actor in the restaurant’s theatrical tiki milieu. So, despite being named after the former capital of Burma (now Myanmar), the crispy, cream-cheese-filled wonton is a patently American creation.
Our local products guru samples salsa, cultured dairy beverages and bean-based nutrition bars.
Trained by Caldwell owner Travis Taylor, Hatch hopes to pay it forward by mentoring new employees. We recently caught up with Hatch between pulling and wrapping briskets.
April was a slow month for new restaurant openings in the Valley, but unfortunately, a big month for dining closures. Heading into summer, this is a gentle reminder to patronize your favorite local restaurants and watering holes whenever possible. They will be very happy to see you. Openings Arizona Pizza Co. This Tucson-based pizzeria with several West Phoenix locations now has an outpost in Tempe. Look for pizza, wings, subs and salads in...
Spring Arizona Restaurant Week is back for another run – Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 24 – giving diners an opportunity to discover new restaurants and different cuisines at reasonable price points. During the 10-day event, participating restaurants offer special three-course menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). This year’s crop of estaurants includes Roaring Fork, The Italiano, The Mick Brasserie, LON’S at The Hermosa Inn, Pasta Brioni, Phoenix...
Along with unexpected 100-degree days, March also delivered more than two dozen local or new-to-Arizona restaurants, along with several notable closures. There’s something for everybody, from frozen yogurt and tacos to dumplings and high-end Italian fare. OPENINGS 16 Handles This New York-based frozen yogurt shop has opened its first Arizona location with fun flavors, including salted butter, black matcha, cotton candy and Dubai chocolate, with plenty of gluten-free, fat-free, dairy-free and vegan options....
When steak is the main attraction, side dishes sometimes pale in comparison. The chefs at Mastro’s offer a remedy: luxurious lobster mashed potatoes. Bathed in butter and topped with sweet hunks of lobster, these decadent spuds will elevate your dinner to a new level. Mastro’s City Hall executive chef Richard Rodriguez has a few tips for the home cook tackling this recipe. If you’re going to use fresh lobster, Rodriguez advises purchasing from a reputable...
In February, the Valley welcomed a slew of intriguing expansions (from out of town and from closer to home) and bid farewell to a few exciting new spots and old favorites. Backyard Taco Family-run taco shop with six locations in the East Valley has opened an outpost in Laveen. 7730 S. 59th Ave., Laveen, backyardtaco.com Bagelfeld’s This wildly popular bagel bakery has set up a second location in Tempe. Be sure to order...