DiningFeatures2023 Best New Restaurants
Editorial StaffNovember 1, 2023
Relive a red-letter year in Valley dining with our picks for the new restaurants most worthy of your immediate gustatory attention – from the Scottsdale sushi spot led by an old culinary lion to a pair of upstart Downtown diners that started on four wheels.
Opening Brekky Brunch A new breakfast spot featuring chicken fried steak and eggs and a build-your-own breakfast option has opened in the former Biscuits location. 2040 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-899-0758 BYOV The folks from Nana’s Kitchen have opened a sports bar with a plant-based menu and mocktails. 777 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, azbyov.com Caliente Mexican Grill Tacos, burritos and bowls, quesadillas and breakfast offerings abound at Caliente’s second location. 1855 W. Deer Valley...
Señor Al Pastor burger with onion strings | Photo by Nikki Buchanan You’ve surely heard of Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, the Arizona-based chain of neighborhood burger joints/sports bars dedicated to — you guessed it — cold beers and cheeseburgers. Well, Terry and Randy Bortin, brothers who have long been in the restaurant biz here in Phoenix, have put a fun Mexican spin on that simple, straightforward concept, opening Hamburguesas y Cervezas on First Avenue just...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkPhoenix says Farewell to Cave Creek Fixture Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue After 14 Years
Nikki BuchananFebruary 8, 2023
In the worst-news-I’ve-heard-all-day category, there’s this: Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue in Cave Creek is closing. Its last day of operation is Saturday, April 22nd, which is also chef Bryan Dooley’s birthday. He and his wife Donna, who has worked side-by-side with him at the restaurant, are throwing a big going-away/birthday party on that day. Naturally, there will be barbecue as well as music and lots of regulars and old friends (which are basically one and...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkJanuary 2023 Restaurant Openings and Closings
Marilyn HawkesFebruary 6, 2023
Openings Barro’s Pizza After 20 years, the Chandler branch of this family-owned, made-to-order pizza restaurant is moving to a bigger space in Las Tiendas Village. They also dish up wings, sandwiches, pasta and salads. 2935 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, barrospizza.com BJ’s Brewhouse This national chain offers 48 beers on tap and a full menu, featuring everything from salads and pizzas to burgers and tacos. 14950 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, bjsrestaurants.com Cartel Roasting Co. Desert...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkDecember 2022 Restaurant Openings and Closings
Marilyn HawkesJanuary 6, 2023
Openings Ah-wok-tukee Asian Cuisine Clever name for a new Ahwatukee restaurant serving up egg foo young, orange chicken, Mongolian beef, lo mein and other favorites. 1420 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, ah-wok-tukee.com Angie’s Lobster Home of the $9.99 lobster meal opens a third Valley location. 1901 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, angieslobster.com Black Rock Coffee Stop by for your favorite coffee drink or smoothie at Black Rock’s newest location in Mesa. 1458 S. Signal Butte Rd.,...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkWhere to Celebrate Fall Arizona Restaurant Week This September 16-26
Scianna GarciaSeptember 16, 2022
Just in time for fall, Arizona Restaurant Week returns September 16 through September 26. More than 100 restaurants are committed to this 10-day culinary event in which they’ll offer specific three-course menus at three price points – $33, $44 and $55. “Our Arizona Restaurant Week events are a fantastic deal for diners that want to explore Arizona’s culinary scene at a fraction of what they would pay on a normal visit,” says Arizona Restaurant Association...