Last month brought plenty of new restaurants to the Phoenix area, along with some difficult goodbyes. When you’re looking for the next hot spot, you now have more Thai, fast-casual Mediterranean, and breakfast options to choose from. But first, take a moment of silence for the longtime veterans that unexpectedly shuttered this month, some after decades-long runs.
Here’s a quick recap of September’s restaurant openings and closings around the Valley.
Phoenix Restaurant Openings in September
Gilbert Gets a New Bakery
What started as a popular Instagram page dedicated to baking now has a brick-and-mortar location in Gilbert’s Rosewood. Bad Honey is the spot to go when you’re craving big, gooey cookies. Customer favorites include The Bad Honey, an oatmeal cream pie-inspired cookie; Notoreo, a cookies-and-cream-style treat; and a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie. 366 N. Gilbert Rd. #101, Gilbert, badhoneyaz.com
Angry Crab Shack Landed a 19th Valley Location in Mesa
Speaking of angry, seafood lovers in north Mesa will be happy to grab their bibs and head to the newest Angry Crab Shack on Gilbert and McKellips. This marks the homegrown chain’s 19th Valley location. Known for its messy seafood boils and Asian-Cajun flavors, the newest location will serve classics like shrimp, crab, lobster, and crawfish by the pound. 1927 N. Gilbert Rd., Mesa, angrycrabshack.com
CAVA Debuts in Surprise
Cava goes west. The Mediterranean fast-casual chain opened its first Surprise location, offering what it does best. We’re talking customizable bowls and pitas built around ingredients like grilled meats, falafel, hummus, and vegetables. 23350 N. 163rd Ave., Suite 120, Surprise, cava.com
The Crowned Egg Is Now in Gilbert
Breakfast concept The Crowned Egg took over the former TOGO’s space. It’s the restaurant’s second current Valley location and serves breakfast and lunch favorites such as omelets, pancakes, Benedicts, burgers, and sandwiches. 911 S. Lindsay Rd. B 106, Gilbert, thecrownedegg.com
De Babel’s Second Scottsdale Location
Customers demanded more, and the Middle Eastern restaurant De Babel answered by adding a second Scottsdale concept at The Edge. The menu offers a tasteful selection of shawarma, kebabs, falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern specialties. 8980 N. 90th St., Scottsdale, de-babel.com
Grandioso Soft Opens on Grand Avenue
Phoenix pizzaiolo Justin Piazza gave Grand Avenue a new neighborhood hangout with Grandioso’s soft opening. The pizza-and-dive-bar concept offers Piazza’s pizza pedigree with a casual bar atmosphere. 1229 Grand Ave., Phoenix, grandiosophoenix.com
Baan Thai Comes to Scottsdale
We believe no city can have too much Thai food. In North Scottsdale, the new Baan Thai is living up to that belief, serving up the standards. Think curries, drunken noodles, pad see ew, and intriguing dishes such as Crispy Pork Shoulder with smoky jaew dipping sauce and Nam Tok Ribeye salad with toasted rice powder. 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite D2, Scottsdale, baanthaiaz.com
Mia Culpa Joins the Valley Bar Scene
Roman God of Fire welcomed a mischievous new sibling in September with Mia Culpa. The new bar concept will excite those who love the Ancient Roman vibes and over-the-top theatrical feel. 60 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, no website
Pho Sedona Opens in North Phoenix
Pho Sedona opened in North Phoenix in September, bringing another option for Vietnamese comfort food to the neighborhood. The menu centers on its namesake noodle soup alongside other Vietnamese specialties. 1609 E. Bell Rd. Ste B4, Phoenix, phosedonaaz.com
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Opens in Goodyear
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill joined the growing restaurant lineup in Goodyear. The steakhouse is known for wood-fired steaks and seafood, along with burgers, salads, and cocktails. 14810 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, firebirdsrestaurants.com
Angry Chickz Opens in Avondale
This Nashville hot chicken is strutting its way through Arizona with a new Avondale location. The California-hatched concept serves chicken tenders and sandwiches at six heat levels, from Country to Angry. The latter requires signing a waiver. How clucking awesome is that? 10285 W. McDowell Rd., A100, Avondale, angrychickz.com
Luna Grill Opens Its First Phoenix Restaurant
Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant Luna Grill welcomes its fourth metro Phoenix location. The California-based concept serves kabobs, gyros, salads, bowls, and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. 3025 W. Dove Valley Rd., Suite 300, Phoenix, lunagrill.com
Mendocino Farms Lands Third Valley Location
The family is growing! Mendocino Farms added its third metro Phoenix restaurant in September. The California-based fast-casual concept is known for sandwiches and salads with seasonal ingredients. 4325 E. Indian School Rd., Suite 150, Phoenix, mendocinofarms.com
Kuza Brings Energy to North Scottsdale
It’s a Kuza! The Japanese-inspired newcomer opened in North Scottsdale, taking over the former Chauncey Social space. The restaurant focuses on Japanese-inspired food and cocktails in a high-energy, nightlife-friendly atmosphere. 17767 N, Scottsdale Rd., Suite 100, Scottsdale, kuzarestaurant.com
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Now Serves Sparky Fans
This one’s for the Devils. Russo’s New York Pizzeria opened a second Arizona location near Arizona State University. Now Sparky’s people can get New York-style pizza, pasta, and Italian dishes. 521 S. College Ave., Ste 109, Tempe, nypizzeria.com
Urban Hip-E Fresh Kitchen Is Now on Mill Avenue
Sparky fans have even more reason to celebrate. Colorado restaurateurs brought the fast-casual, Mediterranean-inspired Urban Hip-E Fresh Kitchen to Mill Avenue. It’s the place to go for bowls, wraps, and other customizable meals. 950 S. Mill Ave, Tempe, urbanhip-e.com
Vecina Opens Its Second Location in Scottsdale
Arcadia favorite Vecina welcomed its second location at McCormick Ranch, taking over the former Z’Tejas. This is proof that sad goodbyes can also mean happy new beginnings. The Latin-inspired restaurant from chefs Eric Stone, James Fox, and Alex Piurek serves dishes like hiramasa ceviche, banana bread, and pork belly tacos. 8300 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, vecinaphx.com
The Breakfast Table Opens in North Scottsdale
The Breakfast Table joined North Scottsdale’s brunch crowd in late September. The father-son-operated restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, with a menu dedicated to familiar morning favorites. 17757 N. Scottsdale Rd., 103, Scottsdale, thebreakfast-table.com
Zane’s Pizza & Ice Cream Debuts in the Valley
Sweet baby Zane! The new pizza and ice cream concept has arrived in the Moon Valley neighborhood, across from Moon Valley High School. It pairs two foods that need little explanation for why they belong together. 3550 W. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, zanespizzaicecream.com
Phoenix Restaurant Closings in September
Cafe Lalibela Closes After 30 Years in Tempe
One of the hardest and most unexpected goodbyes came from Cafe Lalibela, which closed after 30 years in Tempe. The family-owned Ethiopian restaurant served the Valley since 1996 as a destination for dishes such as injera, doro wat, and vegetarian platters. Owner Anibal Abayneh said that financial pressures that began during the pandemic made continuing the restaurant unsustainable.
La Bamba Shutters the Bright-Blue Taqueria
Out in El Mirage, a glorious, bright-blue taqueria once served some of the most legendary tacos in town. But La Bamba Mexican Grill has suddenly gone dark, and its YELP page says it’s permanently shuttered.
The Melting Pot Ahwatukee Closes After 26 Years
After 26 years of date nights, celebrations, and countless pots of melted cheese and chocolate, the Ahwatukee staple closed, following the unexpected death of its owner. It leaves behind one remaining Valley location.
Goodbye to Three Starbucks Locations
Starbucks announced that it is closing hundreds of underperforming stores across the U.S. and Canada. Among the cuts are three East Valley locations: 54th Street south of Ray Road in Chandler, Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa, and Ellsworth and Main Street in Mesa. We’re sorry to see them go, especially for the employees out of work, but on the brighter side, hopefully this means more local concepts have room to thrive.
Brio Italian Grille Closes in Gilbert After 18 Years
Brio Italian Grille closed its SanTan Village restaurant in September after 18 years. The closure also marked the end of Brio’s presence in Arizona.
Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery Closes in Mesa
Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery closed after 14 years in downtown Mesa. It was a community hub, sharing local art and good vibes. The closure was due to rising rent prices and other difficulties.
Saint Urban Ends Regular Restaurant Service in Scottsdale
Saint Urban ended regular restaurant service September 28 after nearly two years in Scottsdale, but it isn’t exactly goodbye. The space transformed into the Saint Urban Private Dining Room, which will host private dinners and events.
Tempe Tavern Closes After 15 Years
Tempe Tavern closed after 15 years. The historic building near Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane housed the sometimes controversial neighborhood bar since 2011.
Tres Leches Café Closes the South Phoenix Location
After six years, Tres Leches Café closed its original South Phoenix location. Although the Mexican coffee shop’s Coronado location remains open following the closure, the owner Jose Rivera announced plans to wind down the business entirely by the end of 2026.
