August is here, and it brings some big food news. Two longtime Valley staples said unexpected goodbyes after three decades of service, Chef’s Week is in full swing, and it’s time to raise a pint to Arizona’s breweries.
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The 411
Old Memories, Abrupt Goodbyes
Scottsdale received some shocking news this week: beloved Old Town Tortilla Factory, which served customers for three decades, announced it is permanently closing after what initially appeared to be a short summer hiatus. The restaurant was a local favorite for cold margaritas, warm tortillas, and dining beneath its iconic pecan trees. No word yet on what led to the closure, but it’s safe to say this one will be missed.
International Beer Day
This Friday, August 7, is International Beer Day, a celebration of craft brews, community, and craftsmanship. Raise a pint at Pedal Haus—the only Arizona brewery to bring home a medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup—or revisit our roundup of other favorite local breweries.
Time’s Ticking for This Summer Special
Marino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar’s $25 Summer Lunch Special ends August 16. The deal features a hearty spread including a side salad, house-made focaccia, and fresh pasta. Stop by before it’s gone.
Hey, Haymaker!
We heard the news that Haymaker remodeled its Goodyear location with a fresh new look. To celebrate the new modern aesthetic, the restaurant held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the City of Goodyear this week.
Quails and Coffee
Desert Botanical Garden recently announced that it will open Quail House Coffee & Creamery on-site in the fall, a café serving coffee, tea, house-made gelato, and a variety of grab-and-go fare. Arizona chef Mark Tarbell is spearheading the concept with funding from the T.W. Lewis Foundation.
Gold Bar Espresso’s Golden Years Are Gone
After almost three decades, Gold Bar Espresso in Tempe is saying goodbye. Karen and Dennis Miller, the owners of the beloved coffeehouse, wrote a nice message thanking the “Gold Bar Family” for their love and support. ‘‘It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this incredible community,’’ the Millers stated. ‘‘Onward and Upward!’’
Don’t Forget Chef’s Week
Back for its second year, this limited-time culinary event runs until August 9, leaving you a few days left to participate. To support Arizona’s esteemed and independently owned restaurants, this nine-day event includes exclusive prix-fixe menus and seasonal dishes. Not sure where to start? We did the homework for you.
Don’t Sleep on This New Taproom
Uptown Phoenix welcomes The Sleepy Whale, replacing Dynamite Beer Company after its brief 15-month run. The taproom serves rotating draft beer, wine by the glass, mead, to-go cans, and nonalcoholic options.
Get a Handle
In cooler news, 16 Handles, a self-serve froyo brand, opened Friday in North Phoenix. You’ll find 16 soft-serve flavors (hence the name), more than 50 toppings, and casual lounge seating.
On the Menu
A Mediterranean Mosaic
Pita Jungle just debuted the “Mediterranean Mosaic” menu, celebrating lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, beans, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Try the new ceviche or the Sonoran Riviera Seafood Pasta with barramundi and Mexican wild shrimp. Then finish with a chilled milk pudding infused with orange blossom water and pure Gahara vanilla, topped with fresh-cut strawberries, wildflower honey, almonds, and mint.
Sicilian Soda Time
The Sicilian Butcher recently refreshed its menus at all three Valley locations, introducing chef-driven dishes inspired by traditional family recipes. Standouts include the Lasagna al Forno with a whopping 10 layers of fresh pasta and three-meat ragù, plus the Amalfi Gold with jumbo shrimp and calamari. Wash it down with one of the new Sicilian Sodas, made with San Pellegrino sparkling water and topped with a soft whip. Flavors include strawberry, blood orange, and Sicilian Almond Cream.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Thursday: I decided to test Pita Jungle’s new menu for myself, as well as get a dose of the seafood pasta and ceviche. The best part, the restaurant serves garlic fries and generous hummus plates for just $2.
Friday: We always love a restaurant that began as a farmers market pop-up centered on local, quality ingredients—right down to the sea salt and spices. Go Go Avocado did just that before opening its first airy, light-filled brick-and-mortar in Tempe.
So, we’re heading there for a feast, including the Avocado Toast on Noble Bread sourdough, Elote Toast, the Homestead Burrito with pasture-raised eggs wrapped in a locally made tortilla, and the Sunrise Sliders with Sriracha aioli on fresh-baked rolls. We’re also excited for the matcha, which is equally delicious iced or hot.
Saturday: If you missed the news, Little Miss BBQ was named No. 1 on Yelp’s Top 100 BBQ Restaurants in the U.S. earlier this year. If you’re craving barbecue this weekend, you really can’t go wrong with the brisket or pulled pork, smoked low and slow over Arizona oak and pecan wood, which is why it’s top of my weekend list.
