July is supposed to be the “slow season” in Phoenix’s restaurant scene, but we’re ending this one with a bang of news and events Think charities that will pull on your heartstrings, surprising restaurant openings and closings, and last-hurrah summer deals you won’t want to miss.
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The 411
National Chicken Wing Day
Today is National Chicken Wing Day, and this auspicious holiday is all about the wings. Turn up the heat at Four Corners Taphouse with a fiery hot wing eating competition at 7 p.m. The winner takes home a $100 Westside Concepts gift card, and the second-place winner gets $50.
If you’re too chicken for that, order the boneless or bone-in wings and eat them at your leisure. Wings here are tossed in a variety of flavors, including Asian chile, lemon pepper, Carolina gold, and Buffalo, then served with ranch or blue cheese.
Happy 25th to Postino
The longtime Valley wine bar known for its bruschetta boards and beverage list, celebrates a quarter-century with the launch of its new “Postino Pass,” a complimentary membership program offering personalized perks and a welcome gift. Look for the deal across all Postino locations.
Chef’s Week Returns
Back for its second year, this limited-time culinary event runs July 31 to August 9, showcasing Arizona’s esteemed and independently owned restaurants, a one-night-only Chef Dinner Series, exclusive prix-fixe menus, and seasonal dishes. Don’t know where to start? We did the homework for you on where to eat.
Meals that Matter
The Joy Bus, whose mission is to provide medically-tailored meals to people battling cancer, partners with Fox Restaurant Concept on August 30 for a special charity event at The Henry on 44th Street. Guests will enjoy a chef-curated menu from chef Kenny Woods, a “Food Is Medicine” panel discussion, and the premiere of Meals That Matter, a documentary sharing the impact and history of The Joy Bus.
This year alone, the nonprofit has delivered more than 27,000 of these meals to Arizona cancer patients. Purchase tickets or donate to the non-profit.
Come See the New Seafood Market
North America’s largest Filipino Asian grocery chain is officially opening its first Arizona location at Chandler Fashion Center on July 30 at 9 a.m. Seafood City Supermarket will span nearly 66,000-square-feet and serve as both a supermarket and a culinary destination.
Besides shopping at the market itself, you can catch-and-eat a meal on the spot with lobster, crab, and other fish. Eat your spoils at the dining hub with favorites like the open-flame Filipino BBQ, cast-iron plates, hot pots, fresh pandesal, and more.
Raise a Glass
Several Arizona restaurants were honored this year for the Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which recognize outstanding wine programs. Among the recipients are Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails and Quiessence, who took home the Award of Excellence given to restaurants with at least 75 well-assorted wine selections from quality producers. Virtu Honest Craft, and the three Valley Mastro’s restaurants won the Best of Award of Excellence for offering more than 350 selections with superior presentation across multiple wine growing regions.
Back-to-School Savings
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is running a back-to-school special: free delivery on orders of $20 or more placed through the website or app. Who doesn’t want to ease into the busy fall season with carby comfort food?
Gilbert Says Good-bye to a Community Staple
Speaking of wine, we’re all a little shocked to hear that the Whining Pig in Gilbert just permanently shuttered its doors after its big 10-year anniversary celebration last week. It’s a hard hit for a local favorite watering hole. No word yet on the replacement tenant, but they’ll have big shoes to fill.
And a Gilbert Grand Opening
Although Gilbert lost one community hub, it will gain another with the new neighborhood spot, Bottles & Boards, on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Baseline Roads. The wine-forward cocktail program will include a well-curated list of bottles and by-the-glass pours, as well as shareable artisan charcuterie boards. It’s intended to be a relaxed atmosphere for hanging out.
Taco ‘Bout New Beginnings
The old-school Taco Bell in South Scottsdale, which served customers for more than 50 years, closed last year. But a local Mexican food chain is taking its place. Enter Filiberto’s. Building preservationists worried the structure would be bulldozed, so many are applauding the new restaurant’s takeover.
Modern Margarita Also Says Sayonara
Less than four years after opening, Modern Margarita closed its south Chandler lounge on Gilbert and Ocotillo Roads, marking a second Chandler flop for the restaurant concept. For fans of this concept, the original location in northeast Phoenix is still serving up Mexican small plates and hand-crafted margaritas.
On the Menu
Spritzing into August
August 1 is National Spritz Day, a perfect excuse to enjoy a refreshing drink in these sky-high temperatures. Head to The Montauk for the spritz menu, which is inspired by beach days and coastal escapes. For example, the Salty Sip with Decoy Chardonnay and olive brine or the Seafoam Spritz with Bacardi Coconut and Chandon Brut. The restaurant also debuted a take on the viral European cocktail trend, the Sarti Spritz, a vibrant Italian aperitivo.
New at Nobu
Nobu Scottsdale just launched a new lunch menu. Dig into a savory bowl of Donnuri, made with prime tenderloin, jidori chicken, or salmon and umami-rich teriyaki. Another fan favorite is the Bento Box, offering sample-size portions of popular dishes like the Prime Tenderloin Miso Ponzu, Sea Bass Tempura, and spicy vegetables. Finish the meal with The Southside, a Roku Gin infused with pea flowers.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Thursday: Move over, Taco Tuesday. The Mexicano has $3 off any taco plate daily from 3–6 p.m. We plan to dig into favorites like al pastor with avocado salsa, queso birria, and the carnitas.
Friday: I just brunched at Urban Fraîche, the year-old and highly-rated restaurant from Michelin-recognized chef Dean Waziry. The concept took over St. Francis’s old spot, and immediately we understood the reason for all the rave reviews. This seed oil and sugar-free Mediterranean menu is local, organic, and features wild-caught seafood.
I savored Moroccan-style braised curry goat and grilled shrimp kabobs while sipping fresh-cut coconut and mango juice. Thursday through Saturday evenings, belly dancers entertain you in a lively setting. Bonus: This one is also part of Chef’s Week, and we will be heading back there.
Saturday: We’re celebrating the first day of Black Business Month with brunch at executive chef Dana Dumas’ SugarJam The Southern Kitchen. The award-winning Pork N’ Jack Smash Burger and the Fried Shrimp Po’boy are both calling.
