These 16 Phoenix restaurants and bars are now closed

Summer is brutal for Phoenix restaurants, and by August, the slow season has been searing businesses for months.

For some Valley eateries, the heat is too much to bear. Last month, the Valley saw a wide range of spots shutter, from fine-dining destinations to drive-thru fast-food spots and a longtime dive bar that had been slinging drinks for over 60 years.

These 16 metro Phoenix restaurants are now closed.

Sel Bistro

Scottsdale fine-dining destination Sel Bistro closed for a summer break in July. However, just as the restaurant was scheduled to reopen, the closure became permanent. The restaurant debuted in 2016 as a French-inspired spot that only served a prix fixe, multi-course menu. In 2025, the owners renovated the space, added “Bistro” to the name and started serving dishes à la carte. Now, the restaurant on Main Street just east of Marshall Way has said goodbye.

Funky Frida’s

A colorful Indian School Road cantina has closed after less than a year. Funky Frida’s was brought to life by the team behind O.H.S.O. Brewing and Distilling, which operates the Arcadia brewpub right next door. The vibrant space was decorated from floor to ceiling, and even on the ceiling, with bright artwork, mismatched stained-glass lights and faux florals. A giant disco ball spun in the center of the room above diners snacking on chips and salsa and ordering Tex-Mex staples. Owner Jon Lane intends to turn the space into a private events venue.

Salad and Go

Once a rapidly expanding presence across the Valley, Salad and Go is no more. The prolific chain has closed all of its locations, which are now at the center of a legal battle. Coffee giant Dutch Bros intended to purchase the Valley drive-thrus, but the Arkansas-based chain, 7 Brew, won out in an auction. However, the fate of the tiny buildings is not sealed, as landlords of local shopping plazas that already have coffee vendors are pushing back. Whatever happens to the spaces, one thing is certain: Customers can no longer drive through and pick up a quick salad on the go.

d’Lite Healthy on the Go

One location of the local chain d’Lite Healthy on the Go closed in August due to rising lease costs, according to an announcement made by the company. The restaurant served sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies on Shea Boulevard just east of Scottsdale Road. The company has five other locations throughout the Valley, which remain open in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. 

Low Key Piano Bar

Descending the stairs into the bowels of Low Key Piano Bar has been a quintessential Mill Avenue experience for the last 12 years. But the bar, known for its fishbowl cocktails and dueling live pianists, has now closed. The end of the road for this music-filled spot marks another turnover in the continuing evolution of Tempe’s dining and entertainment district.

Palo Verde Lounge

After over six decades of serving customers, the Palo Verde Lounge in Tempe has shut down. The closure came after the death of its most recent owner, Charles “Chuck” Marthaler, who ran the spot since 2005. Known as the “Dirty Verde,” the Broadway Road spot was loud, cash-only and welcoming to a wide variety of customers, with artists and musicians mingling with bikers and barflies, and was one of the last true dives in town.

AhiPoke Bowl

The Chandler location of the build-your-own spot, AhiPoke Bowl, has closed. The restaurant was located on 54th Street just south of Ray Road. It served fresh fish atop rice bowls and salads. Customers could customize their meal with different rice, sauces, toppings and seafood options. It’s the latest in a string of Valley closures for the chain. 

Ziggi’s Coffee

The Chandler location of Ziggi’s Coffee served its final lattes in early August. The cafe was located at the Fulton Ranch Towne Center on Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road. It said its goodbyes after service on Aug. 9. Three other East Valley locations of the chain remain open, serving customers in Tempe, Gilbert and Mesa.

Craft Kitchen Cafe

North Scottsdale brunch spot Craft Kitchen Cafe has closed. The restaurant was located on Hayden Road just west of the Loop 101, where it served a full menu of brunch staples. It was a short run for the morning eatery, which only opened its doors six months ago.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

In north Scottsdale, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea served a wide menu of seasonal sips, creative lattes and lemonades in a modern cafe frequented by students and remote workers tapping away on their laptops. It was the only Arizona location of the Michigan-based chain. But now, that single spot has closed.

Window Coffee Bar

Window Coffee Bar previously operated two cafes very close together. Now, the owners have consolidated their efforts. The small cafe inside The Royale on Seventh Avenue has closed. Customers can still find their signature Burnt Cream lattes just a few blocks north, at the larger cafe on Camelback Road.

Tipsy Egg

This downtown Chandler brunch spot was one of three abrupt closures in August. The Tipsy Egg, The Uncommon and Recreo Cantina all closed temporarily, which almost instantly became permanent. All three restaurants are co-owned by their landlord, Niels Kreipke of Desert Viking Development, who teased new concepts coming soon. Tipsy Egg served brunch staples along with a cocktail menu perfect for sipping at its indoor-outdoor bar.

The Uncommon

At The Uncommon, customers could order a drink with a side of nostalgia. The ‘90s- and 2000s-themed bar hosted live music and offered a mix of classic bar and arcade games. A food menu rounded out the offerings, with burgers, wings and plenty of fried bar snacks. The space, located on Boston Street in downtown Chandler, has now gone dark.

Recreo Cantina

Colorful Mexican eatery Recreo Cantina has also closed in Chandler. The restaurant served Tex-Mex staples in a party atmosphere. The space was decorated with primary colors and vintage flair, and centered around its large patio where customers drank and danced under strands of twinkle lights. The lively space has now closed.

Pubblico Italian Eatery

Central Scottsdale restaurant Pubblico Italian Eatery has closed. The restaurant was located on the northeast corner of Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads. There, it served handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and a robust wine list of Italian options. Pubblico also previously had a location on Seventh Street in Phoenix, which closed in 2024.

The Melting Pot

Melted cheese and chocolate are no longer on the table at The Melting Pot in Ahwatukee. The Valley location of the Florida-based chain closed after the death of its franchise owner. The spot was a longtime staple, serving Ahwatukee customers on date night and prom for over 25 years. Only one location of The Melting Pot remains open in Arizona, in far north Glendale.