Tirion Boan
Lauren Topor
September saw a number of Phoenix restaurants, bars and coffee shops say goodbye. Some local family-run spots shuttered after serving the Valley for decades. Others closed after just a year or two in business. National chains also shut down, with two exiting Arizona altogether.
Here are 12 metro Phoenix dining and drinking destinations that closed in September.
Spice Spirit
Spice Spirit was tucked at the end of the shopping center anchored by H Mart in Mesa. There, it served a large menu of dishes ranging from Canto-American classics to harder-to-find Sichuan dishes. Groups of friends often crowded around tables to share a feast spun around on lazy Susans, while takeout orders flew out the door. But after nine years, the destination for Chinese food has closed.
Blue Plate Co.
The latest chapter for a small restaurant on Central Avenue has come to an end. Blue Plate Co. was the latest incarnation of CC’s on Central, a critical darling opened by chef Devan Cunningham and his mom, Sharon. After evolving the menu a few times, Devan departed the restaurant and Sharon transformed it into Blue Plate Co., a restaurant designed to serve the surrounding offices at lunchtime. Now, both Cunninghams have moved on.
The Boom Boom Room
On McDowell Road, drivers could spot the Boom Boom Room by the large grey and yellow mural of Beyoncé and Jay-Z decorating the small building. Inside, owner Rasheda Cayard curated a cocktail bar, music room and community hangout. But the last drinks have been poured. Following a final party, the bar shut down in September after six years.
Tempe Tavern
A tumultuous few years has culminated in the closure of Tempe Tavern. This small bar has made plenty of headlines after massive underage drinking busts caught hundreds of fake-ID holders drinking at the bar. In December 2025, one death was tied to Tempe Tavern when an underage student got behind the wheel and was involved in a fatal accident. Then, on Sept. 16, another crash killed an 82-year-old grandmother. The driver had been drinking at Tempe Tavern. The bar shuttered that day and sold off its equipment and decor.
Brio Italian Grille
The last remaining Arizona location of the chain restaurant, Brio Italian Grille, has closed. The restaurant served coastal Italian cuisine, wine and cocktails at SanTan Village in Gilbert. The chain was started in Ohio and is now based in Florida.
Tres Leches Cafe
Tres Leches Cafe’s 12-year run in the Valley has come to an end. The popular Mexican coffee shop served coffee and pan dulce from multiple different locations over the years, including a colorful, cavernous spot on Van Buren Street and a drive-thru in South Phoenix. Its last remaining location on McDowell Road closed in September.
Provided by Cafe Lalibela
Cafe Lalibela
For 30 years, Cafe Lalibela introduced Valley diners to the vibrant colors and rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. It was a staple in Tempe, located near ASU’s campus and a popular destination for anyone looking to feast on stews, vegetarian dishes, spongy injera and strong coffee. But the family-run spot has now shuttered. In a letter shared with fans, the owners cited a slowdown of business that hadn’t fully bounced back since the pandemic.
Saint Urban
Round two of this Valley eatery has closed after two years. The similarly named St. Urban initially opened in Uptown Phoenix above The Neighborly, where it served customers in a floral, upstairs bar for a year. Restaurateur Christopher Collins then tweaked the concept when he moved it to McCormick Ranch. Now, that second iteration has also closed. The space will now be used to host private parties and events.
Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery
The coffee shop, community space and art gallery, Jarrod’s, has closed for a second time in Mesa. The cafe originally opened on Main Street in 2013. When the cafe fell on hard times a few years ago, the community rallied support through a fundraiser to keep Jarrod’s around. In 2024, it reopened in a historic bungalow called Haus 109 and fired back up the espresso machines. But now, Jarrod’s has said its goodbyes.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
Fans were excited when Arizona’s first location of Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe opened in Glendale’s Arrowhead Towne Center last fall. The Missouri-based chain specializes in toasted sub sandwiches, soups and pizzas. But now, after just under one year in business, the location has closed.
Starbucks
International coffee giant Starbucks has been undergoing changes for the last few years, as its new CEO shifts priorities. The company is attempting to transform its convenience shops back into coffee houses where people come to work, study and hang out. That shuffle also includes closing stores that were either underperforming or set up as grab-and-go spots. The latest round of closures impacted 250 stores nationwide, including at least three in the Valley. Starbucks locations on 54th Street in Chandler and Mesa stores on Southern Avenue and on Apache Trail are now closed.
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Tirion Boan These 12 Phoenix restaurants are now closed, one after 30 years www.phoenixnewtimes.com
Phoenix New Times 2026-10-01 17:28:16
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