These 12 Arizona Phoenix Restaurants Are Now Closed
I’ve always been a foodie at heart, exploring Phoenix’s vibrant dining scene for years.
Recently, I’ve noticed some familiar storefronts going dark, their once-bustling dining rooms now empty.
From beloved barbecue joints to upscale steakhouses, these closures represent not just lost dining options but pieces of our community’s culinary history.
1. Hap’s Pit Barbecue: Smoke Signals Gone Silent
The tangy aroma of slow-smoked meats no longer wafts from Hap’s Pit Barbecue. I remember stopping by after baseball games, my clothes still dusty from the field, craving their fall-off-the-bone ribs. Locals treasured this joint for its unpretentious atmosphere and sauce recipes rumored to be locked in a family vault.
The checkered tablecloths and paper towel rolls at each table spoke to its no-frills approach to serving seriously good barbecue. Beyond the food, Hap’s was a gathering spot where neighbors became friends over brisket debates and sweet tea refills. Its closure leaves a sauce-shaped hole in Phoenix’s comfort food landscape that newer establishments will struggle to fill.
2. La Piazza Al Forno: The Brick Oven Blues
Wood-fired magic once happened daily at La Piazza al Forno. My first date with my wife was at this charming Italian spot, where we watched pizzaiolos toss dough into perfect circles before sliding them into blazing brick ovens. The restaurant earned a devoted following for authentic Neapolitan pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and San Marzano tomato sauce that transported you straight to Italy.
Family-owned and operated, the warm welcome from staff made everyone feel like a regular, even on first visits. Their signature margherita pizza, with its simple yet perfect combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and that incredible sauce, was a masterclass in how sometimes the simplest foods are the most difficult to perfect.
3. Moto Sushi: Rolls No Longer Rolling
Sushi trains have stopped delivering fresh bites at Moto Sushi. Last summer, I celebrated finishing my master’s degree here, plucking colorful plates from the conveyor belt while friends toasted with sake bombs. The restaurant revolutionized the local sushi scene with its innovative conveyor belt system that let diners choose dishes based on sight rather than menu descriptions.
Their spicy tuna crispy rice became legendary among Phoenix sushi lovers, with the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth fish. Beyond standard rolls, Moto excelled at fusion creations that blended Japanese tradition with Southwestern flavors. The space itself—minimalist with touches of neon and bamboo—created an atmosphere that was both trendy and comfortable for sushi novices and connoisseurs alike.
4. MOD Pizza Arcadia: Custom Creations No More
MOD Pizza’s Arcadia location has fired its ovens for the last time. My son’s soccer team would pile in after Saturday games, creating pizza masterpieces with unlimited toppings while comparing grass stains and goal counts. This fast-casual spot revolutionized the pizza experience by offering one price regardless of how many toppings you piled on.
The assembly-line concept let customers watch as their personal creations took shape before being flash-fired in super-hot ovens. MOD distinguished itself not just through customization but through community involvement. Their hiring practices often gave opportunities to people facing employment barriers, and local fundraisers were regular events. While other MOD locations remain open across the Valley, the Arcadia spot had a neighborhood charm that regulars will certainly miss.
5. Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Chandler’s Fiesta Finale
The mariachi music has fallen silent at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant in Chandler. I celebrated my 40th birthday in their courtyard section, surrounded by family and the best chile rellenos I’ve ever tasted. Known for its hacienda-style interior with hand-painted murals and fountain features, Abuelo’s created an atmosphere that felt like dining in a Mexican villa.
Their extensive menu went beyond typical Tex-Mex fare, offering regional specialties and seafood dishes rarely found at chain restaurants. The premium margaritas, served in distinctive blue-rimmed glasses, became legendary among locals seeking something beyond the standard mix. While the national chain continues operations elsewhere, the Chandler location’s particular blend of attentive service and consistently excellent food made it a standout that will be missed by the community.
6. Birdcall: Scottsdale’s Techno-Chicken Farewell
Birdcall’s innovative approach to fast food has flown the Scottsdale coop. I was initially skeptical of their tech-forward ordering system, but became a convert after tasting their crispy chicken sandwich while sitting in their colorful, modern space. This Colorado-based chain brought something truly different to the Valley with its fully automated ordering system through touchscreens and mobile apps.
Despite the high-tech approach, their food focused on all-natural ingredients and house-made sauces that elevated the humble chicken sandwich to something special. The restaurant’s bright, playful design with neon accents and outdoor games created a vibe that appealed to families and the Instagram crowd alike. Though their experiment in Scottsdale was short-lived, Birdcall’s blend of technology and quality food represented an interesting glimpse into potential restaurant futures.
7. Preston’s Steakhouse: Prime Cuts Cut Short
The grills have cooled at Preston’s Steakhouse, once a temple to perfectly aged beef. My in-laws visited from Boston last year, and I proudly took them to Preston’s, where the server knew exactly how my father-in-law would want his ribeye prepared. This independently owned steakhouse stood out in a city full of high-end chain options. The intimate dining room with its white tablecloths and soft lighting created the perfect backdrop for special occasions and business dinners.
Beyond exceptional steaks, Preston’s was known for tableside preparations of classic dishes like Caesar salad and bananas foster that added theatrical flair to the dining experience. Their wine cellar, with its impressive selection of bold reds perfectly paired with their aged beef, was curated with a knowledge and passion increasingly rare in today’s dining scene.
8. Seafood Market & Restaurant: Mesa’s Catch Released
The fish counter sits empty at Mesa’s Seafood Market & Restaurant. I discovered this gem five years ago and was amazed to find truly fresh seafood in our desert city, often stopping by for their daily catch after weekend farmers’ market runs. This unique business operated as both retail fish market and full-service restaurant, allowing customers to select their seafood and have it prepared on-site.
Their commitment to sustainability and relationships with coastal suppliers ensured quality rarely found in landlocked Arizona. Beyond expected dishes like fish and chips, they excelled at showcasing global seafood preparations from Peruvian ceviche to Thai-inspired fish curries. The unpretentious atmosphere, with its nautical decor and paper-covered tables, created a casual vibe that made fresh seafood approachable for everyone, not just special occasions.
9. T.C.B.C. Beer: Litchfield Park’s Last Call
The taps have run dry at T.C.B.C. Beer in Litchfield Park. My brewing-enthusiast brother dragged me there last spring, and I was converted after sampling their hazy IPA flight while chatting with the passionate brewmaster about hop varieties. This microbrewery carved out a niche in the West Valley craft beer scene with small-batch creations that often incorporated local ingredients and flavors. The industrial-chic taproom, with its communal tables and visible brewing equipment, created a community gathering space where beer education was as important as consumption.
Beyond standard offerings, T.C.B.C. became known for experimental brews and seasonal specialties that built a loyal following among craft beer aficionados. Their weekly trivia nights and food truck partnerships transformed the brewery into a cultural hub that showcased the growing sophistication of suburban Phoenix’s food and drink landscape.
10. Drunk Munk: Tiki Dreams Washed Away
The island vibes have vanished from Drunk Munk’s once-lively tiki bar. My friends threw me a surprise birthday party there last year, complete with flaming cocktails and pupu platters that transported us momentarily to a Polynesian paradise. This elaborately themed establishment brought tropical escapism to the desert with its over-the-top decor featuring thatched roofs, carved tikis, and vintage Polynesian pop art.
The bar program centered around classic and reinvented tiki cocktails served in Instagram-worthy vessels from coconuts to smoking volcanoes. Their menu successfully blended traditional Polynesian-inspired dishes with Asian fusion elements and surprisingly good sushi. Weekend brunches became legendary for both the food and the raucous atmosphere that somehow made drinking rum before noon seem perfectly reasonable. The closure marks the end of one of Phoenix’s most immersive themed dining experiences.
11. Sizzler Maryvale: Family Dining Flame Extinguished
The signature sizzle has gone silent at Maryvale’s Sizzler location. Growing up, this was where my grandparents would take me for special occasions, letting me build ice cream sundaes with unlimited toppings while they enjoyed their steak and seafood combos. This location of the national chain served the community for decades, providing an affordable family dining experience centered around their famous salad bar and grilled steaks.
For many local families, Sizzler represented a step up from fast food without the intimidation or expense of finer dining establishments. The restaurant’s familiar format—order at the counter, self-serve sides, table service for entrees—created a hybrid experience that particularly appealed to families with children. Its closure represents more than just another restaurant disappearing; it marks the continuing decline of mid-range family dining chains that once dominated American suburban eating.
12. West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse: Chandler’s Smoke Signals Fade
The smokers have gone cold at West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse in Chandler. I stumbled upon this place during a work lunch and returned the following weekend with my entire family, all of us ordering different meats to create our own unofficial tasting menu. This Tennessee-style barbecue joint brought authentic Southern smoking techniques to the Valley, with pitmasters who treated the process with almost religious reverence.
Their brisket, smoked for 14+ hours, achieved that perfect pink smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts chase after. Beyond standard barbecue fare, West Alley distinguished itself with unique offerings like smoked bologna and Tennessee-style whole hog when available. The rustic interior, with its corrugated metal accents and blues music soundtrack, created an atmosphere that felt transported from Memphis. For barbecue purists, this closure leaves a significant gap in the East Valley’s smoked meat landscape.