Photo courtesy of Taco Chelo and The Blocks of Roosevelt Row
There is always something new to see or do in Downtown Phoenix. It seems like everytime we turn a corner, there’s a new bar or restaurant to try. Keeping track of what’s happening can be overwhelming, so we thought we’d share some of the openings that we’re most excited about. Now, without further ado…
The Blocks of Roosevelt Row
One of our most-anticipated Downtown Phoenix openings, The Blocks of Roosevelt Row is an urban renewal project that’s revamping the last two contiguous blocks of the original 1888 Churchill Addition in the city’s historic Roosevelt Row Arts District.
If you haven’t been down here recently, you need to make a date and come visit the spot’s four newest tenants: Trapp Haus BBQ from Phil “The Grill” Johnson; Taco Chelo Mexican restaurant from Aaron Chamberlin, Suny Santana and Gennaro Garcia; Pop Phx retail pop-up shop; and True North Barbershop, known for its modern twists on traditional men’s cuts. A new, as-yet-undisclosed fifth tenant is joining The Blocks later this year and developers are working on four separate buildings for phase two in 2019.
The Churchill
We’re still a few months from The Churchill’s summer opening, but there’s just no way we couldn’t include it in our list of up-and-coming Downtown Phoenix hotspots! An edgy and new marketplace built from 22 repurposed shipping containers, the development will house 10 local businesses once it’s open to the public.
The marketplace is designed in the shape of a rectangle and features space for four restaurants, four retail shops and two bars. It’s bound to be one of the city’s most popular commercial developments but, more than that, it’s also a social experiment. Tenants will be charged a “social rent,” meaning they’ll pay below-market prices in exchange for completing four hours of community service each month. How cool is that?
GenuWine Arizona
Seriously, what’s not to love about a self-serve wine bar? Owned and operated by a pair of former school teachers, this Roosevelt Row newbie focuses on Arizona wines and features labels from state vineyards like Carlson Creek, Dos Cabezas and Sand Reckoner. As if that’s not enough…you can actually build your own cheese board!
On the self-serve vino list, you’ll find 24 different wines in half- or full-glass servings alongside Arizona cheese and produce. It’s all served up in a comfortable, super-friendly and come-as-you-are atmosphere – pretty much what Downtown Phoenix is all about.