September had that familiar Valley mix of change and nostalgia. A few restaurants said goodbye, and one of the names on the list had been part of the local scene for decades.
1. Joyride Taco House, Phoenix
Joyride Taco House is closing its Phoenix location near Central Avenue and Colter Street, with the shutdown set for Aug. 2. That spot has been a familiar one for people who like their tacos with a side of neighborhood regular energy, so this one lands a little harder than your average turnover.
2. A new concept is taking over the space
The good news, if you want to call it that, is the address is not going dark for long. Upward Projects plans to open a new Mexican eatery there later this year called Lado A Lado.
3. What Lado A Lado is bringing
Lado A Lado is described as a coastal raw bar paired with live-fire Northern Mexican dining. It’s led by James Beard-nominated chefs Armando Hernandez, Nadia Holguin and Roberto Centeno of Chiwas Hospitality Group, which already has Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu in its orbit.
4. The original Gilbert location stays put
If you’re attached to Joyride, the Gilbert location near Gilbert and Elliot roads remains open and unchanged. That’s the kind of detail that matters for anyone who has a standing taco habit and doesn’t want to start over.
5. A little late-day relief before the doors close
Before the Phoenix location shuts down, it’s offering promotional pricing each day from 2 p.m. until closing. Tacos are $1.50 off, and select margaritas are $6.
6. Why this one stings
Restaurant closures always hit a little differently when they involve a place people have actually built routines around. This one also comes with a clear handoff, which softens the blow a bit, but it still marks the end of an era for that corner of Phoenix.
Fat Jimmy
