Metro Phoenix continues to see changes in its dining and nightlife scenes. This summer the Valley lost three restaurants and bars with a combined 100-year history. The latest closures include an historic Old Town Scottsdale restaurant known for being a destination for celebrating special occasions, a Tempe bar that operated for over six decades and a chef-driven Scottsdale bistro recognized for its French-inspired tasting menus.
Losing these restaurants meant losing memories and, in one case, a dear friend to many as an owner’s death devastated the community.
Here's what to know about the latest Phoenix-area restaurant and bar closures and the stories behind the businesses that recently said goodbye.
Old Town Tortilla Factory
Old Town Tortilla Factory closed after 30 years.
The restaurant's social media announced a temporary closure in June, but a July 31 Instagram post said it became permanent. "It is with much gratitude that we say goodbye to our restaurant that has been a gathering place for celebrations, special occasions, family dinners, date nights, and countless memories," the post read.
The Palo Verde Lounge
The Palo Verde Lounge, one of Tempe's oldest bars, located at the corner of Broadway Road and Industrial Park Avenue, closed after the passing of owner Charles Marthaler on Aug. 18.
The bar opened as Park Inn Tavern in 1964, then changed names to Adobe Lounge in 1972 and The Palo Verde Lounge in 1982.
Yucca Tap Room is hosting the Palo Verde team to celebrate Marthaler on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Sel Bistro
Chef Branden Levine and his wife, May, opened Sel, which later became Sel Bistro, in May 2016, serving French-inspired prix fixe tasting menus. The restaurant had closed for a summer break from July 26 to August 26. On August 9, the owners announced the restaurant's permanent closure with "heavy hearts." The post continued with, "Thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebrations, special moments, and evenings around the table. It has been an honor to serve this community."
Reach the restaurant critic at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
Looking for the best restaurants? Sign up for Dining with azcentral.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix lost 100 years of history with these 3 restaurant closures
