Metro Phoenix lost a number of dining and drinking destinations in September, continuing a trend of closures that has persisted throughout 2026. The list includes neighborhood coffee shops, a lone Arizona location of a Midwestern chain, an award-winning chef's Mexican restaurant known for its tacos and a 15-year-old Tempe bar that closed under a cloud of controversy.
Behind the shutdowns were a mix of personal decisions, health concerns, difficult business conditions and, in one case, questions surrounding alcohol-service practices.
Here is a look at the restaurants, bars and coffee shops that closed in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and El Mirage in September.
Cafe Lalibela
The beloved Tempe family-owned Ethiopian restaurant closed quietly and quickly after
30 years. Cafe Lalibela was a metro Phoenix staple recognized locally, including by The Republic among its 100 essential restaurants for several years. The restaurant didn't offer an explanation for closing, with staff seemingly surprised on Sept. 28 that it would be their last service.
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea and Gallery
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea and Gallery in Mesa closed after 14 years. An Instagram post dated Sept. 11 announced the closing. "The hardest part of closing our doors , is all the amazing people we got to know and love," the post read. "You all have loved and supported us since 2012 . We will keep you updated on our journey." Jarrod Martinez told The Republic they tried to buy the current building, but ran into issues with the sale.
La Bamba Mexican Grill
After eight years, La Bamba Mexican Grill in El Mirage (once named best Mexican restaurant in Arizona), closed its doors. On Sept. 18, the restaurant posted a closing story by Phoenix New Times, followed by chef Edson Garcia thanking customers "from the bottom of my heart" for their support. He said La Bamba didn't close for lack of customers or low-quality food; rather, it was so Garcia could focus on his health. He added, "Everything from 'La Bamba' is for sale."
Fans responded with prayers for the chef and memories of eating at the restaurant.
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe in Arrowhead Mall closed after less than a year. This was the only Arizona location of the Midwestern chain. The space is empty and the location has been removed from the website.
PK Shabu Shabu
The owners of PK Shabu Shabu announced on Instagram that they planned to close on Sept. 6. However, according to a follow-up post a week later, the Mesa restaurant stayed open until the end of September. A third post said the restaurant has been sold and will close for a month so the new owners can renovate and reopen the restaurant.
Saint Urban
Saint Urban, one of Common Ground Culinary concepts, located at the corner of Hayden and Royal Palm roads, participated in Arizona Restaurant Week until Sept. 27. The following day, it transitioned to an event space, according to a Facebook announcement. The catering team will provide the food.
Starbucks
Starbucks closed 250 locations, including the following five stores in Arizona:
- 885 N. 54th St., Chandler.
- 3550 E. Southern Ave., Suite 104, Mesa.
- 9100 E. Apache Trail, Mesa.
- 2121 N. Craycroft Road, Tucson.
- 6210 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson.
Tempe Tavern
Tempe Tavern, located at the corner of McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, abruptly shut down after 15 years and was liquidating assets, including furnishings, electronics, beer systems and kitchen equipment, on Craigslist. The bar had multiple violations for serving alcohol to underage patrons, one of which led to a fatal hit-and-run in September 2025, involving a 19-year-old Arizona State University student who was allegedly drinking at Tempe Tavern “shortly” before the crash. On Sept. 16, a 21-year-old man who had been drinking at Tempe Tavern hit a car, leading to injuries and the death of an 82-year-old. The bar closed shortly thereafter.
Tres Leches
A beloved Mexican coffee shop closed its south Phoenix location after six years. In an Instagram video posted on Sept. 3, owner ET Rivera announced plans to close on Sept. 6. "We've been here for six wonderful years. Thank you so much for all the blessings." The staff continued working at the cafe's Coronado location, which also closed at the end of September. Rivera noted a particularly slow summer and said 2026 had been difficult for both customers and business owners.
Reach the restaurant critic at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix restaurants that closed in September, one after 15 years
