18-year-old metro Phoenix bar makes way for $110 million resort update. See what else closed

Metro Phoenix's restaurant saw over 40 restaurants open and several close their doors for good. A major restaurateur announced his intent to close his 20-year-old restaurant to make way for a Black-owned fine dining concept, a downtown staple is changed hands after 20 years and a chicken and ribs joint replaced a longtime barbecue spot.

April marked the end for some Valley staples, as well as some newcomers. A beloved breakfast and brunch restaurant, a Scottsdale wine tasting room, a popular downtown bar, a Mexican spot and a long-time bar bid farewell.

Here's a look at the metro Phoenix restaurants and bars that closed in April.

Applebee's Grill + Bar

Applebee's, located in Uptown Plaza at the corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, closed. According to Phoenix Business Journal, Fox Restaurant Concepts took over the space and plans to open a second location of The Henry in its place.

Center Stage Bar

The bar at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch closed on April 6 after 18 years. The hotel said goodbye to Center Stage Bar with one last party with food, drinks and live music.

The bar's closure is part of a $110 million renovation of the resort as it transforms into a Grand Hyatt property. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais will bring six new dining concepts as part of the renovation, with the H2Oasis pool bar already open.

EggsTc

EggsTc, a breakfast and brunch restaurant at the corner of Ocotillo and Ellsworth roads in Queen Creek closed at the end of April after 13 years, an April 19 Facebook post announced. The same post invited guests to visit before the restaurant closed on April 30 and requested leads on a new space the restaurant could move into in the future.

Liar's Club

This downtown Phoenix cocktail bar closed its doors after 16 months. The bar served a menu of cocktails, beer, burgers, wings and Detroit-style pizza. Though the owners sold the bar, they kept the brand and hope to reopen someday.

Merkin Vineyards tasting room

Merkin Vineyards tasting room at the corner of Stetson Drive and Sixth Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale closed after a final service on April 21. According to a statement, the lease on the space ended, but they are "actively working to relocate the tasting room to a new site in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area."

Pasta Joint

The family-owned takeout restaurant near the corner of Higley and Queen Creek roads in Gilbert closed on April 26. The owners announced the closure on Facebook on April 21. "Our last day in business will be Friday, April 26th, or earlier if we run out of supplies." The post went on to say, "opening and running this restaurant has been a rewarding experience, particularly because of the connections we've made with so many wonderful people like you. While serving this community has been a great joy, we have realized that owning a restaurant does not align with our passions. We are choosing to put family first and create a life of sustainability."

The owners thanked their customers for the "great memories" and the staff for helping them "serve the community with love, pride and commitment to authenticity."

Raul's Cocina

This vegan Mexican food truck with gluten-free options, which usually operated out of Uptown farmers markets, bid farewell in an April 22 Instagram post. According to the post, their last day at Uptown was April 27 and in Mesa on April 28.

Vegan House

Vegan House at the corner of Adams Street and First Avenue closed its doors. A short post on the restaurant's Facebook account announced the news on March 23. "Vegan House will be permanently closed after Sunday, March 24th. We'd like to thank all of our loyal customers that supported us through the years. You will be missed."

Vegan House's sister restaurant, Chick A Dee at 49 W. Thomas Road, remains open.

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Reach the reporter at BAnoshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 8 Phoenix restaurants closed recently — one after 18 years