May ushered in some major changes in metro Phoenix’s restaurant scene. Although we had 45 restaurant openings last month, it was also the end of the road for several history-making Valley staples. A game-changing Mexican restaurant closed after more than two decades. A Roosevelt Row old timer, a 41-year-old bakery and a 19-year-old Chinese restaurant, also said goodbye. Most closed permanently. Some closed just one of their locations. Others promised to be back, though possibly in a new business format.

New and old, sudden and expected, here’s a look at the metro Phoenix restaurants that closed in May.

Barrio Cafe

May 31 marked the end of an era for Phoenix when chef Silvana Salcido Esparza closed the doors to Barrio Cafe, the restaurant she opened over 20 years ago to bring a taste of Mexican culture to the Valley. She not only found great success and a cult following at her restaurant, she opened the door for many other aspiring young chefs. When patrons learned of her restaurant’s closing, they flocked in droves, waiting up to two hours to taste her food one last time.

Carly’s Bistro

This Roosevelt Row staple closed on May 3 after 20 years. A post on Carly’s Instagram account announced the news: “It is with tremendous love and gratitude for our community and incredible staff we are announcing that Carly’s will be closing permanently May 3rd after nearly 20 years in business on our beloved corner of Roosevelt and 2nd Streets.” The owners Carla and John Logan told The Republic that they felt it was the right time to close and move on to their next project.

In its place, Michael Bodow, Michael Cheathem and Jordan Hudgens plan to open Industry Standard, a cocktail bar and restaurant.

Cogburn’s Big Wings

The country-themed bar closed one of its Gilbert locations at the corner of Warner and Cooper roads after seven years.

According to a reply on a May 9 Instagram post, the restaurant is moving to a new location on Alma School and Warner roads in Chandler.

The two other locations in Gilbert and one in Mesa remain open.

Dragon Wok

This restaurant was forced to close after 19 years when a vehicle crashed into the then-empty Gilbert Chinese restaurant on May 14. The driver was found dead in his car after a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Michael Szeto, the owner’s son, has set up a GoFundMe account to raise $35,000 for the employees. The reopening date remains unknown at this time.

Galapagos Coffee Shop

This Ecuadorian coffee shop in Gilbert is closing after three years. The owner, Alexandra Moran, announced in an Instagram post on May 14. “Hola ‘amigos’ this has been the most difficult decision in my life, this is the official announcement from ME, I have decided not to renew Galapagos Coffee Shop Lease at 7 East Palo Verde Street, Suite # 7.” Moran plans to spend time with her family and take care of her health. The shop’s last day was May 28. She promised that Galapagos is not done and after some time, she’ll relaunch the business from home.

Jalapeno Inferno

According to the restaurant’s website, Jalapeno Inferno closed its Market Street location at DC Ranch at the end of service on May 31 after 10 years. “After careful consideration and much deliberation, it is with an abundance of sorrow and dismay that we are announcing the closure of JALAPENO INFERNO MARKET STREET.” The post explained that the owners tried to renew the lease, but were unable to reach an agreement. The Pinnacle Peak, Park West and takeout locations remain open.

P. Croissant

P. Croissant, located at the northwest corner of Elliot Road and McClintock Drive in Tempe, closed after 41 years.

The shop’s owner posted the following to its social media and website: “Things change. The economy, the market place, lifestyles, and our own personal health bring change to us all. These things, and with the encouragement of family and crew (almost family), I’ve decided it’s time to close P.Croissant and retire. It’s been a pleasure to serve you and your families these many years (in some cases four generations!). Thank you for your support, and best wishes to all of you.”

Sandbar Mexican Grill Gilbert

Sandbar Mexican Grill chain of restaurants closed its last Arizona location in Gilbert after five years on May 6. Evening Entertainment Group (EEG), the group behind Bottled Blonde, Backyard, Bevvy, Chauncy Social, RnR Gastropub, Hi-Fi Kitchen + Cocktails and Casa Amigos, replaced Desert Ridge Sandbar with Backyard in March of 2024. EEG plans to retain the Gilbert space and open another venue, the details of which will be announced this summer.

Second Story Bar

Second Story Liquor Bar in Scottsdale closed after 10 years on May 4.

owner Tommy Plato accepted an offer to bring Dallas-based Velvet Taco to Old Town Scottsdale in place of Second Story Liquor Bar and Gelato Spot.

In an Instagram video on May 4, Plato another bit of news in addition to Second Story closing. He announced plans to move “two blocks down” and open a new concept called The Ends.

Shiprock Restaurant

The restaurant at Saguaro Lake Marina closed permanently on May 27. According to the website, “we are currently reimagining our dockside restaurant.” The wine bar remains open.

3rd Floor Smoke

In an Instagram post dated May 18, the food truck owners announced that they planned to take a break from Uptown farmers market until October. “We are good! No worries!” the post read. They went on to explain that they just needed a break from the Arizona heat and will continue doing pop ups throughout the summer. For more information, follow @3rdfloor_smoke on Instagram.

Goodbye: The mastermind behind one of downtown Phoenix’s best bars is saying goodbye

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

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix restaurants that closed recently include some historic haunts