Carmen development photograph from the source coverage; not a completed restaurant interior. Image source: Downtown Tempe
Carmen, a coastal Mexican concept from restaurateur Julian Wright, is coming to 640 S. Mill Ave., the former Anoche Cantina space. Inspired by Playa del Carmen, it will bring agave-forward cocktails, two patios and two outdoor bars to Mill Avenue.
This brief records the information reported on Jul 28, 2026. Opening dates and operating details may have changed.
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This sourced brief summarizes information from Downtown Tempe ↗. Follow the original coverage for additional reporting and context.
Yelp's annual ranking of the 25 best new restaurants in the country put Filthy Animal on Mill Avenue at No. 1, Phoenix New Times reports. The jungle-themed restaurant from Pretty Decent Concepts took over the former P.F. Chang's space at the bottom of the Mill Avenue district and cooks over an open fire, with a menu that pulls from Asian, Mexican and tropical flavors. Yelp called it a "serious dining destination."
Source: Phoenix New TimesRusso's New York Pizzeria publicity photograph accompanying the opening announcement. Image source: What Now Phoenix
Russo's New York Pizzeria is now open at 521 S. College Ave., its second Arizona location, What Now Phoenix reports. Local franchisees Kristina and Christian Alvarez serve giant New York slices, a 28-inch Giant Party Pizza, fresh pasta, chicken parmesan and Italian sandwiches. The dough ferments for 24 hours and the kitchen cooks with no seed oils.
Source: What Now PhoenixThe Tempe skyline. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Siphonophora · CC BY-SA 4.0
Living Faith Pumpkin Patch, 1945 E. Guadalupe Road, runs Oct. 21 to 31 and is free, with a scavenger hunt and yard games, according to Raising Arizona Kids' 2026 pumpkin patch guide.
