The culinary world of Phoenix is about to get a whole lot more exciting as two powerhouse restaurants, Postino and Federal Pizza, are joining forces with the renowned Chiwas Hospitality Group to create Lado a Lado. This new restaurant, opening in the former Joyride Taco House space in uptown Phoenix, promises to bring a unique dining experience to the city. With a focus on smoked and grilled items, a raw bar, and a menu that showcases the flavors of smoke and citrus, Lado a Lado is set to become a new favorite among food enthusiasts.
The collaboration between Upward Projects and the Chiwas Group is a testament to the power of culinary partnerships. Upward Projects, known for their successful ventures like Postino and Federal Pizza, have long been admirers of the Chiwas Group's talent. The Chiwas Group, led by James Beard-recognized chefs Nadia Holguin, Armando Hernandez, and Roberto Centeno, is no stranger to success with their popular restaurants Tacos Chiwas and Cocina Chiwas. The group's self-funded projects have allowed them to be heavily involved in the physical development of their spaces, from building tables to doing electrical work, all while perfecting their menus.
For Lado a Lado, the Chiwas Group's chefs are finally able to focus solely on creating and cooking, a dream they've had for a long time. The menu will take inspiration from Santo, with new twists and a focus on northern Mexican cuisine. Centeno emphasizes the importance of keeping menu items affordable for customers, ensuring that Lado a Lado is accessible to a wide range of diners.
The new restaurant's name, Lado a Lado, translates to 'side by side' in Spanish, reflecting the collaboration between the two groups. The menu will incorporate both land and sea, with a focus on Sonoran and Chihuahuan flavors, as well as a nod to the group's Northern flair. The cooking style over flame is a key element of the concept, with the fire taking center stage.
The opening of Lado a Lado marks the end of an era for Joyride Taco House, which has been a successful restaurant in uptown Phoenix for a decade. The restaurant's last day of service will be August 2nd, after which construction will begin on the new venture. The Gilbert location of Joyride Taco House will remain open, ensuring that customers can still enjoy their favorite dishes.
With its unique menu, talented chefs, and exciting collaboration, Lado a Lado is poised to become a new hotspot in Phoenix's culinary scene. The restaurant's opening in the fall of 2026 will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for food lovers across the city.
