More than seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses in downtown Phoenix have begun to open up while others have been forced to close their doors permanently. This list is your complete guide to the status of the businesses that make up the heart of the city.
Transportation
Valley Metro: Valley Metro’s public transit services continue to operate while following CDC guidelines. All riders are required to wear face coverings on vehicles, at stops, stations, and transit centers. Face coverings are available at several locations across the valley, including select transit centers and Phoenix Public Library locations. Riders are also asked to follow social distancing guidelines by remaining six feet from other riders at all times and are encouraged to skip a row of seats between themselves and other riders. Early morning bus services which begin at 4 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends will be reinstated on Monday, October 26.
Restaurants and Bars
CIBO: The Italian restaurant located on Fifth Avenue and Fillmore Street is open for patio dining and take-out.
Crescent Ballroom: While the music venue, lounge, and restaurant remains closed, the Crescent Ballroom still has plans of reopening again one day. “We miss you all and can’t wait to get back to serving the community. Thank you and we’ll see you soon,” says their voicemail answering machine. The business also celebrated their ninth year in operation on October 3.
El Norteno: The Mexican restaurant is open for take-out and limited outdoor seating from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. “During these unprecedented times due to COVID-19, we hope that you ‘You’ our dear customers stay safe and healthy,” the restaurant’s website states.
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Jobot Coffee and Bar: The coffee shop and bar located on the corner of Roosevelt and Fourth St. remains open for dine-in and pick-up. It is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Songbord Coffee & Tea House: The small cafe located in a historic house is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for take-out.
The Grand: The popular study spot for ASU students is open for dine-in and take-out. It is open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. to midnight.
Phoenix Public Market: On March 20, the cafe announced on Instagram that it would be temporarily closing. However, the market announced on Sept. 29 that its doors would be shut permanently. “This decision was not made lightly. Given the challenge of the past six months we could not find an economically viable path to continue operation without our students, conventions and business travelers,” the cafe stated in an Instagram post.
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Taco Chelo: The taqueria is open seven days a week for dine-in and take-out. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Matt’s Big Breakfast: The breakfast and lunch restaurant on First and Garfield streets is open for dine-in and take-out from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cornish Pasty Co.: The restaurant’s downtown Phoenix location on Central and Monroe is open for dine-in and take-out seven days a week. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
The Vig: The upscale neighborhood tavern is offering pick-up and dine-in, seven days a week.
The Arrogant Butcher: The bar and restaurant located in CityScape is open for dine-in and carry-out Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. through 8 p.m. “Please trust, we won’t do anything without an abundance of caution,” Phoenix restaurateur Sam Fox stated in a letter. “We want to bring you the dining experience you know and love from Fox Restaurant Concepts with plenty of peace of mind.”
Valley Bar: The music venue and bar closed its doors in mid-March and still remains closed. A Facebook post from May 22 that celebrated the business’s five-year anniversary states, “We’re not sure when we’ll reopen but in the meantime please be kind to each other, stay safe, and support all the businesses that are open.”
Arts and Culture:
The MonOrchid: The building and art gallery remains closed until further notice. Its website states, “Please continue to look out for one another, be a good neighbor, and follow all recommendations and protocols outlined by the government and health officials to help us get back to normal as soon as we can.”
The Children’s Museum: The museum is open with modifications made in order to follow CDC guidelines, including the closure of all indoor exhibits. Tickets now have reserved entry times, because the museum will be operating under limited capacity.
The Arizona Science Center: The museum is open with health and safety modifications put into place. The museum is operating at 10% capacity and is closed on Tuesdays to allow for deep cleaning.
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The Orpheum Theater: The theater announced on Facebook on Oct. 16 that it would be reopening. “The health and safety of our guests, employees, ushers and volunteers is our top priority, so although things will be a little different, we’re still working hard to fulfill all your entertainment needs,” the Facebook post states. In partnership with FilmBar, the first movie screenings are scheduled to take place Oct. 24 and 25.
AMC Arizona Center 24: The theater is open Friday through Tuesday, and is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow for deep cleaning. Masks are required to be worn at all times, unless eating or drinking.
Contact the reporter at mtorrest@asu.edu
