Phoenix Mexican restaurant Ladera Taverna closing, will reopen as The Vig

PHOENIX – Ladera Taverna y Cocina is saying adios this weekend after six years in Phoenix’s Sunnyslope neighborhood.

The Genuine Concepts restaurant group announced Wednesday it will convert the Mexican restaurant on Central Avenue south of Dunlap Avenue to another branch of The Vig, which has four other Valley locations.

Ladera is going out with a bang on Independence Day weekend, offering half-price liquor, beer and wine and 25% off all food Saturday and Sunday before ceasing operations.

Genuine Concepts didn’t provide a timeline for when The Vig North Central will open.

Many fans of Ladera express displeasure with the change on social media.

“So bummed, I love Ladera and it will be hard to keep that ambiance they have on the patio. There are enough taverns around,” an Instagram user commented on the announcement posted to The Vig’s page.

“Oh man!! Ladera is amazing and The Vig is just so-so. Please reconsider!” said a comment on a Ladera Facebook post.

Ladera replied to Facebook comments by saying some of the Mexican restaurant’s items will be kept alive on the new Vig’s menu.

The Vig, an upscale tavern concept, has two existing locations in Phoenix (Arcadia and Fillmore) and two in Scottsdale (McDowell Mountain and McCormick Ranch).

Genuine Concepts closed The Vig Uptown in December 2021 and reopened the space on 16th Street north of Bethany Home Road as The Genuine, the restaurant group’s new flagship concept, in April.

Genuine Concepts also operates The Little Woody, The Womack, The McMillan and Campo Italian Bistro & Bar.

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