Joyride Taco House to close Phoenix location. What’s replacing it?

Joyride Taco House is closing its Phoenix location next month, as the company that owns the restaurant space plans to open a new Mexican eatery this fall.

The existing taco spot, located near Central Avenue and Colter Street, will officially shut its doors on Aug. 2. The Phoenix-based Upward Projects is opening a new concept called “Lado A Lado” at the same location later this year. It is led by James Beard-nominated chefs Armando Hernandez, Nadia Holguin and Roberto Centeno of Chiwas Hospitality Group, whose other properties include Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu.

Joyride’s Central Avenue location will offer special promotional pricing each day from 2 p.m. until closing. Tacos will be $1.50 off and select margaritas will be available for $6.

Joyride’s original Gilbert location, located near Gilbert and Elliot roads, will remain open and unchanged.

 

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What restaurant is replacing Joyride Taco House in Phoenix?

“Lado A Lado” will combine a coastal raw bar with live-fire Northern Mexican dining, according to the restaurant’s website.

“Lado A Lado” was founded by Hernandez, Holguin and Centeno. The group’s other properties include Tacos Chiwas in Phoenix, Cocina Chiwas in Tempe and Espiritu in downtown Mesa.

“This partnership really just grew out of a natural connection. We’ve been big fans of Armando, Nadia and Roberto and their restaurants for a long time, and in the summer of 2025, our teams got together, started talking shop, and completely clicked,” said Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Upward Projects, in a news release via ABC15. “They are brilliant at what they do, and after throwing around some ideas we thought we could bring something unique and cool to the neighborhood.”

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