Mexican concept Camello headlines 3 new restaurants coming to Phoenix Esplanade

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Esplanade is set to welcome three new restaurants, led by Mexican concept Camello, to its mixed-use complex by early 2025.

The project was headed by 151 Hospitality, which was co-founded by Phoenix restaurateurs Peter Hearn and Rick Phillips.

“We are excited to work together again and continue to be part of the legacy of the Biltmore and even more excited to be part of the new and improved developments at the Esplanade, ensuring the next 30 years of place-making and creating community,” Hearn and Phillips said in a release.

Camello, named for Camelback Mountain, is billed as a theatrical chef-driven restaurant. Its menu will offer shared plates and large entrees with expansive tequila and cocktail options.

The main dining room will include live music, as well as a dance floor, bar and cocktail lounge. Two additional private dining rooms can be joined into one larger space as needed. There’s also patio space with an indoor-outdoor bar and firepits.

The MercBar, which closed its doors at Esplanade on June 29, will be repurposed into New York-style 151 Tavern. Its “fancy comfort food” approach will include a signature dry-aged burger, homemade pastas, prime rib, rotating specials and more.

Beverage options will include premium cocktails and wines that pay homage to cocktail classics, such as Manhattans and martinis. There is also access to a private space for up to 14 people and an additional speakeasy.

The third addition will be The Little Pickle Jewish Deli, which Phillips ran as a pop-up shop at Esplanade from December 2022 through April 2023 and will now get a permanent home.

It will feature the deli’s best-selling pastrami sandwich as well as breakfast options, such as New York-style bagels and egg sandwiches. House-smoked salmon and catering are also available.

The new concepts are part of a $50 million investment to renovate Esplanade, according to the release.

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