Joyride Taco House is closing its Phoenix location next month, as the Phoenix-based company that owns the restaurant 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 reportedly opening a new concept called “Lado A Lado” at the same location later this year.
As a celebration, 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.
“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 James Beard-nominated chefs Armando Hernandez, Nadia Holguin and Roberto Centeno of Chiwas Hospitality Group. The group’s other properties include Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu.
“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.”
