Sara Crocker
Craft beer has been part of Uptown Plaza’s drinking options for nearly a decade. And despite the latest turnover, that will remain true. The taproom at the end of the promenade went dark earlier this month, but won’t stay empty for long.
Dynamite Beer Co., a beer-and-wine bar and kitchen featuring live music and pub bites, has closed after more than a year in business. Dynamite announced the closure of their bar at the northeast corner of Camelback Road and Central Avenue on Instagram on June 9.
“To everyone who joined us for a beer, live music, trivia, or simply made us part of your routine—thank you. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for the memories we made together,” the post said.
Mike Chapman and his wife Laura opened the Phoenix outpost of their Cave Creek beer and wine bar in February 2025. It marked a homecoming for Chapman, who formerly managed the Uptown Plaza taproom and kitchen for Huss Brewing Co., which operated there from 2017 to 2025.
Dynamite’s original Cave Creek location remains open, while a second taproom and music venue in the north Valley town is under construction.
“With so much ahead, we’re focusing our energy on building the future of Dynamite,” the post said.
In Uptown, pint glasses won’t be empty for long. The team behind the downtown Chandler beer bar and bottle shop The Sleepy Whale plans to launch a “craft taproom and kitchen” this summer, per a post on Instagram.
The transition of the space to Sleepy Whale Uptown will usher in another new dining and drinking option at Uptown Plaza. Recently opened eateries include Korean sandwich shop Let’s Toast, Sam Fox’s popular all-day New American restaurant The Henry and Oregon ice cream chain Salt & Straw.
The Sleepy Whale crew is also behind other popular bars and bottleshops in the Valley, including The Theodore in downtown Phoenix and Beer Barn in Gilbert.
The Sleepy Whale Uptown
Opens this summer
100 E. Camelback Road, #160
Sara Crocker
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