Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom Set to Open October 24 in Downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX (OCTOBER 16, 2025) – Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom, the newest addition to Downtown Phoenix’s culinary scene, will officially open its doors on Friday, October 24 at 1326 N. Central Avenue.

A collaboration between Nicky’s Barbecue founder Chris Figueroa and Oro Brewing and Vice Co. founder Dave Valencia, Golden Oak combines the Valley’s most buzzed-about pop-up barbecue with Oro’s highly-awarded craft beer. The restaurant will feature attentive, full-service hospitality, a rarity in the local barbecue and craft beer scene.

Guests will enjoy signature dishes inspired by barbecue regions around the world, layered with Figueroa’s Peruvian heritage and a focus on quality, consistency and flavor. The menu features traditional favorites like Texas Brisket and St. Louis Cut Ribs, alongside dishes with Hispanic and South American influences such as Papa a la Huancaína, a creamy Peruvian potato dish. Sides include a rotating mix of comfort classics with a creative flair, including mac and cheese and Elote En Vaso. These dishes are made with ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible from purveyors such as Gold Canyon Meat Co.

Each dish pairs seamlessly with Oro Brewing Company’s award-winning beers, including “Inside the Park” Blonde Ale and “Trigo Suave” Tangerine Wheat Ale — both recent Gold Medal winners at the 2025 Arizona Craft Beer Awards. Oro remains Arizona’s all-time leader in Gold Medals, a testament to its craftsmanship and consistency. Guests can also enjoy a curated selection of craft cocktails and wine.

“Our goal with the menu was to pay homage to the traditions of barbecue while bringing in flavors from South America and other renowned barbecue regions across the world,” said Grant McLennon, Director of Operations and Executive Chef at Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom. “We focus on quality and consistency in every dish and want guests to enjoy both familiar favorites and new tastes in a way that feels approachable and satisfying.”

As head of the food program, McLennon oversees menu development and kitchen operations, ensuring every dish reflects that commitment to quality and consistency. TJ Osborne, Operations Manager, will play an integral role in day-to-day execution and Justin Bottemiller serves as sous chef, supporting the kitchen team and helping bring McLennon’s menu vision to life. Leading the brewery department is Head Brewer Jesse Kortepeter, who joined Oro Brewing Company in 2017 and is known for his inventive approach to craft brewing.

The restaurant’s interior mirrors the eclectic inspiration of its menu. Designed with natural materials and layered lighting, Golden Oak creates a space that feels both rustic and refined. A custom mural by Downtown Phoenix-based artist Tanner Christensen anchors the space, celebrating the color, texture and vitality of the desert landscape. Artwork from another local Downtown Phoenix artist, Geovanny Urrutia, will also be on display throughout the restaurant, adding to its vibrant, community-rooted aesthetic.

Though Nicky’s Barbecue has wrapped, Figueroa will take on the role of a hands-on owner and operator of Golden Oak.

“We set out to create more than a restaurant,” said Chris Figueroa, co-founder of Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom. “We wanted Golden Oak to feel like an experience. From our incredible barbecue to the way our team connects with every guest, everything we do is designed to make people feel welcome and cared for. Downtown Phoenix has an energy and community spirit that we’re proud to be part of and we can’t wait to share this space with our guests.”

The restaurant will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. To learn more and stay up to date with the latest happenings, visit www.goldenoakbbqtap.com or follow @goldenoakbbqtap on Instagram.

About Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom
Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom is where award-winning craft beer meets globally inspired, low-and-slow barbecue, served in a laid-back, hospitality-forward environment. Co-founded by Dave Valencia, the owner behind the award-winning Oro Brewing Co., and barbecue veteran Chris Figueroa, Golden Oak is built to bring people together through elevated flavors, thoughtful design and community-rooted hospitality. Whether you’re meeting friends for a pint, sharing a platter with family, or celebrating a special occasion, Golden Oak delivers memorable experiences one plate and pint at a time. For more information, visit www.goldenoakbbqtap.com or follow @goldenoakbbqtap on Instagram.