Poolboy Taco, the newest concept from the Poolhouse Group team behind Gadzooks and The Green Woodpecker, will officially open its first permanent restaurant on May 18 in Phoenix. The new taco spot takes over a former Gadzooks location near 40th Street and Camelback Road, bringing a fresh dining concept and a bold visual identity to the Arcadia neighborhood.

The restaurant features a retro-inspired poolside atmosphere with strong midcentury modern influences throughout the space. Guests can expect terrazzo flooring, glowing pastel neon signage, brass finishes, and cabana-style patio seating designed to create a laid-back social environment. The indoor and outdoor dining areas accommodate about 50 guests combined, giving the restaurant an intimate neighborhood feel.

Poolboy Taco centers its menu around personality-driven taco creations served on the company’s proprietary “50/50” corn-flour tortillas. Signature menu items include the popular tomatillo chicken Poolboy Taco, premium Wagyu beef tacos, slow-cooked Angus short rib options, and a vegetarian portobello taco designed to appeal to plant-based diners. The concept blends elevated ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and a fun hospitality experience aimed at Phoenix diners seeking distinctive local food concepts.

Jess Harter via MXSW:

In 2010, Jess Harter launched Mouth by Southwest – MXSW for short. More than two million people now visit MXSW each year for information about local restaurants, breweries, and bars.