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Poolboy Taco Opens Next Week in Phoenix
Camelback Mtn View

Photo provided by Metro Phoenix Alliance.

More Than Taco Tuesday

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 creates a retro poolside vibe with strong midcentury modern design. The space features terrazzo floors, pastel neon signs, brass accents, and cabana-style patio seating. Indoor and outdoor dining areas seat about 50 guests combined, giving the restaurant a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.

Poolboy Taco builds its menu around personality-driven taco creations served on proprietary “50/50” corn-flour tortillas. Popular items include the tomatillo chicken Poolboy Taco, Wagyu beef tacos, Angus short rib tacos, and vegetarian portobello option. The concept combines premium ingredients and a fun dining experience for Phoenix diners seeking unique local restaurants.

Jess Harter via MXSW:

The cult taco pop-up that’s had festival-goers lining up in Aspen and Hollywood finally is planting roots in Phoenix.

Poolboy Taco, from the Poolhouse Group team behind Gadzooks and The Green Woodpecker, opens its first permanent location on May 18, taking over a former Gadzooks space at 40th Street and Camelback.

Expect a vibe-heavy, midcentury-poolside aesthetic: terrazzo floors, pastel neons, brass accents, and cabana-style patio seating for around 50 guests total.

The menu stars personality-driven tacos on a proprietary corn-flour “50/50” tortilla, with highlights like the signature tomatillo chicken Poolboy Taco, Wagyu beef builds, an Angus short rib option, and a vegetarian portobello.

Frozen margaritas, ranch water, and tallboys round things out – served in collectible 22-ounce Poolboy cups, naturally.

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About Mouth By Southwest

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.

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Published On: May 12, 2026Categories: Business, Food & Beverage, LifestyleTags: , ,

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