The Sonoran live fire concept, Glenrosa, is set to open on April 5th at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe. Glenrosa’s casual yet thoughtful menu puts guests in the heart of Sonora; think family-style platters with ribeye, tortillas, roasted vegetables, rice, and beans, along with tacos, salads, and salsas. These all pair with Glenrosa’s beverage program, where cocktails are made with scratch mixes and fresh squeezed juices. The overwhelming philosophy of this spot is fresh from the ground up, and that comes to life with Glenrosa’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Boasting an indoor-outdoor space with fire pits, group seating, and stunning views of the Papago Buttes, Glenrosa is a destination for food lovers as well as an all-new final amenity to Arizona’s sole lighted golf course. The custom-made live fire grill emblazoned with the Glenrosa logo is the centerpiece of the kitchen and is surrounded by hand-placed tile, creating the feeling of a Sonoran hacienda. “We wanted to create a laid-back space, where guests can share premium food and create memories with their friends and family.”, says Grass Clippings Co-Founder Jake Hoselton. “Glenrosa is the celebration of people, which sits at the core of our ‘Stay Grassy’ philosophy.”
The entire design, from architecture to interiors, was brought to life by the team at AV3 Design Studio, Artie Vigil III & Cody Castelletti. The original building, constructed in the 1980s, was a modern interpretation of a traditional Hohokam village structure. For the remodel, they softened the masonry with stucco and integrated Western Territorial elements, while the architectural approach drew inspiration from Arizona’s agrarian and agricultural history. This fusion of influences reflects a deep appreciation for the Southwest, a sentiment shared by all the founders, who are natives of the region. The interior design embraces simplicity and authenticity, incorporating materials like concrete, wood, and tile—commonly seen in taquerias—alongside curated found objects and vintage furnishings sourced from thrift and antique shops across Arizona.
James Beard-nominated chef Samantha Sanz played a key role in shaping Glenrosa’s opening menu, setting the stage for a dynamic culinary experience. Now, Chef Victor Davila, previously the executive chef at Caesars, steps in to lead the kitchen, building upon her vision while bringing his own expertise and creativity to the table. True to the restaurant’s ethos, the menu is driven by fresh, local ingredients. Featuring both lunch and dinner, there is truly something for everyone. Standouts from the lunch menu include Tacos Dorados which are crispy tacos stuffed with chile Colorado beef, pickled veggies, and consume; and the Tijuana Salad with baby gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, chorizo bread crumbs, Manchego cheese, crunchy corn, toasted shaved almonds, and a house-made Caesar dressing.
The dinner menu features many of the lunch items, with an additional “Wood Fired” section that features a 20 oz. bone-in ribeye with charred onion and roasted veggies; Pescado Zarandeado, red snapper marinated in chile Colorado, chimichurri, and charred onions; and large family platters with tomahawk steaks, whole chickens, enchiladas, and fish. Also available in the mornings until 11 will be grab-and-go breakfast items like breakfast burritos and fresh-squeezed juices like the Papago Sunrise that has orange, carrot, ginger, and turmeric.
Glenrosa’s beverage program follows the same ethos as the food. Cocktails are made with scratch mixes, house-made syrups, and of course, fresh-squeezed juices. Highlights include La Juquila, with Los Altos Tequila, fresh lime and orange juices, agave nectar, and a Tajin rim; the Aloe Margarita, with tequila, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a salt rim; and El Zacate Sucia Martini, with Roxx vodka, jalapeños, olive juice, and jalapeño olives. Plus, a wide selection of liquors including mezcal, whiskey, and tequila; draft and canned beer; seltzers; and a robust wine list.
Glenrosa is located at 1415 N. Mill Ave. at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills Golf Course. Open daily for lunch from 11 AM – 4 PM, dinner from 4 PM – 9 PM, and reverse happy hour from 9 PM – 11 PM. Grab & go breakfast items will also be available at the Glenrosa Bar from 7 AM – 11 AM.