Overview
DeSoto Central Market is a dynamic food hall and community gathering spot housed within a renovated 1928 DeSoto auto dealership at Central Avenue and Roosevelt in Phoenix. This landmark blends historic architectural elements—like original trusses and service-office walls—with modern industrial decor to create an open, inviting atmosphere. Inside, visitors find six independent culinary vendors offering everything from craft burgers and seafood to salads, juice bars, and Latin-Asian fusion. With spacious indoor seating, a mezzanine event space, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio, DeSoto welcomes families, foodies, solo diners, and remote workers seeking ambiance, taste, and community all in one place. Click here.
History
Originally built in 1928 as a Chrysler DeSoto car dealership, the building sat unused for decades until a transformative renovation project launched in 2012. By April 2015, it reopened as DeSoto Central Market, conceived by Shawn Connelly as a Phoenix equivalent of food halls like San Francisco’s Ferry Building and New York’s Chelsea Market. The adaptive reuse retained classic Art Deco features—original beams, mirrored sales-office walls—while integrating modern sustainability goals and community spaces. For a time, it incubated culinary startups under chef Stephen Jones, showcasing six vendor kitchens, a mezzanine for events, and public amenities that echoed Phoenix’s growth in arts, transit, and downtown living. Although it closed around 2018, its legacy endures as a model of historic preservation and culinary innovation. Click here to read about Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona.
Points of Interest
DCM Burger Bar
DCM Burger Bar serves upscale, artisan burgers—morning egg burgers and later-day beef creations—paired with craft beer and cocktails. Located at the core of the hall, this vendor offers familiar comfort food elevated with quality ingredients and a casual yet refined vibe. Visitors can expect juicy patties topped with creative condiments, plus sides like fries and cheese curds. It’s a go-to for burger lovers seeking a laid-back meal in a thoughtfully designed space blending nostalgia and modern food trends.
yard bird + the larder
Headed by chef Stephen Jones, this Southern/New American concept reinvents comfort fare with upscale flair. Menu highlights include fried chicken skin po’boys and Low Country Perloo with shrimp and sausage. With its open counter and industrial aesthetic, the stall introduces diners to bold flavors, Southern-style hospitality, and fresh regional ingredients in an accessible communal setting. It made a name for itself as part of the hall’s early wave of incubator-style vendors.
Adobo Dragon
Adobo Dragon offers Latin-Asian fusion cuisine, featuring bao buns with inventive fillings like carnitas with green curry, pepitas, and bleu cheese. This vendor brings punchy, creative flavor profiles that surprise diners, along with bento boxes on the menu. The minimalistic counter setup encourages customers to enjoy a quick but flavorful meal, often drawing adventurous eaters and those looking for fresh, global fusion in a casual environment.
Radish
Radish is a farm-to-table fast-casual stall offering salads, cold-pressed juices and healthy bowls. With punny menu names like “Gnarles Parsley” and fresh ingredients sourced locally, it caters to health-conscious visitors and those on the go. The visually appealing bowls and refreshments align with Phoenix’s growing wellness scene, and the stall’s friendly service makes it popular among families, cyclists, and remote workers looking for nutritious options.
Tea & Toast Co.
This cozy café features specialty teas, coffee drinks, pastries, and toast from Noble Bread. Highlights include tea lattes, artsy toasts topped with Nutella or savory bacon jam and sunny-side egg. With barista-crafted coffee and a laid-back counter, it’s a perfect stop for morning commuters, students, and casual visitors seeking comfort and community amid the hall’s bustling energy.
Walrus & the Pearl
Walrus & the Pearl is a raw bar offering fresh oysters, ceviche, poke, and seasonal seafood selections. Positioned to expand the hall’s culinary range, it brings a coastal dining experience to Phoenix. The stall delivers high-quality seafood in an upscale-casual presentation, attracting food lovers seeking elevated yet approachable flavors in a communal, shared-space environment.
Places to Eat Near DeSoto Central Market
The Churchill
Just steps away, The Churchill clusters small bars and eateries around a central outdoor courtyard. Known for its lively atmosphere and rotating local vendors, it draws groups, couples, and outdoor diners. Patrons come for casual bites, craft cocktails, and community events like pop-up dinners, making it a social extension of the DeSoto experience and popular among locals and visitors alike .
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
A short walk south, this cocktail bar on Jefferson Street is famed for its creative, artful drinks served in playful glassware. The Art Deco–industrial setting ties into the downtown design renaissance. Patrons include craft cocktail enthusiasts and design-minded visitors seeking inventive libations and a stylish vibe .
Angel’s Trumpet Ale House
Nearby on 2nd Street, Angel’s Trumpet offers 30+ rotating craft brews in a light hall with an expansive terrace. It blends laid-back beer culture with beer hall style, drawing beer fans, groups, and locals exploring Roosevelt Row’s nightlife and transit-friendly scene.
Places to Visit near DeSoto Central Market
Roosevelt Row Arts District
A two-minute walk north places visitors in the heart of Phoenix’s arts scene: vibrant murals, galleries, boutiques, and First Friday Art Walks define this creative neighborhood . Ideal for art lovers and tourists, Roosevelt Row offers visual, cultural exploration and community events that complement the dining and gathering energy at DeSoto Central.
Phoenix Art Museum
A 10-minute drive southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum houses diverse collections, from contemporary pieces to American and Latin American art. Rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events make it a cultural anchor. It appeals to families, art enthusiasts, and visitors seeking depth, complementing the culinary and historic richness at DeSoto.
Practical Information
Official website: The Downtown Phoenix Journal site confirms address, vendor details, architecture, hours and parking .
Address: 915 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Hours: Mon–Thu 6:30 am–10 pm; Fri–Sat 6:30 am–11 pm; Sun 6:30 am–9 pm.
Accessibility: Two-level layout with ADA-accessible paths, elevator/mezzanine seating, indoor & patio seating.
Parking: Street parking and shared lot via Roosevelt Community Church off First Street.
Elevate Your Landscape Designer Experience
Looking to transform your outdoor space into a stunning destination? Rising Tide Landscapes, expert Landscape Designer, specializes in crafting Phoenix-inspired outdoor living areas that echo the blend of history, design, and community seen at DeSoto Central Market. From drought-friendly plant palettes and entertaining patios to shade structures and fire features, Rising Tide Landscapes merges aesthetic flair with functional resilience. Whether you want a serene backyard retreat or a welcoming entertaining space, Rising Tide Landscapes brings the same craftsmanship and creativity that revitalized iconic local landmarks. Schedule a consultation with Rising Tide Landscapes.
Driving Directions
From DeSoto Central Market to Rising Tide Landscapes (6580 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ):
- Head east on Roosevelt Street toward N Central Avenue.
- Turn left onto N Central Avenue and proceed to I‑10 E ramp.
- Merge onto I‑10 East toward Tucson.
- Take exit 162A onto AZ‑202 Loop East/Santan Freeway.
- Continue ~5 miles on AZ‑202 E, then take exit 5 for Scottsdale Road.
- Turn left onto N Scottsdale Road, then right onto E McDowell Road.
- After 0.5 miles, Rising Tide Landscapes will be on your right.
