Poolhouse Group brings its once pop-up-only taco concept to a permanent home in Phoenix with the debut of Poolboy Taco, opening May 18 in the Arcadia neighborhood. Known for drawing long lines during appearances at the Aspen Food & Wine festival and pop-ups in Hollywood, the concept is now taking over the former Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup space with a new design-forward restaurant focused on tacos, frozen cocktails, and retro-inspired hospitality.
Created by the hospitality group behind Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup and The Green Woodpecker, Poolboy Taco combines quick-service dining with a more elevated aesthetic and experience-driven approach. The concept leans heavily into midcentury-inspired design, playful branding, and menu offerings designed to feel both nostalgic and modern.
The new restaurant was developed in collaboration with Phoenix-based design firm House of Form, with interiors inspired by vintage diners, poolside cabanas, and 1950’s-era roadside eateries. Guests enter beneath striped awnings into a dining room featuring terrazzo flooring, brass accents, pastel neon details, sculptural seating, and playful murals. Cushioned vinyl banquettes and terrazzo tables continue the retro-inspired aesthetic, while an outdoor patio lined with hedges and striped seating extends the poolside atmosphere outdoors.
At just over 2,100 square feet, Poolboy Taco seats approximately 50 guests between indoor dining and the patio space. A glass-enclosed kitchen allows diners to watch food preparation, while ordering takes place at a redesigned service counter accented with brass rails and striped detailing. Frozen cocktails, margaritas, and beer are served in branded 22-oz. Poolboy cups intended to function as collectible keepsakes.
The menu centers around tacos served on the restaurant’s signature “50/50” tortilla, a proprietary blend of corn and flour, or crispy yellow corn shells. The namesake Poolboy Taco features tomatillo chicken, sweet-and-spicy cornbread, jalapeño ranch, honey glaze, and cotija cheese…