For Sunnyslope residents, it seems there’s always been a restaurant on Central, just south of the canal. It began as Russ’s Arbor, and through the decades has had a parade of different names and concepts.
Today it’s O.H.S.O. & Little O’s, evoking an old-time Sunnyslope vibe infused with memorabilia and historic photos, vintage table lamps, typography and graphics and a distinct mid-century modern ambience, thanks to a collaboration with the Sunnyslope Historical Society.
“It took us nearly two years to renovate the building,” said General Manager Vinny Francini. “The society did all the photo wallpaper in the café, the timeline, the original menu from Russ’s Arbor – they had it all for us and did a really great job. One of our owners who worked with them was pretty blown away by all they had.”
The restaurant opened in March 2024. It’s part of the group that began in Arcadia and has grown to include locations in Arcadia, Gilbert, North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Sunnyslope, Surprise and Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports, the latter three in partnership with KIND Hospitality.
The Sunnyslope O.H.S.O. reflects its Arcadia origins, located on a canal and handy to bike and walking paths.
“I would say this store is maybe the most specific to the neighborhood, because of the history of the building and us being tucked in the neighborhood,” Francini said. While O.H.S.O. got its start as a brewpub, there isn’t a brewery on-site at the Sunnyslope location.
There still is a strong connection with beers and spirits, however, with a multitude of O.H.S.O. labels on tap, and custom cocktails made with O.H.S.O. spirits. During Arizona Beer Week in February, they’ll do doughnut days, with tastings of six to 12 doughnut-inspired beers, such as blueberry or Boston Cream, paired with treats from Bosa Donuts. Then on March 14, Pi Day, they’ll do something similar with pies.
The Sunnyslope O.H.S.O. is unique among the group in another way, Francini said, the only one with a Little O’s café and retail shop.
At Little O’s, starting at 7 a.m., seven days a week, customers can stop in after a walk or bike ride, cool off with beer, wine and cocktails, pick up apparel and other merch, order breakfast at the quick service counter, and pop open the laptop to do some work or streaming at the outdoor tables.
Thanks to a collaboration with the Sunnyslope Historical Society, patrons can learn about the history of the area and the canal-side dining spot(photo by Darryl Webb for North Central News) 
Deviled Egg Toast (photo by Darryl Webb for North Central News) 
At Little O’s, customers can stop in after a walk or bike ride, cool off with a drink, order breakfast and pick up apparel and other merch (photo by Darryl Webb for North Central News). 
Hot Honey Pizza (photo by Darryl Webb for North Central News) 
The AZ Burger (photo by Darryl Webb for North Central News)
“People drop in all day,” Francini said. “Kids come in after school for an energy drink and pizza. It’s very much a neighborhood vibe.”
At 11, the restaurant opens for full-service dining and what may be the longest happy hour in town.
“We’ve always been known for our happy hour,” Francini said. It stretches from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for drinks, including all the Arizona-made beers at $8 for a 32-ounce pitcher. The food happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. including pizzas and a “plain Jane” Burger.
“Our menu is unique from the other four O.H.S.O.s.,” Francini said. “We’re the only one serving pizza.”
On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant opens for brunch at 9 until 2 p.m., then goes back to the regular lunch and dinner menus.
“Our menu is pretty big, so we have a lot of options,” Francini said.
Customer favorites include the hot pastrami sandwich, blackened salmon, and deviled egg toast – deviled egg salad on country loaf toast, topped with crispy prosciutto, bagel seasoning and chili oil, served with a salad of corn, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. Then there’s the buffalo chicken dip, served with tortilla chips; the AZ burger with jalapeño cream cheese, poblano aioli and crispy onion strings; and pizzas including hot honey pizza with white sauce, the house four-cheese blend, pepperoni, ricotta, crushed meatballs, caramelized onions, pesto, red chile flakes, fresh basil and hot honey.
And if all that makes you thirsty, there are O.H.S.O.’s beers, including Popcycle Blonde fruit beer, Park Life Mexican-style lager and Handlebar Hefe wheat beer; and cocktails made with O.H.S.O. spirits, including the bloody Mary served with homemade beef jerky, and made with a choice of vodkas including Arcadia Horseradish, Arcadia Rosemary and Arcadia Jalapeño versions.
At lunch and dinner, the patio is a favorite spot. It’s also dog-friendly, with a special entrance with a dog bar with water taps, and dog treats made from the spent grain from the brewing process.
“We’ve always been dog-friendly,” Francini said, “dogs, bikes, beers, casual and neighborhood friendly.”
O.H.S.O. & Little O’s, 8525 N. Central Ave., is open every day, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For information, call 602-844-1186, or visit www.ohsobrewery.com/sunnyslope.
