Gilbert’s once‑sleepy downtown has turned into one of metro Phoenix’s most vibrant dining hubs.
The Heritage District in particular is packed with chef‑driven restaurants, breweries, and dessert spots. These five newer or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants capture what makes Gilbert such a fun place to eat right now.
1. Culinary Dropout (Gilbert)
At the edge of Heritage District, Culinary Dropout brings a big, energetic gastropub vibe—indoor and outdoor seating, yard games, live music nights, and a bustling bar.
The menu features elevated bar food with a playful twist: soft pretzels with cheese fondue, creative salads, fried chicken, burgers, and shareable boards.
Weekend brunch adds dishes like eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and indulgent breakfast plates.
The cocktail list is extensive and approachable, and there’s a solid selection of local and regional beers on tap.
2. Postino East
Postino East is a wine bar and cafe that helped kick off Gilbert’s downtown renaissance.
The space is stylish but inviting, with a big patio that fills up quickly during happy hour.
The menu is built around bruschetta boards—choose multiple topping combos on crisp grilled bread—plus salads, panini, and simple, high‑quality snacks like olives, cheese, and charcuterie.
It’s less about heavy entrees and more about grazing.
Postino’s wine list is broad and affordable, with a popular deal on bottles and boards certain nights of the week that draws a loyal crowd.
3. Liberty Market
Located in a historic building in the heart of Gilbert’s Heritage District, Liberty Market is an all‑day cafe and restaurant that manages to feel both casual and special.
The interior blends vintage touches with modern finishes, and there’s a busy open kitchen and coffee bar.
Breakfast and brunch bring dishes like scrambles, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches; lunch and dinner add wood‑fired pizzas, burgers, pastas, and seasonal specials.
Many ingredients are locally sourced, and the menu changes enough to keep regulars coming back.
A serious espresso program, plus beer, wine, and cocktails later in the day, make it a versatile stop from morning through night.
4. The Uprooted Kitchen (within Agritopia)
In the Agritopia community just outside downtown, The Uprooted Kitchen offers a plant‑forward, health‑minded menu in a bright, relaxed setting.
It’s particularly popular with vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who appreciates colorful, produce‑driven plates.
Expect grain bowls, salads, smoothies, toasts, and baked goods that lean on whole ingredients and seasonal produce.
Dishes are satisfying but lighter and often come with house‑made sauces and dressings that keep flavors interesting.
It’s a great counterbalance to some of the richer gastropub fare elsewhere in Gilbert.
5. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. – Gilbert Brewpub
Arizona Wilderness Brewing’s Gilbert location combines a strong craft beer program with a kitchen that takes pub food seriously. The vibe is laid‑back and outdoorsy, with lots of wood, greenery, and a big patio.
The menu focuses on burgers, sandwiches, and bar snacks, often with a Southwestern or locally sourced twist. Think green‑chile‑topped burgers, creative vegetarian options, and shareable plates built to go with a pint.
Beers range from hoppy IPAs to sours, lagers, and experimental releases—many highlighting Arizona ingredients and flavors.
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