The Heritage District in Gilbert is a walkable little cluster of popping breakfast and brunch spots, approachable barbecue and chicken joints, and fun walk-up windows like Topo. Here’s an eater's run-down of Gilbert Road.
COFFEE
Bergies Coffee Roast House
309 North Gilbert Road, GilbertFor lovers of coffee and lawn decor, Bergies is a very inviting coffee shop known for its big, backyard-style patio. There are tables and chairs, birdhouses, wind chimes, and palo verde trees offering shade and pops of yellow in spring. It's like being on your favorite kooky aunt's back porch. Brothers and owners Brian and Bruce Bergeson are behind the roasts and coffee selections, and the place is slinging caffeine as early as 6 a.m. — 7 a.m. on Sundays.
BREAKFAST
Liberty Market
230 North Gilbert Road, GilbertThis Heritage District restaurant has a full menu dedicated to first meal. There’s Chef David’s Breakfast Sandwich, buttermilk pancakes, and chilaquiles for starters. But for our vegan friends, it’s not all eggs and protein suggestions. The Smothered Vegan Breakfast Burrito at Liberty Market is your answer. The breakfast burrito is a flour tortilla packed with scrambled tofu and vegetables (usually diced sweet potatoes) and sautéed with peppers, onions, and tomatillo — plus it’s all smothered with tomatillo and chile pequin sauces. It’s filling, it's pretty, and it's a great way to start your day.
The Farmhouse Restaurant
228 North Gilbert Road, GilbertYou won't find any breakfast innovations at this Gilbert eatery, but you will find hot coffee, friendly servers, two dozen varieties of omelets (in addition to the choice to design your own), and some of the best cinnamon rolls in town. Hidden in plain sight, The Farmhouse transports you far away from the burgeoning streets of downtown Gilbert and into a picture-perfect rural setting, where breakfast is always hearty and served with a smile. Ham steak and ground chuck patties come served with eggs your way — but whatever you do, save room to share one of the Farmhouse Famous Cinnamon Rolls.
Snooze: an AM Eatery
310 North Gilbert Road, GilbertBreakfast doesn't get more fun than at Snooze. Diners can look forward to a retro-modern design and perks like free coffee and games while you wait for a table — which you almost always will do on weekend mornings. Once settled, select from options like pancakes, seasonal varieties of eggs Benedict, and a whole section dedicated to hollandaise sauce. There's also an impressive lineup of breakfast cocktails — Snooze offers not one, but four types of Bloody Marys and seven kinds of mimosas.
BRUNCH
The Porch
312 North Gilbert RoadThe Porch sports bar’s third location in smackdab in the middle of the Heritage District. If thumping music and an airy front patio off Gilbert Road is your thing mid-morning, do head here. The crew had some fun putting together the brunch menu. Start with the Waffle Tenders, try the Mexico City Breakfast Bowl, or try the “adult version” of the Strawberry Cake Stack — a vanilla pound cake loaded with vodka-soaked strawberries and topped with Baileys Irish Cream.
Postino
302 North Gilbert Road, #102, GilbertPostino is an Italian food and wine and beer joint with an expansive patio. Though the brunch menu is placed in front of you the moment you sit down, save yourself some time — go straight for the bruschetta and wine. Glasses of wine, mimosas, the white peach Bellini, and beer pitchers are $5 till 5 p.m., so you can go a little easy on your billfold. As for main eats, the brunch menu lists country toast, grilled focaccia, the farm scramble, and the morning staple — two eggs, bacon, walnut toast, and roasted potatoes. Postino brunch is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Whiskey Row
323 North Gilbert Road, GilbertNot just a nightspot, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row also offers a rowdy brunch. At the Backyard Brunch, order the Dierks Scramble, chicken and waffle sliders, and French toast stuffed with citrus cream cheese for the table. Brunch-appropriate cocktails include the Lipstick Collar, plus $7 Bloody Marys and mules, and $20 for mimosas with penny refills. But don't fret, you can work off that sugar with cornhole, Ping-Pong, and other yard games. Backyard Brunch is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
LUNCH
Joe’s Real BBQ
301 North Gilbert Road, GilbertNow in its third decade, Joe’s Real BBQ and owner Joe Johnson have expanded the menu for this Gilbert stalwart. Yes, there is still killer barbecue, but now there are more vegetarian and vegan options (as in smoked jackfruit substitutions) and sides like beet salad, spicy slaw, and braised greens from Agritopia — also in Gilbert. But for classic and longtime fans of the meat here, good news. There’s a new combo platter, plus a new sandwich called the Big Bad Wolf — rounding up pulled pork, pit ham, and rib meat on Texas toast, all held together with a knife. And weather permitting, the picnic tables in the “backyard” are always fun.
Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles
366 North Gilbert Road, GilbertDoes fried chicken sound good? Always? You’re in the right place. Go for the basic Lo-Lo's special here, which is three pieces of fried chicken paired with two fluffy waffles. You also can’t go wrong with orders of DVZ’s Hot Ghetto Mess, Uncle Brotha’s Shrimp and Grits, and Cool Bre Bre’s Chicken Salad. And if you don’t have to go back to the office, spring for the Lo-Lo’s Punch — red berry vodka, red Kool-Aid, and pineapple juice. You won’t regret it till much later.
SushiBrokers
350 North Gilbert Road, #101, GilbertTucked behind the main drag of Gilbert Road, SushiBrokers opens at 11 a.m. — just in time for a quick power lunch. Diners may start with edamame, spring rolls, and calamari, or go straight for the sushi options. The Hot Lips, caterpillar, and cowboy (or cowgirl) rolls come recommended. There are also salads for the carb-conscious and substantial options like the Brokers Burger or grilled mahi-mahi entrée. And if it’s a late lunch, happy hour starts at 3 p.m. daily, just FYI.
SoCal Fish Taco Company
219 North Gilbert Road, GilbertYou can find California-inspired cuisine in downtown Gilbert. SoCal Fish Taco Company serves fish-heavy fare and craft beer in a beach-like environment, all owned by a family who live and work in Gilbert. The locally owned eatery is run by Pablo Reynoso, Jr. whose family first opened a seafood market in 1991. Expect shucked oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, ceviche tostadas, crab cakes, salads, wraps, and of course, fish tacos. There's also a shady patio.
Da’Bayou Creole Kitchen
313 North Gilbert Road, #100, GilbertDa’Bayou Creole Kitchen plates and bowls items like seafood and okra gumbo, gator po’boys, muffuletta, shrimp baskets, grilled redfish, and the Fish Ponchartrain entrée. The new Creole cuisine restaurant also offers a brunch menu with orders like the Voodoo Benny and the Breakfast Bread Puddin', but you should definitely be eyeing the Brunch Beignets.
Zinburger
344 North Gilbert Road, GilbertA lunch burger is found almost anywhere, but if you want top-tier, Zinburger is recommended. The namesake Zinburger itself is Angus beef patty topped with Manchego cheese, zinfandel-braised onions, lettuce, and mayonnaise, but other suggested orders are the El Diablo or the build your own option. Sides come a la carte, and the zucchini fries are almost as famous as the burgers here. Salads, wings, and cocktails are also on deck.
SWEETS
Topo
301 North Gilbert Road, GilbertThe soft serve ($2.50) is almost irresistible at Topo, even if you’re not a dessert person. Choices are vanilla, prickly pear, or twist. Um, prickly pear, please. What results is a tall spiral of mauve in a cute little cone. It’s so pretty it pains you to take a bite, but that bite is heavenly. The fruity soft serve is incredible to the last crunchy bite of the cone’s base. Dips are a fun accompaniment at 50 cents a pop. Choose from chocolate, lime, or prickly pear again. However, the soft serve is good enough to walk away sans dip.
Petersen’s Ice Cream & Cafe
366 North Gilbert Road, GilbertThe adorable Petersen’s Ice Cream & Café has two locations — one in Chicagoland, and one in Gilbert. The ice cream shop was started by Hans Petersen in 1919, and now, you can scoop up even classic ice cream flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry while seated in pink and blue chairs on the sidewalk along Gilbert Road. For the more adventurous, additional flavors include Mackinac Island Fudge, Caramel Ripple, and New York Cherry.
Rocket Fizz
350 North Gilbert Road, #105, GilbertIt’s not all ice cream when it comes to a sugar rush in the Heritage District. Sneak back to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop for mounds of by-the-piece candy and single-serving sodas. There are also toys and wacky signs, so if you bring kids in here, you’ve officially been warned.
HAPPY HOUR
Culinary Dropout
383 North Gilbert Road, GilbertSet at the start (or the end) of the Heritage District, Culinary Dropout sits as Sam Fox’s sixth location of the warehouse-style eatery. The 25,000-square-foot space has indoor and outdoor seating, two private dining rooms, and yes, the Yard area with Ping-Pong, cornhole, and more. Happy hour is 2 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers everything from $4 well cocktails and draught pints to pork belly nachos and those famous pretzel balls.
Joyride Taco House
302 North Gilbert RoadJoyride Taco House has that ideal after-work drinks vibe. Here, happy hour is weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and 2 p.m. to close on Taco Tuesday. Snag $2 tacos like the veggie, carne asada, or pork adobada, or go nuts with $3 tacos like crispy fish and chipotle shrimp. Ranch Waters (a fun adult beverage) are $5 a pop and come in raspberry mint and passion, while margs — like the blood orange, cucumber serrano, and strawberry hibiscus — are also $5 a pill.
Barrio Queen
388 North Gilbert Road, GilbertJust need chips and salsa in the middle of the afternoon? Barrio Queen staff will sling ‘em out before you can even get in a drink order. The happy hour special here is $12 and consists of two tacos and the People’s Margarita — made with Dwayne T.R. Johnson’s Teremana Blanco Tequila, lime juice, and pineapple juice, agave nectar.
DINNER
Pomo
366 North Gilbert Road, #106, GilbertGilbert Road’s sidewalks are heavily dotted with sandwich boards inviting pedestrians in for a quick drink, maybe a shareable snack. But Pomo’s deals, coupled with that clean, open-air bar, will definitely draw you in. Plus, a pearl-white Vespa will meet you at the entrance, making you feel very much in vacation mode, indeed. Dinner at this posh Italian eatery can offer gnocchi sorrentina, classic Italian cocktails like the beet-red aperol spritz, and the incredible quattro formaggi (a mean white pizza).
Copper 48
366 North Gilbert Road, GilbertCopper 48 (formerly Nico Heirloom Kitchen) is the Heritage District’s upscale, chef-run restaurant, but friendly touches like the well-manicured patio and casual-but-elegant dining room make it fit right in. The dinner menu lists starters like burrata and octopus, house-made pasta, and mains like lamb, filet, short rib, and pan-roasted chicken. And don’t sleep on that Parmesan risotto. Couple your supper with a craft cocktail and watch Gilbert walk by from your seat on the patio.
Clever Koi
384 North Gilbert Road, #101, GilbertThe second location of this Asian-inspired restaurant welcomes you to head behind the main drag for imaginative cocktails and one of the best bowls of ramen in town. Clever Koi diners may dig in to those classic confit wings, share a plate of tuna chips, and go straight for the pork ramen or spicy seafood hot pot. And the cocktails should be half the reason you’re here. The menu is divided into shaken or stirred drinks, or one could spring for signature cocktails like the Lemongrass Swizzle, Always Always Bad News, or the Herbie Hancock.
Oregano’s
328 North Gilbert Road, GilbertThis powerhouse of a local chain is super-inviting, which is probably why there’s an Oregano's in every corner of greater Phoenix. But for good reason. There's pizza, pasta, and wings, and signature dishes like Italian wedding soup, Italian fried zucchini, Mom’s Mac n' Cheese, and Lawrence’s Stuffed 'Shrooms. Plus, there are local beer options, craft cocktails, and certainly some wine.
DRINKS
Champions Sports Saloon
211 North Gilbert Road, GilbertChampions Sports Saloon has been some sort of bar in Gilbert since the 1940s. Amenities include pool tables, TVs, darts, pinball, arcade games, and retro Arizona sports team posters. They also have snacks, a deep fryer, and a pizza oven, or you can bring in food from one of the many surrounding restaurants. Champions also hosts poker and dart leagues, plus other typical bar activities. The pennies on the bar are gone, but you'll still get a stiff drink at this neighborhood bar in the Heritage District.
Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen
313 North Gilbert Road, #301, GilbertSotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen in the Heritage District is the first rooftop restaurant and bar in the city of Gilbert. Arizona-inspired cocktails include the Passion of the Elote (with elote-infused vodka, passion fruit, cynar, jalapeño, and Peychaud) the Mesquite Smoked Old Fashioned, and the seasonal, ever-changing Tour D' Arizona drink. Meanwhile, the kitchen offers nopales fritas, Apache Soup, and Arizona Stew.
Level 1 Arcade Bar
60 West Vaughn Avenue, #107, GilbertThough packed with 30 arcade games and 10 pinball machines, Level 1 Arcade Bar is no mall-era arcade complete with screaming kids and greasy joysticks. This is a sleek video game bar in downtown Gilbert. There’s craft beer on tap, cans and bottles of hard seltzer and cider, plus house cocktails like Flawless Victory, Scorpions Colada, and the Smash Bros. But if you do want a little mall-era with your evening, head for the Ultimate Mortal Kombat cabinet or the Jurassic Park pinball machine.
The White Rabbit Bar
207 North Gilbert Road, GilbertThe ambiance of The White Rabbit Bar directly is pure Prohibition-era costume party. Bartenders and servers dress the part, there's jazz music and hung-up vintage portraits. To find the entrance, look for a doorman atop of descending staircase. Here's where you'll need a password. You can get it by joining their mailing list. When you're finally inside, choose from cocktails with names like Dead Men Don’t Bite, Ghost On The Sea, and Chasing Lemurs. Or try the bartender's specialty — you select a spirit, they do the rest.
LATE NIGHT
O.H.S.O. Brewery
335 North Gilbert Road, #102, GilbertBrought to you by another sandwich board, O.H.S.O. has the kitchen open till midnight for you late-nighters. The two-story Gilbert location runs the late-night menu from 10 p.m. till the next calendar day rolls over. It offers $5 cheese curds, crab wontons, and pretzels with green chile cheese. For something heavier, order the brisket fries, the PBJ burger, and maybe one last local beer or two. There are definitely worse ways to end your night in the Heritage District.
Editor's note: This story was originally published on May 17, 2019. It was updated on March 31, 2021.
