GILBERT, AZ — If you feel like you've read a lot of headlines about Gilbert in the last few years, you probably have. Gilbert's downtown culinary scene has exploded with a number of new restaurant and bar openings in the last several years.
Related: 50 new restaurants and bars to visit around the Valley
Grubstak, The Brass Tap, OHSO, Creamistry, and Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row all opened within the last three years.
In the last six months, three more hot spots have added their signs to the downtown street.
RELATED: What's next for downtown Gilbert?
Here is a look at three of the newest places to check out.
Culinary Dropout at The Yard
Sam Fox's Culinary Dropout opened its fourth restaurant -- and largest for the concept -- in downtown Gilbert. The 25,000-square-foot restaurant was built near Gilbert Road and Hearne Way, across the street from Barrio Queen and LO-LO's Chicken and Waffles. It has a large dining room with booths, tables, and high-top community tables, a full-service bar, and outdoor seating that looks out to Gilbert Road. Like the other Yard locations, it has an entertainment space with outdoor backyard games, like corn hole and ping-pong. The menu is classic American dishes -- think street tacos, 36-hour pork ribs, fried chicken, meat and cheese boards, and pretzel bites. They also have a mix of salads and sandwiches.
The White Rabbit
The White Rabbit is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. It opened in the basement of the Heritage Court building near Gilbert Road and Cullumber Avenue. The concept tells the fictional tale of Dr. O'Hare, a doctor from the 1920s who owned an apothecary during Prohibition, the time when it was illegal to make, sell or transport alcohol. Like speakeasies of the time, guests will need a password to get in. To get it, sign-up for their email list. The cocktail menu features 10 classic cocktails, including French 75, Sidecar and Bee's Knees, as well as 10 signature cocktails. They have a small food menu with easy-to-eat appetizers: pretzels, caprese skewers, flatbreads, and hummus.
Topo Arizona
Topo is the latest food concept from Joe Johnston, the founder of Joe's Farm Grill and Joe's Real BBQ. And it is easy to spot, what with the large hat-wearing gopher on top of it. The small stand, located next to Joe's Real BBQ, was inspired by Route 66 roadside attractions, Johnston said. Its menu has soft-serve ice cream with chocolate dips, elote, and burritos.
