Tis the season to suffer through another painful company Christmas dinner?
Not anymore… Gilbert, Arizona has come a long way from being the “hay capital of the world.” Gilbert, AZ is beginning to boast many options for awesome dining experiences. Don’t make your employees suffer by taking them out to Denny’s (again). Gilbert is loaded with some great places to take a group out for a company Christmas dinner.
Joe’s Real BBQ
Don’t let the tractor in the middle of the restaurant fool you. Gilbert, AZ is home to Joe’s REAL BBQ. Joe’s BBQ is bustling with energy from the moment they open until the doors close. Joe’s BBQ has made Gilbert, AZ a destination for foodies all over Arizona. I have personally attended two company Christmas dinner’s at Joe’s BBQ and I must say the tasty food is only out done by the atmosphere and service.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order: brisket, baked potato, homemade root beer
Downside: No alcohol (this could also be considered an upside if someone in your group turns into “Frank the Tank” when booz hits their lips)
Hours | Location | Menu
Boombozz
Taphouse
Gourmet Pizza in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. Boombozz makes its way from Kentucky to Gilbert. Boombozz in Gilbert has a private room available for private parties. Boombozz has over 24 beers on tap. Not your average pizza joint.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order: any craft beer, soft pretzels, quattro pizza
Downside: Unless you are in the private party room, there are a lot of flat screen TVs. Good luck holding a conversation.
Hours | Location | Menu
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
Oregano’s is an Italian food staple in Arizona. The staff is always friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Oregano’s is located in the Heritage District in Historic Down town Gilbert. Oregano’s has locations in Flagstaff, Tucson, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order: dirty monkey, kickbutt garlic bread, BBQ chicken pizza
Downside: Getting a seat can sometimes be an issue for larger groups. Their website is 100% flash based and the music gets annoying online. I haven’t see such horror since the early 2000s.
Hours | Location | Menu
Grimaldi’s Pizza
Authentic wood fired pizzas, a decent wine list, and friendly service is exactly what you will find at Grimaldi’s. Grimaldi’s crisp New York-style crust sets this place apart. Grimaldi’s is located in South East Gilbert in the San Tan Mall shopping center.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order: create your own pizza!,
Downside: None to speak of.
Hours | Location | Menu
Nando’s
Mexican Cafe
Nando’s does not mess around. Great portions. Laid back atmosphere,excellent staff, private patio. Watch out for their margaritas too! When you go, make sure to say hello to Kimmy (she’s usually in the bar). Nando’s has been a making incredible Mexican food in Gilbert for nearly ten years. Nando’s recently opened a location in North East Mesa, AZ.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order: barrio tacos, diablo wings
Downside: They won’t let you steal a gallon of salsa (I’ve tried)
Hours | Location | Menu
Down Under
Wines
Gilbert, Arizona has it’s own little piece of Australia. Don’t be scared away by the cuisine. With exotic dishes such as crocodile pot-stickers and kangaroo loin your co-workers are in for a treat. Did I mention that Down Under boasts a killer wine list along with mini wine retail area. Live music on occasion too.
Food: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$$
Must Order: crocodile pot-stickers, seared kangaroo loin
Downside: Nobody knows exactly when Down Under closes. (silly Aussie’s)
Hours | Location | Menu
Temari
Fine Japanese Cuisine
A small part of me doesn’t want to tell you about how amazing this sushi dive is. Oh well, this quaint hole in the wall sushi restaurant is not much of a secret anymore. Chef/Owner Saki shows off his creativity with over 100 different sushi rolls to choose from. Your taste buds are in for a treat. The world’s best sushi in Gilbert, AZ. Who knew?
Food: ★★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★
Cost: $$
Must Order:seafood lovers roll, Gilbert roll, ahi poke
Downside: If you are expecting chain-like sushi, you are in the wrong place. Temari is the real deal.
Hours | Location | Menu
