Gilbert After Dark

Toast of the Town

Whether the occasion calls for family fun or a bachelorette party, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row will bring the music, the line dancing, the private venue, and—depending on just how much of a good time you’re after—the bottle service. Got two left feet? No problem: Dancing lessons are offered regularly. Live music is on tap frequently, and it’s best enjoyed with something from the other kind of tap. (Think beer, cocktails, juleps, wine, and, naturally, whiskey.) 

If you’re looking for fun without a country twang, head to Culinary Dropout, which offers just as much conviviality along with expansive covered-patio seating and family-friendly games like ping-pong. The classic menu gets seasonal updates, and live music is available on weekends.

When the evening calls for something more sophisticated, check out The White Rabbit—but be sure to get the password first. That’s right: This stylish speakeasy requires its over-21 guests to know where to find the secret door and what password to provide. (Spoiler alert: Look online.) If you don’t feel like dressing up (date-night attire is recommended), order to-go cocktails instead. Whether settling in or picking up, be sure to note the lively neon lights that grace either side of Gilbert Road.

Step back into the present era—and out of doors—at Garage-East, which celebrates Arizona winemaking via red, white, sparkling, pink, and even “cocktail” wines crafted from Southern Arizona grapes. (Cocktail wines, for the uninitiated, are concocted with wine, carbonation, and usually some syrup or juice.) Enjoy a glass on the patio with the family during the day (no guests under 13 are allowed after 5 p.m.) or for one of the winery’s many events. Intimate dinners featuring local vintners and chefs, holiday parties, open-mic nights, and live music are all on offer throughout the year. 

Adults’ Night Out

For grown-ups eager to indulge their inner-child, Gilbert offers up a variety of thematic experiences.

Case in point is the Level 1 Arcade Bar where you’ll find about 100 games in regular rotation. After 7 p.m., Level 1 closes to anyone under 21 and cranks up the fun with, depending on the night, pinball tournaments, DJs and dancing, and a menu that includes 20 draft beers and 20 custom cocktails. Midnight munchies? Pop into Outcast Donuts to refuel.

Looking for something more retro? Then head over to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop, home to a smorgasbord of drinks and sweets from all over the world. You’re as apt to find Japanese candy as AZ-made treats.

Sports fans, meanwhile, will appreciate Topgolf Phoenix–Gilbert where more than 100 climate-controlled bays, giant targets, and a bevy of golf-inspired games take Scotland’s most famous export in a high-definition direction. Speaking of HD, there are also upwards of 200 HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace and firepit. 

There’s a new kid on the sport block worthy of a try, and it’s pickleball. Pickleball Backyard answers an almost insatiable demand with 24-7 access to its six indoor courts. Drop-in sessions, organized events (such as round-robin games), PPR-certified coaching, private reservations, and even free introductory lessons are all available. 

Of course, sometimes it’s nice just to enjoy a drink at the end of the day. In that case, grab a seat at Postino East in downtown Gilbert. Postino brought its trademark approachability to wine and snacky dining (think bruschetta and paninis) to the East Valley after enjoying significant success in Phoenix. Apparently, that alchemy is transferable: The relaxed patio, historic city center vibes, and laid-back wine culture keep people coming back.

Another Phoenix transplant, UnderTow, takes more of a storytelling approach to its menu. Guests arrive to an intimate space that looks like the underbelly of a historic clipper ship. Guests can immerse themselves in the murky ambiance for 90 minutes at a time while they plumb the depths of the cocktail menu. The changing libations are crafted according to whatever destination your “ship” is sailing to that evening.