Gilbert and Chandler food guide: Agritopia and the downtown streets

Gilbert and Chandler are two growing suburbs in the Phoenix area, and for years people drove past them on the way to somewhere else. Both have invested in walkable downtowns and food destinations, and both have a farm past that still shows in their menus. Gilbert has Agritopia, a neighborhood built around a working farm, and a historic Heritage District. Chandler has a downtown of old brick buildings, a restored theater and many locally owned restaurants. Here is how each area works and when to go. A broader guide covers Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert together.

What is Agritopia?

Agritopia is a planned community in Gilbert, built around the farm heritage of the land, with an organic urban farm, orchards, a farm stand and u-pick fruit during the growing season. Within it is a craftsman marketplace that houses restaurants, a brewery and makers. A Farm Night market combines a farmers market and an artisan marketplace. The area is a good place in Gilbert to eat outdoors in the cooler months, and to watch children run between the orchard rows. Hours and events change, so check the farm and the market.

What is the Heritage District?

Gilbert's Heritage District is its historic downtown, a few blocks of older buildings, restaurants, bars and a water tower. Tourism pages mention a downtown concert series with food trucks selling tacos, fry bread and loaded bratwurst. The district is lively on weekend nights and calmer during the week. Parking is available in lots and on the street, and the walk between restaurants is short.

What is downtown Chandler like?

Downtown Chandler has many locally owned restaurants. Many are in historic buildings, including a restored theater and older cottages with patios. The area around the city's main square has pizza and craft beer, tapas and sharing plates, brunch and Asian kitchens. The city's tourism office lists additional newcomers each year. Check recent listings for openings and closings, because a downtown changes quickly.

When should you go?

Winter and spring are the best seasons, with mild weather and outdoor tables. Fall is also pleasant. Summer evenings are hot, and patios often use misters or move indoors. Weekend dinners in both downtowns fill by seven, and Sunday brunch is busy. Weekday evenings are easiest. If you want to see the concert series or a market, check the schedule before you go.

How do you plan a progressive dinner?

• Start with drinks or an appetizer in the Heritage District.
• Walk to a second restaurant for a main course.
• Drive to downtown Chandler for dessert and a stroll.
• Or reverse the order, ending at the marketplace for a brewery and a view of the farm.

The two downtowns are about fifteen minutes apart by car, so a day can include both.

What about children and families?

Agritopia is easy with children, thanks to the open space and the farm. Many restaurants in both downtowns have patios and kids' menus. Weekend afternoons are the best time for families. If you plan a visit to the farm, bring a hat and sunscreen, even in winter.

How do you handle dietary needs?

Menus in both cities mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, and farm-to-table kitchens are often flexible. Say what you need when you order. The food trucks at concerts range from tacos to barbecue, so ask about ingredients.

How do you get around?

A car is easiest. Gilbert and Chandler are connected by major streets, and parking is plentiful in both downtowns. Rideshares are available, and some areas are walkable once you park. Bike lanes and the canal paths are options in cooler weather.

What about tax and tipping?

Arizona adds a transaction privilege tax to restaurant meals, and cities add their own rates, so the check is higher than the menu price. A tip of 18 to 20 percent is customary at table service. Food trucks and counters often have a tip jar.

What makes these suburbs worth the drive?

Both cities have taken old buildings and streets and filled them with local businesses, and both are safer and easier to park in than a big downtown. Menus lean toward farm-to-table cooking, craft beer and shareable plates, with prices a little below Scottsdale and Phoenix. For visitors based in Phoenix or Tempe, an evening in either one is an easy change of pace.

Which events draw the biggest crowds?

Holiday lights, spring festivals and downtown concert nights bring crowds to both. Parking fills early, and restaurants take reservations only for certain times. Check the city event calendars before you pick a night, and book dinner first if you plan to attend a concert or a festival afterward. Arriving early also means you can walk around before the crowds build.

How do you remember what you ate?

A day moving between a farm and two downtowns gives you a long list. Mosey is a food-first app where diners find places by dish, mood and neighborhood and rate what they actually ate. A rating for each farm-stand peach and each pizza helps you decide where to go back.

Eating your way across Arizona? The Food in Arizona page links every town we cover.

More guides to read next:

• Mesa, Arizona food guide: the Asian District and Dobson Road
• Brookline food guide: Coolidge Corner and Washington Square
• Lowell, MA food guide: Cambodian restaurants and the Folk Festival

More in the US food guides and the ranked lists of places.