Whether you're hungry for a late-night meal or hunting for the best happy hour near you, Gilbert comes alive at night. In Gilbert's historic Heritage District, dozens of locally loved Arizona breweries, restaurants, and bars rub shoulders in a unique, walkable downtown destination that bustles during the day and is just as exciting after the sun goes down.

One of Gilbert's most beloved late-night hot spots, The White Rabbit is an attraction as much as a bar. As the story goes, Gilbert's legendary Dr. O'Hare flouted prohibition laws in 1920 by prescribing alcoholic concoctions to his “patients” behind the hidden doors of his Apothecary. Today, The White Rabbit still uses this hidden entrance and a secret password (hint: join the VIP list online or ask around as you stroll downtown). Guests descend a staircase beneath street level and slip back in time to a swanky Prohibition-era speakeasy, where vintage portraits adorn the walls and bartenders whip up dazzling cocktails. In addition to drinks, The White Rabbit serves a menu of small bites late into the night.

Speaking of speakeasies: The White Rabbit has a sister lounge named The Parlour Room around the corner, and there's no password required. Fashioned after the private chambers where eclectic Dr. O'Hare held galas for exclusive guests, The Parlour Room draws patrons into plush booths under decadent red mood lighting to indulge in a menu of martinis, beers, spirits, and twists on classic cocktails. Consider it either a starting place or final stop on your tour of Gilbert's speakeasies, but come dressed to impress in your best night-out attire. A DJ spins on Fridays, and happy hour caters to the late-night crowd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For those looking to imbibe above ground, cocktails on the rooftop are the purview of Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, where dinner with a view meets cleverly crafted drinks. Meant to be savored and sipped, Sotol's menu invites you to slow down and soak in the ambiance, whether you're watching a gorgeous desert sunset sink on the horizon or lights glitter on the street below. For a one-of-a-kind experience, try the “Don't Push the Button!” cocktail that comes with a tongue-tickling “buzz button.”

Drinks and dining aren't the only late-night activities in Gilbert. If you're nostalgic for arcade games or just a fun-seeking newbie, Level 1 Arcade Bar sports a selection of retro rotating games, drink specials, and a food menu that you can enjoy past midnight. Feeling artsy? The Art House Gilbert invites you to order a drink from the bar and tap into your creative side at its urban studio, where instructors guide participants through creating painted canvas art, beautifully decorated cookies, charcuterie masterpieces, and more. Evening workshops and classes typically occur after 6 p.m. and are purchased online in advance.

By day, visitors to downtown Gilbert's historic Heritage District can refuel with lunch after shopping, hiking, and enjoying the entertainment scene. By night, these hip eateries are open late for happy hour, dinner, and beyond. Crowd-favorite Clever Koi serves delicious ramen, steamed buns, and other elegant Asian fusion in digs perfect for date night. Locally beloved brewery Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company offers craft beers and full menus until 10 p.m. You can grab a bite to eat anytime at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert, but after dark is your best bet for late-night fun as the dance floor lights up with club DJs or live country music.

You don't need to be in downtown Gilbert to find good restaurants open late. New at Verde at Cooley Station is The Blue Heron speakeasy. Those in the know can find the blue-lit beacon near the alley-way entrance. Once inside, prepare to watch exceptional craftsmanship in the making as their bartending staff are connoisseurs of the lost art of classic drink making. Ask for a “Bobby Gilbert”, named after the Town's founder, featuring lemongrass syrup, gin and crème de framboise. Located in the open-air SanTan Village shopping destination, Thirsty Lion Gastropub is open until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, while The Whining Pig neighborhood bar serves craft beer and wine until midnight or later every night except Sunday.

Find out about all these locales and more when you visit Arizona. www.DiscoverGilbert.com

Content featured in Discover Gilbert Guide (2023)