Downtown Chandler is growing up. Ever-charming, holding true to its own unique brand of old Arizona history, the area is quietly becoming known for what’s happening right now. One benefit to all of the neighborhood’s emerging urban character is in the dining category, where small mom-and-pop cafes and deep-pocketed restaurateurs have been planting new roots in the area with increasing frequency. Here are a few of the best new restaurants in downtown Chandler.
(And, we should know—this is our ‘hood.)
Craft64
Downtown Chandler’s pizza game just leveled up. The new sibling to Craft 64’s popular Old Town Scottsdale pizzeria, the passionate people behind Craft 64 know great pizza, great ingredients, and know great beer. Think heftier, crustier, Neapolitan-inspired pies, reinforced with top-shelf add-ons like hand-pulled fresh mozzarella, scratch-made breads, Arizona-grown produce, and more. Keeping with the “craft” theme, Craft 64 features over 30 beers on rotation, with a weighted focus on everything local. Delicious antipasti, pressed sandwiches, light salads, and more, Craft 64 is certainly a welcome new addition to the neighborhood.
Hidden House
Though the original house was built in 1939, weathering generations of early Chandler families and eventual neglect prior to downtown Chandler’s recent renaissance, what’s old is brand-new again at the beautifully restored—and reimagined—Hidden House. The latest concept from the personalities behind the popular nearby Brickyard restaurant, Hidden House adds an elevated dining option to the neighborhood rotation for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Featuring three distinct dining spaces—the intimate outdoor patio area, the main dining room and indoor-outdoor bar as part of the original historic house, as well as an expansive 2,200 sq. ft. multi-use space that’s open for lunch, musical events and private parties—Hidden House’s menu highlights a seasonal, modern approach to familiar dishes, reworked with global touches. An extensive wine list and studied cocktail menu round out the reasons why Hidden House looks to remain a continued downtown Chandler destination for generations to come.
Mingle & Graze
Part catering business, part popular (and pint-size) cafe, the still-new Mingle & Graze has become a feel-good downtown Chandler success story everyone should celebrate. On the catering side, think elaborate tablescapes overflowing with colorful charcuterie, artisan cheeses from around the globe, and homemade snacks, salty and sweet, each fully customizable for events of all sizes. For everyday diners at the cafe, Mingle & Graze offers its signature snacking experience in the form of build-your-own cheese and charcuterie boards that are available for sharing or solo selfishness, in addition to an expanded menu of artful a la carte salads, sandwiches, tacos, and homemade soups.
