The Handlebar Pub and Grill — Restaurant in Apache Junction

My wife & I saw your restaurant had a Valentine's Day special and were excited you accepted reservations for the event. We reserved an outside table. We arrived on time. The hostess walked inside the patio door, scanned the patio visually, then flippantly asked if the first table by the entrance was "OK". I saw there were other tables open that were closer to the entertainment but didn't want to cause an issue by arguing with the hostess about the table. We sat down and waited about 15 minutes for our waiter to arrive. Come to find out....I should have spoken up! Here, I'm taking my wife out for a special dinner and we sat in the worst place possible! We quickly realized all the "wait list" people were basically sitting WITH US at our table. They were all gathered around our table on benches and chairs, watching us eat, and appearing to monitor how long we might be utilizing the table. The food was good but not spectacular. The waiter was slow but it was obvious he had multiple tables. His personality outweighed the fact that he wasn't able to be as attentive as you would expect. (We had to wait 20 or more minutes for refills and to pay our check.) Why would the hostess offer this specific spot to someone who had a reservation when better tables were available?? My wife was dressed up and we were obviously out "on a date." It was so disappointing and really tainted the entire evening. Instead of staying and enjoying the entertainers (who were on the far side of the patio) we decided to go home. I doubt we'll put ourselves in this position at your...

tl;dr - You need to stop by this place. Drink selection is amazing. The food was spectacular. They have Gluten Free options for almost the entire menu. Owner has Celiacs! Everything has gluten options as well so don't be afraid.

Long story: We were passing through on Friday to visit family in Apache Junction. Around lunch we started tossing ideas around. We're from the northeast and generally get excited for Sonic. We had seen a sign for one but my wife decided to search for gluten free options on a whim since she has celiacs. She found Handlebar on an app. We walked in and were greeted by an incredibly enthusiastic waiter who was awesome and I'm saddened I forgot his name. The beer menu was exhaustive, but don't necessarily settle. They have a mead list as well. I tried the War Honey which I thought was amazing. The menu was 2 sided so you aren't overloaded with options but still plenty to choose from. I tried the Brat and acorn squash as a side. I was not disappointed at all. In fact I would have ordered a second if we weren't already planning on a big dinner. We definitely plan to come back since we are over that way visiting family often. You should go too.

P.S. It was kid (or in my case toddler) appropriate. Although I wouldn't have guessed from...

Returned a few nights ago for our Anniversary dinner, and had the mahi-mahi, smashed smoked potatoes and brussels sprouts. The food was absolutely on point! Not greasy and grilled and so full of flavor. The beers were ice cold and their selection of IPA was really awesome. Hadn’t been here in a minute, but vowed to return more frequently, even after all these years, I was still pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Good to know about the call ahead option, also, it was pretty crowded, but I love how they don’t crowd the tables too close together, and you have lots of space. The service, even with how busy it was, was phenomenal. Was so happy with our experience. It prompted me to come back and write another review. We’ve been coming to this place since it opened pretty much and they have really put a lot of time, love and energy into making this a great place to eat. We are happy it is so close to home.

So many people complain about the fact that they don’t have french fries, if you want french fries call across the street to Burger King and clog your arteries. I love the healthier options here with the grilling, their menu is online, so look at it before you come. I thought their smoked potatoes...