In what has gracefully become one of the Valley’s most exciting dining destinations, downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District adds another spell to its book of charm – a second restaurant from Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey called Joyride Taco House. Located on the northwest corner of Gilbert Rd. and Page Ave., the new concept joins neighboring Postino East to bring the renovated Grainbelt building to full capacity.
Informed by authenticity, but not beholden to it, Joyride Taco House is Mexican food made for daily life. With inspiration infused from the cultural stylings of the all-star Upward Projects kitchen development team (Chris Newstrom, Minerva Orduño Rincón, Monica Castillo and Mark Martinez), everything here is fresh and made from scratch, including the salsas, marinades and hand-pressed tortillas and tortilla chips.
Sharable starters include three different types of ceviche, two types of guacamole and hearty pozole soup. Entrées include salads, burritos and tortas, as well as house specialties such as slow-braised beef tamales and slow-roasted rotisserie chicken. They also offer ten different varieties of hand-crafted tacos ranging from carne asada and short rib to beer-battered fish, grilled shrimp and an ever-changing Chef’s Special. Joyride’s extensive beverage menu showcases refreshing and colorful agua frescas, both for adults (mixed with your choice of spirit) and for the kiddos. Plus, enjoy their staple “$5 Until 5” wine and beer specials every day of the week.
Inside the lively 3,400 square foot space, you’ll swear salt is in the air with the well-worn beach vibe. Splashes of color reach from floor to ceiling, most noticeably from the custom-made concrete tiles imported from Mexico and the salvaged steering wheels and headlights, all working together to create a vintage-inspired vibe. Signature garage doors adorn both the front and back of the building, creating a breezeway and two distinct patios that keep the laid-back experience intact.
Joyride Taco House carries the same Upward Projects’ soul as its siblings Postino WineCafe, Windsor, Churn and Federal Pizza with lunch and dinner service seven days a week. Expect hours of 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday plus their staple $5 Until 5 every day of the week.
