Unearth The Voyage
Tucked along Apache Trail, The Handlebar Pub and Grill pairs relaxed patio vibes with boldly grilled flavors that keep locals coming back. From juicy shrimp skewers to toasty paninis and craveable burgers, everything is grilled or smoked, never fried, for a cleaner, satisfying bite. With rotating taps, Arizona meads, and live music on select nights, it is as much a hangout as a lunch destination. If you are craving a sunny table, memorable service, and plates that overdeliver for the price, this spot deserves your next meal.
1. Signature Shrimp Skewers on the Patio
The Handlebar Pub and Grill turns a simple shrimp skewer into a lunch headliner. Marinated for brightness, kissed by the grill, and served with crisp seasonal veggies, the skewers deliver that smoky snap locals rave about. Order a side of blue cheese potato salad or smashed potatoes and settle into the back patio, where the breeze and music set a mellow mid-day pace. The kitchen’s grill-first approach keeps textures clean and flavors focused. Pair your skewers with a local Arizona mead or a recommended craft beer, and you have a lunch that feels both light and indulgent. Portions satisfy without slowing you down, perfect before a desert hike or after morning errands. It is outdoor dining at its most straightforward and rewarding.
2. Burgers, Smashed Potatoes, and No-Fry Pride
At lunch, the burger-and-sides lineup showcases Handlebar’s identity: simple, grilled, dialed in. Patties arrive cooked to request, with a beautifully browned exterior and juicy interior that proves the grill-master’s touch. Instead of fries, locals love the smashed potatoes, buttery and herbed, or the tangy blue cheese potato salad. Gluten-free buns are available, which makes the experience inclusive without compromising flavor. The burger menu shifts with seasonal ideas, and staff will steer you toward a beer or mead match that highlights the char. You do not miss a fryer when the smoke and sizzle are this prominent. Grab a stool at the bar or relax outdoors, then taste why the burger faithful keep Handlebar in their weekly rotation.
3. Paninis with a Southwestern Twist
Handlebar’s paninis strike the sweet spot between crisp press and juicy filling, with the chicken panini earning frequent praise. Expect a gentle spice, melty cheese, and a sturdy toast that holds up to every bite. Sides lean fresh and substantial, from a light balsamic-dressed salad to veggie-forward options that keep lunch balanced. Since the kitchen grills and smokes instead of frying, you taste the clean char and well-seasoned proteins. Ask your server for a beer pairing, as staff recommendations are on point and often local. On a cool day, the patio makes a perfect backdrop; on warmer afternoons, the cozy bar offers shade and conversation. If you want something satisfying without the heaviness, a Handlebar panini is an easy yes.
4. Rotating Taps, Arizona Meads, and Smart Pairings
Handlebar’s drinks program is quietly ambitious, with rotating taps and Arizona meads that surprise and delight. Ask your server for a pairing with shrimp skewers, paninis, or burgers, and you will get a thoughtful suggestion that enhances lunch without overpowering it. Drinking Horn’s Blue Tooth mead pops up often and offers a fruity, crisp complement to smoky plates. If beer is your lane, expect a variety that covers hop heads and malt fans alike. The bar team is friendly, quick to sample, and great at reading your palate. Whether you keep it light for a workday meal or dive into a new release, the beverage list has layers. It is a big reason the patio stays lively through the afternoon.
5. Steaks, Pork Chops, and Smoke-Kissed Plates
Beyond lunch classics, Handlebar excels with steak and a generous pork chop that show off the grill’s range. Guests praise the steak with smashed potatoes and seasonal sides like smoked jalapeño corn or zucchini. The pork chop arrives thick, juicy, and well-seasoned, with a caramelized crust that proves careful heat control. These plates feel special yet accessible, comfortably priced for a weekday treat. You can enjoy them al fresco to catch live music buzz or inside for a cooler, cozy pause. Add a bold ale or red-leaning mead for a deeper pairing, and you have a meal worth lingering over. It is the kind of cooking that rewards patience, plate by plate, bite by bite.
6. Live Music, Events, and Community Vibes
Lunch may lure you in, but the community feel makes you stay. Handlebar hosts bands on weekends and special tastings that turn a simple meal into a mini outing. Trivia nights draw regulars who prefer a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and the dependable rhythm of good music. Even during daytime, the stage setup and patio layout signal that this is a gathering place. Staff know returning guests by name, and management is often visible, sharing recommendations. Whether you drop by after a Lost Dutchman hike or meet friends from Mesa, the vibe stays welcoming. Good food, cold drinks, and live entertainment create a loop that keeps locals returning, telling newcomers about a place that feels like theirs.
7. What to Order for a Perfect Lunch
First timer? Build a trio that hits the highlights. Start with shrimp skewers for smoky snap, follow with a chicken panini or burger cooked to your preference, and select smashed potatoes or blue cheese potato salad on the side. Add zucchini or smoked jalapeño corn for a vegetable lift. For drinks, ask for a local tap or a lightly sweet mead that suits grilled seafood and chicken. If you love beef, swap in steak tacos or the rib special when offered. Finish with an easygoing chat at the bar or a breezy patio seat. It is balanced, shareable, and showcases the grill without weighing you down.
8. Know Before You Go: Hours, Value, and Local Tips
Handlebar sits at 650 Apache Trail, a quick turn from main routes with easy midday access. Lunch value is strong, with most plates landing in the ten to twenty dollar range, generous sides, and quality ingredients. Hours vary by day, opening late morning and running to evening on many weekdays and weekends, so check before you roll. The patio fills quickly when the weather is nice or music is scheduled, and inside seats are cozy for hotter afternoons. Parking is straightforward, and staff are happy to guide gluten-free or lighter choices. Expect attentive service that leans friendly and conversational. Come hungry, plan a drink pairing, and give yourself time to soak in the relaxed rhythm that defines this Apache Junction favorite.
