“I’ve known all my life that I was going to own a restaurant,” says Paul Gillingwater, the owner and operator of Tempe’s Freely Taproom & Kitchen. “I topped out at my previous job and made the leap into ownership. The scariest and most gratifying moments of my life.”
Gillingwater opened the destination in October 2021, and it’s been a hit ever since, drawing a loyal crowd for its top-notch food and drinks.
“Freely Taproom was designed to be a meeting place for the South Tempe neighborhood,” Gillingwater explains. “We offer a full bar, a bustling happy hour, and a mouthwatering menu. Our fine-casual counter service sets the tone to relax and enjoy a night out in the neighborhood.”
The local favorite offers 30 beers on draft (with many more in the retail cooler), 20 wines by the glass, a craft cocktail list, and serves both lunch and dinner, and a boozy brunch on the weekends.
“Our beer list is carefully curated with everyday drinking beers, along with hard-to-find beers you probably have never heard of,” Gillingwater says.
As for the wine, Freely is one of the only restaurants in Arizona where guests can find the cult-classic Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon.
Menu items for lunch and dinner range from snacks such as a pretzel board and meatballs to salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches such as the Padrinio Sub or Chicken Parm.
“Our most popular item is our Prosciutto Flatbread,” Gillingwater shares. “A chewy fluffy crust, white sauce, ricotta cheese, fig jam, thin prosciutto ham, and arugula. So good!”
There’s also a menu for kids, making Freely perfect for the entire family.
On the weekends, brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with options such as the Smoked Salmon Flatbread and Classic Breakfast.
“Our fine-casual service is what makes us unique. We are able to create a comfortable environment, while serving better quality food at a great price,” Gillingwater says. “[And] I love getting to know the neighbors over a pint of beer.”
"I love getting to know the neighbors over a pint of beer.”