A Place We’d ‘Gladly’ Go

The Place: The Gladly
The Location: 2201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
Must-Try Dish: The OMFG Salad
By: Laura Stoddard

Some places just have everything going for them: cool ambiance, prime location, nice patio, great happy hour, outstanding food and drink of course, and a couple extras. Located in the heart of Biltmore’s bustling corporate area, The Gladly is just such a place. In current restaurant culture, where many spaces get a little too themed out, the Gladly is sophisticated and comfortable in its layout, decor, furnishings, and attitude without being pretentious. A relaxing, outdoor patio is separated from Camelback Road by privacy walls of both wood and foliage, and the inside bar, though compact, draws throngs of beverage lovers–not just for its craft cocktails and other spirits–but for its EXPANSIVE selection of whiskies (more than 250) from around the globe.

At The Gladly you can expect flavorful American fare with an international twist, including dishes like filet mignon, duck meatloaf, tuna poke, parsley garlic chicken, and pretzels with sausage and cheese. Of particular note is the OMFG Salad (formerly known as the Original Chopped Salad), a composition so scrumptious–so popular, that it’s known valley-wide and literally has its own Facebook page! It’s a beautifully presented dish, comprised of baby arugula, smoked salmon, freeze-dried corn, couscous, asiago, pepitas, tomatoes, a dressing that I could literally drink on its own, and the addition of avocado if you so desire. The brain child of local chef Bernie Kantak, the layering of flavors and textures in this salad is absolutely masterful. The OMFG is also featured at Citizen Public House, and fans of Cowboy Ciao will remember when the delectable creation was on the menu there.

The Gladly features Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour menus (check them out HERE), and has several large rooms that can be reserved for special occasions. Speaking as someone who has both coordinated and attended parties in those rooms (many times), The Gladly does a phenomenal job, providing a designated bar tender (or two), fantastic large-group dining options, high-end beverages, help with audio/visual if needed, and a point person to see to any last minute needs or requests.

This year, Chef Bernie rolled out a new Family Meal option, so that if you don’t particularly feel inclined to cook one night, or you’re craving The Gladly’s delicious grub but don’t fancy going out, the restaurant will happily take care of you. Starting at $44, the ‘Family Meals’ feed three to four people, and include the customer’s choice of main dish, salad, side, and vegetable. The main dishes available include Grilled Salmon with salsa verde, Coffee-Rubbed Short Rib, and Grilled Salmon with capers and lemon tarragon. The side and veggie options include Roasted Kabocha Squash and Ricotta Risotto, and for the salad options, choose from their Field Greens, Wedge Salad, or–of course!–the salad that makes you go “OMFG!”. To take advantage of this convenient new offering, call 602.759.8132 and arrange your personalized order.

The Gladly is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and closed Sunday. Move The Gladly to the top of the list for your next lunch, dinner, happy hour, or special event. You’ll be glad you did.

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