Riley’s Irish Pub Replacing Source at Epicenter

by KEVIN MCKIERNAN

A new neighborhood Irish pub is coming to Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert.

Riley’s Irish Pub is expected to open in fall 2026, taking over the approximately 2,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Source. The intimate pub will have room for around 100 guests and plans to offer traditional Irish food, proper pints, live music, sports and a traditional Irish snug.

Gilbert residents Brian and Cheryl Riley are behind the new concept, but the story of Riley’s began several years ago inside their garage.

From two taps to a neighborhood pub

During COVID, Cheryl gave Brian a two-tap kegerator for his birthday. Their Gilbert garage soon became a regular gathering place for friends and neighbors.

As the gatherings grew, so did the setup. Two taps became five and eventually expanded to 17. More importantly, friends and neighbors formed lasting relationships and began to feel like family.

That experience inspired Brian and Cheryl to create a permanent neighborhood pub built around the same sense of community and connection.

The Rileys have called Gilbert home since 2008 and see the new pub as an extension of the community they have already built here.

Traditional Irish favorites and pub food

Riley’s planned menu will focus on traditional Irish dishes, recognizable pub favorites and approachable comfort food.

Irish classics are expected to include fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash and a family-recipe Guinness stew made with beef, potatoes and carrots.

Another planned entrée is the “Spiced Bag,” featuring a choice of fried chicken or cauliflower tossed with crispy roasted potatoes and the pub’s signature spice blend and sauce. Guests will also be able to order a giant baked potato with all the fixings.

The appetizer and shareable menu is expected to feature Scotch eggs, chicken wings with buffalo or curry sauce, garlic shrimp, pretzels served with mustard and beer cheese, spinach and artichoke dip and fresh bread served with a trio of house-made compound butters.

One of the more distinctive appetizers will be crispy roasted potatoes topped with corned beef, sauerkraut and Russian dressing.

For guests looking for something more familiar, the planned menu also includes a Reuben on rye bread, an American-style smash burger and a cheese toastie with optional ham, bacon or tomato.

Lighter options are expected to include tomato soup, potato soup, Caesar salad, a barley and farro grain bowl with roasted vegetables and greens, and a traditional house salad. Chicken can be added to the Caesar salad or grain bowl.

Dessert options are expected to include Guinness cake, an oven-baked cookie and ice cream.

Weekend brunch and Sunday roast

Riley’s also plans to offer a separate weekend brunch menu.

Brunch selections are expected to include corned beef hash, a traditional Irish breakfast with sausage, toast, beans and eggs, crepes with fresh whipped cream and berries, and an assortment of pastries and bagels.

A traditional Sunday roast is also planned, featuring slow-cooked beef served with potatoes, carrots and peas.

Families will have several choices from a separate kids’ menu, including fish and chips, a chicken quesadilla, chicken tenders and grilled cheese.

Live music, sports and an Irish snug

Beyond the food and drinks, Riley’s is being designed as a neighborhood gathering place.

Plans call for live music featuring local musicians, televisions for watching sports and a traditional Irish snug. Commonly found inside Irish pubs, a snug is a smaller, more private seating area where guests can gather away from the activity of the main bar.

With space for approximately 100 guests, Riley’s is intended to offer a more personal atmosphere than a large restaurant or entertainment venue.

Construction is now underway inside the former Source space at Epicenter. Riley’s Irish Pub is currently anticipated to open in fall 2026.

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