If you’ve spent any time at SanTan Village lately, you’ve probably seen the glow of the blue aquarium lights spilling out onto the sidewalk near Williams Field Road. It’s Kona Grill. For a while there, it felt like just another upscale chain in a sea of Gilbert suburbs. But things have shifted.
Honestly, the Kona Grill Gilbert AZ location is currently navigating a weird, fascinating crossroads. On one hand, you have the corporate parent company, The ONE Group, announcing massive 2026 conversion plans to turn underperforming Konas into Benihanas or STK Steakhouses. On the other hand, the Gilbert crowd is currently packing the patio for what might be the best dollar-for-dollar happy hour in the East Valley.
It’s a vibe. You’ve got the 2,000-gallon saltwater tank inside, the "vibe dining" DJ sets on Friday nights, and a menu that somehow manages to serve both a $6 bar burger and a $50 prime rib. Does it always work? Not perfectly. But when it hits, it hits hard.
The Happy Hour Math That Actually Makes Sense
Most people go to Kona for one reason. Happy hour. It’s basically legendary at this point because they don’t just do the standard "3pm to 6pm" window and call it a day.
In Gilbert, they run it Monday through Friday from 2pm to 6pm, but the real kicker is the late-night sessions. Every single night from 9pm until they lock the doors, the $3, $6, and $9 menu comes out. Monday is even better—it's all day. If you’re sitting there on a Tuesday night at 9:30pm, you can grab a Kona Bar Burger for $6.
In 2026, finding a decent burger for six bucks feels like a glitch in the matrix.
What to actually order (and what to skip)
You’ve got choices. Lots of them. But here is the reality of the Gilbert kitchen based on current trends and local feedback:
- The Kona Sliders: These are the GOAT. They use King’s Hawaiian rolls, which is a simple flex, but it works. The grilled onions and the secret sauce make these a must-order every single time.
- Sushi Rolls for $9: During happy hour, the specialty rolls drop to nine bucks. The Picasso Roll is the one people talk about—it’s got that spicy yellowtail/sriracha/yuzu ponzu combo that actually tastes fresh, unlike some "discount" sushi you find elsewhere.
- The Watermelon Margarita: It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s their top seller for a reason. It's strong. It's cold. It's pink.
- The Macadamia Nut Chicken: People are divided here. When it’s fresh, that shoyu cream sauce is incredible. But be warned: if the kitchen is slammed, the chicken can come out a little dry.
Why This Location is Different From the Rest
Location matters. Being nestled between Best Buy and Barnes & Noble in SanTan Village means this spot gets a massive mix of people. You have the "just finished my Christmas shopping" crowd, the "date night" couples, and the "I work in tech and need a drink" group.
Unlike the Scottsdale Fashion Square location which feels a bit more "see and be seen," the Kona Grill Gilbert AZ spot is a bit more grounded. It’s kid-friendly. They do this cute thing with the kids' meals where they garnish the fruit with a bear-shaped orange. It’s a small touch, but for a parent trying to eat a Rainbow Roll in peace, it’s a lifesaver.
The Elephant in the Room: The "Conversion" Rumors
If you follow business news, you might have seen that The ONE Group is looking to "optimize" their portfolio. They’ve already started turning some RA Sushi spots into STK Steakhouses in Scottsdale. There’s been talk about Kona locations being on the chopping block for conversion to Benihana.
Is the Gilbert location going away? Unlikely in the short term. It remains one of the higher-traffic spots in their Arizona lineup, especially with the 202 freeway right there. But the service has been a bit of a roller coaster lately.
One night you’ll have a server who knows the sake menu like the back of their hand. The next, you might wait twenty minutes for a glass of water. It’s the "new normal" for big-box dining in 2026, but it’s something to keep in mind if you're planning a big anniversary dinner.
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Planning Your Visit: The Logistics
If you’re heading down to Williams Field Road, don't just wing it on a weekend.
- Reservations are a thing now: Use OpenTable or their site. Even on a Wednesday, the "vibe dining" crowd can fill up the booths fast.
- The Patio is the play: Arizona winters (and even the spring) are made for that patio. They have heaters, but the atmosphere out there is way more relaxed than being squeezed in near the sushi bar.
- Parking Hack: The lot directly in front of Kona is almost always a nightmare. If you don't mind a 60-second walk, park behind Barnes & Noble or near the Total Wine side. Your blood pressure will thank you.
The Verdict on Kona Grill Gilbert AZ
Is it fine dining? No. Is it a dive bar? Definitely not.
Kona occupies that "polished casual" space that Gilbert loves. It’s where you go when one person wants a steak, another wants a California Roll, and everyone wants a drink that costs less than ten dollars.
Despite some of the corporate shuffling and the occasional service hiccup, the Gilbert Kona remains a staple because it understands the assignment: provide a high-energy environment with a menu that doesn't require a loan to enjoy.
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Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Monday Calendar: Since Monday is "All Day Happy Hour," it is the most cost-effective time to trial the menu.
- Join the K-Blue Club: If you're going to eat there more than twice a year, sign up for their loyalty program. They frequently blast out $26 steak date night deals that aren't available to the general public.
- Watch the Clock: If you arrive at 5:55pm, tell your server immediately that you want the happy hour pricing before the system flips at 6:01pm. They are usually pretty cool about it, but the computer is unforgiving.