Nestled in the heart of Litchfield Park, Arizona, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink is a shining star for food lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike. This inviting gastropub offers a perfect blend of contemporary ambience and a community-focused vibe, making it a must-visit spot for locals and travelers searching for delightful dining experiences. Whether you're craving wood-fired pizzas, scratch-made dishes, or an extensive craft beer selection, Ground Control has you covered.
At Ground Control, the focus is on quality and variety. The menu features an array of crowd-pleasers such as the legendary Nashville hot chicken tenders, wood-fired pizzas with crunchy parmesan crusts, and inventive vegan options that impress even the most discerning palates. The culinary team’s dedication to scratch-made dishes ensures fresh flavors with every bite. Complementing these are 27 rotating taps showcasing local Arizona craft breweries, alongside mead, ciders, and specialty coffees that create an unforgettable beverage journey.
More than just a restaurant, Ground Control serves as a lively gathering place for the Litchfield Park community. Enjoy live music nights, trivia challenges, and wine tastings that bring people together in welcoming surroundings. The outdoor seating area is pet-friendly, perfect for those sunny Arizona days. Whether you're here for lunch, brunch, or dinner, the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and energetic, making it easy to linger over cocktails or specialty coffees.
- Is there a gluten-free menu? Yes, Ground Control offers gluten-free pizza options.
- Do they accept reservations? Yes, reservations are accepted.
- Is there outdoor seating available? Yes, the venue provides outdoor seating.
- Do they offer takeout or delivery? Yes, takeout and delivery services are available.
- Is the establishment pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Community sentiment towards Ground Control Craft Food & Drink is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praise its authentic menu, friendly service, and the sense of belonging fostered during events like trivia nights and live music showcases. The rotating craft beer taps and specialty coffee offerings are frequently highlighted as standout features that keep patrons coming back for more.
- Extensive craft beer selection with 27 rotating taps featuring local breweries.
- Scratch-made menu featuring vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
- Live music and community events fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Ground Control Craft Food & Drink has been a beloved cornerstone of Arizona's craft beer and gastropub scene since its founding in 2007. It began in Goodyear, Arizona, where it quickly cultivated a loyal following thanks to its unique blend of eclectic meals and specialty drinks. This establishment stood out as a gathering place for lovers of craft beer, fine wines, and specialty coffees, nestled in a contemporary and inviting environment.
In 2012, Ground Control made a significant move to Litchfield Park, Arizona. This relocation marked an exciting evolution for the gastropub as it expanded its offerings with a full-service kitchen and an even wider selection of craft beers. The new location quickly became a social hub, attracting foodies, digital nomads, and locals alike who appreciated the diverse menu and curated drink selection. The welcoming atmosphere, including live music and outdoor seating, helped cement its reputation as a community favorite.
The year 2019 brought another milestone when the Harwell family assumed ownership of Ground Control. Their stewardship was marked by a commitment to maintaining the gastropub's distinctive vibe and community engagement. They continued to offer a thoughtfully crafted menu that included vegan and vegetarian options alongside wood-fired pizzas, hot chicken tenders, and craft beverages such as mead, cider, and rotating beer selections. Ground Control became well known for accommodating diverse dietary preferences and hosting lively events like trivia nights that drew a dedicated crowd.
Despite its popularity and loyal patronage, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink faced a turning point in 2024. In November of that year, the landlord opted not to renew the lease at the Litchfield Park location, leading to the gastropub's closure in December 2024. While this marked the end of an era at that address, the owners have expressed clear intentions to reopen in a new location, promising to bring their signature blend of craft beer, specialty coffees, and eclectic meals back to the community in the near future.
- 2007: Ground Control established in Goodyear, Arizona.
- 2012: Moved to Litchfield Park, expanding its craft beer and food offerings.
- 2019: Harwell family assumed ownership, enhancing community engagement.
- 2024: Closed its doors in December due to lease non-renewal, with plans to relocate.
Nestled in Litchfield Park, Arizona, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink stands out as a vibrant eatery and bar that promises a unique culinary experience. Known for its extensive craft beer selection featuring 27 rotating taps, this establishment has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The ambiance is contemporary yet inviting, making it a perfect gathering spot for friends, families, and food enthusiasts. Whether you’re in the mood for a wood-fired pizza or specialty-grade coffee roasted on site, this place has something to offer for everyone.
- Extensive craft beer selection with 27 rotating taps
- Wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings
- Specialty-grade coffee roasted on-site
- House-made Italian gelato in multiple flavors
- Live music events and trivia nights
- No gluten-free buns for burgers
- Limited indoor seating
- No mobile payment options accepted
- No checks accepted
Ground Control Craft Food & Drink is ideal for casual gatherings, family outings, or simply enjoying a night out with friends. Its pet-friendly outdoor seating makes it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a meal with their furry companions. The lively atmosphere, particularly during trivia nights and live music events, attracts a diverse crowd, making it a perfect spot for socializing.
Before heading to Ground Control, be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially during peak hours and events. Consider making a reservation to secure a spot, particularly if you're planning to visit during trivia night or live music performances. While the outdoor seating is appealing, be aware that indoor seating is somewhat limited. Parking is convenient, with a dedicated space available for guests.
Overall, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink successfully combines a robust drink selection with an eclectic menu that caters to a wide array of dietary preferences. With its welcoming vibe, dedicated staff, and commitment to quality, it serves as a culinary hub in Litchfield Park. Whether you're there for a quick bite, a leisurely brunch, or an evening of fun with friends, this establishment is sure to make a lasting impression.
- Yes, the outdoor seating area is pet-friendly.
- Yes, brunch is served on weekends.
- Yes, takeout and delivery services are offered.
Ground Control Craft Food & Drink is waiting to welcome you. Whether you’re in the mood for a robust beer, a slice of gourmet pizza, or just a cozy spot to unwind with friends, make sure to stop by for a truly delightful experience.
Nestled in the heart of Litchfield Park, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink offers a vibrant and welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment. This contemporary venue is known for its eclectic menu, specialty coffee, and rotating craft beer selection, making it a must-visit destination for those craving a memorable culinary experience in Arizona.
Ground Control's culinary offerings stand out with their handcrafted wood-fired pizzas baked to perfection in their signature oven. Choose from a variety of toppings, including options that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Popular dishes like the Nashville hot chicken tenders and 'hot mess fries' have earned rave reviews for their bold flavors and satisfying textures. For those seeking lighter fare, versatile salads and wraps are available, with customizations to suit every palate.
Ground Control boasts an impressive rotating selection of 27 craft beers on tap, highlighting the best local breweries from Arizona. Beer lovers can enjoy tasting flights or relax with a cold pint in a friendly atmosphere. Wine aficionados are invited to attend weekly wine tasting events on Tuesday evenings to explore a curated selection of fine wines. For coffee enthusiasts, the specialty-grade coffee roasted on-site is served in several brewing styles, ensuring a perfect cup to start the day or complement a meal.
More than just a place to eat and drink, Ground Control hosts regular live music performances by local artists, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Trivia nights every Monday provide a fun and interactive experience, perfect for groups looking to test their knowledge over great food and drinks. The venue welcomes children and pets, offers outdoor seating, and provides free parking, making it a convenient and family-friendly choice. Payment is easy with acceptance of credit, debit cards, and NFC, ensuring a smooth visit.
- Diverse Craft Beer Selection: Enjoy 27 rotating beers on tap, showcasing local Arizona breweries.
- Wood-Fired Pizzas and Vegan-Friendly Eats: Savor hand-crafted pizzas and flavorful vegan options with fresh ingredients.
- Specialty Coffee and House-Made Gelato: Relish freshly roasted coffee and creamy Italian-style gelato made in-house.
- Live Music and Trivia Nights: Experience vibrant local music performances and weekly trivia competitions.
- Family and Pet Friendly: Bring the whole family, including your dogs, and enjoy outdoor seating with free parking.
