If you don’t live near McQueen and Elliot roads in Gilbert, you’ve probably never heard of Adrian’s Parkplace Bakery & Grill. It’s the kind of place you can drive by a dozen times and never even notice it’s there. But most of those who do reside in the neighborhood are well-acquainted with Adrian’s hearty breakfasts and tasty sandwiches.

The mood: There are only a couple of other people at Adrian’s when we stop for a late lunch on a Friday. We grab one of the two-person vinyl booths by the window, and a friendly woman with a thick Scottish brogue quickly comes over to take our order.

Two large glass cases at the counter are almost empty. A small TV mounted to the wall and a stand advertising the day’s specials qualify as the unassuming space’s only notable decor elements.

The food: The Philly cheesesteak ($8.25) consists of tender strips of rib-eye, peppers, onions and cheese on an Italian roll. Adrian’s obviously handcrafts each sandwich — our server even asks how we’d like the steak cooked.

The Philly comes with homemade chips, slightly thick slices of deep-fried potatoes. Crisp on the outside and a little soft on the inside, they’re tasty as is and even better with a little ketchup.

Even better than the Philly is the French dip ($7.25), thin slices of Boar’s Head roast beef topped with provolone on a fresh Italian roll. It comes with a small dish of hot au jus and a side of macaroni salad.

The drinks: We both get ginger ale ($1.50) from the soda fountain.

The damage: $19.94. With Adrian’s array of sandwiches — Reubens, Cubans, poor-boys — we’ll be back to explore more of the menu, including the ample breakfast slate.

Adrian’s Parkplace Bakery & Grill
Where: 1533 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert (southeast corner of Elliot and McQueen roads)
Prices: Omelets $6.80-$9.25, pancakes/waffles $4.55-$6.25, breakfast specialties $6.25-$10.95, salads $3.55-$9.25, sandwiches $6.25-$9.55, baskets $8.25-$10.95
Info: (480) 656-9456 or adriansparkplace.com