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East Valley’s 2nd Firebirds Wood Fired Grill opens today near Gilbert’s SanTan Village

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a North Carolina-based chain of American grills, officially opens to the public today on the northeast corner of Val Vista and Williams Field in Gilbert.

Firebirds’ menu features hand-cut aged steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, and ribs grilled over locally sourced hickory, oak, or pecan wood.

House specialties include the aged ribeye, filet mignon, wood-grilled salmon, Durango Burger, grilled shrimp and strawberry salad, lobster spinach queso, and creme brulée cheesecake.

The Firebar, the focus of an enclosable patio,  serves craft beers, specialty cocktails, and a large wine list, including two private Firebirds labels.

The 7,026-square-foot restaurant is only the second in the nation to showcase the chain’s contemporary update to its longtime ‘‘upscale lodge’’ decor, but the exhibition kitchen remains.

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The Gilbert location is the chain’s second in the East Valley. The first opened near Chandler Fashion Center in 2007.

Firebirds is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. weekdays. Wine Down Mondays offer half-priced glasses and select bottles of wine all day.