As Mesa’s Main Street continues to grow, locals can explore charming districts in the up-and-coming downtown area that boast community-centered restaurants within walking distance of some of Arizona’s top museums, Mesa Arts Center and the light rail. Here’s where to dine and drink in Downtown Mesa.
Visited by Food Network star Guy Fieri in 2017, Republica Empanada serves up Arizona’s largest selection of South American-style savory and sweet empanadas. Courtesy of a husband-and-wife team, their empanadas, salads and tortas represent the different regions and tastes of Latin American comfort food. Wash down the golden, flaky dough, and flavorful meats with Mesa brews from 12 West Brewing and other local favorites.
Locally owned and operated micro-brewery, Desert Eagle Brewery, is creating specialty craft brews for beer lovers in the heart of Downtown Mesa. They pride themselves on keeping the integrity of their craft beers by maintaining whole cone hops in their brewing process. Serving up made-from-scratch foods like fresh pizzas, hearty calzones, sandwiches and soups, you can expect specials throughout the week and daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.
Herb n Smoke is smoking up something mouthwatering for barbecue enthusiasts. This food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar restaurant in Downtown Mesa is serving delightful temptations, including pulled pork, BBQ chicken and a local favorite, brisket, that has been smoked for 12 hours with mesquite, pecan and a touch of coffee. Dedicated to the owner’s father, you can feel the love in every bite.
Cider Corps is a veteran-owned and family-operated restaurant built by brothers who turned their hobby into Arizona’s first fully dedicated cidery and taproom. Cider Corps has 15 cider styles on tap, cider flights, cider slushies and take-away canned four-packs to enjoy poolside. You can choose to BYOF or try the hand-crafted pizzas from Myke’s Pizza, located inside Cider Corps.
With two locations in Gilbert and Downtown Mesa, 12 West Brewing calls 12 West Main in Mesa its newest home. Crafting beers for the community, there are 12 craft beers on tap and plenty of inviting food like the steak sandwich, street tacos or bacon jam and fig flatbread. Catch a big game on the spacious two-story patio with family and furry friends, or enjoy a boozy brunch on the weekend with mimosas and bellinis overlooking Mesa Arts Center.