Mesa has grown into a major part of metro Phoenix’s dining conversation, with downtown in particular seeing a surge of breweries, modern taquerias, and chef‑driven spots.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants capture what Mesa is doing right now.
1. Worth Takeaway
Worth Takeaway is a small but mighty sandwich shop that feels like a modern community hub.
The interior is simple and bright, with a focus on the food rather than frills.
The menu centers on carefully built sandwiches—fried chicken, turkey, BLTs, grilled cheeses, and breakfast options—using quality bread, house‑made sauces, and thoughtful toppings.
Coffee, house‑made sides, and rotating specials round things out. It’s fast‑casual in format but craft‑level in execution.
2. T.C. Eggington’s
A longtime favorite that continues to feel current, T.C. Eggington’s is a breakfast‑and‑lunch spot with a cozy, bustling atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where brunch often comes with a wait—and is worth it.
The menu is heavy on omelets, scrambles, Benedicts, pancakes, French toast, and big salads and sandwiches at lunch.
Portions are generous, and there are plenty of Southwestern flavors woven through the lineup.
3. Myke’s Pizza (inside Cider Corps, downtown Mesa)
Myke’s Pizza operates out of the Cider Corps taproom and has become one of the area’s most talked‑about pizza spots.
The setting is casual and industrial, with guests ordering at the counter and grabbing a cider or beer to go with their pie.
The pizzas feature long‑fermented dough, quality toppings, and both classic and inventive combinations.
Expect things like margheritas, pepperoni with a twist, and seasonal specials using local produce or house‑made ingredients.
4. República Empanada
República Empanada is a colorful, artsy spot dedicated to Latin American–style empanadas and comfort food.
Murals and lively decor give it a relaxed, welcoming feel.
The menu offers a wide range of baked empanadas with fillings inspired by different Latin American cuisines—everything from classic beef and chicken to veggie, cheese, and creative combinations.
Sides, salads, and desserts round out the experience, and there’s a small but thoughtful drink menu.
5. Downtown Mesa’s new wave: Level 1 Arcade Bar / Cider Corps / 12 West Brewing
Rather than a single restaurant, downtown Mesa’s emerging cluster of spots—like Level 1 Arcade Bar (bar food plus retro games), 12 West Brewing (beer and elevated bar bites), and Cider Corps (cider plus food pop‑ups like Myke’s Pizza)—functions as a modern dining and drinking district.
Together, they create a walkable, hang‑out‑all‑evening experience: craft drinks, casual but interesting food, and a lively, community‑driven atmosphere that signals where Mesa is heading.
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