Mesa, Queen Creek's neighbor, is the third largest city in Arizona and the 36th largest city in the United States, with a population of over 500,000. Being the largest suburb of Phoenix and home to numerous higher education institutes and major employers, the city is exploding with things to do.
Whether you are a resident or vacationer, there is much for you to discover in Mesa. Furthermore, with some of the most beautiful views in the Valley, it is a logical spot to stay and play. I highly recommend browsing the Visit Mesa site as a resource in addition to this article to help you plan your itinerary. Visit Mesa also is the place to go to view what's going on in neighboring Queen Creek.
Lodging
W2ND Historic Inn is a bed and breakfast within walking distance of downtown Mesa. The owners, Shauna and Kurt Kuhl, have thought of every detail that makes a stay comfortable. Each corner of the place denotes the love that went into this homey and warm abode. The house has four private bedroom suites with plush bedding and all the luxuries of a royal bathroom. Additionally, the home includes shared space like a full kitchen, pool, lovely grounds, a beautiful front porch, and a cozy living area with a fireplace and liquor cabinet.
Homemade cookies and snacks are available, and fresh scones are served in the morning at your request. Not to mention, coffee and tea await you all hours of the day or night. It's not enough to say that W2ND has wonderful amenities — the effort the Kuhls put into their boutique hotel is evident in every room and on every plate.
Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort is a newly remodeled resort that has been a longtime staple in the community of Mesa. The natural backdrop of Arizona's beautiful mountainous landscape provides gorgeous views for guests, golfers and diners. Moreover, it is a fun place to stay, as the property has a relaxed and cheerful energy.
The accommodations vary — studios and one- and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, living space and a patio are available. Even more, the resort boasts a pool and sauna, a fitness center, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes, and a playground. An 18-hole world-class golf course and an Italian restaurant are steps from your suites. Room service is available should you prefer to eat in your suite.
Restaurants
Board & Batten is an elegant American-style restaurant nestled in the groves of Mesa. The menu is carefully crafted using local ingredients to create dishes that Chef Tony believes are fun and intriguing. Some favorites include the French Dip Grilled Cheese and the Sonoran Pasta Co. Rigatoni-Carbonara. Furthermore, the cocktail program is impressive, and the wine list contains staples and options from small boutique wineries.
The ambiance at Board & Batten feels both casual and chic, with high ceilings, stylish dropped lighting fixtures and a large patio enveloped by the nearby orchards.
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen celebrates the old and new worlds, bringing classic Italian cuisine to the East Valley near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. For example, some outstanding dishes include the Grilled Shrimp Risotto and the Pappardelle Bolognese. Further, there are various pizza and flatbread choices and salads as well.
In addition, the restaurant has a fabulous happy hour and a wine list that won't intimidate the novice but will satisfy the connoisseur. And the inside/outside bar and Tony Bennett-style music emphasize a beguiling night out.
Pizzicata Mesa is known for its Pinsas, a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. Pinsas contain zero cholesterol and, 48% less sugar and 85% less fat (than traditional pizza). Because the dough undergoes a longer fermentation process baked at lower temperatures, the result is a lighter fare. However, Neapolitan-style pizzas and various pasta dishes are also available, including the award-winning Bolognese Dello Chef. The wine list consists of lovely Italian vino selections by the glass or bottle.
The owner, Federico Venturini, is from Umbria, Italy and much of his staff is from other regions of Italy. The vibe is one of a family's house, with cooks singing and communicating with each other in their beautiful native language. Stop in on Sundays for live music.
ll Vinaio is a cool restaurant and lounge with an old theatrical district charm of the 1920s era. Located in the heart of downtown Mesa, Il Vinaio is a large venue and a popular spot for events and parties that doubles as a regular hangout. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, specialty dishes like fresh fruit pancakes, delicious sandwiches and a to-die-for burger surely stand out. However, seafood, steaks and gluten-free options are also available.
Taco Chiwas is a family-owned taquería focusing on the local cuisine of Chihuahua, Mexico. It is a casual, trendy, hip spot on Main Street in downtown Mesa. Walk up and order your tacos with homemade corn tortillas or burritos with homemade flour tortillas, sit on the patio and watch the trains go by. Pork, chicken and beef (including rich and tender Lengua) options are mouth-watering delights, and their aromas linger in the streets.
Worth Takeaway is another downtown Mesa gem for foodies. Hence, the fast-paced eatery is a fresh and easy place to grab a pleasurable meal. Sandwiches for breakfast and lunch served on ciabatta, hoagies and sourdough are a large part of their menu; however, they also have non-sandwich options. Consider Worth Takeaway to cater your next event.
Bars, breweries
Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Mesa, you have your pick of places to find beer and cider. For starters, Chupacabra Taproom has a great selection and supports many local breweries in the states as well as in Arizona. More so, the quaint patio gives this place a neighborhood feel. Steps away, the owners of Chupacabra recently launched Phantom Fox Beer Co. and have partnered with a mobile pizza kitchen for food.
12 West Brewery has a wide array of craft beer, wine, cocktails and a full kitchen — the large, dog-friendly patio faces Main Street and is a great spot to spend an afternoon. Cider Corps, a concept created by a United States Marine and his brother, proudly makes cider from quality ingredients, unique botanicals and fruit.
Coffee shops
The Nile Coffee Shop and Jarrod's Coffee Tea & Gallery are two wonderful places to get your morning cup of Jo. Moreover, both offer light breakfasts, lunches and fun hot or iced coffee specialty drinks in a vibrant atmosphere with patio options. While you are there, be sure to take note of the local artwork and live events.
Shopping
Meat Market Vintage Goods is a sassy vintage clothing store that sells one-of-a-kind finds like hip band T-shirts and funky jeans of days gone by that are again back in style. Further, the store hand picks their merchandise from all over the state. Hence, this is the kind of shop you will want to pop in often to snatch up their most recent treasures.
The Boutique is a fashionable women's and plus-size clothing store with snazzy, smart and trendy outfits to dress you up or down for any occasion. From lace to flannel, the mother-and-daughter duo owners have got you covered.
Attractions, entertainment
Arizona Museum of Natural History is a great place to learn about the natural history of Arizona. The museum has exhibits on Arizona's geology, plants and animals, bringing to light our purpose for preservation.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum located at the Mesa Arts Center, displays the work of emerging and accomplished artists from around the globe.
Organ Stop Pizza is a family entertainment place for the child in us all. The unique aspect of this restaurant is that it features a Wurlitzer organ, which professional organists play during the dining experience. The organ sits 10 feet above the 700-seat dining room and is known for its enormous size and glorious, distinctive sound. And, of course, there is pizza, a salad bar and a game room for kids.
The Mesa Amphitheater is an outdoor concert venue with a tiered lawn. The popular entertainment space hosts various events, including concerts, festivals and community gatherings. The Amphitheater is known for its open-air setting, providing a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for live performances. Owned and operated by the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department, Mesa Amphitheater presents many unforgettable experiences.
The Silver Star Theater presents live musical performances and variety shows. Tickets are available for dinner shows and concerts like Elvis and Friends, Solid Gold and True Country.
Arizona's Fresh Foodie Trail
Arizona's Fresh Foodie Trail is a culinary journey that showcases the region's agricultural heritage and diverse food scene. The trail highlights local farms, farmers' markets, dining establishments and food-related experiences.
Some key points in Mesa include Jalapeno Bucks, Proof Bread, True Garden Urban Farm, Vertuccio Farms and Steadfast Farms — whose farm store is open daily and sells fresh produce, eggs, locally sourced flours, faro and chocolate. Remember to grab a cup of coffee while you are there!
Furthermore, Queen Creek has the Queen Creek Olive Mill and Schnepf Farms, while Gilbert's Agritopia and Florence's Windmill Winery are also part of the foodie trail dedicated to farming and promoting healthy living in a fun environment.
Markets
AZ International Marketplace is a 100,000-square-foot ethnic hub with diverse vendors and merchants offering products from various cultures and countries. Visitors will find international foods, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more.
H-Mart Mesa is a chain of Asian supermarkets known for carrying diverse food items, including fresh produce, seafood and meats. The selection and quality of short ribs and seafood stand out as one of the best.
Baiz Market is a grocery store specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products. For instance, the market offers a wide range of homemade pita, hummus, grape leaves, desserts and cheeses. In addition, the grocery stores sell produce, meats, spices and specialty products from the Middle East and surrounding regions.
The outdoors
The Superstitions is a hiking destination with some of the most stunning views in Arizona. Various trails lead to caves, petroglyphs and breathtaking surrounding landscapes, leading to rewarding panoramic lookouts. The Flatiron trail is a challenging assent rumored to be the most difficult hike to navigate in the Valley.
With 3,648 acres at the Goldfield Mountains' western end, Usery Mountain Regional Park has 29 miles of multi-use trails. A favorite trail is The Wind Cave, where the Rock Daisy's hanging gardens are beautiful features for viewing. Furthermore, keep your eyes open for the many plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home.
The Salt River Walking Path entrance is within Mesa's Riverview Park. The large recreational area has walking paths, green spaces, playgrounds and a lake. The walking paths around the lake provide a pleasant environment for strolls, jogging or leisurely walks.
