Make it Mesa » Restaurants

VisitMesa.com is Mobile!

visitmesa — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:07:26 +0000

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Get a taste of “the Keys”, in Mesa

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:42:34 +0000

Have you ever had one of those epiphanies where you say…”I forgot about that”??
Although I have these thoughts on a daily basis….being GoGo Ginger really keeps me on my toes…It happened recently when I attended a catered event at the Islamorada Fish Company (located inside of Bass Pro Shops).

“Where we are bringing the best possible seafood from “The Keys” to the deserts of Arizona”.

I have taken a few groups and out of town guests to Islamorada since it’s opening in June of 2007. But as I entered the restaurant for my networking event, I realized that I have overlooked this fantastic place to escape for a cocktail or happy hour in my own backyard.

When you walk in from either entrance (from the store or separate outdoor entrance) you eyes are immediately drawn to the 13,000 gallon salt water aquarium that separates the bar from the dinning room. I spent about 10 minutes just staring at the tropical fish…and they were probably staring back at me.

Islamorada Fish Company - 13000 Gallon Salt Water Aquarium

Then I proceeded to the main dining area where I tasted treats placed along the fifty-foot fireplace in the center of the room. (while it is not being used now, it does offer a cozy feeling during the winter months)

While I am mundane and always order the Mahi Mahi for dinner, I truly enjoyed the featured appetizer items last week: the Smoked Wahoo Dip (An Islamorada original recipe with smoked wahoo served with Club crackers) and the fried Alligator (hand-breaded tender American alligator served with our homemade gator sauce)

Their happy hour consists of a select list of fruity cocktails and appetizers at a reduced price.

You can view their current menu online at: http://www.fishcompany.com/Page/Mesa-Arizona.aspx

Dave Kemmer, General Manager
Islamorada Fish Company
1133 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202
restaurant (602) 606-5500
www.fishcompany.com
Opens at 11am Daily

So…I will make a conscious effort to stop by this relaxing, tropical getaway from time to time….see you there, GoGo Ginger

A Friday Night in Downtown Mesa

visitmesa — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:18:42 +0000

Have you ever considered a Friday Night in Downtown Mesa other than the 2nd Friday celebrations?

By The Way the 2nd Friday Event is next week August 14th from 6pm-10pm and the theme is “Dog Days of Summer“.

Now back to things to do in Downtown Mesa on Friday or any other night…

The Cellar located just below Sun Devil Liquors has brought back wine tastings on Friday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. This was my first time at The Cellar and the decor, artwork, and ambiance makes this a real jewel in the heart of Downtown Mesa. The friendly staff and local patrons added to an already enjoyable experience.

Then it was off to some poetry reading at Inside the Bungalow. I’ve never been to poetry readings nor did I know they were occurring right here in Downtown Mesa. This turn-of-the-century home is a pretty cool with two huge patio areas featuring coffees, teas, smoothies, and much more. It was amazing to see the passion of the different poets as the shared their art form with a packed audience on the front patio. Inside the Bungalow offers live music and even yoga!

Continuing with a Downtown Mesa Friday evening it was time for some food and karaoke at Kirk’s Sports Grill. Kirk’s is a fun neighborhood grill and bar featuring excellent food. Not to mention a bartender that can serve several patrons while singing his favorite song!

Downtown Mesa does have many unique treasures that can be experienced after the sun goes down, so next time Make it Mesa! And don’t forget your camera to take photos with the sculptures in the downtown area.

Simply Delicious

visitmesa — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:37:55 +0000

Mangos Cafe

Last week I introduced a friend to one of my favorite lunch spots, Mangos Mexican Café in Downtown Mesa. Just as much as I enjoyed this eatery on my first visit (and every time thereafter), she did too! I love the cozy feel as you walk in the front door, from the little café tables to the colorful walls. And the food is simply delicious! I always get the corn tortilla tacos with a side of rice, which is plenty to fill me up. And don’t forget the homemade tortilla chips. They are so tasty, it’s hard to keep from eating them all!

The great food and ambiance keeps Mangos pretty packed during the lunch rush, so you may want to head on down a little early (or later). Keep in mind they have outside patio seating, which is great during the cooler months.

Check out Mangos on your next lunch outing!

Mangos Mexican Café,

44 W Main St

480-464-5700

Who’s Your Daddy? The Party Continues in Mesa

visitmesa — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:42:22 +0000

Winners, losers, smokers, boozers. High techs and rednecks, bikers and thirsty hitchhikers. They are all welcome at Mesa’s newest offering, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. Earlier this month, local celebrities and fans came out in the hundreds when Toby Keith rolled into town to open his newest restaurant. And, restaurant is an understatement. This place is GINORMOUS (thank you Webster’s for acknowledging such a cool term so I don’t look like a fool using it). At 20,000 square feet, there is literally no stopping what can take place here. Toby himself said he “expects great things”, and so do we at the Mesa CVB.

The restaurant has a fully-equipped stage and you can catch live entertainment every Thursday night through Saturday night. As the lyrics to “I Love This Bar” dictate -there is never a cover charge and yup, beer is served in a Mason jar. On the weekends, you can be equally impressed with their “flare”tenders putting on a good show behind the bar. I’ll have to let someone else from our team blog about the food as I simply haven’t had a chance to get at some. Both times I’ve been to TK’s I was so busy running around all I could do was drool at the heavy platters of food as they whizzed by me. But, I wanted to make sure folks knew that this place caters to all – there is no dress code and honestly, you don’t have to appreciate country music (or even know who Toby Keith is for that matter) to enjoy this newest offering at Mesa Riverview. You just have to be seeking out a good time as you’ll definitely find it here – in Mesa!

❀Wine N UnWind Time!!❀

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:54:15 +0000

GoGo Ginger here….planning my next ventue!
I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t been to this hidden Mesa treasure in quite a few years….Time to fix that, tomorrow night!!
I just found out about and am planning on attending the Thursday Night Wine Tasting at Sun Devil Liquors Wine Cellar from 6-8pm.

This week’s feature: Pillsbury Wine Company‘s newest releases.
Sun Devil is located at 235 N Country Club Drive.
You can reach them at (480) 834-5050 or www.topsliquors.com

$5 per person, per tasting. And even better….your tasting fee is credited toward a two bottle purchase of the featured wines during event.

Sun Devil Wine Cellar

Hope to see you there!!! Cheers!
GoGo GingerTourist tip: If you can’t make this week, there are still 3 more dates before they lay back and enjoy the summer months, see the website for dates and special features….you’ll probably see me there for the Argentinean tasting too. (

Check out the NEW Pro Ranch Market in Mesa

visitmesa — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:29:58 +0000

Last week we gathered a small group of twitter friends to checkout the NEW Pro Ranch Market in Mesa. Thanks to everyone that made it @mesagolfland @ousooner44 @cwaterhouse and of course me @visitmesa We look forward to meeting more local twitter friends at future lunches, etc…

Now back to Pro Ranch Market… It is located on Southern and Stapley on the SW corner and this place is simply amazing if you enjoy Mexican food and shopping. The food was delicious, fresh fruit drinks, bakery, candy store, and so much more. I had a torta and enjoyed visiting with my friends on the indoor benches. Checkout this news story from the East Valley Tribune about the opening celebrations a few weeks ago

Pro Ranch Market Mesa

I’ll Have a Side of History With My Meal

visitmesa — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:03:13 +0000

When guests come into town we always make a point to go to The Landmark Restaurant, not only for the fabulous food but for the history and ambience as well. Built in 1908 as a Mormon Church, there used to be a canal lined with large cottonwood trees on the east side (what is now Extension Road). The building later became the first campus of Mesa Community College. The Landmark has an extensive menu including gluten-free options, but it’s the salad room that I gravitate to with every visit. The Victorian decor with white linen tablecloths reminds me of being a kid and finally getting to sit at the grown-ups table during the holidays. After a meal I like to visit the photo gallery downstairs where over 200 historical photographs are on display. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary place to have a leisurely lunch or dinner, put The Landmark Restaurant at the top of your list.

The Landmark Restaurant, southwest corner of Extension and Main. 480-962-4652

Great Pie (Pizza that is)!

visitmesa — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:44:10 +0000

LJ’s Pizza is Great!
I have been eating here for well over a decade and you can’t beat the Monday – Friday Lunchtime (and Saturday Nights) All You Can Eat Pizza Buffet. They have many different varieties of pizzas available and will make any special requests too.

LJ’s Pizza also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights making it a great family place to dine. Not to mention a salad bar, the BEST garlic bread anywhere, and everyone gets an ice cream cone when you’ve had enough pizza.

Check them out sometime soon on Main Street just West of Gilbert.
1038 E. Main St. Mesa AZ 85203
480-834-9164