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    Espiritu

    4.5 (232 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Espiritu Photos

    Business Info

    ESPIRITU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Espiritu

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    Reviews With Photos

    Mai Tai
    Ariel S.

    Espiritu has a *very* cool ambience--dark, moody, and dimly lit in a way that makes the whole place feel intimate and stylish without trying too hard. The servers and bartender were incredibly friendly and helpful, which really elevated the experience. I ordered the Mai Tai, and while it was definitely good, it was probably the strongest one I've ever had. A bit too strong for my personal taste, but still well-made. To eat, we shared the queso fundido, which was delicious--especially with the crispy shoestring potatoes on top. That added texture really made the dish stand out. Overall, it was a great experience. I'd absolutely come back, though next time I'll probably try a different cocktail.

    Cut of the day
    Kayla L.

    Wow 10/10 experience!!!!! First- drinks. They had an elaborate drink menu! Any kind of cocktail you could imagine. All very creative so give them a try! The waitress made me a great mocktail as well. Oysters- amazing!! They were unique with a pickled onion, lime garnish, and a chili oil I believe. Try them! My husband and I split the cut of the day. Expensive but WORTH IT!!!! Enough for both of us plus leftovers. My husband is a self-claimed steak connoisseur and he said it's probably the best steak he has ever had. They had homemade tortillas, a carmalized onion aioli, two different homemade salsas and pinto beans to accompany it. Unreal! I have thought about this steak so many times since LOL. We also tried the birria dumplings. Also amazing but I did not get a picture. I was too excited to eat The ambiance is great. It seems like it's a tiny spot but the restaurant is long and skinny. They also expanded into the space next door so they have more tables now. Great for a celebration, date night or girls night! We will definitely be back :)

    Pajarito (middle), Me Llama Rosa (right), and White Sangria (left!!
    Mike D.

    I have been to Espiritu three or four times now... and each visit is better than the last! Their cocktail list is fun to explore... and I love how they list the specs for each drink (bitterness, booziness, sweetness, sourness, etc.)! The Pajarito is my favorite on the menu and I will keep ordering that because it is just so dang delicious!! Their food menu is also a great read... and most everything they offer looks and sounds amazing! Being celiac, my options are somewhat limited... but I have my regular go-tos! Papas Tacos - potato tacos on a crispy corn tortilla! Pure, unadulterated beauty and taste! Chayote Salad - I could literally eat this incredible salad every single day - it's light, refreshing, and healthy, yet packed with flavor! Service always comes with a smile and it's impressive how efficient they are - moving around from table to table and getting your orders in... and then out to your table so quickly! PRO TIP: On weekends, they are always busy, so make a reservation so you don't have to wait for a table (or get turned away)! Overall rating: *****FIVE STARS***** Gluten-free rating: ***THREE STARS***

    Queso fundido
    Scott L.

    Met some friends here for drinks and snacks. Well worth the drive! The place is dark and moody as soon as you walk in. The cocktail menu was extensive and detailed making it easy to find something unique and fun. The phoenix cocktail was perfectly balanced and had a fun fiery presentation. Ordered the queso fundido and was blown away by the flavors and texture. Service was a bit slow at times but was generally friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a cocktail bar with some seriously good food.

    Espiritu Bar in Mesa, AZ
    Larissa R.

    Drinks are incredible here and love the chill vibes. Decor is really unique!! Ordered the Tio Victors Old Fashioned. Cool that they have a black and white film showing too

    Lisa J.

    Really cool ambiance inside. The food was unique and delicious. The staff were super friendly.

    Papas Tacos, $15.
    Joyce W.

    Espíritu is a Spanish word that translates to "spirit" in English, but it can also mean "ghost," "soul," or "essence." I had such a great time on my first visit that I dragged the gals back for a second visit the following weekend. I made reservations online, which you're required to leave a credit card on file with OpenTable. Get reservations. Espiritu is an intimate and cozy place so you're taking a gamble if you don't make reservations, although we did walk-in on the first visit and got lucky. First visit: - Me Llama Rosa ($16): A great sweet drink with rum. - Sticky Pork Belly ($23 - Burnt lemon grass piloncillo glaze, Beeler's pork belly, fennel salad, and a fried egg): A truly stand-out dish. You get two pieces of an amazingly braised pork belly with a fresh salad that helps cut the richness. Could be the Asian in me but rice would have been nice, haha! Second visit: - Espresso Martini ($18): The most balanced espresso martini I've had in a looong while. Not too vodka forward, smooth, and the cold brew they used is insanely smooth. It's like velvet in a glass. Easily in my top two favorite espresso martinis in the valley! - Papas Tacos ($15 - Chilaquiles rojo potatoes, lettuce slaw, and queso fresco): One of my friends had actually ordered these on my first visit and they looked so good that I had already decided I'd order them at ladies night the following weekend. Beware, vegetarians and vegans, the potatoes are cooked in chicken broth. I'm honestly still daydreaming about these potato tacos. Love. This. Place. It's moody, cozy, and definitely a vibe! Don't overthink it. Whether it's for date night or you're catching up with friends, come here! I will warn you that this is not the place to go to if you have a large party.

    Kira D.

    I never knew potato tacos could taste soooooo good! The flavor combination blew me away! The crispy golden shells were perfectly crunchy, while the inner seasoned potato filling was pure comfort in every bite. The texture contrast was incredible -- soft and fluffy on the inside, crisp and toasty on the outside. What really made them stand out was the balance of flavors: a hint of smoky spice, just enough salt, and a touch of whatever magic zing the chef added to make each bite addictive. Topped with fresh shredded lettuce, tangy salsa, and a drizzle of sum-in sum-in, they hit every note -- crunchy, savory, creamy, and delish! Whether you're vegetarian or not, this is one dish that will win you over instantly. Service was fantastic at this cozy and intimate eatery! Remember to make reservations on Fridays and the weekends!

    Dry aged burger.
    Michael W.

    Sangrias + burgers = Friday night vibes Got the $10 white wine sangria since they ran out of red but I didn't mind. I ordered their $20 Dry Aged Burger (K4 beef, bacon, cheddar, caramelized onions, chiltepin aioli, brioche bun, papas al disco, side of spicy ketchup) and it was the best burger I've had in a while. It was juicy and perfectly cooked. No notes and no complaints. Make sure you make reservations here. It's dimly lit and cozy but it's comfortable and the atmosphere is nice.

    Omari D.

    I had this place on my radar for quite some time, as I frequent downtown Mesa at least twice a week during lunch. They open at 5 PM Tues through Sat with cocktails and the kitchen. I would highly recommend making reservations to secure your spot. We were fortunate to get a table as walk-ins, and I noticed a few other couples after us ended up at the bar. We had our sights set on the kitchen and wanted to branch out with something new. The cocktail menu is set up like a book with about 5 or 6 different chapters. They have a chapter for Classics, Flights & spotlights, and a very interesting one called "Meet the Team". Basically, a bio of what the barentenders favor. First thing I did was ask "who's on deck," and our server let us know. I started off with the Phoenix, which is one of their signature cocktails with a take on the margarita with hot honey syrup, prickly pear and my favorite, Reposado Tequila. The drink was presented well and very good. It said it was a Sour with a bit less sweet & bitter. I found it to be the opposite, more sweet than sour. The other cocktail to start was the Pajarito... great presentation, but it kinda felt like it too was the opposite as far as the flavor profile. To start, we had to try the Birria Dumplings. Gotta admit, the flavor was off the hook and the portion was just right for 2. We also had the Queso Fundido. It was super busy on the plate, and the one downside was that it was very salty. We let the server know, as we worried about our mains coming out heavy on the salt. Great flavor profile, just overpowering with salt. Glad the management team was receptive to feedback as we let them know. For the main, we had the Potato Tacos, Chef Seasonal Tostada & the Skirt Steak along with a classic Reposado Cadillac margarita. All 3 plates were good. Steak was cooked as expected and the tacos were a good mix as we shared. The Seasonal Tostada with shrimp was full of flavor and very good. It's a bit on the high end, but honestly, the food flavor, ambiance, and staff were really great. Look forward to returning again as I'm anxious to do the Snapper Fish... Whole. Ideal for date night, but make sure you really like them before going!!!!

    Grilled oysters
    Erica S.

    I've been wanting to check this place out for so long! It was as amazing as I expected it to be. I was surprised to see how small the menu was, but everything we ordered was fabulous. The drinks were great too! My favorite was the ceviche, which they switch up often. Our server was prompt and you could tell was a great advocate for the brand and really loves the food they serve. The decor inside too is so cool!! Definitely the coolest place in downtown Mesa I've been to so far. Nice little patio for outdoor dining too.

    birria dumplings
    Isabel K.

    AMAZING food! came here with my whole family so we got to share and try a bunch of dishes, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed every plate. we got queso fundido, birria dumplings, papas tacos, chayote salad (insanely delicious), whole fried pescado, skirt steak, and sticky pork belly. the drinks were also fantastic, lots of margaritas ordered around the table, and my brother and i got their surprise drinks. the interior is dark and moody and perfect for a nice night out with family or a date night! service was very friendly, casual, and helpful. would 100000% come again!

    Dinner with the family.
    Veronica G.

    If you're looking for a restaurant with modern romantic ambiance, , this is your place. The walls are painted black and the lighting is dim, making this a sexy little restaurant. Be sure to make reservations or you could be waiting for a while. The food is amazing. We tried the ribeye and shared it at a table of four. There was plenty of food. We also did the queso fundido. Everything was fantastic and art fully prepared. It is pricey though. Our servers were friendly and efficient. I definitely will recommend this place when you want to impress your date, but be prepared to spend money here. And how could I forget the cocktails? Top notch! The cocktails go down way too easily.

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    Ask the Community - Espiritu

    Do they offer a kids menu?

    They didn't when I was there a couple months ago. Honestly, I wouldn't call it a kid-friendly restaurant. Sort of dark inside, small, cozy, vibrant bar scene...

    Do they offer gluten free?

    They do, just ask for rice only.

    Do they have happy hour? if so what are the days/hours?

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes- on Toasttab. Go to the restaurant website and it'll navigate you there.

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes- on Toasttab. Go to the restaurant website and it'll navigate you there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Chupacabra Taproom - Patio

    Chupacabra Taproom

    4.9(170 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Yo this place was fire! It was a pretty small indoor place but really enjoyed the vibes in there. I…read moretold the bartender it was my first time there let him know what kinda beers i enjoy and he let me taste some recommendations before i set on a drink! the whole experience felt super great! nothing worse than getting a beer you don't even like so i super appreciated it!! would definitely come back for some delicious brews ! ps THEY HAVE A WATER STATION!! and the bathroom looks cool lol

    With a name like Chupacabra Taproom, I couldn't say no. I attended a concert at the Mesa Arts…read moreCenter on a Tuesday evening. I was looking for a bar that was open late close to the venue. Chupacabra was open, was a three-minute drive, and had excellent reviews. So my decision was made. I parked on the street for free a minute away on foot. Ambiance (3.5/5): Pretty much your typical beer bar. Relatively small inside, but they also have a patio out front with picnic style seating. Casual. My type of bar. My only complaint? I hate picnic style seating because it doesn't give you back support. Which made me want to avoid the patio. Service (5/5): Super friendly service. The guy working the bar did a great job. I ordered one beer and called it a night. A seamless experience from beginning to end. They also have complimentary water in a water cooler, which is always a nice ou Food (N/A): I read they have food trucks, but I didn't see any when I visited. I had dinner prior anyway. Drinks (4.5/5): I love trying new beers and Chupacabra has an excellent selection. They have a rotating screen above the bar. Some interesting brews, ranging from local craft brews to quality European beers. This is not the type of place that has your typical assortment of mediocre beers. You'll find a lot better here. Overall, a cool spot in downtown Mesa. I'd definitely return the next time I'm in the neighborhood!

    Photos
    Chupacabra Taproom
    Chupacabra Taproom - Small adorable space!

    Small adorable space!

    Chupacabra Taproom - Chupa door

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    Chupa door

    Il Vinaio - Classic Bruschetta

    Il Vinaio

    3.9(329 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We visited the Natural History Museum and needed a gluten free lunch option. Il Vinaio is about 1/2…read moremile away from the museum. The owner greeted us warmly and spoke passionately about the menu. We enjoyed interacting with her. We ordered an antelope burger (med rare) with side salad and a gluten free grilled cheese and tomato soup. Both were incredibly satisfying. The food was perfectly prepared and we finished every bite! With such delicious food and wonderfully friendly owner, I was surprised more people weren't beating down the doors to eat at this restaurant! But it does have a dated "old school steakhouse" vibe inside, which isn't exactly the ambiance preferred by our younger generations. We thought it was great, though. Give Il Vinaio a chance! You won't regret it.

    We were immediately greeted and seated by Cindy, who I found out was one of the owners. It's kind…read moreof an old school vibe/atmosphere ambience. Kevin was our server and he was fantastic. (I also have a Chihuahua named Kevin, which is besides the point) They source their meat ethically, and the salmon was wild, the salmon is one of the best. I've had --simple grilled perfection. My friend got the pasta Bolognese, which was delicious with tons of meat Next time I come, I want to try the antelope burger, which the owners great care in sourcing as well This is really a surprising gem in Mesa, as I do not come here since I stay in my 5 mile radius of North Scottsdale. Delicious and friendly, I really enjoyed this dinner

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    Il Vinaio
    Il Vinaio - Bolognese

    Bolognese

    Il Vinaio - Unlimited Champagne

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    Unlimited Champagne

    Tipsy Cactus TapRoom & Bottle Shop

    Tipsy Cactus TapRoom & Bottle Shop

    4.6(126 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    Great little whole in the wall good craft beer service is awesome and the ambiance is clean and openread more

    I was out running errands on a Wednesday night and was in the mood for a good cheesesteak. Decided…read moreto pull out my phone. and instead of using Yelp, I actually just punched cheesesteak into Waze, and what do you know?! I ended up finding the cheesesteak joint. This is actually a food truck, which is parked on the side of the Tipsy Catcus, which is a really cool brewery I also checked out while I was waiting for my order. This is a really chill brewery, and not a huge spot. Maybe 8 to 10 high top tables with bar seating, and a mostly open floor plan. They have a small patio too, with what looks like about another tables but because I visited at night, nobody was outside. They also seem to be extremely dog friendly as they had one table with a really chill cocker spaniel completely laid out on his side in the middle of the floor. I'm not sure how many taps they had in total, but definitely more than 40 I would say. I'm not a big beer drinker, so I ordered a cider. The cider I was served was on tap and really tasty. And it definitely hit the spot of terms of price point. One thing to note, while I was talking to the owner/manager of the tipsy cactus (shout to him because he was really cool), he told me that Friday night and Saturday nights are usually popping so I wouldn't expect to be first in line on any of those nights. It also looks like they rotate food trucks on different nights, so don't assume that the cheesesteak truck is going to be here every night. I would check the tipsy cactus website, or Instagram page to be sure. I'll definitely be looking forward to checking this place out again in the future, especially if I'm hitting one of the food trucks parked outside.

    Photos
    Tipsy Cactus TapRoom & Bottle Shop - Beer

    Beer

    Tipsy Cactus TapRoom & Bottle Shop - Pretty decent sour ale.

    Pretty decent sour ale.

    Tipsy Cactus TapRoom & Bottle Shop - Outside

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    Outside

    Espiritu - seafood - Updated May 2026

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