I stumbled across this restaurant while searching for the best restaurants in Arizona. I found an article that consisted of James Beard award nominees for Arizona. Chef Roberto was nominated as the 2024 up-and-coming chef. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night or a large gathering. One side of the restaurant features a large bar along with smaller tables. Then, on the other side of the restaurant there are larger tables. I love how the intimate dining is separate from larger gatherings. Definitely a lot of thought and planning went into the Layout of this restaurant. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the hostess. Behind her was a small case featuring oysters. The young woman that seated us was kind and showed us to our seat. Our servers name was Nicki. She was also very friendly and had very good recommendations. To drink I started off with The Phoenix and my husband had a bottled beer. My drink was very delicious. Freshly squeezed citrus juices gave it a bit of a tart taste. It was definitely a deliciously crafted cocktail. For dinner I chose to have the restaurant week menu. Please see photo below. I selected the Birria dumplings. They consisted of Wagyu beef cheek,cabbage slaw, roasted corn, confit, mushrooms, bok choy, beef, broth, and chili sauce. We both thoroughly enjoyed them and would definitely get them again. For my main course, I selected the K4 flat iron steak, prepared, medium rare. It was accompanied by Chiltepin sauce - potatoes - flour tortilla - beans. There was definitely something about the potatoes and how they were dry roasted, then added to the beans. The way the potatoes absorbed the residual liquid from the beans created a delicious melody of flavors. Steak was delicious and perfectly. K4 is a. premium Meat shop in Prescott, Arizona. For Dessert, I ordered the Keylime pie. I have to admit I do not like Keylime pie but today I have seen the light! Or should I say spirit? Esprirtu's Keylime pie is the best I have ever had. Less like a traditional pie it's layered and cut into a square. The lime zest on top gave it that extra finishing touch of tart. Thank you to the entire staff for a very delicious and memorable meal. We will absolutely positively be returning. read more

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Wow, I love the vibe here! It's dark and moody but still energetic. Our server was amazing. The guys weren't sure which 2/3 oyster types to get, so they said surprise us and the kitchen sent all three (the last was pretty tiny, but the flavor flight was there). The market price steak is pricey, but very well received at our table. Having a big night out? Consider the punch (big black seashell looking vessel). Worried it will be too sweet? We were, too. Let your server know what kind of flavors you're looking for and if your bartender is feeling kind, they'll tailor it to you a bit more so it's maximum enjoyment. The birria dumplings are incredible! Make sure you order those!! I had one of the best pina coladas EVER here, too. Basically, the place is great but it comes at a price so pick your visit date and celebrate something! read more

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Came here for a birthday celebration and the food did not disappoint especially the pork chop. The meat was juicy and well seasoned. Additionally it came with shishito peppers marinated with some buttery sauce and little charred topped with some cheese. 5/5 We also ordered the fundido which was good, but felt the tomatillo sauce overpowered the cheese, so it's just a personal preference. Others in my group did enjoy it. 4/5 Drinks- I don't recall what it was called, but it was a Japanese old fashion and it was a great compliment to my pork chop As for the server- 5/5, he was attentive and knowledgeable with the menu and drink from start to finish. Only caveat- a good portion of their menu is market value, so no clue how much things are. So ask in advance or don't be surprised when it comes out. read more

Espiritu - Pork chop - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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. read more

Espiritu - Mai Tai - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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 :) read more

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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*** read more

Espiritu - Pajarito (middle), Me Llama Rosa (right), and White Sangria (left!! - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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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. read more

Espiritu - Queso fundido - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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We walked in right as the kitchen was closing on a Thursday night, and they still took care of us--huge points right out of the gate. My wife ordered the whole red snapper and it was outstanding. The portion was massive--she couldn't even finish it. I ended up turning the leftovers into fish tacos the next day... and somehow it was just as good. I had the skirt steak--perfectly cooked and really flavorful. What really stood out, though, was the service. Our server was fantastic--friendly, confident, and clearly knew the menu. We actually followed her lead on both drinks and food, and every recommendation hit. Great food, great service, great experience. People were at the bar enjoying drinks and gave a cool vibe. We'll definitely be back. read more

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 read more

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

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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We loved the vibe and the cocktail menu was fun and diverse. Our server was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the menu. We were off to a great start. Although there were some great fish items on the appetizer list, I was surprised that there was only one seafood item on the main menu. I was in the mood for something other than steak and I don't eat pork. We asked about the burger and the server said it's probably the best burger he's ever had, so both the guys at the table ordered it. Turns out the burger was so salty it was hard to finish. Both of us thought the same thing. When we were leaving, I ran into a friend and I asked him how his dinner was, and he said for him the burger was inedible. Everything else was great--my wife loved her salad. The oysters were very tasty and the banana bread desert was so good. read more

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!!!! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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Espiritu offers a fresh, elevated take on Mexican cuisine in a lively, modern setting. The dishes are flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, blending traditional influences with creative touches. Add in well-crafted agave-based cocktails and friendly, attentive service, and Espiritu stands out as a great spot for both casual dinners and special nights out. I specifically love the flank steak and pot stickers. WOW. read more

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. read more

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It's so moody in here, it's a gorgeous spot, perfect for date night or a friends night out. The entrance is exciting. The food is next level, the combinations are so creative and unique. I loved everything I got. The service was so awesome, we spoke to everyone who worked there and they all just seemed so happy to work there! 10/10 !! read more

Phenomenal experience. They were late to seat us for our reservation and they really went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful. Shoutout to Morgan and another girl with dark hair. Excellent steak, drinks, food, vibes, service, music, etc. I don't like lime dessert and even that was amazing. Must try, can't wait to come back read more

Espiritu - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Goshhh this place was exceptional. It's one of those where have you been all my life restaurants. Very bite, my husband and I looked at each other with that head tilt like mmmm. A must try!!!! read more

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Went with some friends and all 4 of us are foodies so the one stipulation was a spot none of us had been to. Blessed to find a spot that was an absolute winner when it comes to a perfectly cooked meal. Started with some drinks and though this spot is apparently raved about and said to be one of the best places to get a cocktail that was the one thing we were very underwhelmed by. But the food oh the food every bite of the Birria dumplings and the fish ceviche just exploded with flavor, the Korean short ribs and fried rice just expressing new found food enjoyment but that flat steak and charro beans, DAMN new levels of food euphoria. What they did to get the smokey flavors in those charro beans I could have eaten that all by itself though didn't have to as the carne was perfectly cooked at medium rare to just melt in our mouths. Service was amazing attentive and the space really makes you feel with its narrow hallway like feel that you stumbled in on a hidden place that few know about. So thankful we got to have a night of laughs and will be bringing others back again for what is a special place where food is taken seriously read more

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First time at Espiritu and it definitely lived up to the hype. The food and drinks were both incredible, everything we tried was full of flavor and beautifully done. The whole space has such a cool, cozy vibe that makes it perfect for a night out. However, what really stood out was the service. We had the blonde server/manager Megan who was super welcoming and attentive despite how packed the restaurant was. She made the experience really fun and even lit my girlfriends and I's cocktails on fire! 10/10 recommend! read more

First I will start with the biggest challenge- it is so dark in the restaurant it takes a while for your eyes to adjust. But who cares? The service is exceptional, the food is exceptional. Our table had the porterhouse pork chop( most tender, most flavorful pork that I have ever eaten) the red snapper ( crispy delicious skin) and the hangar steak which was also delicious. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing. If you like great food, well prepared and seasoned perfectly, check this place out. read more

We brought some out of town guests to Espirtu for dinner. We got a prime time, weekend reservation pretty easily on Open Table booking about 2 weeks in advance. I'd been to three of the sister establishments Bacanora, Cocina Chiwas, and Tacos Chiwas and had high hopes for Espirtu. I was not disappointed. We order smoked oysters, queso fundido, and the birria dumplings. One of our guests said the oysters were the best oysters he'd ever had. The lemon roasted chili butter was so rich and smoky it's hard to describe but was absolutely amazing. Everyone loved the dumplings. The queso fundito was good--some kind of salsa verde topped with Oaxaca and fried shoestring potatoes, but I honestly would have rather saved room for something else. I got an N/A beer (I don't drink, definitely just here for the comida). Rest of the table went for fancy cocktails, all of which had excellent presentation and were raved about. After a moment of heart break that the mussels and prawns had cycled off the menu, I was guided to the potato tacos by our server. So, best guidance ever. I haven't had a taco like that since I was last in Mexico. Whole thing was deep fried. Wonderfully crispy with the spicy savory comfort of the potatoes and a lot of fresh brightness from salsa and queso fresco. I unfortunately had to admit defeat after one taco because I pigged out on appetizers, but I just figured out how to crisp a taco back up in the air frier and had one for breakfast--still amazing. There were a couple small lags in service--there weren't enough forks on the table and it took a minute to flag someone to get more and could have used a second round a bit earlier, but our server was so knowledgeable and friendly that it more than made up for it. Our party of 4 spent just under $300 for two rounds of drinks, 3 apps, 4 entrees--so definitely a treat but still pretty reasonable given the amount and quality of the food and given there's one taco left for lunch:) read more

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Oct 4th, 2025. My 17th wedding anniversary. I was reading an article about a chef who was on Chopped (grill edition) and won. He worked at a couple of restaurants that became a Covid era casualty. Went to work in construction for a bit but now is back at his passion. The restaurant? Espiritu. The cuisine? Mexican food. I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food but my wife absolutely loves it. So I invited and old friend and his wife who also just recently celebrated their anniversary and made a reservation. We all arrived about 15 mins early. We got to the door and said I reserved a table but we are early. The hostess immediately responded "Gustavo, table for four, outdoor seating preferred." Color me impressed. She sat us down right away. Not 30 seconds had passed before our server greeted us and told us the drink special. We all ordered the same thing. I can't remember what it was called, but I can best describe as a Mezcal mojito with thinly sliced green apples as garnish. They were absolutely delicious. We went through ten of them. As we drank through the first round she went specials. We started with apps. We had the Birria dumplings and Queso Fundido. They queso fundido was delicious but the queso got lost under all the papa rayado they placed on top. We were expecting more of a dip style thing but it was still enjoyable. The Birria dumplings were next level. The kind of thing you think when here the chef won on Chopped. Amazing. I wish someone would make those for me once a week. As we finished up the sides and our server began to tell us the dinner specials. The idea of a family dinner appealed to us, so we got both the lobster platter and ribeye steak platter and my wife ordered oysters. I don't eat shell fish so I had to rely on my wife and friends for opinions but all three raved on how well it was cooked and they especially loved the pieces of pork belly that were sitting on top of it. They couldn't be happier. We ordered our second round of drinks and continued through the rib eye platter. Funny point... when we order it the server asked how we would like it cooked and we replied medium rare. Her response was "Good, that's how it comes". We all had a good laugh about that. The ribeye platter was amazing. I cannot speak enough of how I love a perfectly cooked steak. We were finished eating and relaxing as the girls ordered a third round for themselves. As much as I wanted another one I had to drive. As they enjoyed their drinks and the gentlemen's drank water, we chatted on and laughed on a lovely night sitting out on the sidewalk of downtown Mesa. Area that seen a rejuvenation over the last few years. A lot of towns can learn a thing or two about what they are doing there. Espiritu is a must for anyone that loves great service, greats vibes, and downright good food. I only gave 5 stars because the rating doesn't go to 14. read more

Espiritu is an underrated cocktail bar/ restaurant and I wish we had been here sooner! They have an extensive cocktail/drinks list. I had the white sangria and it was so crisp and zesty. We were offered complimentary tequila shots! Food is sooo good guys. It's just so well made, authentic and price was reasonable! The skirt steak with the beans, potatoes and tortilla was a hit for the entire table. Apps, all amazing as well. The birria dumplings blew my mind lol! Service was great and we're seated right away. Ambiance feels like a speakeasy and the decor is a classy vibe. We will definitely come back real soon! read more

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My first time at Espiritu but I don't think it will be my last. There is a great ambiance to the restaurant and it is rather cozy. The layout is a narrow inside but there are tables outside as well. To start we got appetizers and drinks. The birria dumplings were tasty, but I really liked the queso fundido. There's something about the cheese and tangy tomatillos for me. Someone said the oysters were the best they have had, but I'm not a seafood person so I skipped those. I had the burger for my entree which was really tasty. It was a little too salty for me but the rest of the flavors were great and I would probably get it again. The potatoes came with a kicked-up ketchup which was good too. I don't recall which cocktail I had but it has a star anise floating on an ice cub engraved with espiritu's logo. The drink menu had great descriptions of the drinks and was fun to read Would definitely go again! read more

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Chef's Week Night #2 @espiritumesa First off, sorry the pictures are dark and over saturated, this place was very dim but in a really good way. And don't let that discourage, this place had some of the best Mexican food I've had, especially, well, just read. Pork Belly - 10/10 on the app. Fall apart Sticky Pork Belly in a Piloncillo Lemongrass Glaze, Chile Aioli, a Fried Egg and a Citrus Fennel Salad. On point! Black Cod - One of my favorite fish, this came on a bed of Crusted Cotija Cheese (amazing) blended with a Coconut Chipotle Pegao (crispy rice) which was insanely good, and a Tomato Onion Reduction. Super good. Mesquite Charcoal K4 Skirt Steak - If you don't know what K4 Steak is, are you even living in Arizona? 7 generations deep yo! No lie, one of the best Carne Asada plates I've had, medium rare on a bed of Potatoes, Sonoran Beans and Pickled Onions with a Grilled Tortilla. All day, I'd go back just for this dish. Must order for sure. Birria Dumplings - Yeah. Really. Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, a Chile Consume and Bok Choy. Fahgetaboutit! Have to try! Summer Salad - Chayote, Jicama, Sherry Garlic Vinaigrette, Beans and a Whipoed Requesón. If you haven't been, go check em out, right next to the Nile in downtown Mesa. I didn't even know it was there till this week. The vibe was dope, music on point, staff was amazing, they have a cool bar and really good drinks on the menu. Highly recommend! Enjoy my friends read more

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Really awesome they got us in on Mother's Day they were very busy so we were made aware the table would be in use at 6:30 so if we wanted to sit would have to be done by then. Which was fine. This was our first time looked good from online PICTs. I thought food was a little different so was a lil nervous mom wasn't as tempting as I was. Got dumplings and fondue both really good. I will say patio is a little warm would be nice to add misters, and the flies... eeek ... we were swatting and had to cover our plate.. cus right when the food came down so did the flies.. drinks were great big list of cocktails to choose from all very time oriented you can tell and tasted great! read more

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I have heard amazing things about this place and finally made reservations...but it was mid to decent at best....right now it is restaurant week. We did not partake but--it is 55.00 a person with 3 starter options, 3 main course options, and 2 dessert options. My overall rating of this place based on our experience--I would give a 7/10. The cocktails looked promising but quite a few options were "sold out" which was a bummer for us cocktail connoisseurs. We both enjoyed our 1st round--my boyfriend ordered the famous Los Caidos and I ordered the chichen-itza (not spelling that right I am sure)--both come in very awesome mugs/glassware. Both cocktails were tropical and well balanced. For our round 2-my boyfriend ordered Me Llama Rosa (I believe...tried to look up their cocktail menu online and I cannot view it) which per the "tastes like" notes--Strawberry Nesquik but boozy--it definitely was not. He couldn't drink it and I tried it and I also would not drink it. Due to the limited options of their specialty cocktails--there wasn't another cocktail he wanted. I ordered the famous Phoenix--it was decent. The presentation with the flaming citrus was definitely cool but the cocktail body itself was mid. Food: Well the food is where it is at! Compliments to the chef however again very limited options. We wanted to order an appetizer and the 2 options we wanted were "sold out" was not told that in the beginning before ordering. My boyfriend ordered the skirt steak which he said was the best skirt steak he has ever had. He really enjoyed the frijoles which was complimented with the steak. I did try them and they were delicious but a tad bit salty for my liking. If you read other reviews on here there is mention of food tasting salty. However, the beans did remind me of my Nanas beans. I ordered the potato tacos which were delicious. The red salsa was fantastic--I can drink it by the gallon. It does have a kick but I love spice. The decor inside is beautiful. The music was awesome. Service was decent. We came. We tried it. We probably won't rush to come back but it is a decent upscale Mexican restaurant with mid to decent cocktails--but people will come for the food. I just hope they expand their menu a bit and not have so many appetizer and cocktail options "sold out" read more

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Very trendy place, but not pretentious. I actually liked the dark ambiance, and I really appreciated the Oaxacan mezcales they offer. There were no vegan food options, which was a bummer for me, but I just ordered the chayote salad without cheese, and it was delicious. read more

Muy delicioso!!! We were seated promptly at the bar as per our reservation. We made the reservation the same day and the bar was the only available option. It was comfortable and offered plenty of room. The music was a bit loud but it didn't hinder our conversation. It's also a tad bit dark, but that's the vibe here. The cocktails are imaginative and tasty. The bartender wanted to make sure I would like what I ordered. We had the ceviche which was hamachi (yellowtail) this evening. It was tart and fresh tasting with just the right amount of heat. The birria dumplings were bomb diggity good. The other reviewers were right. This app makes you want to drink the broth right from the plate (if you have any left). We shared the main dish, the deep fried whole snapper, which was plenty for two. It made for the absolute tastiest fish tacos with the provided tortillas. The crust held well and it wasn't over-breaded or over-cooked. The service was spot on. The bartenders were very busy, but the rest of the staff took care of us and them and delivered our food and cleared our plates with exact precision. They worked together like a well-oiled machine. One small note, we followed our GPS directions and they took us in the back door in the alley. Go around to the front if this happens to you. It's a much more welcoming entry. I can see why it was packed as early as 5pm. read more

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Came here with a friend last night and enjoyed the experience! We had reservations for 6:30pm and the place was already pretty full. Would suggest making a reservation when coming here. There is quite the cocktail selection here and there's a whole booklet on cocktails to order. I started off with a mezcal drink with yuzu, it was good and I enjoyed it. I think I prefer Mexican/Southwestern flavors with mezcal vs citrus but that's just me. My friend had a drink with sotol in it, and it had an earthy, grassy flavor. Probably the best item we tried were the birria dumplings and this was just fantastic! The queso fundido we ordered next was just so-so, a bit too sour for me. We then opted to share the Korean pork rib dish and the ribs were very flavorful and tasty. The rice was good but a tad bit salty and the chapati like bread was good. All the dishes were very generous in portions and we had leftovers to take home. Our next drinks we had were the quetzal, which my friend had and this was tasty and a bit sweeter. I just opted for a mezcal margarita and that was great! Overall, a really fun place to have dinner. Great spot for a date too. I'd definitely return! read more

Espiritu - Korean pork ribs - tasty and generous portions - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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What.... Huh.... What did you say??? Yeah, this place they play the music LOUD! So hard to keep up a conversation. For apps we had the birria dumplings that were a bit sweet but was good. For the main the whole fried pescado was very good! The specialty drinks were quite tasty and I like the variety they offered. Food, drinks and layout I would come back , BUT i don't think i will because i usually like to eat, drink and talk. Talking here is definitely a challenge. I would recommend to others but definitely warn them on how loud it is. read more

Totally regret not eating here. I had originally wanted to go to Bacanora but reservations were hard to come by when they book out in less than a few minutes after releasing their dates. So we went elsewhere for dinner. Then read that Espiritu is the sister restaurant and linked to Chef Rene Andrade and Chef Roberto Centeno. So we came for drinks. There's a parking lot in the back that's free for 3 hours and entrance is through a narrow walkway that resembles an alley but very safe. We sat at the bar. The menu book was split into different chapters with different play on words and cleaver names. Be sure to check your book if you have all the chapters because we were missing two chapters and had no idea until we saw someone else ordered an old fashion that doesn't look like ours. We ordered Tio Victors Old Fashioned which came out clear looking like water with a nice etched ice cube. Tio Victors Old Fashioned came in a skull cup. They rotate their menu often and this was rolled over from the previous rotation. Both drinks were strong and beautifully crafted. Everyone we spoke to said having drinks was a waste and that we needed to eat. Well, we will be back. read more

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Everything was excellent. Oysters, tostada, birria dumplings all hit great. Drink selection and menu is excellent. Was a great dinner spot before the theater next door. Definitely recommend reservations! read more

Espiritu - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Espíritu was amazing. 10/10 service, food and ambiance. Cici provided excellent service and made our anniversary feel so special. We ordered the Queso Fundido, Birria Dumplings, and the Meat of the Day. I would 100% come back! read more

Espiritu - Queso Fundido & Birria Dumplings - Seafood Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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WOW. Espiritu in downtown Mesa is a hidden gem that deserves ALL the hype! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was electric--but let's talk about the food and drinks because that's where this place really shines. We kicked things off with the queso fundido, potato tacos, and yellowtail ceviche. The ceviche was absolutely impeccable--fresh, zesty, and beautifully balanced. The potato tacos were crave-worthy, and while my husband raved about the queso fundido, it wasn't my personal fave--but still solid. Now let's talk drinks: I went with their "choose your own adventure" cocktail and asked for something spicy, sour, low sugar, with mezcal. They NAILED it. Honestly one of the best drinks I've ever had--smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. I'm still dreaming about it! For mains, I got the skirt steak and it was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the fried snapper and couldn't stop talking about how delicious it was. The service? Exceptional. Friendly, attentive, and super knowledgeable. We'll absolutely be back. If you haven't tried Espiritu yet--do yourself a favor and GO! read more

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