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    Espiritu

    4.5 (247 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Espiritu Photos

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    ESPIRITU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Espiritu

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    Lulu S.

    Always a favorite when in downtown Mesa! This time I was able to enjoy the Mariscos and it easy to say the best oysters in the valley!! The flat iron steak and burger were delicious as always. Drinks were soo good as they just released a new cocktail menu! I love the decor of the restraint and our server was so friendly!

    Entrance
    Brie G.

    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!

    Pork chop
    Stephen L.

    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.

    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 :)

    Whole snapper
    Carla C.

    I love this place! Really cool interior and ambiance, the service is great, and the food is delicious. This is a must visit if friends or family are in town

    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.

    Wagyu Cheek Dumplings
    Beth S.

    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.

    Specialty cocktail and Queso Fundido.
    Korey S.

    Ambiance, service, and drinks are all 10/10. I even asked the mixologist to craft a cocktail from Fernet but themed as a Zombie and it came out as a top 5 all time best in my book! The food is an 8/10. Very tasty and has a good element of creativity, but every dish was either too heavy on the salt or too heavy on the citrus. My date and I will be back to try more! Food eaten was the Queso Fundido, Birria Dumplings, Dry Aged Burger, and Drum.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    ceviche & agua chiles special
    Adriana L.

    I love the inside vibes. The service is pretty fast and kind servers. Only downside before they expanded was that you had to wait but now it seems like they have a lot more seating have not been since the new renovation. I do love their food everything is fresh and flavorful!

    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.

    Espiritu Bar in Mesa, AZ

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    The food was so flavorful. I loved the queso fundido appetizer and the drinks were great too. Wes was a great server and very attentive!

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    Page 2 of 7

    Ask the Community - Espiritu

    Does it have a bar to dine and drink at?

    Yes it does!

    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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    Arizona Distilling

    Arizona Distilling

    4.7
    (168 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    This place has been on my list sometime and glad we were finally able to stop by! Tours occur every…read moreSaturday on the hour from 11am-3pm, and can be booked online for $15/person. We had ours hosted by the (co?)founder which was very insightful to their process and included 4 tastings of vodka (nice and clear), gin (very aromatic in a pleasant way), bourbon, and rye whiskey plus a surprise pickle vodka. My go-to are whiskey and bourbon, but all proved to be delicious and any would make for a nice gift. Since we had been drinking previously to our visit, we didn't have room and time to have a drink at the bar, but certainly coming back looking at their cocktail menu online! The main area is a cocktail bar around a horseshoe, an homage to the guiding as it used to be a horse barn if I remember correctly. It gives speakeasy vibes with its dim lights, but certainly up on my list to come back and recommend to others!

    Killing time in downtown Mesa, I stumbled upon this particular distillery. The reviews looked good,…read moreand as a lover of spirits and cocktails, I decided to give them a try Through the front doors you take a right and enter a very intimate lounge and bar area. The light is very dim, but you can see the central bar, the almost decorative stills behind glass in the back, and many booths and seating areas You order your drinks at the bar. They have a list of signature and classic options using spirits distilled at the whiskey as well as other spirits. Each cocktail is a work of art. The artisanal elixirs are made to order right in front of you at the bar. This means they are quality drinks, but it also means they take slightly longer because they're made with care... they also might cost you a bit money The staff are friendly. We spoke to a couple about the cocktails, the distillery, eating options in the area, etc The drinks are solid. They aren't the heaviest of pours or too strong. Each cocktail has specific drink rate, garnishes, etc that will accompany it The distillery has a prime location, smack dab in the middle of the downtown Mesa. You can find restaurants, bars, shops, and even a place where you can both play pinball and shop for antiques or a spot where you can eat Cronuts while playing Super Mario Kart (Outcast) Some tips: Tell the bartender what you enjoy drinking and let them guide you towards a selection They offer tours on Saturdays (1hr in length) where you can learn more about the distilling process and try samples They have a couple clarified cocktails that were truly unique and refreshing. If you're into that They are open 7 days a week but their hours vary depending on the day Cheers!!

    Photos
    Back wall
    Back wall
    Arizona Distilling
    Espresso Self

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    12 West Brewing - Downtown Mesa

    12 West Brewing - Downtown Mesa

    3.8
    (380 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    12 west is generally a solid option for food and drinks in Downtown Mesa. I used to really love…read morecoming here when Mike was one of the main bartenders, he made excellent cocktails. I've been here a bunch of times over the years. Giving 4 stars simply due a mix of experiences, good and meh. Most recently we sat at the cocktail bar ordered a beer & whiskey sour. Drinks came quickly but then it took a while for anyone to ask if we wanted food (we originally intended to). I think what happened is that our original bartender may have gone on break, while a new person coming on shift was busy doing things and didn't know to check with us since we already had drinks in front of us. It wasn't a major issue. It just created a long gap which gave us the option to decide to go elsewhere. We also noticed the beer we ordered was flat and we eventually let the new bartender know. She offered to get us a pint of something else but we had decided today wasn't our day at 12 West and move on. Typically beers are great, cocktails are solid, and food is good too. What seems to vary the most is service.

    My husband and I stopped in for an impromptu lunch date over the weekend. The weather was perfect…read morefor sitting on the patio. We got a couple drinks as well as the popcorn chicken and Birria tacos. This wasn't our first time visiting this location and probably won't be the last. It's a great spot in downtown Mesa. There's ample seating for larger parties. They have a couple patio areas as well as a couple bars inside.

    Photos
    The Cellar
    The Cellar
    12 West Burger
    12 West Burger
    Onza

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    Onza
    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    Drop Dead Gorgeous

    4.2
    (89 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    Gotta luv the changing vibes in Tempe!!! After a great dinner experience celebrating an anniversary…read moreat Filthy Animal, we slid over to Drop Dead Gorgeous to relax, chill & take in some more craft cocktails. Anytime you're dealing with a speakeasy, you feel like a VIP, and that's how we felt that evening. What a great way to close out the night, as the vibe and decor are what I'm all about. Do plan ahead with reservations. Our Server from FA & Bartender here hooked it up for us with a special toast and celebration for our anniversary!! VIP Treatment with the 70's to 2000's vibe. Looking forward to my return.

    I really wanted to love this place. Let me set off with the positives. The decor, the DJ, the…read moreseating ambience, and overall just vibes are 100%, 5/5 out of five stars. The chicken tenders were fire!!! What is lacking on this occasion was service. The server that we had was so unattentative. I have never been in a cocktail lounge in my life and had to beg for drinks. Our server would wait until every drinks was made for all of her tables before bringing out drinks. It was ridiculous. She was nice but seemed high. I ended up only having 2 drinks. We would have ordered more but they have 90min max seating and we didn't event get drinks for the first 30min. No exaggeration. Also one of my drinks I had to send back. My apple martini tasted like soap. It was like they did clean the glass after giving a soap bath. No bueno. So they need to get their service to match the vibe of a true cocktails lounge. Yes it is a 70s vibe but doesn't mean the lackadaisical style service. I would come back and try again. The music, the atmosphere and the food was good. They gotta get these cocktails together and service. We ended up walking to nearby competitors and that was money lost for DDG.

    Photos
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left.  DJ booth behind.
    Disco Ball Entrance on the left. DJ booth behind.
    Interior
    Interior
    Table seating

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    Table seating
    Killer Whale Sex Club

    Killer Whale Sex Club

    4.1
    (334 reviews)
    13.7 mi
    $$

    They had me at the name... though I will clear the air. There are no killer whales present at…read moreKiller Whale Sex Club. Nor is it a sex club. But, if you're looking for a really cool bar, KWSC is for you. I stopped by on a week day evening around 8:30 p.m. Located in Roosevelt Row, while there isn't parking, I found free parking on the street a few minutes away on foot. Ambiance (4.5/5): My type of spot. Dimly lit with a speakeasy vibe. There are eight or so seats at the bar, and the rest of your seating options consist of comfortable chairs and sofas. You'll see a lot of photos of people's bums on the walls lol. This is indeed part of the appeal. For free, if you would like, they will take a polaroid of your butt and memorialize you eternally on the walls. While I didn't do that, if that's up your alley, go for it. Service (2/5): This is the main area of improvement. After being seated, I was greeted promptly and got my first cocktail promptly. From there, things fell apart. I had to grab the bartender's attention to order my second drink and to close out. It was a week day and they weren't busy. And there were two bartenders. A lack of attentiveness. When I closed out, I noticed that the cocktails were both $2 more expensive than what was listed on the menu. When I inquired, I was told that the menus were outdated... umm what? If you're not going to re-print your menus, give people a heads-up when they arrive. I understand that most people won't notice, but this is deception. Food (N/A): I was on a liquid diet. If you're trying to eat here, all they have is snacks. The menu doesn't specify but I'm thinking it's probably chips or somethign like that. Drinks (4/5): A lengthy, and interesting, cocktail list. Similar to a speakeasy, you're going to see creativity and an interesting blend of flavors here. The most popular drink is Fuck Nazis. We're seeing a theme here. KWSC is an interesting spot. For various dollar amounts, you can get funny things outside of the polaroids of your bum. My first cocktail was great. My second one, a tiki drink, not so much. The menu said that there would be some flame action happening. It didn't. Just another example of the service falling short. If the service were better, Killer Whale Sex Club would easily be a five-star experience.

    I started coming here back in 2019, and at the time it felt like one of those rare places you…read morealmost don't want to tell people about because it was so special. The atmosphere was unique, the bartenders were genuinely engaging, and there was a real sense of community that made every visit memorable. It became my go-to spot to bring friends from out of town and every single person I brought absolutely loved it! Back then, the cocktails felt intentional and creative, not just rushed out for volume. The staff remembered regulars, conversations flowed naturally, and the whole place had this warm, eclectic energy that made you want to stay for hours. Even on busy nights, it somehow still felt personal. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, the vibe has changed quite a bit. The drinks just aren't as consistently good as they used to be, especially considering the prices now. Service feels far more transactional and impersonal, and the atmosphere that once made this place stand out has faded into something much more generic. It feels less like a neighborhood gem and more like a stop on a nightlife circuit.

    Photos
    Behind the bar amidst the free photos
    Behind the bar amidst the free photos
    Killer Whale Sex Club
    Interiors

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    Interiors
    UnderTow Gilbert

    UnderTow Gilbert

    4.1
    (305 reviews)
    9.1 mi
    Happy hour specials
    Free parking

    Absolutely amazing. Have been to this location and the one in Arcadia and it is absolutely on par…read more The immersive environment is still done so well. Not cheesy, but truly transportive. Service was excellent even on a busy night with our server taking care of multiple large parties. The cocktails at these concepts are truly next level and worth the higher price point. Every drink is well balanced, even the complex cocktails. Undertow just does not miss!

    We had the absolute best time this weekend at Undertow! It was super easy to make reservations, we…read morewere warmly welcomed by the hostesses the moment we arrived, and the atmosphere was beyond immersive. And of course... the drinks were incredible! I kicked off our 90-minute experience with the Blackberry Yuzu Margarita, and it was the perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and tart. I wrapped things up with the Macadamia Nut Piña Colada which, fittingly for being "aboard" a pirate ship, was delightfully rum-forward without being overly sweet. In between cocktails, we shared a couple of snacks that were such a welcome addition -- something you sadly don't always find at local speakeasies! The service was top-notch thanks to our bartender Rocco, whose knowledge and attention to detail made the experience even more fun. Between the creative cocktails, immersive vibe, and fantastic hospitality, Undertow is easily one of the coolest spots around!

    Photos
    UnderTow Gilbert
    UnderTow Gilbert
    UnderTow Gilbert

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    Espiritu - seafood - Updated August 2026

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