DOWNTOWN MESA COMES ALIVE

This Southwest city welcomes a new city plaza, shopping and a buzzy nightlife scene to its urban core

By Kate Wallace

Downtown Mesa has always been full of surprises, from its historic underground

By Kate Wallace tunnels to its magnificent cultural beacon,

the Mesa Arts Center — now, the city’s Main Street drag has set the stage for even more over the top entertainment.

This fall, Mesa’s nucleus will be home to the long-awaited Plaza at Mesa City Center. The two-acre community gathering space, adjacent to the shiny new Arizona State University Creative Futures Lab, features amphitheaterstyle grass seating, water features and a seasonal ice rink. The hub has plans to serve up outdoor performances, events and festivals, with light rail access across the street making it an easy option for locals and visitors.

Downtown Mesa is also home to exciting new dining and nightlife options, including the arcade and tap room from Mesa’s original brew crew, The Beer Research Institute. This renovated space in one of Mesa’s older brick buildings features an impressive collection of classic arcade games and pinball machines. Down from here, Espiritu is also serving up new spirits on Main Street. Conceptualized by the owners of Tacos Chiwas located next door, this elevated cocktail lounge features shaken and stirred concoctions, shared punch bowls and shots set on fire. Staples like the sandwich

Downtown Mesa is a vibrant hub of unexpected culture and creativity Live music at Mesa breweries is a popular activity each weekend

king, Worth Takeaway, have expanded, bringing indoor dining back to life on Main Street.

Another reason to add a Downtown Mesa visit to any Greater Phoenix travel itinerary is the near dozen retail establishments that line Main Street. Vintage shopping has always been popular here, but newer retailers like Barrel and Bloom and The Boutique are attracting sidewalk surfers looking for unique fashions, housewares and collectibles. Anchoring the west end of Main Street is Jarrod’s Tea and Coffee Gallery, whose eclectic arts collective continues to impress.

With all the recent development completed, Downtown Mesa is shaping up to be one of the most energetic and exciting city centers in the Greater Phoenix metro area. Up next is Pedal Haus Brewery and Level 1 Arcade expected early next year, and the placemaking event I Love Mesa Days BBQ, Brews & Blues Classic hosted by Downtown Mesa Association next February. visitmesa.com

Rare retail finds including vintage collections bring visitors to Downtown Mesa