Mesa’s appetite for American classics is legendary. From smoky barbecue joints to farm-to-table bistros, there’s a wealth of hearty, comforting, and downright delicious options at our fingertips. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a slow-smoked brisket, or a fresh seasonal salad, we’ve picked out some of our favorites.
Charlie’s Backyard BBQ
$ | (480) 963-9656 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a residential corner of Mesa, Charlie’s Backyard BBQ is a cozy, welcoming spot you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. As much for the mouthwatering barbecue as the charming backyard-inspired atmosphere. The smoked meats should be a priority, in particular the brisket. It’s tender and richly flavored—slow-smoked for hours which imparts a subtle smokiness, and perfectly marbled meat which adds richness.
The homemade BBQ sauce provides an extra layer of delight, while sides like backyard beans and potato salad complete the experience. Whether you’re dining in the cozy interior or grabbing carry-out, you’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next visit to this local barbecue gem.
Beast of Bourbon Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (480) 426-1005 | WEBSITE
Beast of Bourbon’s lively atmosphere very much falls into the clichéd category labelled ‘good-time’, but that’s because this local Mesa sports bar is the genuine kind of friendly. There’s a wide selection of yummy food and drinks on the menu and it’s full of a satisfying range of solid items like burgers and wings.
You can enjoy live music, pool games, or karaoke nights but it’s the attentive service and Beast of Bourbon’s generous pours—with bartenders like Taven, Karly, Natalie, and Kate engaging customers—that are the stars of the show.
Scratch Pub and Grill
$ | (480) 656-5933 | WEBSITE
From Scratch Pub and Grill’s location overlooking the golf course green, you can look towards (but not quite see) where the fountain bubbles on the little lake. Regardless, you should head out to the patio and settle into this American comfort food spot over any chain alternative. The casual restaurant offers a variety of daily specials and, for under $20, it’s a welcoming and satisfying meal. The beef sliders with au jus dip, with juicy meat and a perfect bun, are a favourite.
Denny’s
$ | (480) 807-3933 | WEBSITE
One of our favourite things about Denny’s in Mesa is the welcoming atmosphere and that staff act like you’re a guest in their actual home. But closely after that, it’s the morning coffee. Specifically this consistently hot brew. The unbelievably smooth blend feels like it’s 99% comfort, and the rich aroma is inviting and slightly sweet. It’s our go-to breakfast spot whenever we’re in town.
Hooters
$ | (480) 839-4767 | WEBSITE
The legendary sports bar in Mesa is best known for its crispy wings and rowdy crowds of eager sports fans, but its waffle fries are just as consistent. Wings are breaded in spices and fried until golden brown. They’re the perfect constant to pick up and dip in sauce, and you’ll more than likely need a couple baskets on your table.
Bobby-Q BBQ Restaurant and Steakhouse
$$ | (480) 361-7470 | WEBSITE
Bobby-Q’s beef ribs are a fall-off-the-bone masterpiece that will have you reaching for extra napkins to wipe the sweet, smoky, tangy sauce from your fingers. There’s no doubt it’s one of Mesa’s ‘you gotta try it’ BBQ experiences. Ever since the steakhouse first opened its doors, people have been eagerly lining up to dig into these massive, meaty plates.
Smoke, spice, and slow-cooked tenderness are present throughout, but it’s the homemade BBQ sauce—glossy and ready to be slathered over every bite via a side cup—that takes these ribs to the next level.
Charleston’s Restaurant
$$ | (480) 635-9500 | WEBSITE
This welcoming, reliable American restaurant in Mesa offers some of the area’s finest spinach dip, a prime rib steak that delivers serious satisfaction, and a salmon Caesar salad we’re very into. But this is a place that knows its way around grilled dishes, so the standout option at Charleston’s Restaurant is the Dynamite Shrimp. It’s a generous, flavor-packed appetizer that embodies the kitchen’s consistent quality. Order it as a starter or share it with the table—just try it.
Lucky Lou’s American Kitchen
$ | (480) 500-5565 | WEBSITE
American classics are a highlight at this neighborhood diner in Mesa, which has been a local favorite for years. From the hearty and satisfying meatloaf to the blackened Walleye, to the zingy Teriyaki salad—this spot makes a top-notch meal. The Chicken Thai wrap is particularly good. The fresh ingredients (rather than a heavy-handed dressing) are crisp and light, which makes it the perfect companion to a glass of wine on the patio. The burger with fries is also a winner.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (480) 668-4780 | WEBSITE
Comforting, hearty, nostalgic—the best American classics hit all of these notes like a well-worn country song, and they’re all singing in this southern fried chicken from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The Mesa restaurant is an homage to home cooking all over the South and, more specifically, specialises in country-style breakfasts.
The generously portioned and fluffy biscuits with gravy are excellent, but it’s the egg, bacon, and side combo, which comes in a cute basket that feels like grandma’s kitchen, that stands out. It’s a must-order if you’re visiting. Bellies will be full and smiles will be shared.
Lucky Lou’s
$ | (480) 985-8259 | WEBSITE
Few things are as satisfying as settling into a booth with a plate piled high with pierogies and a couple of freshly made zucchini spears in a tasty buffalo sauce. It’s what you should expect when you go to Lucky Lou’s, as the Mesa hangout is an expert in generous portions and flavors that you can’t help but dig into when you’re right inside or out on the patio.
The Philly with beef and mushrooms and blackened chicken breast sandwich are go-tos, but it’s the latter—with perfectly grilled, gently seasoned chicken that falls apart with each bite—we find ourselves ordering out loud before our brain has realised what’s going on.
Picante Grill
$ | (623) 418-7670 | WEBSITE
Unlike most of the other tacos in town, the al pastor tacos here are a dry-style preparation. But what they lack in sauce, they make up for in marinated pork that’s so unbelievably flavorful, there’s a strong argument for them to be classified as a religious experience. At Picante Grill, a welcoming Mexican spot in Mesa, you’ll find the kind of wholesome, juicy carne asada tacos you’ll crave at least once a week. The place has a cool outdoor vibe, so make sure you come early.
Yes, even on a quiet Wednesday.
T.C. Eggington’s
$ | (480) 345-9288 | WEBSITE
The fact that eggs benedict is always on the menu at this Mesa breakfast spot only enhances the appeal of T.C. Eggington’s signature morning dish. There’s a generous serving of rich and creamy hollandaise sauce that blankets perfectly poached eggs and Canadian bacon over toasted English muffins. Get it with a side of fresh-squeezed orange juice—it’s the perfect bright and slightly tart complement to this indulgent, satisfying, treat of a breakfast—and plenty of hash browns.
None of that hollandaise should be left behind.
Boulders on Southern
$ | (928) 228-5114 | WEBSITE
Drive past this American grill on Southern Avenue any evening and you’ll see tables filled with Moosedrool burgers and pizzas. Boulders on Southern is as much for a lively night out with friends as it is a solo craving fix. In both cases, the burgers here are a must-order. The Classic Burger in particular is excellent—the patty is juicy and the pretzel bun with waffle fries should be savored down to the last bite. Make sure to get a local beer and try the spicy pizza options too.
Micky’s Hot Dogs
$ | (480) 668-7777 | WEBSITE
The first time we tried the Sonoran hot dog from this Mexican eatery in Mesa, it set off alarm bells in our brains. Alert the group chat, say a prayer, text your mum a picture and ask her why she can’t cook like this. Micky’s Sonoran hot dog is just that good. A perfectly grilled frankfurter arrives wrapped in bacon and nestled in a soft bolillo roll, topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño sauce that we’d sip through a straw.
You can get one of these on their lunchtime menu, or on the evening menu, because after all it is the best dish here. Paired with the Carne Asada street tacos, it’s an unbeatable combination.