This longtime location has served the East Valley community of Mesa since 1982. Macayo’s Mesa restaurant features a large bar area separate from the dining area, which provides ideal options for both the happy hour crowd as well as families and more intimate groups. Macayo’s Mesa is primely situated off the 101 and I-60, serving Mesa Community College students, residents of nearby communities, businesspeople and commuters.
Had a wonderful experience at Macayo's last night and I believe what made it special was the environment. First, to the manager and owners, thank you for not making your employees wear masks. I believe masks in a food environment for long periods of time are harmful to the employees. I was so impressed by this that I told my 15 and a half year daughter looking for her 1st job, that Macayo's would be a company to work for.
The real star of the night was our server Jay. He was on point with everything and most importantly to me, made my wife feel like a queen on her birthday. Jay will be the reason we return.
We live in the area but had never visited Macayo's. From now on Macayo's will be our go to spot for date night.
Thank you again Macayo's team!
The best thing about this place is the view. I used to frequent Macayo's a lot, and this location has to be the worst. I'm fairly certain if it wasn't for the lakeside property they would no longer be operating. The hostess (Erica or Ariana) was rude, and clearly put out by having to seat us, or give us a menu. The food, was subpar at best.
Please bring back the good drinks and food. I would be ecstatic for service that is stand-offishly adequate.
I know depot cantina is closed, but just a little effort would go a long
Have been to other Macayo Restaurant locations throughout the Valley. First time at the Dobson location. Thursday for dinner and the place was not busy.
Big decision, go big or go home. Had the Macayo Chimichanga with carnitas rice and beans. Paper sleeve had a fork in it. Hard to eat one of these without a knife but that arrived and food was very tasty.
Service was ok. Happy to see a restaurant with enough help trying to make it work. Chips and salsa choices were very good. Never had any issues with food quality or portion size at any Macayo Restaurant.
Macayo started as a family restaurant in 1946 until 2019 when a number of the stores were sold to a chain. Still pretty consistent and a very good meal.
If you are a native to AZ like me, then you know Macayo's. They have been serving traditional Mexican food here in the Valley since 1946. This past year they celebrated their 75th anniversary. I grew up visiting the Tempe Depot cantina location and the temple-shaped restaurant off Central in Phoenix. Sadly both of these locations and many others are now closed. There are still a few locations left, but the recent pandemic has been murder on many restaurants these days.
Some of my favorite items over the years have been the Baja Chimi, their famous cheese crisp and the hand dipped Relleno. You can also make up your own plate with one of their Mex & Match plates. I swung by this Mesa location during their 75th anniversary celebration week and picked up some crispy tacos to go to reminisce my many years of dining here. Even though I don't stop in as much as I used to these days, I have many fond memories of eating at Macayo's going back to high school. I still have my refillable margarita mug in my cabinet and will have to swing by sometime again for a drink.