Mekong Plaza

This shopping and dining complex at the corner of the Dobson and Main in Mesa is anchored by the huge Mekong Supermarket, which sells products from Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian nations. Asian-run clothing stores, real estate agencies, foot massages, a beauty salon, dentist, and wireless stores round out the wide variety of […]

Mel’s Diner

Mel’s Diner, long a local staple, offers more than a link to the ’70s TV show Alice, which was set there. The chicken fried steak and eggs breakfast brings big flavors and generous portions of meat, potato, and gravy. Hashed browns are transcendent: fluffy on the inside, crispy-brown on the outside, precisely as they should […]

Melinda’s Alley

Yes, Melinda’s Alley is hard to find, and it’s only open two nights a week, but this hidden spot is worth seeking out. Enter on the side of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel under the colorful mural, and head downstairs into a red-hued space. Seriously, it’s super red as the lights make any other color […]

Melt

Thanks to Jobot owner John Sagasta, First Friday fans and Roosevelt Row, denizens can pop into his new late-night ice cream shop for a frozen treat courtesy of Gilbert’s Udder Delights (Superstition Farms) ice cream. Score a scoop of one of twenty classic and unique rotating flavors (hint: try the cinnamon) served up in a […]

The Melting Pot

We thought fondue was a campy, retro sort of thing until we discovered this place, a favorite among “date night” couples. (Romance oozes from this place; the waiters will even take your picture and leave it for you in a little picture frame at the door, if you like.) We love going here and ordering […]

Mensho Ramen

Mensho is a newcomer to the Valley, bringing with it hoards of fans and delicious steaming bowls of Japanese noodle soup. The ramen concept was introduced in Japan before expanding around the world. The Mesa restaurant, an immersive space centered around an open kitchen and surrounded by light wood walls, was the chain’s first in […]

Mercado de los Cielos

What was once a Mervyn’s department store is today Mercado De Los Cielos, a Hispanic marketplace on the southern end of Desert Sky Mall. More than 200 tenants call the place home. Though some view Mercado De Los Cielos primarily as a shopping destination, it’s also a paradise of counter-service eateries serving up fresh agua […]

Mercado Y Carniceria Cuernavaca

This tiny market in Scottsdale is notable for its crazy-good grilled chicken meal. Served directly from the giant charcoal grill outside the buidling, the pollo asado is juicy and perfectly seasoned and packed to-go with corn tortillas, rice, beans, and salsa. And it’s only 10 bucks.

Merci French Cafe and Pastisserie

If you ever dined at chef-owner Duc Liao’s past restaurant Scratch, you are familiar with a distinct French style in décor, with ornate wallpaper patterns contrasting with simple white walls and fashion photography spattering the walls. Merci is no different, though it has been altered from the original design. While breakfast and lunch options like […]