The heat lingers and the calendars change but there is something to still get excited now that we are officially in fall—new menus at our favorite restaurants. October in Mesa doesn’t exactly get fall weather. However, the less intense heat allows us to go out and experience our favorite places, enjoy the outdoors, and try something new.
Nando’s of Mesa has spent the summer embracing change and changing up a lot of things. They redid their patio and it is ready for all your outdoor lunches and dinners. Alongside those changes they released new drink menus featuring an updated mocktail menu and a new cocktail menu. It’s the perfect excuse to go have dinner out instead of staying in.
When you walk in you immediately feel welcomed and like you’re coming back to something comforting. The lights, the soft music, and the chatter among the other diners feels like pulling on your favorite sweater. You feel like you belong there from the moment you walk in, even if it is your first time.
The chips and salsa are top-notch, and you will probably be having seconds. It’s the quiet starter course that sets the tone for the entire experience and it starts from the moment you sit down. It’s a touch of excellence that makes you feel not only like you were expected but like everybody is happy that you are there. If you like things a little spicy, hot sauce is also given with the chips and salsa, ready to pair with whatever you decide to order for your meal.
One thing that makes Nando’s stand out is how happy everybody is to be there. To experience Nando’s is to experience a place where tension is gone, the vibrant and happy flow of conversation is the low soundtrack and smiles are trendy. Not just from the guests either, just ask the employees. You’ll learn that Nando’s holds onto their employees and treats them well. The employees have years under their belt to prove it. “Truly a great place to work,” is almost a motto or catchphrase with how often it is said.
Nando’s isn’t just the best in the neighborhood—it’s a community partner. Nando’s does frequent fundraisers for local youth sports teams, including partnering with Red Mountain High School. They are also involved with food donations and finding ways to support employees through life altering situations. Eating at Nando’s is more than a delicious meal, it’s supporting our community.
The community support isn’t just through fundraisers either. Nando’s sources local vendors and makes everything from scratch in-house. Nothing is frozen. It’s the whole picture: the locally owned, locally sourced, and locally partnered in the community that makes Nando’s stand out. It’s easy to see why they’re the best in the neighborhood.
Check out the round up from their new drink menu on the next page and if you are looking for a good dish to have with one of the drinks, the Faja Pasta is the pasta dish you didn’t expect but need to try.
Arizona Mule (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic available)
This drink is light enough to order a second one. Made with vodka or mezcal, gently stirred with Craftails Spiced Ginger Mule with hints of black pepper.
Sonoran Gatorade (Alcoholic)
This drink is perfect for sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine. This drink features Stoil cucumber, agave, fresh lime, muddled jalapenos, and topped with soda.
The Stevie Wonderberry (Non-Alcoholic)
This is sure to be the sweetest part of your day (and the most delicious). This drink has blackberry, yuzu, agave, fresh lime, and topped with gingerbeer.
The Dreamsicle (Non-Alcoholic)
The name will remind you of the days when you used to chase down the ice cream truck while this blended drink features coconut and mango with citrus and lime.
We Found This in the Back (Alcoholic)
The adult version of mystery boxes that all the kids love. Let go of decision fatigue and find out what the bartenders have come up with using whatever liquor they found in the back.