In This Post, You’ll Learn:
- Where to enjoy dinner and a movie in Mesa
- Why Backyard Taco Mesa South is a convenient movie-night stop
- What to order before or after the show
- How to make date night or family movie night easy
- How to order ahead when you’re short on time
Remember when dinner and a movie was the go-to plan for a night out?
Some things never get old.
Whether you’re planning a date night, taking the kids to see the latest movie, or catching up with friends, there’s something fun about getting out of the house, sharing a good meal, and watching a movie on the big screen.
And if you’re looking for dinner and a movie in Mesa, Arizona, we’ve got a pretty easy game plan.
Our Backyard Taco Mesa South location sits in the Mesa Grand shopping center on Stapley Drive, right near AMC Mesa Grand 14.
That means fresh tacos al carbón, homemade aguas frescas, and all your favorite Mexican food before or after the show.
You pick the movie. We’ll handle the Mexcellence.
Dinner and a Movie in Mesa, All in One Place
One of the best things about our Mesa South location is how easy it makes a night out.
You’ll find us at 1633 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204, in the Mesa Grand shopping center, just north of Baseline Road and south of the US-60 freeway.
And just nearby? AMC Mesa Grand 14, located at 1645 S. Stapley Drive.
You don’t need to plan an elaborate evening or drive all over Mesa looking for a restaurant before your movie. Grab dinner with us, enjoy the show, and call it a successful night out.
Our Mesa South restaurant has plenty of indoor seating and a well-lit outdoor patio that’s great for enjoying an evening meal when the Arizona weather cooperates.
Want a little more time to talk before the movie starts? Come early, grab a table, and settle in.
Want to eat afterward? Check our restaurant hours and choose a showing that leaves enough time for tacos.
Simple plans are sometimes the best plans.
Why Dinner Before the Movie Is Still a Great Idea
Let’s be honest. Going to the movies is fun, but movie snacks aren’t always a substitute for dinner.
Popcorn? Absolutely.
Candy? We’re not judging.
But when you’re actually hungry, there’s nothing quite like sitting down for a fresh meal before the lights go down.
Dinner gives you a chance to catch up, talk about your day, and enjoy a little time together before spending the next couple of hours staring at a screen.
It’s also a great way to make an ordinary weeknight feel more special.
You don’t need a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion to plan a dinner date.
Sometimes all you need is good company, a movie you’ve been wanting to see, and a few really good tacos.
And around here, we happen to know a thing or two about tacos.
What to Order at Backyard Taco Before the Movie
Whether you’re on a first date, taking the whole familia out, or meeting up with friends, everyone has their own idea of the perfect movie-night meal.
Luckily, our Backyard Taco menu has plenty of options.
Keep It Classic With Tacos al Carbón
Our tacos al carbón are a great place to start.
We’re known for the smoky flavor of our mesquite-grilled meats, served with warm corn or flour tortillas and fresh toppings.
Try carne asada, pollo, al pastor, or birria, then add onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa to make every bite your own.
Want to know what makes our grilling style different? Read more about tacos al carbón and the flavor of mesquite grilling.
Try a Vampiro for Something Crispy and Cheesy
If you’ve never tried one of our vampiros, movie night might be the perfect excuse.
A vampiro combines a crispy grilled corn tortilla, melted Monterey Jack cheese, your choice of meat, and fresh toppings.
It’s crunchy, cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Curious about how to eat one? Check out our guide to tostadas and vampiros,Backyard Taco style.
Hungry? Go With a Burrito or Papa Loca
If you’re coming straight from work or haven’t eaten much all day, a burrito or Papa Loca might be calling your name.
Our burritos are filling and easy to customize with your favorite meat.
A Papa Loca starts with a baked potato and brings in butter, Mexican sour cream, cheese, and your choice of meat.
It’s comfort food with a little Backyard Taco personality.
Want to Cut Back on Carbs? Customize a Bueno Bowl
Sometimes you’re craving all that mesquite-grilled flavor without the tortilla. That’s where our Bueno Bowls come in.
Our standard Bueno Bowls include Mexican rice, whole pinto beans, your choice of meat, and fresh toppings.
If you’re watching your carbs, skipping the tortilla is one option. You can also ask about swapping the rice for cabbage to customize the bowl to your preferences.
It’s not automatically a low-carb meal, but there are ways to make it work for you.
Check out our Backyard Taco menu hacks for more customization ideas.
Don’t Forget the Salsa Bar
One of the best parts of eating at Backyard Taco is making your order your own.
Our salsa bar lets you add the finishing touches to your meal, whether you like your tacos mild, spicy, loaded with toppings, or somewhere in between.
Grab your favorite salsa, add a squeeze of lime, and try some cucumbers, radishes, or grilled onions and jalapeños.
A little extra salsa can make a good taco even better.
And if you’re bringing someone to Backyard Taco for the first time, introducing them to the salsa bar is practically part of the experience.
Add an Agua Fresca to Your Movie-Night Meal
What’s a good dinner without something refreshing to drink?
Our homemade aguas frescas are a favorite way to cool things down after mesquite-grilled tacos and spicy salsa.
Choose from:
- Horchata: Creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-forward.
- Jamaica: Bright, refreshing hibiscus flavor.
- Limonada: A citrusy classic that pairs well with just about anything.
You can also choose a Mexican soda, fountain drink, or one of our hand-spun shakes.
Not familiar with aguas frescas? Learn more about these traditional Mexican drinks in our post on why we love aguas frescas.
Date Night, Family Night, or a Night With Amigos?
Here’s what we love about dinner and a movie: it works for almost any kind of outing.
Planning a date night? Come in early, share some chips and salsa, try a few different tacos, and enjoy an actual conversation before the movie.
Taking the kids? Let everyone pick their own meal, grab drinks, and head over to the theater. Nobody has to agree on the same taco, which is a relief because agreeing on the movie might already be enough of a challenge.
Meeting friends? Backyard Taco is a casual place to gather before the show or talk about the movie afterward.
And if you’re not in the mood for a theater, there’s always the movie-night-at-home option.
Pick up Familia Paks, add chips and salsa, put on something good, and enjoy dinner from the comfort of your own couch.
The important part isn’t where you watch the movie.
It’s making time to enjoy the evening together.
Running Late? Order Ahead at Mesa South
Sometimes the hardest part of dinner and a movie is the timing.
You finally agree on what to watch, buy the tickets, get everyone ready, and suddenly you’re wondering whether there’s enough time to eat.
That’s where ordering ahead can help.
Backyard Taco Mesa South offers online ordering and drive-thru service, making it easy to grab food when your schedule is tight.
If you’re planning to eat before the show, check the movie’s start time and give yourself enough time to enjoy dinner without rushing.
You can order online and select Mesa South for pickup.
Or come inside and enjoy the patio when you have time to stay awhile.
We love a good movie, but nobody wants to miss the opening scene because dinner took longer than expected.
FAQs About Dinner and a Movie in Mesa
Make Your Next Movie Night a Taco Night
Dinner and a movie doesn’t have to be complicated or reserved for a special occasion.
Sometimes the best nights are the simple ones. Good food, good company, and a movie everyone can enjoy.
If you’re planning a night out in Mesa, come see us at Backyard Taco on Stapley Drive. Grab your favorite tacos al carbón, load up at the salsa bar, enjoy an agua fresca, and make a little time for the people you’re with.
We’ll handle dinner. You enjoy the show.
Visit Backyard Taco Mesa South, explore our menu, or order online before your next movie night.
That’s Backyard Taco. That’s Mexcellence.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on April 2, 2019, and updated in October of 2026 with refreshed information about dinner and a movie in Mesa, Backyard Taco Mesa South, AMC Mesa Grand 14, menu favorites, and online ordering.
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
