Rebel Wine Lounge closing Friday in downtown Mesa

🚫 Rebel Wine Lounge, which opened two years ago on the northwest corner of Main and MacDonald in downtown Mesa, is closing its doors, with a farewell celebration running through Friday.

In a social media announcement, the wine bar said downtown Mesa’s anticipated revitalization hasn’t materialized fast enough to sustain the business.

Rebel’s previously announced plans to open a second location next year at The Gilmore in Gilbert now will serve as the concept’s reopening.

Rebel is owned by the group behind downtown Mesa’s Level 1 Arcade Bar and Outcast Doughnuts, both of which are also opening locations at The Gilmore on the northwest corner of Val Vista and Germann.

Until it closes Friday, Rebel is running specials while supplies last: $5 glasses of beer, 20% off bottles of wine, and the usually Sunday-only $5 wine glass list now available all day every day.

Recent restaurant openings

🥣 BolRista Matcha & Coffee Bar: Modern café near Scottsdale and Thunderbird roads in Scottsdale offers handcrafted lattes, vibrant matcha drinks, and nutrient-packed bowls built around bold, feel-good ingredients. It’s already drawing praise for its matcha and lively atmosphere, positioning itself as a go-to spot for energizing starts or afternoon recharges.

🥢 Jao Sua Thai & Sushi Bar: New Thai and sushi spot at Main and Center in downtown Mesa leans creative with dishes like salted pepper fried calamari, a savory shrimp-and-chicken “shrimp donut,” Hat-Yai fried chicken wings, and crispy duck rolls with plum hoisin sauce, alongside more familiar tofu tempura and spring rolls.

Downtown Mesa Taco Trail

🌮 The fourth annual Downtown Mesa Taco Trail takes place 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. Stroll Main Street tasting exclusive tacos from seven downtown restaurants – the $28 ticket gets you all seven.

Check in at Level 1 Arcade Bar between 4:50-6:30 p.m. to start your adventure, then explore at your own pace. Snag drink deals along the way, and grab a cooling towel to beat the heat.