Eat Tempe

Like any college town Tempe has many local hangouts that attract the students but they also have a selection of unique dining spots for every taste and to suit every age. From coffee shops to high-end steak houses to ethnic culinary delights from Asia, the Middle East or anywhere else in the world is all represented as well. You can get a quick meal before a movie or a casual burger or an elegant dinner – it just depends on what you are looking for.

There are some areas of the city that have a high concentration of restaurants to choose from including the Mill Avenue District and the Tempe Marketplace but there are places all over the city that are appealing and worth looking into as a place to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or any time of day or evening. Here are a few suggestions that you might want to consider:

• Bison Witches – located in Mill Avenue District this is a gourmet deli with sandwiches, appetizers or bread bowl soups along with a full bar so it is a great casual place to go.
• Byblos Restaurant – also on Mill Avenue this restaurant serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and has been in business for over 25 years.
• Caffe Boa – this is on Mill Avenue and features Italian/Mediterranean style food at a wine bar and bistro that also has a private dining room for parties of up to 250.
• Chipotle – this is located at the Tempe Marketplace and featuring Mexican food and supports the humane practices of the American Family Farms.
• Four Peaks Brewing Company – is in a large turn of the century brick warehouse that serves their ales so you can also tour the brewery.
• Fat Tuesday – this is on Mill Avenue and serves authentic New Orleans and Cajun style food along with their Fat Tuesday Frozen Daiquiris.
• House of Tricks Restaurant – near Mill Avenue this restaurant occupies two turn-of-the-century houses that offer an eclectic and cozy place for dinner. With a 2500 bottle wine cellar it is also a good place to hold a private party.
• Monti’s La Casa Vieja – Built in 1871 this restaurant has been family owned for over 50 years and serves steaks and is known for its fresh bread – along with its western atmosphere and its restored rooms. It is near the Metro Light Rail stop in downtown.
• My Big Fat Greek Restaurant – known for its Mediterranean cuisine and its hospitality this restaurant is popular for weddings and its catering as well.
• Pho Thang Long – located on Mill Avenue this restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese food.
• Pier 54 – located on the waterfront this restaurant boasts a casual yet upscale atmosphere with an outdoor patio and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant – located on Mill Avenue this Irish pub features pub fare and pints of Guinness. It also has a courtyard patio bar and features live music.
• Solo Café – This is a gourmet coffee and tea café that also offers free Wi-Fi.
• The Chuck Box – located on University Drive this is the place to go for a hamburger or a sandwich and a beer with a great rustic western atmosphere.
• The Library Bar & Grill – located on Mill Avenue this venue is known for its fun and dancing. You can enjoy lunch, happy hour or dinner and they also feature an outside patio.
• The Mission Grille – located at Tempe Mission Palms this restaurant offers breakfast or lunch buffets with seating inside or outside and catering as well.
• The Trophy Room – This restaurant is located at the ASU Karsten Golf Course and offers breakfast and lunch with Southwestern cuisine.
• Tipps 88 Thai Cuisine – located near the university this restaurant offers authentic Thai cuisine along with a full bar and you can also order takeout.
• Top of the Rock – Enjoy a view of the valley and dinner Monday through Saturday or Sunday brunch with Southwestern cuisine at the Buttes Marriott Resort.
• Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill – Serving Southwestern cuisine this restaurant is located on 6th Street in the Mill Avenue District.