Located smack-dob in the center of the Valley, the home of ASU is abuzz with dining options.
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
Iconic Arizona Restaurant – IAR
Best New Restaurant – BNR
$=under $10 $$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25 $$$$=$26 and over
3 Tempe Tasting Rooms
The Valley’s preeminent college town is also a jackpot for craft beverage fans.
1 AZ Distilling Co
Famed for its use of local grains and botanicals, ADC received Double Gold awards for its bourbon, gin and vodka at the San Francisco Spirits Competition – the only distillery in the world to achieve this feat. Arizona Distilling Co. also has private tours and a tasting room open to the public, along with a cocktail program.
601 W. University Dr., 602-391-3889, azdistilling.com
2 The Shop Beer Co.
Within the last year, The Shop – tucked into the lakeside warehouse district in a combined brewing-tasting facility – has crept into the short list of top Valley breweries, largely for some next-level work with IPAs and blended beers. But the biggest crowd-pleaser might be its Neonic series: regular drops of limited-edition fruited sours, electric with infusions that often aim to replicate flavors like raspberry limeade and blueberry pie.
922 W. First St., 480-477-9212, theshop.beer
3 adventurous stills
With a fetching product line of whiskeys, rums and vodkas, this east Tempe spirit producer is an under-the-radar gem. Bonus: Chase the green fairy with a taste of Absinthe Minded – Arizona’s one and only absinthe brand, which distills in partnership with Adventurous Stills.
2125 E 5th St., 480-292-8770, adventstills.com
Café Istanbul
middle eastern
1310 E. Apache Blvd.
480-731-9499, cafeinstanbulandmarket.com
The appetizer list is huge, and the lunch buffet is a real bargain at this cozy spot. Weekend belly dancers make this a festive spot. $
Café Lalibela
Ethiopian
849 W. University Dr.
480-829-1939, cafelalibela.com
Eating with your hands is not only acceptable but expected at this friendly restaurant, where injera (spongy tortilla-like bread) takes the place of silverware. Try the doro wat (chicken and hard-cooked egg in traditional berbere sauce) or the yebeg tibs (pan-fried lamb). $-$$
Chou’s Kitchen
Chinese
1250 E. Apache Blvd.
480-557-888, chouskitchen.com
The 2021 BOV editors’ pick for Best Chinese Restaurant, this Dongbei-style eatery eschews the Cantonese-influenced dishes most familiar to Americans, opting for more hearty, often pickled fare less dependent on rice in favor of noodles, dumplings and even bread. It’s your one-stop antedote for kung pao (though the kung pao here is great). Try the pasty-like beef pies. $$
The Chuckbox
American
202 E. University Dr.
480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com
The burgers (which come in three sizes) are mesquite-grilled and delicious at this popular campus hangout. Fix ’em up at the condiment bar, wash ’em down with a beer, and you’re all set. Cash only. $
Crêpe Bar
french
7520 S. Rural Rd.
480-247-8012, crepe-bar.com
Crêpe lovers of all ages gather at the communal table to share bites of the “First Time” Nutella and banana crêpe with latte art-topped cups of Portland-based Heart coffee. $
The Dhaba
Indian
1872 E. Apache Blvd.
480-446-2824, the-dhaba.com
Named after Indian truck stops, this nicely decorated haven serves Punjabi cuisine – hearty, big flavored and including both vegetarian dishes and halal meat options of chicken, lamb, goat and fish. Don’t forget to take a handful of candy-coated fennel and anise seeds called mukwah when you depart. $-$$
Eat My Taco
Mexican
921 E. University Dr.
480-350-7900, eatmytacoaz.com
With a casual atmosphere and reasonably priced menu, this cheekily named Mexican restaurant is a go-to for nearby college students. The fan favorite here is the birria taco, made with shredded beef in a tortilla that has been dipped in birria sauce, grilled on a flat top and covered with melted Colby jack cheese, onions and cilantro. $
Dragon Flame Chinese Grill
northern chinese
1125 S. Terrace Rd.
602-881-2284, dragonflame.us
Northern Chinese barbecue is the specialty at this permanently parked food truck, and it’s pretty spicy. But owner Kun Mao can tone it down on request, with slam-dunk regional gems like shimeji mushrooms wrapped in bacon, splashed with barbecue sauce and slapped on the grill. $-$$
Four Peaks Brewing Company
burgers/pizza
1340 E. Eighth St.
480-303-9967, fourpeaks.com
Award-winning ales might be the draw for the college folks who keep this cavernous but friendly place humming, but the food is terrific, too. Great burgers, pizzas and wraps, and when you don’t feel like drinking per se, try the stout milkshake. Other location: Scottsdale (480-991-1795). $
Ghost Ranch
Southwestern
1006 E. Warner Rd.
480-474-4328, ghostranchaz.com
Sure, you could eat a juicy, outrageously good green chile burger at this elegant ode to Southwestern cuisine, but then you’d miss out on wonderful dishes that redefine the genre, including sensational grilled trout, pollo asado and ceviche, which might be the best in town. $$-$$$
Gold Bar Espresso – PM Coffee Shop Rec
coffee shop
3141 S. McClintock Dr.
480-839-3082, goldbarespresso.org
Find gourmet coffee, tea and Italian sodas at this cozy, art-adorned café that hosts game nights and live music. $
Golden Pineapple
gastropub
2700 S. Mill Ave.
480-590-5703, thegoldenpineappleaz.com
In a town crammed with high-energy eating-drinking playgrounds, this one might be the best – a hip tiki tavern where where Gramma’s Tacos and other tasty twists on culinary convention rule. Add to that an Imperial-centric beer list and an amaro-focused cocktail menu, and you have Fiesta Village for food-and-booze nerds. $$
GuacStar Kitchen & Cantina
Mexican
920 E. University Dr.
480-219-9272, guacstar.com
“Plant-based food with a rock star attitude” is the mantra at this modern Mexican restaurant where you’ll find trendy, vegan fare and a lively-yet-lowkey vibe. Cocktails are relatively inexpensive and remarkably thoughtful. Don’t miss dessert: gluten-free Chocolate Pot de Crème piled high with seasonal fruit and chipotle candied pecans. $$
Haji-Baba
middle eastern
1513 E. Apache Blvd.
480-966-4672
“No frills” is an understatement at this popular Tempe hole in the wall, but that’s got nothing to do with the food, which ranks as some of the tastiest Middle Eastern fare you’ll find anywhere. Kabob platters with fluffy, piping-hot rice, juicy chicken shawarma, gyro sandwiches, crisp balls of falafel, and lick-your-plate delicious hummus are just a few reasons to stop by for a filling lunch that won’t break the bank. $
The Halal Guys
middle eastern
1015 S. Rural Rd.
480-275-7502, thehalalguys.com
Decorated in red and yellow – the latter color an homage to the Muslim cabbies who were early customers – The Halal Guys has morphed from Manhattan food cart to multi-national fast food chain. It’s tasty, cheap and filling. $
The Valley’s Best Bets for Vegans
No meat, no problem at these herbivore eateries.
1 Pita Jungle
Since opening more than a quarter century ago, this hip chain of Mod-Med eateries have reliably catered to local health nuts, offering tofu, tempeh and veggie burgers.
Multiple locations, pitajungle.com
2 green New American vegetarian
Green features all the comfort food classics – with a 100 percent plant-based twist. Think mock-meat buffalo wings, burritos and Asian rice bowls.
Two Valley locations, greenvegetarian.comm
3 24 carrots
Daily specials (think: meatless Sonoran hot dog) and a cozy, coffee shop vibe make this vegan café a regular destination on our rotating list of Valley eateries.
1701 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, 480-753-4411, 24carrotscafe.com
4 Dark Hall coffee
With a sleek storefront and fresh, plant-based pastries, it’s a keeper for vegan coffee fans. The Golden Mylk is a must-try, as is the spicy-sweet Witch – a chocolate mocha with charcoal, red pepper flakes, cayenne and ghost pepper.
3343 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-277-5507, darkhallcoffee.com
3 Killer Craft Beer Bars in the EV
Find some suds from near and far at these East Valley beer havens.
1 The Sleepy Whale
With nearly 30 beers on draft and dozens more in bottles and cans, there’s a good chance you’ll find the right brew for you at The Sleepy Whale. $
290 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-758-4979, thesleepywhale.com
2 Chupacabra taproom
Find a wide selection of stouts, sours and hefeweizens from around the world and some from right in our own backyard at this cozy tap room in Mesa. $
14 N. Robson, Mesa, 480-751-5566, chupacabrataproom.com
3 The Golden Pineapple Craft Lounge
Choose from 16 beers on tap with a focus on Imperial stouts and California small-volume IPAs, and pair it with creative comfort food like tamale fries. $
2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-590-5703, thegoldenpineappleaz.com
Hot N Juicy Crawfish
CAJUN/seafood
740 S. Mill Ave.
480-634-6285, hotnjuicycrawfish.com
An outpost of the Las Vegas-based seafood eatery, Mill Avenue’s Hot N Juicy is an experience not to be missed. Grub is served family-style in a traditional Cajun crawfish boil, with bibs and gloves handed out to protect diners’ clothes. Seasonal seafood options can be customized with five spice blends. Other location: Glendale (623-872-2984). $-$$
House of Tricks
New American
114 E. Seventh St.
480-968-1114, houseoftricks.com
Chef/owners Robert and Robin Trick serve Contemporary American cuisine with Southwestern, Mediterranean and Asian touches at this revered Tempe restaurant known for its great outdoor bar and patio. Lunch and dinner M-Sa. $$
The Hudson Eatery & Bar
American
1601 E. Apache Blvd.
480-699-4173, hudsontempe.com
Whiskey, bourbon and other well-oaked spirits are the collective jam of this breezy gastropub. The mindful if scant 12-item food menu is headlined by a spot-on Philly cheesesteak filled with tender chopped sirloin in a gooey amnion of melted provolone and tangy pickled peppers. Vegetarian dishes include tahini pasta and a white bean cilantro stew. $$
La Fonda
mexican
1126 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-966-8001, lafondaaz.com
Nearly 50 years old and still going strong, this restaurant offers good ol’ Sonoran-style Mexican food that’s consistent. Lunch and dinner daily. $
Mandarin House
chinese
1825 E. Baseline Rd.
480-838-8988, mandarinhousetempe.com
Never mind the distinctly un-Chinese decor. This strip-mall restaurant is the real deal, offering a separate menu for the cognoscenti, which includes whole steamed fish and squid with black bean sauce. $-$$$
Med Fresh Turkish Grill
Middle Eastern
414 S. Mill Ave.
480-642-9709, medfreshgrill.com
This cheerful, sibling-owned fast-casual concept turns out terrific Middle Eastern specialties at reasonable prices. Try the smoky baba ghannouj and tender kabobs. $
Old Town Taste
chinese
1845 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe
480-702-7101
If you’re looking for a regional Chinese restaurant to roust you out of your General Tso-fortified, Canto-American comfort zone, this Tempe offering is terrifically well-suited to the task. The restaurant has dual specialties: brothy, offal-centric Shandong cuisine and spicy, garlicky, pungent Sichuan cooking. From the latter camp, Chongqing spicy chicken provides a pitiless crash course in the use of the Sichuan peppercorn: vaguely citrusy, and more “numbing” than “hot.” The house special dry pot offers a more humane use of the peppercorn, used sparingly to spark up a raucous medley of shrimp, squid, quail egg and pinwheel-shaped lotus root, all in a spicy, sweet slick of chile oil. Also special: tasty cold appetizers like chopped green beans with pickled vegetables and cumin-kissed fried lamb. $-$$
Pedal Haus Brewery
american/gastropub
730 S. Mill Ave.
480-314-2337, pedalhausbrewery.com
From Mill Avenue restaurateur Julian Wright comes upscale pub grub such as tempura cheese curds, bratwurst bites and meaty chicken wings soaked in Belgian witbier, all in a bike-themed, beer-centric milieu. $$
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
italian
440 W. Warner Rd.
480-785-0522, picazzos.com
This locally owned chainspecializes in gluten-free and allergy-sensitive foods and boasts a delicious Healthy Hour menu in lieu of your average grease-loaded HH offering. Try the baked wings, avocado toast or the elote pizza topped with gooey cheese, fresh sweet corn, red onion rings, cilantro and a lightly spicy drizzle. $
SomeBurros
mexican
101 E. Baseline Rd.
480-839-8226, someburros.com
This family-owned local chain serves some of the finest Southwest-Mex favorites in the Valley, from the cheesy pollo fundido to the borracho burro, redolent with smoky, earthy green chiles. We love a place that lets us “enchilada-ize” and deep-fry our burros for saucy custom chimis. Other locations: Scottsdale (480-443-8226), Chandler (480-726-822), San Tan (480-755-8226). $
Singh Meadows
NEW AMERICAN
1490 E. Weber Dr.
480-225-7199, singhmeadowstempe.com
Bring the kids to play on the grassy lawn, shop the brick-and-mortar farmers’ market, then treat yourself to the vibrant, global spin on farm-to-table cooking. Try anything and everything. It’s all good. $-$$
Smoked TaKO
Latin-asian fusion
1900 E. Fifth St., Tempe
480-734-2037, quelinaryconcepts.com
The maple-Sriracha-glazed beef brisket burrito at this new ghost kitchen bludgeons your taste buds into unconsciousness.Build-your-own bowls and tacos are riots of flavor, and the iced Vietnamese egg coffee is pleasantly potent. $$
Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen
italian
96 S. Rockford Dr.
480-967-0020, spinatospizzeria.com
Try the Chicken Presto Pesto pizza, baked spaghetti calzone or a toasty sandwich at this modern yet warm family restaurant. Happy hour food deals are rich and delicious versions of Italian-American classics: cheesy garlic bread with marinara; trio of meatballs; boneless wings; stuffed cremini mushrooms; and our favorite, the cheesy, gooey roasted artichoke dip. $$
Top of the Rock
Contemporary american
2000 Westcourt Way
602-431-2370, marriott.com
This romantic mountaintop spot is known for its gorgeous Valley views. The newly-redesigned menu skews Mediterranean, with braised octopus and grilled char. Vegetarians will enjoy the smoked tofu. $$$
Vincitorio’s Restaurant
italian
1835 E. Elliot Rd.
480-820-2786, vincitoriosrestaurant.com
Stylishly decorated but ultimately cozy, Vincitorio’s is the quintessential neighborhood Italian restaurant, offering house-made pastas, tasty pizzas and old standbys such as veal Genovese, done with real flair. Don’t skip starters or dessert. $-$$$
Zu Izakaya
Asian
2210 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-625-4372, zuizakaya.com
Owned by Chef June Kang of Scottsdale’s Bei Sushi, this cozy bar and restaurant captures the spirit of a Japanese izakaya pub without its more traditional trappings. A massive menu of tempura, tacos, hot pots and grilled meats includes gyoza dumplings, chile-garlic edamame and tempura sweet potatoes, with cheesy fried spam katsu mini-sandwiches for more adventurous appetities. Wash it all down with a reishu-hai of sake. $-$$$
