While life in Tempe often seems huddled along Mill Avenue, there’s plenty of other real estate to explore in the Valley’s signature college community – an outer galaxy of art, food and culture that can be accessed via the city’s three-mile Streetcar loop. Activated in 2022, the three-car rail system is primarily designed to connect college students to the larger Valley Metro light rail network but also has righteous off-label appeal for day-trippers.
by Jason Keil | Photography by Marlee Labinjo
3 PLACES TO EAT
Aden Tea & Coffee House
As a college town, Tempe has myriad cafés to choose from. But thanks to a menu featuring coffee sourced from Yemen, savory Turkish desserts and a decidedly Middle Eastern ambiance, Aden Tea & Coffee House lets you know you’re in for something different as soon as you walk in.
977 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe | 480-973-8874, adencoffee.house
Pepper Lunch
The cult-favorite teppanyaki eatery from Japan has arrived in Tempe. But you won’t see a chef in the back. The dishes – such as kimchi pepper rice and beef sizzling curry – are cooked in front of you on a hot plate heated to 500 degrees and served with a sauce of your choice.
947 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-246-9891 | pepperlunchrestaurants.com
Sexy Burger
The debate about the healthiness of seed oils continues to rage online. Sexy Burger skips the discourse entirely, opting instead for beef tallow and avocado oil to cook their delicious, and dare we say, healthy Wagyu-Angus burgers.
414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-907-7478 | sexyburgeraz.com
3 THINGS TO DO
ASU Art Museum
This “teaching museum” not only boasts a spectacular collection of Latin American and Southwestern art, including works by Diego Rivera and Georgia O’Keeffe, but also has an extensive collection of American ceramic art. Through January 2027, see Wrought by Fire: Metalwork of the Southwest, an exhibition featuring the work of a multigenerational group of artists.
51 E. 10th St., Tempe | 480-965-2787, asuartmuseum.org
TuTugether
If you need just the thing to “tie the room together,” à la The Dude, this crafting space supplies all the goods to help you create your own rug or other homemade masterpieces.
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-699-4849, tutugetheraz.com
Tempe Boat Rentals
Get a new view of campus from Tempe Town Lake. You can rent a kayak, paddle board or another seaworthy craft for an hour or two – no experience required. Tempe Boat Rentals also offers surrey bicycle rentals – perfect for tooling around the lake on dry land.
72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe | 855-690-0794, boats4rent.com
PHOTO OP
Skysill Rooftop Lounge
Drinks always go down a little smoother when soaking up a stunning Arizona sunset from this bar located on the 18th floor of the Westin Tempe.
11 E. Seventh St. | 480-968-8885, skysillrooftop.com
OVERNIGHT OPTION
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
You could hike up “A” Mountain for a breathtaking (literally) panorama, but wouldn’t you rather take an elevator instead? From the resort’s Lucero Rooftop Lounge and Terrace, you can enjoy the 360-degree views without breaking a sweat.
7 E. University Dr., Tempe | 602-794-8600, omnihotels.com
