Best Restaurants in Tempe
If you’re new to Tempe, the first thing you’ll notice, after the heat, is how much good food there is. The food scene is one of the things people appreciate the most. This is a college town, so of course you’ve got your cheap eats and late-night spots. But there are also rooftop bars, date-night restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall joints you’d never expect to find here.
Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza in between classes, meeting up for brunch on a Saturday, or trying to track down a decent meal at midnight, Tempe has you covered.
Here are a few places worth checking out, all easily accessible from Paseo on University.
Tempe Quick Bites & Student Favorites
When you’re hungry and don’t have a ton of time (or money), Tempe is full of solid options. Whether you’re a student or just love great local food, living at Paseo means you’re close to all of it, and many favorites are just a walk or bike ride away.
One of the most classic spots is The Chuckbox. It’s nothing fancy, a little smoky, a little crowded, but the burgers are grilled right in front of you and they’re really good. People have been coming here for decades, and it hasn’t changed much. If you want something lighter, Original ChopShop is a nice change of pace. They’ve got big bowls of veggies and grains, wraps, salads… stuff that makes you feel like you’re eating healthy without trying too hard.
Pizza is basically a food group here. My Pie does big slices you can grab on the go, and Venezia’s is great if you’re splitting a pie with friends. If you’re looking for more of a hangout vibe, Culinary Dropout has good food, good drinks, and big tables for groups.
For breakfast, The Crepe Club makes sweet and savory crepes and a strong cup of coffee. And if you’re really in a rush? Freddy’s, Panda, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A are right around the corner, no explanation needed.
Upscale Dining & Date-Night Spots in Tempe
Sometimes you want more than just a burger or a slice of pizza, you want somewhere a little nicer, whether it’s to celebrate something or just to treat yourself. Luckily, you don’t have to go far.
Filthy Animal is a fun one if you’re into creative comfort food. The name alone should tell you it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the food is solid, big flavors, good cocktails, and a cool vibe.
If you’re looking for something more polished, Terra Tempe has seasonal dishes and feels a little fancier, but not stuffy. And Café Boa is perfect if you’re craving pasta and a quieter, cozier atmosphere.
If you really want to impress someone, head up to one of the rooftops. Skysill Rooftop Lounge and Lucero Rooftop Bar both have great views of the city, especially at sunset. Plus, the drinks are good and the vibe is just right for a date or catching up with friends.
Global Cuisine in Tempe
One of the coolest parts of living in Tempe is how many different kinds of food you can find. You don’t have to look hard to eat your way around the world.
If you’re in the mood for something warm and filling, Matsuri Izakaya has really good ramen and a cozy, casual feel. For tacos, Taco Chelo is a little more creative, while Taco Boys and Rusty Taco keep it simple, and affordable.
If sushi’s your thing, check out Shady Park. It’s quirky, has a nice patio, and the rolls hit the spot. And if you’re curious to try something different, Cupbop serves big bowls of Korean BBQ with plenty of flavor and spice, easy to grab and go, but super filling.
You’ll probably find a few more favorites once you start exploring, but these are solid picks when you’re ready to branch out from burgers and pizza.
Best Brunches & Coffee Shops Near ASU
Brunch is kind of a thing in Tempe, whether you’re actually hungry or just need an excuse to sit somewhere with coffee and people-watch.
For coffee, Happy Joe, Cafetal, and Nocawich all have good coffee and a chill vibe if you want to get some work done or just hang out.
If you’re more into brunch, Morning Squeeze is the classic. Bright, colorful plates, retro decor, and a lively atmosphere that just feels like the weekend. Snakes & Lattes is a fun twist, you can play board games while you eat. And Foch Café is another solid spot if you want something a little different but still relaxed.
Basically, if you like good coffee, good food, and good people-watching, you’ll be happy with any of these.
Late-Night Eats & Local Hangouts
Tempe doesn’t really sleep, and neither do its restaurants. Whether you’re coming back from a night out or just up late studying, there’s always somewhere to grab a bite.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Insomnia Cookies is the move. They’ll even deliver warm cookies to your door until the early hours.
If you’re over 21 and looking for a drink, Drop Dead Gorgeous and Casa Tempe both have good late-night energy. Fat Tuesday is a Mill Avenue favorite for frozen drinks, and Mill Cue Club is a fun spot if you like pool tables and music.
Sports fans usually end up at Zipp’s or University Sports Bar, both are great for watching a game with a group. And if you’re just looking for somewhere lively no matter what night it is, Devil’s Advocate never disappoints.
No matter what time it is, you won’t have to go far to find good food and good company.
Explore Tempe’s Food Scene From Your Home at Paseo
One of the best parts of living near ASU is how easy it is to eat well, no matter what you’re craving or what time it is. From rooftop cocktails to ramen on a rainy day, from late-night cookies to weekend brunch, Tempe’s food scene really does have it all.
And the best part? Most of it’s just a walk or bike ride away from your front door at Paseo on University.
If you’re looking for off-campus housing in Tempe that keeps you close to all the best restaurants in Tempe, and gives you a great place to come home to when you’re full, schedule a tour at Paseo on University and see it for yourself.