Guidebook for Tempe
Arts & Culture
All Off Broadway tours stop here...and the Architecture is by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright.
100 locals recommend
ASU Gammage
1200 S Forest AveAll Off Broadway tours stop here...and the Architecture is by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright.
This Harkins is no usual Harkins...this one specializes in short runs of independent or documentary films. A great thing to hit first on an evening out...because it right on Mill Ave.
8 locals recommend
Harkins Theatres Valley Art
509 S Mill AveThis Harkins is no usual Harkins...this one specializes in short runs of independent or documentary films. A great thing to hit first on an evening out...because it right on Mill Ave.
A newly renovated AMC, it has motorized reclining leather upholstered chairs. I am very spoiled after going to this theater...its a great experience.
48 locals recommend
AMC Centerpoint 11
730 S Mill AveA newly renovated AMC, it has motorized reclining leather upholstered chairs. I am very spoiled after going to this theater...its a great experience.
ASU FOOTBALL so close its scary! Its a short 15 minute walk or a short tandem bike ride (there are tons of them on Mill) to or from the stadium.
110 locals recommend
Sun Devil Football Stadium
500 E Veterans WayASU FOOTBALL so close its scary! Its a short 15 minute walk or a short tandem bike ride (there are tons of them on Mill) to or from the stadium.
If you like Blues Music...this juke joint has live blues almost every night of the week. From local staples to national acts of both today and yesteryear, it is great place to spend a chill evening
45 locals recommend
The Rhythm Room
1019 E Indian School RdIf you like Blues Music...this juke joint has live blues almost every night of the week. From local staples to national acts of both today and yesteryear, it is great place to spend a chill evening
Everything Else
Such a beautiful campus...there is a great mix of very modern structures paired with historical and original buildings.
279 locals recommend
Arizona State University
1151 South Forest AvenueSuch a beautiful campus...there is a great mix of very modern structures paired with historical and original buildings.
4 miles from the house...its either a 30 min bus ride or a 10 min drive.
389 locals recommend
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd4 miles from the house...its either a 30 min bus ride or a 10 min drive.
Food Scene
Specializing in what I describe a gourmet hot pocket...its a very unique space with remnant wood tables, church pew chairs, and a very intimate atmosphere. A truly unique Phoenix experience.
209 locals recommend
Cornish Pasty Co
3800 N Goldwater BlvdSpecializing in what I describe a gourmet hot pocket...its a very unique space with remnant wood tables, church pew chairs, and a very intimate atmosphere. A truly unique Phoenix experience.
Best Ethiopian in Phoenix! If you are a fan of Indian and/or Greek food...the spices are in a similar vein. Served family style, you eat with your hands with injera, a sourdough like flat bread.
29 locals recommend
Cafe Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine
849 W University DrBest Ethiopian in Phoenix! If you are a fan of Indian and/or Greek food...the spices are in a similar vein. Served family style, you eat with your hands with injera, a sourdough like flat bread.
A very popular local diner with a classic movie theme. Everything is homemade, constant rotating specials, and a really great blueberry muffin. Very good comfort food or breakfast diner.
46 locals recommend
Harlow's Cafe
1021 W University DrA very popular local diner with a classic movie theme. Everything is homemade, constant rotating specials, and a really great blueberry muffin. Very good comfort food or breakfast diner.
A toasted subway shop w/a marijuana/hippie theme - hence the TOASTED subs. They serve local beer & make really great homemade rice-crispy like treats (with other cereal) & brownies (sans any drugs)
27 locals recommend
Cheba Hut Toasted Subs
960 W University DrA toasted subway shop w/a marijuana/hippie theme - hence the TOASTED subs. They serve local beer & make really great homemade rice-crispy like treats (with other cereal) & brownies (sans any drugs)
Great little deli-like sandwich place. Great breakfast burritos and awesome for a quick bite.
Sacks Hardy
839 W University DrGreat little deli-like sandwich place. Great breakfast burritos and awesome for a quick bite.
Same chef as the very popular HOUSE OF TRICKS...the menu is quite unique with a true high dining flair. Custom handmade cocktails and the most beautiful meals in Tempe.
The Revival
603 W University DrSame chef as the very popular HOUSE OF TRICKS...the menu is quite unique with a true high dining flair. Custom handmade cocktails and the most beautiful meals in Tempe.
Really great Thai...with really great lunch specials. My favorite is their curry section -- I am a sucker for their yellow curry with chicken with a thai iced tea
38 locals recommend
Thai Basil
403 W University DrReally great Thai...with really great lunch specials. My favorite is their curry section -- I am a sucker for their yellow curry with chicken with a thai iced tea
I go specifically for their bruchetta and sangria. Its a beautiful place for a date both for the interior and the walking opportunity along the very dense Mill Ave district
34 locals recommend
La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar
699 S Mill AveI go specifically for their bruchetta and sangria. Its a beautiful place for a date both for the interior and the walking opportunity along the very dense Mill Ave district
Serving both coffee and growler beer...its a very hip place to get local coffee. Students frequent there being so close to campus and being next door to a piercing parlor and a comic book shop
158 locals recommend
Cartel Coffee Lab
7124 E 5th AveServing both coffee and growler beer...its a very hip place to get local coffee. Students frequent there being so close to campus and being next door to a piercing parlor and a comic book shop
Voted "Best of" by the New Times so many times in its 35 years...it is one of the best burgers in Tempe. You gotta try the "Big One" but remember to stop by the ATM first...because they are cash only
34 locals recommend
The Chuckbox
202 E University DrVoted "Best of" by the New Times so many times in its 35 years...it is one of the best burgers in Tempe. You gotta try the "Big One" but remember to stop by the ATM first...because they are cash only
One of the most romantic places to have a date in Tempe...and one of the best meals of your life. It has Italian twinkling lights in it mainly outdoor seating with dense and lush landscaping.
79 locals recommend
House of Tricks
114 E 7th StOne of the most romantic places to have a date in Tempe...and one of the best meals of your life. It has Italian twinkling lights in it mainly outdoor seating with dense and lush landscaping.
You have to try their Anastia Martini (muddled strawberries w/basil -- sounds weird, but delicious) & their Coniglio Pljukanci -- its FRESH handmade pasta with pulled rabbit. Seriously amazing!
40 locals recommend
Caffe Boa
398 S Mill AveYou have to try their Anastia Martini (muddled strawberries w/basil -- sounds weird, but delicious) & their Coniglio Pljukanci -- its FRESH handmade pasta with pulled rabbit. Seriously amazing!
Super sweet deli/brunch restaurant. All ingredients are fresh and their large windows make it great for watching the hustle bustle of the Mill Ave District. Gotta try their Original Chop Salad
48 locals recommend
Daily Jam
310 S Mill AveSuper sweet deli/brunch restaurant. All ingredients are fresh and their large windows make it great for watching the hustle bustle of the Mill Ave District. Gotta try their Original Chop Salad
Jonesin' for a hotdog? Thirsty Dog is a convenient store that serves custom hotdogs...grilling them right in front of you. A good place to get a cheap bite and then walk Mill Ave to see the sights
Thirsty Dog 2 Go
15 W 5th StJonesin' for a hotdog? Thirsty Dog is a convenient store that serves custom hotdogs...grilling them right in front of you. A good place to get a cheap bite and then walk Mill Ave to see the sights
A local chain, this is one of the best places to get a bean burrito & horchata. They also have great Brazilian style meats that they carve directly in front of you and straight into your burrito
34 locals recommend
America's Taco Shop
7001 E 1st AveA local chain, this is one of the best places to get a bean burrito & horchata. They also have great Brazilian style meats that they carve directly in front of you and straight into your burrito
One of the coolest places to eat in Tempe. Its a bit out of the way, but it's patio seating give you the view of almost the entire city. Its rustic decor and food are very Arizona traditional.
24 locals recommend
Top of the Rock Restaurant
2000 W Westcourt WayOne of the coolest places to eat in Tempe. Its a bit out of the way, but it's patio seating give you the view of almost the entire city. Its rustic decor and food are very Arizona traditional.
Vegetarian/Vegan? Green is a great w/2 locations that specialize in the cuisine. But as a non-vegetarian, I go just for the great food. Try their Big WAC - a mock Big Mac - you won't miss McDonalds
163 locals recommend
Green New American Vegetarian
2022 N 7th StVegetarian/Vegan? Green is a great w/2 locations that specialize in the cuisine. But as a non-vegetarian, I go just for the great food. Try their Big WAC - a mock Big Mac - you won't miss McDonalds
One of favorite restaurants in Phoenix. Multiple valley locations...ANYTHING on the menu is recommended. Its American/Mediterranean. I highly recommend the red pepper hummus with chicken!
34 locals recommend
Pita Jungle - Tempe
4 E University DrOne of favorite restaurants in Phoenix. Multiple valley locations...ANYTHING on the menu is recommended. Its American/Mediterranean. I highly recommend the red pepper hummus with chicken!
A modern restaurant, but family owned with a really nice staff. It's in a strip mall with a large Chinese grocery...so you can browse the isles for strange foreign food on your way out.
12 locals recommend
Unphởgettable
66 S Dobson RdA modern restaurant, but family owned with a really nice staff. It's in a strip mall with a large Chinese grocery...so you can browse the isles for strange foreign food on your way out.
Best sit down Mexican in Tempe. With bottomless table bean dip and great Mexican beer specials it is fun for groups or just hanging out. Their seafood enchiladas & pollo serrano are amazing.
13 locals recommend
Serrano's Mexican Food Restaurants
6440 S Rural RdBest sit down Mexican in Tempe. With bottomless table bean dip and great Mexican beer specials it is fun for groups or just hanging out. Their seafood enchiladas & pollo serrano are amazing.
BEST. BURGER. EVER. Seriously. You have to get their gourmet burger with a basket with sweet potato fries. It will change your life.
25 locals recommend
Delux
3146 E Camelback RdBEST. BURGER. EVER. Seriously. You have to get their gourmet burger with a basket with sweet potato fries. It will change your life.
A converted gas station and mechanic shops from the 60's, Kitchen 56 kept the garage look with its decor. Great vibe and great patio. The Arcadia Salad (named after the neighborhood) is the best!
13 locals recommend
Kitchen 56
3433 N 56th StA converted gas station and mechanic shops from the 60's, Kitchen 56 kept the garage look with its decor. Great vibe and great patio. The Arcadia Salad (named after the neighborhood) is the best!
You jonesin' for some Creole? This is a great place to get -- I need a bib and plastic sheeting -- messy crawfish. It truly does live up to its name.
22 locals recommend
Hot N Juicy Crawfish
6751 N Sunset BlvdYou jonesin' for some Creole? This is a great place to get -- I need a bib and plastic sheeting -- messy crawfish. It truly does live up to its name.
Drinks & Nightlife
Looking for a cheap place to drink with the locals? This bar offers a unique experience in that you can purchase beer for the liquor store adjacent and drink it in the bar...great people watching.
22 locals recommend
Taste of Tops
403 W University DrLooking for a cheap place to drink with the locals? This bar offers a unique experience in that you can purchase beer for the liquor store adjacent and drink it in the bar...great people watching.
A Tempe Staple! Mainly an outdoor patio bar, great in the cooler months. In the converted home restaurant, they have great oysters & their private, upstairs dining rooms are rumored to be haunted.
91 locals recommend
Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash AveA Tempe Staple! Mainly an outdoor patio bar, great in the cooler months. In the converted home restaurant, they have great oysters & their private, upstairs dining rooms are rumored to be haunted.
In the mood for a dive bar. Like Divey DIVE dive -- this is your place. Cheap beer and a bathroom you are afraid to touch to many surfaces in....but great for people watching.
Palo Verde Lounge
1015 W Broadway RdIn the mood for a dive bar. Like Divey DIVE dive -- this is your place. Cheap beer and a bathroom you are afraid to touch to many surfaces in....but great for people watching.
Did you bring your bike? Boulders is a local bike bar...bike as in bicycle. A large range of tap beers and really great nachos that are made with wonton chips....great for sharing.
22 locals recommend
Boulders On Broadway
530 W Broadway RdDid you bring your bike? Boulders is a local bike bar...bike as in bicycle. A large range of tap beers and really great nachos that are made with wonton chips....great for sharing.
Great assortment of imported beers...and one of the best places to get a pretzel and cheese. Patio is dog friendly and has great interior design touches made out of bicycle parts.
20 locals recommend
The Handlebar Tempe
680 S Mill AveGreat assortment of imported beers...and one of the best places to get a pretzel and cheese. Patio is dog friendly and has great interior design touches made out of bicycle parts.
In the mood for some country dancin? Its a fun place that attracts both the students & locals. On weekends, dance instructors come in just to dance with patrons and show them a few steps
Tavern On Mill
404 S Mill AveIn the mood for some country dancin? Its a fun place that attracts both the students & locals. On weekends, dance instructors come in just to dance with patrons and show them a few steps
In the mood for some local music? The Yucca is a Tempe staple where many larger bands got their starts. Often free or super cheap shows.
33 locals recommend
Yucca Tap Room
29 W Southern AveIn the mood for some local music? The Yucca is a Tempe staple where many larger bands got their starts. Often free or super cheap shows.
My favorite bar in Scottsdale. Bike & dog friendly, they serve both local & home-made beers & really great food. Great for brunch! Remember to keep a few singles on you, their only parking is valet
233 locals recommend
O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery
4900 E Indian School RdMy favorite bar in Scottsdale. Bike & dog friendly, they serve both local & home-made beers & really great food. Great for brunch! Remember to keep a few singles on you, their only parking is valet
In the mood for pool? The Time Out is a great local place with 4 tables. Chill and calm staff with a great jukebox . Only caveat...its cash only.
Time Out Lounge
3129 S Mill AveIn the mood for pool? The Time Out is a great local place with 4 tables. Chill and calm staff with a great jukebox . Only caveat...its cash only.
A token college bar...but with board games everywhere. They have good karoke...and on weekends they have funny drink specials -- like topless (as in take off your shirt off) shots
11 locals recommend
Monkey Pants Bar & Grill
3223 S Mill AveA token college bar...but with board games everywhere. They have good karoke...and on weekends they have funny drink specials -- like topless (as in take off your shirt off) shots
Looking for a dive bar where you aren't afraid to go to the bathroom, this is a great place. Its newly renovated (to look old) & often has local bands -- right off the rail stop McClintock/Apache
6 locals recommend
Tempe Tavern
1810 E Apache BlvdLooking for a dive bar where you aren't afraid to go to the bathroom, this is a great place. Its newly renovated (to look old) & often has local bands -- right off the rail stop McClintock/Apache
Great local brewery...just kinda hard to park. It is nestled in a neighborhood, so often it is a trek back to your car. But great beers, they even offer tours. Good bar food to match.
187 locals recommend
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E 8th StGreat local brewery...just kinda hard to park. It is nestled in a neighborhood, so often it is a trek back to your car. But great beers, they even offer tours. Good bar food to match.
Shopping
A re-sale shop that hand picks cool clothing styles for all genres. There's a large vintage clothing section, but you can also find just a great pair of jeans. Be prepared to try everything on...
14 locals recommend
Buffalo Exchange
227 W University DrA re-sale shop that hand picks cool clothing styles for all genres. There's a large vintage clothing section, but you can also find just a great pair of jeans. Be prepared to try everything on...
Sightseeing
A token experience for any ASU student. A very easy, mostly paved, hike up...annually the fraternities/sororities repaint it for homecoming and guard it from rival school vandals, like UofA or NAU
36 locals recommend
A Mountain
201 S Packard DrA token experience for any ASU student. A very easy, mostly paved, hike up...annually the fraternities/sororities repaint it for homecoming and guard it from rival school vandals, like UofA or NAU
Called the Town Lake, it is actually a man-made damned section of once was the flowing Salt River. There is a park, paddle boats, a marina, horseback riding, and a paved trail circling the lake
453 locals recommend
Tempe Town Lake
620 N Mill AveCalled the Town Lake, it is actually a man-made damned section of once was the flowing Salt River. There is a park, paddle boats, a marina, horseback riding, and a paved trail circling the lake
This shows the diversity of the desert plants and also house Chihuly glass exhibits annually. There are concert amphitheaters, interior exhibits, and even a butterfly sanctuary
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
This shows the diversity of the desert plants and also house Chihuly glass exhibits annually. There are concert amphitheaters, interior exhibits, and even a butterfly sanctuary
A bucket list item for any Phoenician, its a few hours hike to the top, but once a top, you can see the most beautiful view of the entire valley. Not recommended in summer months...its a tough hike.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveA bucket list item for any Phoenician, its a few hours hike to the top, but once a top, you can see the most beautiful view of the entire valley. Not recommended in summer months...its a tough hike.
Another really beautiful mountain made of volcanic rock. You can simply drive through the buttes along McDowell Rd, stop at the viewing points, or hike its trails.
41 locals recommend
Entrance to Desert Botanical Garden
Another really beautiful mountain made of volcanic rock. You can simply drive through the buttes along McDowell Rd, stop at the viewing points, or hike its trails.
A very dense art area in the Downtown area. Lots of restaurants, bars, venues, & galleries, all right off the light rail. Each "First Friday" of the month galleries stay open late for a street fest
191 locals recommend
Downtown Phoenix
A very dense art area in the Downtown area. Lots of restaurants, bars, venues, & galleries, all right off the light rail. Each "First Friday" of the month galleries stay open late for a street fest
Frank Lloyd Wright did a lot of work in the Southwest area...this is a must see stop if visiting the Phoenix Area.
296 locals recommend
Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdFrank Lloyd Wright did a lot of work in the Southwest area...this is a must see stop if visiting the Phoenix Area.
You don't have to hike to see the beautiful mountains here in Phx, simply drive up 44th St from Indian School to Cactus Rd, it is a beautiful drive. Just make sure to not speed, there are cameras
78 locals recommend
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
2701 Piestewa Peak DriveYou don't have to hike to see the beautiful mountains here in Phx, simply drive up 44th St from Indian School to Cactus Rd, it is a beautiful drive. Just make sure to not speed, there are cameras