Tempe Restaurants

From casual to upscale dining, the Tempe and Arizona State University communities have something to satisfy every taste. Living at the Boulder Creek Apartments offers convenient access to many local restaurants in Tempe, all just a stone’s throw from ASU.

Whether you prefer traditional American food, Southwestern, or Chinese or Japanese dining, Tempe offers a wide range of restaurant options. The largest concentration of restaurants is around Mill Avenue and within the surrounding Downtown Mill Avenue District. The Mill Avenue District allows visitors to park their cars and be within a five minute walk to restaurants that serve Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Southwestern, Italian food and more. Whether you want some coffee, a smoothie, a cold beer, a glass of wine or a meal, the Mill Avenue District has dozens of eateries.

To sample one of the Southwest restaurants in Tempe, located next to the ASU campus and in the Mill Avenue District is Z Tejas Southwestern Grill. The menu signifies the bold robust flavors of Arizona, California, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas. The Tempe restaurant was designed as a replica of the city's historic 1909 warehouse, which was destroyed by fire in 1987. Enjoy Chili Pork Verde, Smoked Chicken Chile Relleno, Baked Seafood Enchiladas or a Southwestern Caesar Salad and freshly baked cornbread, among many other dishes.

American Restaurants in Tempe abound but look no further than the Arizona State University campus. The Karsten Golf Course, where the ASU Golf Team trains, has two American restaurants with a Southwestern twist: the Trophy Room and the Sun Devil Patio. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy these American restaurants in Tempe.

The Trophy Room serves breakfast, lunch and appetizers, with inside dining or patio seating. The Sun Devil Patio overlooks the 9th and 18th holes. Appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and a grill menu are served, and dishes include Roasted Corn and Tex-Mex Chicken Chowder, Mexicali Torta Sandwich and a BBQ Navajo Wrap.

There also are many Mexican restaurants in Tempe. Try the Mucho Gusto Mexican Bistro on University Drive for a solid lunch spot in the heart of Tempe, right near ASU and the Boulder Creek Apartments. Colorado Pork Stew, Shrimp Ranchero, enchiladas, Chicken Ranchero, burritos, tacos, tamales, nachos, and quesadillas are among the types of Mexican food served. The Mill Avenue District also has several Mexican restaurants.

Among the Chinese restaurants in Tempe is P.F. Chang’s bistro, a popular chain eatery. It is located on South Mill Avenue just west of Arizona State University. All the favorite Chinese food items - rice, noodles, wontons, egg rolls, soups and dumplings - are on the menu, as well as Chinese dishes with vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and seafood. Chefs use Mandarin-style wok cooking to sear in Asian flavors.

One of the Japanese restaurants in Tempe is the Haiku Grill on West Washington Street. If you’re not in the mood for the sushi, try a Beef Teriyaki Bowl or Chicken Bowl here.

If you’re in the mood for some deep dish, Chicago-style pizza, Pizzeria Uno’s, which is located right near Arizona State University, is a convenient place to go for pizza in Tempe.

Finally, for a great view of Tempe and the valley, try the Top of the Rock restaurant located on top of a butte. This pricey American restaurant in Tempe offers panoramic views and a Sunday champagne brunch. It’s a neat place for Arizona State University students to take their parents when they come to visit.