Tempe Restaurants: Where to Find Delicious Local Flavor
Tempe has a reputation as a vibrant college town. With those youthful vibes, come the opportunity for locals to create a diverse food scene — and they do just that. From brews and burgers to rich international fare, these Tempe restaurants keep visitors satisfied. Read all about them.
Tempe Restaurants for Local Fare and Great Service
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Open for breakfast and brunch, Snooze Tempe serves daytime goodies, coffee and cocktails. Plus, many ingredients are responsibly sourced.
The menu has plant-based options and classic breakfast and brunch dishes. Visitors will find Benedicts, French toast, omelets, corned beef, pancakes and breakfast burritos. House specialties feature sweet potatoes, breakfast pot pie, shrimp and grits, and scrambles. Most come with hash browns, but other sides include sausage, bacon, tofu, toast and fruit.
Board and Brew Tempe
Quality sandwiches and good vibes keep people coming back to Board and Brew. This chain restaurant serves food and local craft brews perfect for lunch and dinner.
Sandwiches feature traditional favorites such as turkey, tuna, salami and ham. Or try a hot sandwich made with grilled chicken and roast beef. Board and Brew also serves salads and veggie-only options. Just don’t forget to order the special sauce to take home.
Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout doubles as a restaurant and gathering spot. This restaurant is located in the Tempe Farmers District and serves classic meals with a twist. Plus, there’s live music.
Open for lunch and dinner, Culinary Dropout serves soups, salads, sandwiches and hearty appetizers. Main entrees feature their signature 36-hour pork ribs, meatloaf, lasagna, vegan curry, salmon and fried chicken. To enhance the meal, pair it with a craft beer or house cocktail.
House of Tricks
Located in Arizona State University (ASU), House of Tricks serves contemporary American dishes in an upscale setting. Visitors come here for dinner in a relaxing environment.
The menu changes based on seasonal ingredients. However, guests will find seafood and cheese plates as starters. For the main course, try the grouper, beef tenderloin, duck breast, chicken or meatloaf. There are some vegetarian options and an extensive wine list as well.
RigaTony’s Authentic Italian Restaurants
For authentic Italian food, head to RigaTony’s. This family-owned favorite serves traditional Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner.
The lunch menu offers smaller portions of lasagna, seafood bakes and sandwiches — or order a pizza for one. For dinner, try the pasta specialties, stuffed pastas, spaghetti, large specialty pizzas and grilled meats.
The Chuckbox
Craving a burger? The Chuckbox is the place to go. It’s also located near ASU, making it popular for all ages. The restaurant has been a local favorite for lunch and dinner since 1972.
Each burger and chicken sandwich is cooked over an open mesquite flame. Visitors can order burgers ranging from small, double patties to the signature half-pound patty. To add some flavor, try them with spicy guacamole, spicy or mild cheeses, and green chilies. The Chuckbox also offers a veggie burger, hot dogs, chicken strips and wings.
Four Peaks Restaurant
Four Peaks Restaurant, a dining hot spot and brewery, is located in a former creamery and ice factory. Guests come here for lunch and dinner, and can tour the brewery.
The menus – both food and brews – change seasonally. Visitors can select from sandwiches, pizza, salads, and burgers. For house favorites, try chicken enchiladas, 8th Street chicken strips, or green chili mac and cheese. Other entrees may include veggie pie, pork belly and ahi tuna. Beer fans should request in-season brews, too.
Cornish Pasty Co.
Locally owned and operated, Cornish Pasty Co. has served the Tempe community English food for more than 15 years. Traditional pasties were derived from southwest England and have become a must for lunch and dinner.
Signature pasties come with steak, pork, hamburger, lamb, chicken, Italian meats or bacon, to name a few. In addition, Cornish Pasty Co. offers vegan and vegetarian pasties, soups, wings, and salads.
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