Postino Annex

Situated in a perfect location near the campus of Arizona State University, Postino Annex is one of the most fun restaurants in Tempe for younger crowds who are looking for a great bite to eat and delicious drinks. Named for the University’s old art annex building, this location has quickly become one of the best spots to spend an evening in Tempe. They offer some of the best deals with its happy hour, consisting of six-dollar glasses of wine and pitchers of beer offered till five in the afternoon, everyday. On top of that, every Monday and Tuesday, Postino offers its ‘Board & Bottle’ deal, consisting of a bruschetta board and a bottle of wine for only 25 dollars.

615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Ted’s Hot Dogs

A hot dog joint with a storied history. What more can you ask for? 

Ted’s Hot Dogs, located on Broadway just south of the ASU campus, is one of the older establishments on this list, however, it is an absolute classic. With a classic, American diner-styled menu of hot dogs, burgers and chicken, stepping into this restaurant will have you traveling back to a simpler time. 

The smell of the open-flame, charcoal grills hits you instantaneously as soon as you walk through the front door. The original concept was developed nearly a century ago in western New York and to this day the Tempe location remains the only one on this side of the Mississippi River.

1755 E. Broadway Tempe, Arizona 85282

The Chuckbox

A smoky environment that births a frighteningly good product. The Chuckbox has been operating for over 50 years in the heart of Tempe and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Opened in 1972 right in the middle of it all, just north of ASU’s Tempe campus, this burger joint is a classic for those who have lived in the area for any amount of time. Still operating as a cash-only establishment, the Chuckbox gives its guests the opportunity to step back in time to an Arizona of the 70’s. The layout of the restaurant treats guests to the opportunity to watch as their burgers are cooked on an open mesquite grill, making this one of the most unique and storied locations in all of Arizona.

202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Khai Hoan

Vietnamese cuisine served to you in the desert’s backyard.

Of all the different cuisines from the many corners of the globe, a top-notch Vietnamese restaurant in the middle of Tempe, Arizona is definitely not what is to be expected, however, this restaurant more than deserves to be on this list. Located on Apache Boulevard, a few miles south of ASU’s campus, Khai Hoan serves some of the best, authentic Vietnamese food in their small and unassuming location. The wait staff and owners are extremely friendly and kind to all guests, making this one of the best places to find a good bowl of noodles across the entire valley.

1537 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

Cornish Pasty Co.

With locations all over the valley, Cornish Pasty Co. is an Arizona classic having been established nearly 20 years ago.

Inspired by the cuisine commonplace in Cornwall, England dating back to the 1200s, pasties are a baked savory dish filled with a variety of different ingredients guests are welcome to choose from. The traditional pasty comes filled with steak, potato, onion and rutabaga, however, there is a plethora of various fillings offered at Cornish Pasty. With pool tables and a large bar with many different beers and drinks to choose from, this restaurant is the perfect place for the younger crowd either looking to get their night started or seeking to wind down.

960 W University Dr #103, Tempe, AZ 85281

Nocawich

This simple, yet robust, sandwich-focused lunch spot is a Tempe staple for anyone in the area.

Situated just north of ASU’s Tempe campus in the College Ave corridor, Nocawich is the natural evolution of owner Elliot Wexler’s previous concept simply named… Noca. In its past iteration, Noca was a full-menu, dining experience, however, after years of service, Wexler closed those doors and chose to create the concept we see today, focusing more on sandwiches, salads and breakfast fare. Regardless of whether you are in town for an ASU sporting event and need a bite to eat before exploring Mill Ave or if you are around for work and in search of something delicious to hold you off till dinner, Nocawich is the perfect solution to a hungry stomach.

777 S College Ave #105, Tempe, AZ 85281

Snooze A.M. Eatery

Despite the name, the food, drink and atmosphere prove there is nothing sleepy about this breakfast joint.

Snooze A.M. Eatery, originally founded in Denver, Colorado in 2006 made its way into the hearts of locals and ASU students alike after joining the small list of restaurants situated in the Collage Ave corridor, just north of ASU’s Tempe campus. This location has proved a staple when it comes to visitors to the school and Tempe in general, due to its excellent location and delicious food. The earlier you visit, the better… It’s probably beneficial for everyone to get a table before the students arrive.

615 South College Avenue Suite 103 & 104 Tempe, AZ 85281