Tempe, Arizona, a vibrant city located just east of Phoenix, is a foodie’s paradise. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene, Tempe offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional American comfort food to international cuisine, Tempe’s restaurants are a reflection of its eclectic and welcoming community. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Tempe’s best eats, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that you won’t want to miss.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting your day off right is crucial, and Tempe has plenty of excellent breakfast and brunch spots to get your morning off to a great start.
The Original Breakfast House
Located in the heart of downtown Tempe, The Original Breakfast House is a local favorite that serves up classic American breakfast dishes with a twist. Their menu features creative omelets, waffles, and pancakes, as well as hearty breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Be sure to try their signature dish, the “Breakfast House Burger,” a mouth-watering combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese on a toasted brioche bun.
Short Leash Hot Dogs
This popular hot dog joint may not be the first place you’d think to go for breakfast, but trust us, their breakfast dogs are a game-changer. Try the “El Jefe” dog, topped with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and pepper jack cheese, or the “Notorious P.I.G.” dog, featuring bacon, cheddar, and a fried egg. Don’t forget to order a side of their famous hash browns.
Crepe Club
For a lighter breakfast option, head to Crepe Club, where you’ll find a variety of sweet and savory crepes. From classic fruit and cream fillings to more adventurous options like ham and cheese or spinach and feta, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to try their signature “Nutella” crepe, filled with rich chocolate-hazelnut spread and topped with fresh strawberries.
Lunch and Dinner Options
From casual eats to fine dining, Tempe’s lunch and dinner scene is incredibly diverse. Here are a few of our top picks:
La Bocca Urban Pizzeria
This popular pizzeria serves up wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas with creative toppings like prosciutto and arugula or fig jam and balsamic glaze. Their menu also features a variety of small plates, salads, and sandwiches, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or lunch. (See Also: Where to Eat in Killarney Ireland? Top Local Favorites)
Tempe Barrio Café
This colorful café is a staple of the Tempe food scene, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as more adventurous options like grilled fish and chorizo-stuffed dates.
House of Tricks
This charming restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 1920s bungalow and serves up creative American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Their menu features a variety of small plates, salads, and entrees, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Be sure to try their signature “Tricks” cocktails, made with fresh juices and house-infused spirits.
International Cuisine
Tempe is a melting pot of cultures, and its international cuisine scene reflects this diversity. Here are a few of our top picks:
Thai Basil
This family-owned Thai restaurant has been a Tempe staple for over 20 years, serving up authentic and flavorful dishes like pad thai, green curry, and massaman curry. Their menu also features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions.
La Bodeguita del Medio
This Cuban restaurant is a hidden gem in Tempe, serving up authentic and delicious dishes like ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and empanadas. Their menu also features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a great selection of Cuban coffee and cocktails.
India Oven
This family-owned Indian restaurant has been a Tempe favorite for over 15 years, serving up authentic and flavorful dishes like tandoori chicken, palak paneer, and saag lamb. Their menu also features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a great selection of naan bread and basmati rice.
Dessert and Snack Spots
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Tempe has plenty of excellent dessert and snack spots to satisfy your cravings. (See Also: Where to Eat in Greenwich? Top Picks Revealed)
Sweet Republic
This popular ice cream shop serves up unique and delicious flavors like honey lavender, strawberry balsamic, and earl grey tea. Their menu also features a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions.
Tempe Creamery
This artisanal ice cream shop serves up unique and delicious flavors like pistachio cardamom, strawberry rhubarb, and chocolate chipotle. Their menu also features a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a great selection of sorbet and gelato.
Short Leash Hot Dogs (again!)
We mentioned Short Leash Hot Dogs earlier, but they’re worth mentioning again for their amazing dessert dogs. Try the “S’mores” dog, featuring a toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker, or the “Fruit Loop” dog, topped with Froot Loops cereal and a drizzle of honey.
Recap and Recommendations
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve highlighted some of the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in Tempe. From breakfast and brunch spots to international cuisine and dessert and snack spots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Be sure to try some of our top picks, and don’t be afraid to explore and discover new favorites of your own. Happy eating, and we’ll see you in Tempe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best place to eat in Tempe for breakfast?
A: The Original Breakfast House is a local favorite that serves up classic American breakfast dishes with a twist. Their menu features creative omelets, waffles, and pancakes, as well as hearty breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
Q: What is the best place to eat in Tempe for Mexican cuisine?
A: Tempe Barrio Café is a staple of the Tempe food scene, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as more adventurous options like grilled fish and chorizo-stuffed dates. (See Also: Where to Eat in Rockefeller Center? Top Dining Spots)
Q: What is the best place to eat in Tempe for dessert?
A: Sweet Republic is a popular ice cream shop that serves up unique and delicious flavors like honey lavender, strawberry balsamic, and earl grey tea. Their menu also features a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions.
Q: What is the best place to eat in Tempe for international cuisine?
A: India Oven is a family-owned Indian restaurant that has been a Tempe favorite for over 15 years, serving up authentic and flavorful dishes like tandoori chicken, palak paneer, and saag lamb. Their menu also features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a great selection of naan bread and basmati rice.
Q: What is the best place to eat in Tempe for a quick bite?
A: Short Leash Hot Dogs is a popular hot dog joint that serves up creative and delicious dogs, as well as amazing dessert dogs. Their menu features a variety of toppings and condiments, making it easy to customize your meal.