A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to cross of a major bucket list item: become a Professor! That’s right, I was an Academic Associate (Teaching Assistant & Industry Project Mentor) for the EPICS program at Arizona State University!
As much as it hurt my Wildcat heart to wear an ASU polo, that pain was dulled by the fact that EPICS is an incredible program. EPICS stands for Engineering Projects in Community Service and this is a course where students build projects to help their communities whether it is an interactive rug for kids with autism or a way to clean water for a community that needs it. These students are changing lives. There was no way I could turn down this opportunity to make a difference.
I only worked at ASU for one semester but that semester I made sure to try several restaurants in Tempe and I have put together a list of my favorite places. Let me know if your fave made the list or if I need to add more! Enjoy!
Aruma Cafe
Aruma Cafe is a super cute Mexican inspired coffee spot in Tempe. I love their coffee and they feature a different selection of pastries from local bakeries.
The Chuckbox
The Chuckbox is so tasty. I had the spicy chicken sandwich with a BACON WREATH and it was delicious. It’s made to order on an open mesquite fire right in front of you so it tastes super fresh! They also have beer and wine if you’re thirsty and FYI it’s cash only.
Casa Reynoso
Casa Reynoso has some of the best red and green chile plates in the valley. I especially love that you can get a half plate which also includes rice and beans.
Their machaca and beans are also so good!
Cornish Pasty Co.
If you have never been to Cornish Pasty Co., I don’t care if you are looking for a late night spot or a lunch place, you need to go NOW. This restaurant is SO DELICIOUS and I am so mad at myself for barely going there this year after hearing for years how tasty it was. The pasty is such a hearty meal and you can’t get anything like it anywhere else. I tried the Cajun Chicken pasty which included spicy Cajun chicken breast, bacon, ham, and Swiss. It literally had all of my favorite items. They are open until midnight or 2AM depending on when you go.
Curry Corner
I finally tried Curry Corner and omg y’all, it’s so good that I already want to go back. This place has great service and was featured on my favorite Food Network show: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! I had the Chicken Boti Kabab which is chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, it was incredible!
Drink Me Tea Room
Do you love tea (or cocktails), snacks and a place with a great theme? If so, then I HIGHLY recommend Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe! I checked out their Magical World of Afternoon Tea earlier this year and it was epic and full of Harry Potter nostalgia. The teas are all so delicious, you can even get cocktails, and the snacks are all tasty! I personally really loved the scones. They’re plant based and gluten free so if you have any allergies or intolerances this is the spot for you! They go all out with decorating the tea room for each event and you’re definitely encouraged to dress up! Check out their calendar of events to see what they have coming up!
Fate Brewing Co.
Fate Brewing Company is a great spot for happy hours with their large selection of beers, lively atmosphere and great pizza!
Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Believe me when I say that I am just as surprised as you to find that one of my favorite desserts comes from a brewery, but when you really think about it…alcohol and cake are two of my favorite things so it’s really not that surprising (haha). If you like beer and tiramisu, then you NEED to try the famous STOUTamisu from Four Peaks Brewing Company. The STOUTamisu looks like your traditional tiramisu except that there is alcohol in it. It’s a delicious expresso soaked chocolate sponge cake with lady fingers and chocolate marscarpone cream. Now where is the alcohol, you ask? IT’S IN THE LADY FINGERS and it tastes delicious!
Handle Bars
If you’re looking for a great spot to grab a beer, check out Handle Bars! Not only is the name punny, but they have a great selection of beer.
Orange Table
The brunch at Orange Table in Tempe was DELICIOUS!! I had the traditional french toast with berries, Yamille and Deyzi shared French toast with whiskey syrup sauce (def getting that next time)! Super delicious, we recommend!
RigaTony’s
If you’ve never had RigaTony’s in Tempe, you absolutely need to add it to your food bucket list. Their pasta is delicious and you get unlimited bread! I highly recommend the baked RigaTony, a delicious pasta dish with mozzarella/parmesan sauce with garlic spiked marinara and Italian sausage!
Their chicken parm is also delicious!
Salut Kitchen + Wine Bar
I love the happy hour at Salut Kitchen and Bar because you can get 50% off all bottles of wine…and if you don’t finish the bottle, you can take it home! Doesn’t that sound amazing? Their happy hour is Monday-Friday 3-6:30pm and it’s one of my go-to spots so you already know they’re on my fave happy hour list. They’re also dog friendly (see more dog friendly restaurants here) and have delicious food! Their brunch is super tasty and their dinner is just as good! Pictured here is the Applewood Grilled Chicken sandwich with the regular truffle fries with Lemon Truffle aioli, SO MUCH FLAVOR!
I hope you enjoyed the list, stay tuned for a part two coming soon! Thank you all for reading, and stay enthusiastic! 🙂
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-Maira