Check out Tempe’s recently opened dining concepts and find out what’s coming soon.
Tempe is bursting with eclectic places to dine, sip and be entertained. From weekend brunches and vibey breweries to sky-high rooftops and late-night dance floors. The best part is that just when you think you’ve tried them all, a roster of new concepts springs up.
Whether you’re in the mood for a great meal, a new cocktail designed by a creative mixologist, or an evening of DJs and dancing, here are our best new restaurants, bars and venues to add to your must-experience list the next time you’re in Tempe.
212° Shabu Shabu
A new concept from Kaos Hospitality, 212° Shabu Shabu is now open at The Watermark. Named after the element’s boiling point (212 degrees), this modern hotpot experience combines fresh ingredients with a customizable and interactive dining experience that celebrates the Japanese art of cooking with water.
410 N. Scottsdale Road, #109, Tempe | 480-366-4849
Bad Jimmy’s
Once a thriving food truck, Bad Jimmy’s has now opened its fourth Valley smashburger and cocktail bar concept. Making its Tempe debut in the space that formerly housed Gadzooks (on University Drive near Farmer Avenue), this burger brand’s tongue-in-cheek distinct vibe has entirely transformed the aesthetic. With equal parts vintage diner and full modern bar, Bad Jimmy’s brings both a non-nonsense, fast-casual cuisine with the elevated touch of a clever cocktail program.
505 W. University Drive, Tempe | 480-748-2199
Bar Capri
South Tempe’s new hidden gem is a celebration of all things authentically Italian — from hand-crafted cocktails to fresh pasta — drawing inspiration from Nonna’s Sunday table. The Bar Capri experience is all about great drinks, delicious food, and the best company … your cumpari. So pull up a chair and settle in, because at Bar Capri every night is a reason to celebrate and everyone’s part of the famiglia.
1730 E. Warner Road, #10, Tempe | 602-960-6002
Culinary Gangster
This family owned and operated concept has grown from its early days as a food truck to a Valley favorite with three locations.
Famed for approachable, chef-driven street food — the burgers, sandwiches, bowls, wraps, salads and breakfast should all be on your must-try list — Culinary Gangster brings fresh and fast food to the iconic Mill Avenue space below Varsity Tavern.
501 S. Mill Ave., #101, Tempe | 480-207-1978
Central BBQ LakeHouse
Following in the footsteps of the original South Phoenix Location, Central BBQ House’s Tempe location opened in the fall of 2024. This Korean barbecue concept pairs the experience of tabletop grilling with a waterfront view in The Lakes neighborhood of South Tempe. Start off with a variety of boba tea, Thai tea, soju or one of the signature cocktails, then choose from a variety of meats, veggies or tofu for your all-you-can-eat gogi-gui experience. The secret is that you don’t have to choose just one — you can switch it up for each round. So, help yourself to the ribeye steak, beef brisket and bulgogi. Bonus: In addition to the serene waterfront dining experience on that patio, you’ll find the indoor space is lively and vibey in the evenings. Check @centralbbqhouse on Instagram for programming and pop-up events.
5350 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe | 480-366-4066
Feta Cowboy
From the owners Pita Jungle comes Feta Cowboy — South Tempe’s newest restaurant — a concept that blends the best of Mediterranean and Southwest cuisine in a fast-casual atmosphere. Bowls, pitas and burritos invite you to choose from a variety of signature combinations or build-your-own. From guacamole and falafel to brisket kimchi and carnitas gyro, this is the mashup we never knew we needed. Bonus points for freshness, health-conscious, vegetarian and vegan offerings.
1840 E. Warner Road, Suite 108, Tempe | 602-354-5566
Filthy Animal & Drop Dead Gorgeous
Pretty Decent Concepts — the high-end restaurant group behind Phoenix’s Wren & Wolf, Trophy Room and Carry On — recently opened its first cocktail and restaurant concepts in the 7,700-square-foot (plus patio) in the space that was formerly home to P.F. Chang’s at Mill Avenue and University Drive. Filthy Animal and Drop Dead Gorgeous harness the city’s evolution – and add inventive and elevated concepts to an ever-evolving culinary landscape.
In a posh space punctuated with accents reminiscent of a jungle setting, Filthy Animal promises ‘‘a feast of fire feeding the primal animal within.’’ From the decor to the wood-fired cuisine, this experience is a wild new addition. Under the same roof, yet an entirely separate concept, Drop Dead Gorgeous, a 1970s-inspired cocktail lounge that celebrates vintage glam where both the aesthetics and the cocktail program live up to the concept’s name.
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s
Nestled inside Desert Botanical Garden, this restaurant space was recently reimagined by legendary PBS television host and James Beard-nominated chef Mark Tarbell. This freshly rebranded dining experience focuses on serving up ingredients directly from growers in Arizona — and unique to the region — to garden guests. The all-new menu celebrates the essence of the Southwest, with charred street corn esquites, al pastor mushroom sope, crispy corn polenta cake with salsa verde, three varieties of tacos, green chile pork, buñuelos (crips Mexican fritters) and so much more. Provecho!
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix | 480-719-8600
Glenrosa at Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills
In 2024, this executive golf course emerged as Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills: Arizona’s only fully lit, 18-hole golf course and practice facility that’s available day and night. Located in picturesque Papago Park, less than 2 miles from Downtown Tempe, this hilly course lives up to its name with quite a few elevation changes. Take in views of the surrounding mountain ranges and skylines from the 8th hole (the course’s highest point) and keep an eye out for Sonoran Desert animals after dusk.
The evolution of this course has included the addition of Glenrosa, a full-service restaurant and patio bar. Sonoran Mexican cuisine and live-fire cooking set this culinary experience apart — and the sandstone buttes of Papago Park serve as the delicious backdrop. Bonus: The new event lawn plays host to biweekly farmers markets (spring and fall), and a live music events round out the activations here.
1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-530-9880
Il Bosco Pizza
Following the popularity of the Phoenix and Scottsdale locations, Il Bosco is bringing “one of the Valley’s Finest Pizzerias” to Tempe. Nestled next to Changing Hands bookstore (formerly home to Sacred Pi), the Tempe location has been serving up the 24+ signature wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas — paired with a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere — that fans have come to love since opening in August.
6434 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe | 602-499-6540
Laymoon Cafe
Tempe’s newest coffee shop is a highly anticipated Palestinian- and Syrian-owned community cafe. Located in Downtown Tempe, Laymoon is dedicated to delivering the best and most-thoughtful Middle Eastern inspired espresso, tea, pastries and more — all with an emphasis on hospitality, just like back home. Whether you try a classic espresso drink or opt for a such signature flavors as the baklava latte or the Dubai chocolate frap, you’ll soon understand what all the hype is about.
The space has been entirely reimagined and draws aesthetic inspiration from Palestine and Syrian, including “textures of keffiyeh patterns, Syrian mosaics, and the scent of jasmine in the night air.” With plenty of tables, several cozy booths and a private nook. Laymoon is open late by design and will flex to 24-hour business during Ramadan.
616 S. Forest Ave, Tempe
Neon Spur
There’s an electric, new dive bar on Mill Avenue: Neon Spur. This 1970s-themed, Western dive bar serves up craft cocktails, ice-cold beers, American comfort food, timeless entertainment, with a perfect mix of hometown comfort and city sophistication. Located in the former Handlebar space, this concept is effortlessly trendy — it’s giving cozy nostalgia of a 1970s basement hangout that’s welcoming to all. Giddy up!
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-209-1760
Night Owl Pizza
This neighborhood restaurant and bar has added a Tempe location to it’s family of vibey, modern-meets-throwback concepts. Located in the space that formerly housed The Golden Pineapple Craft Lounge (and before that, Riazzi’s Italian Garden), Night Owl has managed to transform the space while staying true it’s Mid-century roots as well as the brand’s vintage flavor. The brand new booths are chic and inviting, the pinball bar top is dazzling throwback, and don’t miss the collection of arcade games. Meanwhile, the no nonsense menu celebrates New York Style pizza by the slice, whole pies, smash burgers, wings and more. But don’t let the culinary classics fool you … the craft cocktails are absolutely over the top. Cheers!
2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 480-681-7781
Outlaw Distillery
Tempe’s newest purveyor of spirits is Outlaw Distillery. Formerly Adventurous Stills, this operation celebrates the craft distillery that came before it while carrying the legacy forward. The tasting room is open, the barrels are aging, and the team is ready to pour you something unforgettable at the premium cocktail bar or at one of the forthcoming events. Stay tuned for more!
2215 E. Fifth St., #102, Tempe | 480-292-8770
Prince Street Pizza
This popular NYC pizzeria is making its Arizona debut on Mill Avenue — in the 1,300-square-foot space that formerly housed Jimmy John’s at CenterPoint, to be exact. Known for serving legendary Sicilian “SoHo” Squares and original Neapolitan pizzas with a New York City slice shop experience, the idea here is simple idea: “if you can put it on pasta, you can put it on pizza.”
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe | 207-360-2569
Proof Bread
This Valley based sourdough baking operation added a Mill Avenue location to its repertoire in October. The new bakery and storefront, located in space that formerly housed Slickables, marks the brand’s fifth Greater Phoenix location. Born in a garage and raised at Arizona’s farmers markets, Proof Bread has become one of the Valley’s most beloved artisan bakeries. Owners Jon and Amanda are committed to their recipe for success: no shortcuts, no commercial yeast, just flour, water, salt, and time. Every loaf begins with heritage grains grown by local farmers, stone-milled in-house, and naturally leavened with Harriet, their 15-year-old sourdough starter, and is now available via fresh pastries, loaves and other baked goods.
699 S. Mill Ave., #117, Tempe | 480-270-8320
Roman God of Fire
A highly anticipated culinary venture by Pretty Decent Concepts, James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant and SC Culinary opened its doors in August. Roman God of Fire, a temple to wood-fired Italian cooking inspired by the soul of Rome. The menu celebrates the centuries-old techniques and the art of cooking over flame and the space draws inspiration from old-world cathedrals, sacred relics and Italian stonework layers timeless architecture with modern craftsmanship. Every detail was designed to transport guests beyond the everyday via a bold, new class of hospitality.
80 S. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe | 480-520-4242
Six Byrd Cider Co.
Always proudly brewed in Tempe, Six Byrd Cider Co. just added a Tempe taproom to its roster of offerings. Known for crafting complex craft ciders from simple, natural ingredients, Six Byrd aims to bridge the gap between wine and beer by creating quality dry cider, that’s not overly sweet, in irresistible flavor profiles. From such staples as Prickly Pom and Pina Colada to seasonal favorites that include Apple Pie à La Mode and Maple Bar — and so many more — we’re thrilled to have this purveyor of deliciousness in Tempe.
1920 E. University Drive, Suite 101, Tempe | 480-410-6805
Tempe Boat Cruisin’
The wait is almost over. Tempe Boat Cruisin’ is a new pedal-powered boat cruising experience on Tempe Town Lake that is now taking group reservations for February 2026. This new way to experience Tempe Town Lake is a unique hybrid between a party bike and a pedal boat for up to 26 guests. Each cruise is professionally captained and crewed, and features music, scenic lake views, and a lively but laid-back atmosphere — with the option to responsibly enjoy adult beverages purchased on site.
555 N. College Ave., Ste 1034, Tempe
Three Thirty Three
This new, high-end dining experience engages all the senses by blending elegance with energy. Located at Watermark, 333 is truly a one-of-a-kind concept that pairs bold Asian flavors — reimagined with a modern twist — with captivating ambiance that includes flowering cherry blossom trees, a wraparound LED screen and glowing DJ tower. The 14,000 square-foot space also features a bar, lounge and equally decadent cocktail program. From the kitchen, offerings range from a standout sushi bar to a 64-ounce Wagyu tomahawk steak, and also include far-from-typical noodle and rice selections (to name a few). Reservations are highly recommended, as this is a cashless establishment and be sure to note the dress code before you head out.
430 N. Scottsdale Road, #101, Tempe | 480-590-7215
Window Coffee Bar
Ranked the 15th in the nation for 2025 by Yelp, and voted Best of the Valley by Phoenix magazine for 2024 and 2025, Window Coffee Bar has expanded to add a Tempe location to their family of coffee shops. Open since December 2025, inside The Beam on Farmer, owners Homero Medrano and Marcus Sanchez are now serving up their creatively curated beverages in Downtown Tempe. Champions of locally purveyors, Window also offers exquisite pastries by Chacónne Patisserie and bagels by Bagelfeld’s. But don’t miss their signature avocado toast! This location is closed Sundays.
433 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Coming Soon:
Wood & Water
Kaos Hospitality has announced Wood & Water, a forthcoming concept at The Watermark — a 9,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor seafood restaurant — complete with a massive patio overlooking the lake and a highly anticipated 5,000-gallon shark tank — that is projected for fall 2026.
410 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281
Carmen Cantina
Announced in 2024, Julian Wright (Pedal Haus, Devil’s Hideaway) is bringing a new cocktail concept to Mill Avenue. Carmen Cantina will feature a tropical, Mexican theme and specialize in a large selection of agave-based cocktails and margaritas. With a grand opening projected for the latter part of 2025, this concept will be open for lunch, happy hour and late night, both inside and across its two large patios.
640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Glai Baan expanding to Tempe
Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, owners of Glai Baan in Phoenix, have announced plans to open a new concept in the historic Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House in Downtown Tempe. Built in 1892, this Western Colonial Box/Bungalow offers 2,600 square feet of space for this forthcoming restaurant — which is projected to open in 2026.
34 E. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Level 1 Arcade Bar
Coming to the intersection of Mill Avenue and University Drive, Level 1 Arcade Bar is the best of modern ambiance and mixology paired with some of the best nostalgia of yesteryear aka arcade games and pinball machines. Previously home to Pita Jungle, this 5,000-space will transform into a nightlife spot crossed with an analog gaming hub, complete with full menu, draft beers and cocktail program. Stay tuned for a projected grand opening date.
Novel Ice Cream
Voted the best ice cream and best doughnut in the country this summer, Novel is celebrating top honors by expanding its roister of shops to include Tempe in the near future. By spring 2026, Novel’s Tempe location will be serving up its famous Dough Melt in the historic Harry Walker House, once part of the beloved House of Tricks restaurant. In September, this 1903 house was relocated from its original location on 7th Street near Forest Avenue to its new home next to Tempe City Hall on Fifth Street (learn more about the Walker House and watch the video of the house in transport here). Novel’s projected opening is scheduled for March 2026.
110 E. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Phantom Fox Beer Co. with Goat and Ram
On the heels of it’s two-year anniversary in Mesa, Phantom Fox Beer Co. is planning it’s expansion into Downtown Tempe. Soon-to-be located in the former home of Illegal Pete’s on Mill Avenue, this craft brewery will include Goat and Ram — its in-house pizzeria — for the perfect dual concept and delicious pairings.
525 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
RePUBlic Tempe
This restaurant, bar and entertainment establishment, is currently being built out in the spaces that were previously home to Mill Cue Club and Zuma Grill on Mill Avenue. This new concept, just south of 6th Street on Mill Avenue, is helmed by C.A.S.A. bar creator Scott Price and will include a sports bar atmosphere, live music a cue club and more by fall 2026
607 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
