ASU
University Eats: Dining Near ASU
The best spots to grab a bite near ASU Tempe Campus.
From breakfast to burgers to all kinds of international favorites, you’ll have a hard time choosing from all of the tasty restaurants surrounding Arizona State University. Here are a few of our favorites that are conveniently located next to the ASU Tempe Campus.
Alter Ego and Alibi at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
108 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 612-7872
The Canopy Tempe offers not one but two amazing restaurants within steps of the ASU Tempe Campus. Located next to the hotel lobby, Alter Ego serves exceptional hand-crafted cocktails and out-of-this-world menu items that will keep you coming back even if you’re not a hotel guest. Alter Ego also has an outdoor patio where you can experience the hustle and bustle of everyday campus life. If you’re thirsty for more, head upstairs to the rooftop pool and try Alibi, Canopy by Hilton Tempe’s rooftop lounge. You’re surrounded by 360-degree views of the Phoenix area skies! The menu at Alibi features street food with a fusion of Asian, Mexican and American cuisines.
The Chuckbox
202 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-4712
The Chuckbox is a local gem that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022! It’s one of the most iconic restaurants that every past, present and future Sun Devil needs to try. The Chuckbox sticks to the basics with tasty mesquite-grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches cooked over an open flame. Please note this is a cash-only establishment. There is an ATM available inside.
El Paisano Restaurant at the Rise
1000 E. Apache Blvd., Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 474-4010
El Paisano Restaurant at the Rise offers patrons delicious Mexican and American food, fresh ingredients, fast service, friendly staff and big portions. Everything is cooked to order, and you can choose all the toppings. Located near the ASU Tempe Campus, it’s a great spot to stop between classes or if you’re here visiting the campus and need to bite to eat!
Foch Café & Bistro
21 E. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 398-8534
Foch Café & Bistro is a locally-owned restaurant with American-European inspired dishes and craft cocktails made with house-made juices. Foch offers a full sit-down dining experience, a grab-and-go market with a coffee bar, and catering for events.
Haji-Baba: Middle Eastern Food
1513 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 894-1905
Haji-Baba is a longstanding east European, Mediterranean presence in Tempe. They offer an traditional Mediterranean dining experience, and also curate specialty goods from around the world at the market inside. It’s one of the go-to spots for locals and new ASU residents due to its distinctive and authentic cuisine, which keeps customers coming back for more.
Original ChopShop
222 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 307-9336
This quaint and charming restaurant is home to an energetic and youthful vibe, and features a great outdoor space next to the ASU Tempe Campus. Try one of their incredible sandwiches or salads, or power up with fresh juice.
Phoenicia Café
616 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-8009
For over 20 years, this family-owned restaurant has served delicious and affordable Mediterranean, Greek and Middle Eastern food. You can’t beat their killer Greek fries, hummus and, well, everything else on the menu. After visiting, explore nearby Mountain America Stadium, Desert Financial Arena and College Avenue Commons.
Pho Fresh Alley & Boba Tea
1000 E. Apache Blvd., Suite #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 247-9000
Sometimes a great bowl of Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) is just the right comfort food after a stressful day in class. Pho Fresh Alley & Boba Tea is located on Rural Road and Apache Boulevard, on the ground floor of RISE on Apache. From egg rolls to rice bowls, they have great options for a quick bite or a big meal. They also have several flavors of boba tea and shakes. We recommend trying the Jasmine Milk Tea with boba.
Postino Annex
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 927-1111
In the shadow of Mountain America Stadium lies Postino Annex. Located in what was formerly the ASU Art Annex Building, Postino Annex is known for its scrumptious bruschetta appetizers, delicious salads, and, of course, their wine selection. This location has a large, streetside patio that offers excellent views of both ASU Tempe Campus and “A” Mountain. Postino Annex is the perfect place to go before an ASU Gammage performance, over ASU Family weekend, or really anytime you’re in the Downtown Tempe area.
Thai Basil
1111 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-0101
Add spice to your life with this authentic Thai restaurant. Thai Basil is one of the many Thai restaurants in the Tempe area, but this one happens to be directly across from campus near Apache and Rural Road. The wide selection of tradition offerings is fresh, authentic and prepared from favorite family recipes.
Rusty Taco
707 S. Forest Ave., Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 955-2955
Rusty Taco’s commitment is to make everything fresh and by hand. Rusty’s “little taco stand” is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a place where everyone is welcome. From their fresh chips and salsa to their ice-cold margaritas, you’re in the right place if you’re hungry.
Sauce Pizza & Wine
705 S. Myrtle Ave., Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 597-4260
Pizza, pasta and wine … what more could you ask for? Sauce Pizza & Wine delivers all of the above with an added bonus: quick service! Their menu features hand-stretched pizzas, gourmet salads, a variety of hearty pasta dishes and a lovely wine list.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S. College Ave. #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 355-1934
Take it easy and brunch at Snooze, A.M. Eatery! Great food, a roomy patio and a trendy atmosphere make this place a treat every time. At Snooze, guests are tempted by scratch-made menu items such as a choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or house-made breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy.
Taco Boys
1015 S. Rural Rd., Suite #101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 597-5623
Taco Boys is a Sonoran-style taqueria with 18 years of experience, serving the best burritos, tacos, vampiros and quesadillas with pure love. Choose your taco meat, and then head to the fully loaded topping bar for cilantro, onions, salsas, lime and other vegetables to add to your taco. Check out their beer wall, serving 20 different varieties on tap!
Tocaya Modern Mexican
702 S. Forest Ave., Suite 103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 573-6400
Located off 7th Street and Forest Avenue, Tocaya is bold in flavors and specializes in “Modern Mexican” cuisine. From salads, tacos, burritos, bowls and quesadillas, Tocaya is a sophisticated, fresh-casual setting that can accommodate a variety of preferences, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Grab-N-Go
In a time crunch? Check out these eateries around ASU Tempe Campus that are quick to serve!
Board and Brew
1015 S. Rural Rd., Suite #105, Tempe, AZ 85281
The Halal Guys
1015 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
521 South College Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281
d’Lite Healthy On The Go
125 E. Southern Ave., Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85282
