It’s not just the weather that is hot, hot, HOT in Arizona. The foodie scene is scorching with Southwestern flair in the Grand Canyon State. And Tempe — located right next to Phoenix and home to Arizona State University as well as the Angels’ home for Spring Training — is quickly making its mark on the scene.
We’re sharing some of our favorites that we found while exploring Tempe for a recent three day weekend. Which ones are on your list? We’d love to hear!
BREAKFAST
Red Velvet Waffles at Daily Jam in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Make Daily Jam your daily breakfast jam while soaking up those sunny Arizona rays and thank us later.
Previously known as Ncounter, this eatery is rightfully famous for their Red Velvet Waffles. Need we say more? Probably not, because wow — these are good. Like crazy, crazy good. We’re not even sure how such a waffle didn’t send us directly into a massive food coma, but somehow they managed to be both light and syrupy and marvelous and perfect all at once. Typically drizzled with the uber-popular cream cheese frosting, we substituted this out for the chocolate syrup.
Add on’s like bananas foster, strawberries, whipped cream, apple cinnamon pecan just add to the incredible wow factor these waffles serve up. Daily Jam is also known for adding a few seasonal specialties to their menu so be sure to be on the lookout for some extra special treats. And what goes better with breakfast than a smoothie, a mimosa or even a Bloody Mary. Daily Jam has a nice selection from which to choose.
Lox and a Bagel at Morning Squeeze in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Tempe Tourism
Do you like to start your day with a little morning squeeze? We thought so. Us too.
Mimosa Flight at Morning Squeeze in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
And you’ll want to keep out your cameras and tell everyone when you step into the Insta-fabulousness that is Tempe’s Morning Squeeze. Start with the Journey lyrics on the wall that you’ll need to show off on your feed and then stay for what we’re sure has to be the best dang mimosa flight in the state. The OJ and strawberry mimosas were both yummy, but the pomegranate mimosa would have us coming by every day if we could!
Brekkie Goals at Morning Squeeze in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Of course, one can’t drink their entire breakfast. And luckily, their menu is full of brekkie goal must-have’s like avocado toast, pancakes and tacos to get you pumped for your day ahead. PRO TIP: We always love a good lox and bagel in the morning, but were pleasantly surprised by the addition of pickled onions which managed to make one of our all-time favorite’s taste uniquely delicious. A must get to compliment that pomegranate mimosa!
Breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Some breakfast spots are so good they are local institutions and Matt’s Big Breakfast is beloved in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun. First opening its doors in Phoenix in 2004, the restaurant is even a favorite of Guy Fieri — who featured it on his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Known for their hearty ‘big’ breakfasts, the menu is full of waffles (Guy Fieri called them a “hot frisbee of fun”) and bacon and sausage. But they also have healthier choices, such as this veggie scramble with possibly the world’s largest side of hash browns.
You’ll find a few locations dotted around the Greater Phoenix Area, some have lines wrapped around the door. The Tempe location is even more spacious than some of the original restaurants, so we say to come here first. After all, why wait if you can get to all that goodness even faster!?
LUNCH & DINNER
Hemp Tamales at Sunbar in Tempe, Arizona. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Looking for the best tamales in Arizona? Of course you are.
The thing about tamales is they’re often pretty carb heavy (not that there’s anything wrong with that — in fact, there’s probably a lot of right with that — but that’s not necessarily for everyone). Sunbar’s hemp tamales are at a totally different level. So light, so delicious, so perfectly yummy. Trust us, order the hemp tamales and you’ll be dreaming of them for weeks after.
Wings at Sunbar in Tempe, Arizona. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
But the restaurant can’t be all about the tamales. Sunbar is also known for their wings and burgers, sandwiches and salads. Oh, and did we mention they have a pretty rad ‘party garden’ and event space.
Ruby Trout and Wine at House of Tricks in Tempe, Arizona. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
No, it’s not a magician’s house. Though when your waiter brings you your entree, you may disagree. Making many ‘best of lists’ — from the New York Times to Sunset Magazine to us, The Knockturnal — House of Tricks first opened its doors in 1987. The restaurant will first beguile you with its open-air patio and homey feel (you won’t be surprised to learn it was remodeled from what were originally both an adjoining 1920s cottage as well as an adobe brick structure from 1903).
And it’s true that this local favorite is the perfect special occasion restaurant — whether for a romantic date, a bite with friends or the place local ASU students take their parents to when they’re visiting campus). But it is their elegantly prepared cuisine and fine wine list that will really razzle dazzle you.
And speaking of their wines, it will come as no surprise that among their many accolades that they’ve also been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for two years in a row. We absolutely loved the Ruby Trout for lunch — cooked cooked to perfection. The Saracco Moscato that the waiter recommended was the perfect compliment (particularly if you love sweet wines). That said, we’re pretty sure if you tried everything on the menu that you’d have a daily new favorite.
It’s always a party at Culinary Dropout in Tempe, AZ with Freddy Mercury, Amy Winehouse and more. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
According to Culinary Dropout’s website, this is where you’ll go to “enjoy damn good food & drinks.” They’re not kidding.
Rainbow Trout at Culinary Dropout in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Even though the restaurant itself is massive, with various event rooms and spaces for games and local bands to entertain diners — Culinary Dropout manages to pack in the crowds. Be sure to make a reservation or you’ll likely end up waiting for a table on Friday and Saturday nights. Really, we’re told that this is always a scene so a reservation will be a smart idea any time of the day and at any time of the week.
Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue at Culinary Dropout in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
But it’s not just that the restaurant is so much, well.. fun — the food is crazy good too. Feast on classic American food with an edgy twist and enjoy the signature cocktails.
PRO TIP: Order their famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. We’ll leave it up to you to decide if you should devour it all and bring home your entrée for the next day’s leftovers — or share it with friends.
Bruschetta and Pizza at La Bocca in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
La Bocca is another sophisticated eatery located in Tempe’s historic Mill Avenue, perfect for to dine for a special occasion, like seeing a Broadway show at ASU’s lovely Gammage Theater. Or, ya know, a Tuesday night.
With a menu starring locally sourced, Mediterranean inspired foods, we were delighted by the excellent service from the staff, even on a rainy night. Our waiter mentioned that the restaurant is known for its pizza. And so we opted for one of their most popular pies — the Truffle Mushroom Pizza. It came piping hot, with layers of mozzarella and fontina cheese, mushrooms, grape tomatoes and goat cheese and is covered with fresh spinach. We also recommend choosing one of their incredible bruschettas as well — or if you’re with friends, opting for the choice of four (you can never have too many options!) The Spanish Bruschetta is a wonderful mix of Manchego cheese and roasted red bell pepper romaneco. So so good! La Bocca also offers a nice selection of wine and craft beer.
An extra bonus: We loved that the restaurant offered portable phone chargers to juice up your cell phone. What compliments an Insta-worthy dinner better than that?
Ravioli Zucca at Caffe Boa in Tempe, AZ. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
Serving Italian dishes, such as handmade pastas and fresh seafood and crafted from organic, natural ingredients, this is another popular upscale restaurant located along trendy Mill Avenue. Caffe Boa has been a popular Tempe hot spot since 1994. The Ravioli Zucca with butternut squash and toasted hazelnuts is a favorite of the menu.