ASU
Restaurants near Tempe’s ASU Gammage
July 2, 2024
Plan your next dinner-and-a-show evening in Tempe
Congrats, you’ve secured the hottest tickets in town and you’re set for a bucket list-worthy night of Broadway. The next — and essential — step is choosing delicious and convenient restaurant near ASU Gammage to start your evening off.
With a variety of Tempe restaurants just a quick jaunt from the venue, you may only have to park once for the evening (here’s a guide to where to park in Downtown Tempe). Additionally, the Tempe Streetcar operates around the ASU Tempe Campus and through downtown, with a stop in front of ASU Gammage, which greatly expands your options.
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants near ASU Gammage:
Restaurants within approx. 0.5 miles of ASU Gammage
Alter Ego at Canopy by Hilton Downtown Tempe
108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-612-7871
Located on the ground floor of the Canopy by Hilton Tempe, Alter Ego is an eclectic and stylish concept, complete with a distinct bar and a massive “Welcome to Tempe, Arizona” mural in the main dining room. Serving up innovative Asian fusion dinner options, this full-service restaurant and bar embraces the essence of both traditional and modern flavors — perfect for a diverse range of palates. Whether you choose one of the classic flatbreads or the fusion-forward entrees, there’s a hand-crafted cocktail waiting to complete your experience here.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9935
For years, Casey Moore’s has been a popular hang out spot for locals, visitors, students, professors —everyone is welcome. And the extensive menu — starring salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood options and a full bar — keeps enthusiasts coming back. Relax on the patio or choose to sit in one of the charming indoor dining rooms. This place is known to be haunted, so who knows what you might see before a show at ASU Gammage.
Neighborhood Services at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
7 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-794-8600
This ground-floor concept at Tempe’s newest AAA Four Diamond property, Neighborhood Services is an upscale and approachable restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor seating for savoring its menu of rotating favorites, craft cocktails and more. The American fare is hearty, and the Southwestern vibes meet ASU nods in the decor add a local touch to this warm and inviting space.
Sauce Pizza & Wine
705 S. Myrtle Ave., Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-597-4260
If you find yourself short on time before the show, but still want something delicious for dinner, head to Sauce Pizza & Wine, just a 10 minute stroll from ASU Gammage. With quick counter service, you can enjoy hand-stretched pizzas, gourmet salads, a variety of hearty pasta dishes and a lovely wine list, and still make it to ASU Gammage with plenty of time before the first act.
Terra Tempe at The Westin Tempe
11 E. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-8885
On the ground floor of The Westin Tempe, you can’t miss Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits. Ornate and minimalist, lavish and no nonsense, the ambiance here suits every occasion. From most seats, you’ll have a view of the kitchen, where the magic happens. Cleverly combining the rustic flavors of Arizona and traditional Southwestern dishes, a dining experience here is an inventive foray into new Sonoran Desert cuisine — and the presentation is off the charts.
Restaurants within approx. 0.6 miles of ASU Gammage
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S. Mill Ave., #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-314-2337
Fans of beer gardens will appreciate the aesthetic of Pedal Hause, a spacious beer-centric restaurant with a grand patio space and three indoor/outdoor bar options — each with 24 taps. Pair a hand-crafted European-style beer with an entree from the Belgian-American gastropub menu. Flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and snakes make this spot a people pleaser (there’s a lot more than beer to sip on too)!
Pita Jungle
4 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-804-0234
Pita Jungle is one of my favorite spots. Located on the corner of University Dr. and Mill Ave., the upbeat, edgy atmosphere is highlighted with artwork from local artists. Their healthy, Mediterranean dishes include Chicken Shawarma Pitas, Falafel, Lavosh Pizzas and Wood-fired Salmon. And, of course, always start your meal with pitas and their tasty hummus.
Shady Park
26 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-474-4222
Since 2015, this retro-cool concept has been fusing live music and dining concepts under one roof. In the meantime, build-your-own ramen, poke and curry specialties have earned this spot a loyal and enthusiastic fan base. Whether you come before of after the show, you’ll fit right in, as this concept is meant for hanging out. After a hiatus, concerts and DJs are on track to return to this widely loved, indoor/outdoor venue soon — maybe in time for a 2024-2025 Broadway show.
Restaurants within approx. 0.7 miles of ASU Gammage
Postino Annex
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-927-1111
Postino Annex is located in what was formerly the ASU Art Annex building, a low-slung, red brick Mid-Century Modern gem, built in the 1950s and used most recently as an ASU graduate student art studio. Postino Annex is known for its sumptuous bruschetta appetizers which are substantial enough to be a complete meal, or can be shared with friends followed by one of their delicious salads, sandwiches or desserts. Their patio is one of my favorite places to get a glimpse of campus life.
Restaurants located along the Tempe Streetcar Route
Bang Bang – Tempe
420 S. Mill Ave., 201, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-500-5562
Perched above Mill Avenue, Tempe’s newest nightlife hotspot engages all the senses with sushi, sake, music, ambiance and pure vibrant energy. More than a culinary journey, Bang Bang is and immersive experience that comes to life every evening in the heart of downtown. The Asian-fusion menu offers a robust lineup of sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi — complemented by noodles, bao buns, dumplings, fried rice selections and loads of sharables. The space transforms as the night rolls along, so come back after the show if a dance floor is what you’re looking for.
Caffe Boa
398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9112
Founded in 1994, Caffe Boa has been a staple in the Tempe community ever since. Nestled on 4th Street and Mill Avenue, the patio here offers an intimate setting with a canopy of beautiful greenery that filters out the hustle and bustle of the Downtown area. While taking in the patio, enjoy handmade pasta and fresh seafood crafted from the finest organic, natural ingredients. Also, make sure to explore Caffe Boa’s extensive wine and cocktail list.
Cocina Chiwas
2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-916-3690
This upscale and authentic dining experience delivers world-class Chihuahuan cuisine. Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, this concept is the most recent addition to their growing family of restaurants across the Valley of the Sun. Favorites range from tacos and wood-fi red quesadillas to steaks and a variety of seafood offerings — best enjoyed with a Paloma or piña colada in hand. Be sure to make a reservation because this culinary duo has quite a following of enthusiastic foodies.
Eureka! Tempe
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 173, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-242-4431
This option actually requires a ride on the Valley Metro Rail (not the Tempe Streetcar). But if you’ve read this far, you’re in for a treat. Open at Tempe’s Novus Place since February 2024, Eureka! is a spacious and sophisticated space features a sleek patio, indoor-outdoor bar, live music stage and scratch kitchen. A roster of gourmet burgers and signature and entrees highlight locally sources ingredients, innovative flavor combinations and elevated pairings. Speaking of which, taps here feature 20 craft beers from the best local breweries, over 40 small-batch whiskeys and craft cocktails that range from classic sips to over-the-top creations.
Zu & Pocha
1212 E. Apache Blvd., #107-109, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-590-2903
In Korean, Pojangmacha (pocha for short) means “covered wagon” and refers to a makeshift pub or street vendor that offers booze and food, especially in the late evenings. Similarly, this modern twist on the classic Korean concept offers an upscale-meets-chill atmosphere that dares you to try something new: Pollack Pasta made with squid ink, lobster rolls served on charcoal + brioche buns or a selection from seasonally rotating the raw bar. For a true pocha experience, pair your selections with sake, soju or a Korean-inspired signature cocktail.
Special Deals
Receive special deals at participating restaurants before the Broadway performance by showing your digital tickets to an ASU Gammage performance. Offers valid only on the date of the performance at ASU Gammage. See participating restaurants here.
