Food Scene
New Places To Dine, Drink and Dance in Tempe
March 5, 2025
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.
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, AZ 85288 | 480-590-7215
Aruma Cafe at Culdesac Tempe
Cocina Chiwas owners Nadia Holguin and Armando Hernandez have yet again expanded their culinary empire, adding Tempe’s newest coffee shop to their ever-growing list of accolades. Aruma Cafe — located at Culdesac Tempe (across from their award-winning concept, Cocina Chiwas — opened in the spring of 2024 and serves up a selection of specialty coffee, espresso and tea drinks, as well as aguas frescas and horchata. This endeavor is a partnership between the duo and former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (who currently plays for the Tennessee Titans).
2011 E. Apache Blvd., #143, Tempe, AZ 85281
Catalyst Crafted Ales
Tempe’s newest craft beer oasis, Catalyst Crafted Ales, opened the doors to this brewing operation in early 2024. Here, Will Walthereson and Alex Baldwin are pairing their passion, innovation and community collaboration to produce a wide range of sips, with an emphasis on sours, IPAs and stouts. Seltzer lovers will appreciate the quality and variety here, too. Regardless of what you’re sipping on, it doesn’t any get better than having some of the best seafood tacos in town under the same roof — this concept is also home to S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Tacos).
1845 E. Broadway Road, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ 85282
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 AZ 85283
The Chill Room
There’s a new social destination in buzzing in Tempe. Since last 2023, The Chill Room has distinguished itself and the premier destination for the finest alcohol-free beverages and spirit-free cocktails, as well as herbal teas, Fijian extracts, botanical root teas and coffees. Additionally, the menu features light fare for breakfast, lunch and snacking. Be sure to check out the weekly happenings at this venue, which include weekly open mic nights, live music, DJs, movie nights, poker, trivia and more.
1320 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-687-1088
Cocina Chiwas
From the family that created such concepts as Bacanora, Espiritu and Tacos Chiwas throughout the Valley, comes an upscale and authentic Mexican dining experience in Tempe. Husband-and-wife co-owners, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, are delivering world-class Chihuahuan cuisine from their new location at Culdesac — Tempe’s new car-free community. Lucky for you, there are parking options. But be sure to make a reservation, because this culinary duo has quite a following of enthusiastic foodies.
Hernandez and Holguin have racked up a roster of culinary accolades for their variety of Valley concepts, including semifinalist honors in the Outstanding Restaurateur category of the 2024 James Beard Awards. Needless to say, we’re thrilled they’ve set up shop in Tempe. Check out our TikTok for more.
In fall 2024, El Jardín Chiwas also made its Culdesac debut. Located just a short walk from Cocina Chiwas, this beer garden is a celebration of outdoor spaces and community that features yard games, picnic tables, firepits and more.
2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-916-3690
Devil’s Hideaway + Idle Hands
Four years after Downtown Tempe’s iconic Irish pub and restaurant – Rúla Búla – closed its doors, the two-story Mill Avenue building has opened its doors to two exciting new concepts. Open since March 2024, Devil’s Hideaway is more than a restaurant + bar. This truly unique space draws inspiration from a futuristic underground tunnel system circa 2054. Billed as an adult playground — complete with craft cocktails and small bites — this concept is also equipped with live music capabilities and a reimagined patio out back.
Turn one of the corners within the brick labyrinth and you’re at the door of Idle Hands Enchanted Cocktail Bar, a distinct, 90-minute cocktail experience of its own. Video projections across windowpane walls depict other-worldly scenes landscapes pair perfectly with the equally exclusive cocktail program for a one-of-a-kind speakeasy vibe. This effort is the latest collaboration between restaurateur/owner Julian Wright (Fork & Dagger Hospitality) and architect Wesley James (UnderTow and Century Grand cocktail bars).
401 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Electric Pickle
This new dining-meets-entertainment concept — the first-ever Electric Pickle — blends dining and entertainment across a 4.5-acre space in South Tempe. Combining the ultra-trendy sport of pickleball with an outdoor entertainment space and a two-story, globally inspired restaurant since January 2025, Electric Pickle redefines the entertainment and dining scene with nine state-of-the-art pickleball courts, private cabanas, Full Swing Golf Simulators, bocce ball, cozy fire pits, a live-music stage, an expansive lawn for cornhole and more. The signature restaurant offers inventive cocktails and dishes perfect for a mid-day patio experience, a late-night date beneath the twinkle lights and, of course, a post-match celebration for pickleballers.
8688 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-520-4000
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, AZ 85284 | 602-354-5566
Flavor Eatery and Lounge
New to Mill Avenue (on 4th Street), Flavor Eatery and Lounge brings together Caribbean favorites, American classics and craft cocktails in a restaurant and lounge atmosphere that features live music, events and, of course, shows all the big games. From such island flavors as curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken to burgers and wraps, this new spot is a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for a quick lunch bite or for lingering a little longer in the evenings.
404 S. Mill Ave., #101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-361-6001
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.
Bonus: The evolution of this course and practice facility will continue throughout 2025. Golfers can now enjoy the newly added activity lawn and Glenrosa patio bar; a live music venue and a new Mexican restaurant are scheduled to open later this year.
1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288 | 480-530-9880
Lush Cafe & Lounge
Swinging onto the scene with sold out grand opening featuring R&B star Bobby Valentino, Lush Café & Lounge is a hottest spot in South Tempe. The chef-inspired menu begins with baked goods, espresso and more in the earlier part of the day, followed by live music, elevated entrees and hand-crafted cocktails in the evenings. Music and vibes course throughout the experience, no matter what time of day. Be sure to follow @lushcafeandlounge on Instagram for details on special events, including wine & jazz Wednesdays and sing-a-long Sundays R&B brunch and more.
7470 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-590-5755
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 AZ 85281 | 480-209-1760
Novus Place
This year, a trio of dining options by Fox Restaurant Concepts have opened — and now anchor — the new NOVUS Place mixed-use entertainment district. Located on the ASU Tempe campus, adjacent to Downtown Tempe, this emerging hub for dining and gathering is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, including:
The Alley
The Alley, a purveyor of tea as well as atmosphere, made its Arizona debut at NOVUS Place. This is the spot for signature milk teas, fruit-infused drinks, a variety of handcrafted Deerioca (tapioca), ices coffee, espresso and a curated assortment of treats. The atmosphere cute, modern and inviting, so pull up a chair and hang out for a bit.
707 E. 6th St., Suite 165, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-932-9065
Eureka! Tempe
This new concept is a celebration of America’s finest food and spirits. The 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 spotlight the Eureka! philosophy of 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. Bonus: If you’ve ever wanted to join a whiskey club, Eureka! has details for you here.
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 173, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-242-4431
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a buzzy, modern Mexican restaurant that offers a fresh twist on Sonoran-style cuisine. The menu includes a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas and cheese crisps — accompanied by a bevy of starters, fresh salsas, zesty corn slaw, black or charro beans and cilantro lime rice. And then there’s the margaritas. Choose from classic, mango, pineapple + jalapeño or coconut, and that’s just the beginning of the cocktail program. Tequila flights and a roster of mezcal offerings will delight the most discerning palates. Grab a table inside the bright space or on the breezy patio and enjoy!
717 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3717
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
What sets Blue Sushi Sake Grill apart is the restaurant’s committed to preserving the environment and serves feel-good sushi made with sustainable seafood. Not only are they the largest sushi group running a sustainably sourced seafood program in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, but they also offer a diverse menu of traditional and creative maki, sashimi, nigiri, and one of the broadest vegan sushi menus in the country. Starters and shared plates get the party started, followed by a fast array of classic and specialty offerings. Cocktails, mocktails, wine, sake, beer and hot tea complete the experience. But with such exquisite creations as chocolate spring rolls and tempura fried ice cream, dessert should not be missed.
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 183, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-977-2583
Flower Child
Flower Child has landed in Tempe, bringing its famous menu — loaded with nourishing, scratch-made goodness — to NOVUS Place. This bright and cheery fast-casual spot invites you stay a while and enjoy the vibes along with a bite to eat. The superpower here is that this menu celebrates all dining preferences, from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and paleo. Salads and bowls, bursting with unique flavor combinations, offer a brilliant base for customizing with your choice of protein. The build your own entree combo comprises a series of seasonal sides for a true choose-your-own-dining-adventure. Steak, mac & cheese and kale salad; salmon, yuzu Brussles sprouts and red chile glazed sweet potato; shrimp, cauliflower risotto and fresh fruit; tofu, sweet corn quinoa and roasted broccoli. Yes, yes, yes, yes. The only decision left is whether to pair it with a kombucha, iced tea, sangria, wine or beer.
737 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3030
North Italia
For more of an upscale experience, North Italia serves up modern Italian cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere, with a sophisticated roster of scratch-made antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and creative pasta dishes. The menu offerings — from pork Milanese and Tortelloni al Pomodoro to squid ink Tonnarelli and ricotta Cavatelli — are rich and hearty. The variety of small plates, sides and chef’s boards make for a deliciously diverse tapas experience. The craft cocktail program and wine list are equally impressive, and expert pairing recommendations should not be taken lightly. Last, but not least, North offers and equally impressive weekend brunch. Bon appétit!
697 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 928-588-1007
Over Easy
As the newest addition to Tempe’s breakfast landscape, Over Easy brings a retro-meets-modern diner vibe to Novus Place. Aesthetically, the bright space, expansive patio and such décor as the custom neon wall make for a sunny way to start any day. This concept is known for creating energized takes on classic breakfast staples. Think: Golden Waffle Dogs, Chilaquiles and the Monte Cristo — as well as the classic dishes. Pro tip: Try the Banana Nut French Toast (as seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives).
690 S. Novus Place, Suite #707, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-6294
Pair Cupworks at Arizona Bouldering Project
Pair Cupworks has landed in Tempe. Open inside Arizona Bouldering Project since fall 2023, this marks the second location for co-owners Kimhak Em and Eugenia Tai. Turns out, rock climbing and espresso are a matcha made in heaven. Grab a day pass or a membership to this new indoor rock-climbing gym, and don’t miss the chance to try locally roasted specialty coffee blends and artisan teas. Standouts here include the fresh whisked matcha and pour overs, because — much like bouldering — perfection takes time.
2626 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-716-9014
Sala Thai Restaurant
For over two decades, Sala Thai has been offering an authentic taste of Thailand in the Valley of the Sun. In February 2024, this family of concepts expanded to Tempe. Here you can choose from a wide variety of delicious Thai dishes — soups, noodles, fried rice and curries — just like at the other two Greater Phoenix locations. Our advice, however, is to dive straight into the Tempe-exclusive street food section of the menu. Selections include kho mun gai (Thai chicken and rice), khao soi (yellow curry with chicken and egg noodles), khao moo dang (barbecue pork and rice) and Yumm Mama (the best instant ramen you’ll ever eat). Bonus: This location is open until midnight from Thursday to Saturday for all the late-night weekend foodies.
1740 E. Broadway Road, #106, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-264-4287
Silo
From Conceptually Social, the team behind The Larry in Downtown Phoenix, comes Silo. After a year as a pop-up concept, this restaurant has set up shop in a new, permanent space at the Hayden Ferry Lakeside (the office complex at the northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway) that’s open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For breakfast, expect a full espresso menu, pastries, hearty handhelds and entrees, as well as lighter offerings. The lunch menu shines with salads, sandwiches, burgers, bowls and sushi options. The space brings a modern-chic aesthetic to this fast-casual space, but consider taking your order to-go for savoring lakeside — the Tempe Town Lake shoreline is literally just steps away.
74 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 100, Tempe, AZ 85281
Taco Chelo
This beloved Valley taquería — a collaboration of restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin, chef Suny Santana and artist Gennaro Garcia — is has opened its second location in Tempe. Located at University Drive and College Avenue, this concept features the artwork, atmosphere and famous flavors that made the Downtown Phoenix location a favorite since 2018. Hand-pressed, made-to-order tortillas host a variety of tacos variations — carnitas, carne asada, barbacoa, al pastor (Wednesdays only), fish or veggies — along with a selection of authentic starters, salads, tortas, beers and cocktails.
521 S. College Ave., Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85281
Coming Soon:
Filthy Animal
Wexford Developments announced that Pretty Decent Concepts — the high-end restaurant group behind Phoenix’s Wren & Wolf, Trophy Room and Carry On — will build its fourth cocktail and creative restaurant concept in the 7700-square-foot (plus patio) in the space that was formerly home to P.F. Chang’s at Mill Avenue and University Drive. Slated to open in 2025, Filthy Animal will be Pretty Decent Concepts’ first establishment in Tempe.
740 S. Mill Ave., 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
Night Owl Pizza
This neighborhood restaurant and bar, with a Scottsdale location, is adding a Tempe location in the space that formerly housed Golden Pineapple. Expect New York Style pizza by the slice, smash burgers, craft cocktails and arcade games. 2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282
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, AZ 85281
The Roman
This creative, new Italian restaurant from Pretty Decent Concepts will be located at Hayden Ferry Lakeside, on the north end of Downtown Tempe. Stay tuned for additional details.
80 S Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
