ASU
Restaurants near Tempe’s ASU Gammage
March 26, 2025
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
Coming Soon: Filthy Animal
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
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 spring 2025, Filthy Animal will be Pretty Decent Concepts’ first establishment in Tempe.
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.
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.
Restaurants at NOVUS Place | 1.3 miles from ASU Gammage
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:
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
717 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3717
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!
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 183, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-977-2583
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.
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.
Flower Child
737 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3030
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.
North Italia
697 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 928-588-1007
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!
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.
