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Where to Eat in Tempe AZ and Chandler Arizona

Now is the time to escape the winter and head to Sunny Arizona! Especially if you’re a baseball fan since Cactus League Spring Training is starting up. In case you’re planning a visit, be sure to read this list of where to eat in Tempe & Chandler AZ! Thank you to Tempe Tourism and Visit Chandler for hosting me.

Hangar Cafe

Let’s kick of the restaurant tour at the Hangar Cafe. Not only does this cafe have great diner food, it’s also got quite the view. Located at the Chandler Municipal Airport, this cafe features some great food in addition to giving you the chance to watch the runway. There’s a small interior dining section, but the best seats are certainly out on the patio. If you do eat indoors, be sure to head upstairs to watch some planes do takeoffs and landings.

In regards to the food, give me some coffee and a great cheesy omelet and I’m a happy gal. The portion sizes are certainly generous, so be ready to share or fill up for the day.

US Egg

Another great breakfast option, this one in Tempe. US Egg has your typical breakfast restaurant feel, but does have a small patio seating area, great for enjoying that sunny Arizona weather! And inside, take some time to check out the walls, and perhaps a trip to the bathroom to see how their decorating really is all about the egg. US Egg is another spot that serves up big portions, perfect for fueling you up for some hiking!

The Brickyard Downtown

GO HERE! Trust me, just do it! The Brickyard Downtown is a fairly new restaurant that is in the heart of Chandler. Featuring open air seating with a patio, this restaurant invites you to stay and chat for a while. The menu at The Brickyard is what I was impressed with. Amazing, unique flavor combinations and so many options.

You really need to go with friends so you can order a lot of their tapas-inspired dishes to share! Plus, they’re known for their drinks and their bartenders have some skills. Cocktail movie memories, honestly! Just grab their “Book of Libations” and get ready for a night of great food, crazy drinks, and a fun atmosphere. There’s even a page of drinks for designated drivers!

House of Tricks

Tempe is the home of ASU, and House of Tricks is a popular spot with students. It’s located in the heart of ASU territory and is built around a home property. You can dine outside on their large patio surrounded by greenery and flowers, or head inside one of their two charming historic houses.

My experience at lunch was fabulous. They have some great sandwiches and salads, and I loved how their menu options are unique. When you go visit a city it’s always fun to find great eateries that aren’t serving the same things every other restaurant serves. They take pride on their food quality and service. I expect the dinner experience is upscale and the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

The Perch Pub & Brewery

Surprisingly enough, Arizona is really big into breweries. Last spring I attended a brews & baseball press event and was amazed at how much of an industry breweries are in the Phoenix area. If you’re in the mood to try a local brewery and you’re looking for a fun spot to hang out while you drink, check out the Perch.

It has an open air seating layout that also includes a rooftop bar and dining section. One of the unique features about The Perch are the rescued bird aviaries. You’ll dine surrounded by nature and bird sounds! Two things I highly recommend: 1) tell your server your favorite types of brews and they’ll build a tasting tailored for your tastes, and 2) the buffalo tots are a must order.

Related Post: A Day Full of Food at Phoenix Restaurants

The Normal Diner

Another great dining spot in the heart the ASU campus, The Normal Diner takes a fun spin on the classic American diner. It’s unique in that it’s hooked to a hotel, but also that it’s got a great eclectic old-school feel. Be sure to take a close look at the 8-track art piece that runs along their far wall.

Food-wise you’ll find some distinctive diner faves, with a special spin. They have a fondness for chicken and waffles, plus offer a signature drink called the Redeemer which is a bloody mary that features a burger slider as a topper. Perfect spot to grab an all-day breakfast.

Rawhide

If you’re a family traveling to the Chandler, Arizona area, definitely check out Rawhide. Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community is a legendary Arizona Western frontier town complete with Main Street, gunfights, stagecoach and train rides, burro rides, mechanical bull and climbing wall, petting ranch, gold pannin’, shootin’ gallery, and unique retail shops.

Plus their Steakhouse features some great food options and live music. They even encourage dancing, perfect for the kids when you want to relax over dinner a little longer. The great thing is also the large portion sizes, perfect for families to share plates and fill up before heading out for some western fun!

Check out these other family-friendly activities in Arizona and if you love the outdoors, plan to visit one of Arizona’s National Parks.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub

If you’re planning on catching your favorite game or doing some shopping while in Tempe, definitely check out the Thirsty Lion Gastropub. It has more of a standard mainstream dinner joint feel, but with a fun nod to the European gastropub. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, or stop into while catching a movie or shopping at the Tempe Marketplace. I’m still drooling over their garlic sesame edamame and tempura green beans!

Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria

This is a restaurant that will surprise you. It’s located in a strip mall, but the food is phenomenal. Everything at Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria is made fresh to order. Their pizzas are cooked in a massive wood fire oven that is a beautiful piece of art in addition to being functional.

They have serve delicious Neapolitan style pizzas, salads, pastas, and sandwiches. Trust me, don’t let the location fool you, this food is chef-inspired and tasty!

Sammies

My final recommendation for where to eat in Tempe AZ and Chandler Arizona is focused on dessert. Sammies is a fun concept that I haven’t seen before. They feature cookies and a variety of ice creams for you to build your own sammie ice cream sandwich. Definitely a fun spot for kids and adults!

These 10 restaurants all had something unique and special to offer, plus the food was memorable. I only wish now that I lived a bit closer so I could go back for more! If you’re planning a trip to the Phoenix area, be sure to check out Tempe and Chandler. Both cities have some great attractions, plus as you can see, great dining!

Related Reading: Best Downtown Scottsdale Restaurants

Be sure to save this pin to your travel board for future planning!

Planning a vacation to the Phoenix area? These 10 amazing Chandler Arizona & Tempe AZ restaurants are unique and serve delicious food and drinks! Definitely need this for Arizona travel planning!

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