DRINK it up!
Arizona was started with saloons + I think that momentum is true to Tempe’s present. The city has 10 major breweries + 6 distilleries that can all be visited + tour tasted, including…
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT | RULA BULA IRISH PUB
COST: CHEAP TO MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: CASUAL | BEST THING: BEER FLIGHTS
This bar is STEPS from the Tempe Mission Palms. It is in the Mill Ave District, which is where the college students hang out, but this often frequented by out of towners and older clientele.
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT | HOUSE OF TRICKS
COST: MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: UPSCALE SIT DOWN | BEST THING: P+B Jelly Dessert (no joke) + Fancy Cocktails
Just off Mill Avenue…this is a cozy spot serving New American fare in a 1920s bungalow with a patio featuring a fire pit & bar. They are great for a glass of wine or a snancier drink.
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT | LA BOCCA WINE BAR
COST: MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: UPSCALE SIT DOWN | BEST THING: (VINO +) BRUSCHETTA
This is right on Mill Avenue…just south of the hotel. A great place for a chill glass of wine while people watching. They also have a great antipasto menu — my favorite is the BABY BEET BRUSCHETTA.
MILL AVENUE DISTRICT | FAT TUESDAYS
COST: CHEAP TO MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: CASUAL TO TOURISTY | BEST THING: FROZEN DRINKS
Spacious bar with sidewalk patio serving New Orleans-style food in a Mardi Gras-themed space. Usually full of younger college folks…sports is usually on the TV…and most of the drinks they offer are frozen.
DOWN THE ROAD | CASEY MOORES
COST: CHEAP TO MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: CASUAL | BEST THING: THE PATIO
My Irish college haunt, Casey’s serve seafood, pub grub, draft beer & whiskey in a cozy, memorabilia-filled — and rumored HAUNTED by the original 1910’s owners, William and Mary Moeur — converted patio bungalow. JUST AN FYI: You do have to make a reservation to have a table in the haunted attic…but is a cool time capsule even if you don’t see any ghosts.
DOWN THE ROAD | CORNISH PASTY (SPEAKEASY)
COST: CHEAP TO MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: CASUAL | BEST THING: THE SPEAKEASY + “THE OGGIE” PASTY
This place is the best hot pocket-esque fare of your life — super delish! BUT, this place is more than some great food…they also have a cool speak easy. Simply go back toward the bathrooms…and then walk straight past the left of the bathroom through what looks to be the kitchen entrance, to the speakeasy in the back. Stocked with the same booze and food from the restuarunt…but also has an epic juke box and multiple pool tables.
DOWN THE ROAD | FOUR PEAKS BREWERY
COST: CHEAP TO MODERATE | ATMOSPHERE: CASUAL TO HIPSTER | BEST THING: BEER!
Nationally distrubtuing brewery, Four Peaks is actually nestled in the Tempe neighborhood, just one block south off University between Rural and McClintock roads. Again, a little hidden, but very much worth the trip.