Entertainment-focused dining has been trending for several years, and it’s easy to see why. A typical meal may last an hour or two, but when combined with sports, games and activities, it makes for a full and memorable experience. Tempe proudly offers dynamic dining opportunities, and even better, these favorite Tempe destinations are offering special dining deals until the end of July.
Electric Pickle
Pickleball has taken the Valley by storm, but the Electric Pickle goes above and beyond, offering an extensive menu of mouthwatering dishes.
“Electric Pickle isn’t just a place to play,” says Cody Conti, vice president of operations at Electric Pickle, “it’s a place to stay. Beyond the buzz of pickleball, what truly sets us apart is the intentional blend of play and palate.”
Visitors love that they can pop into “the pickle” for an afternoon of pickleball and satiate post-sporting hunger with options like Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice topped with spicy tuna, avocado and unagi with a Cubano slow-roasted pork sandwich or Margherita pizza. Oh, and the chocolate brownies and French toast sticks are irresistible endings to an incredible meal. And these are but a few examples!
In addition to pickleball, this one-stop entertainment and dining hub also houses bocce ball, golf simulators, ping pong and cornhole. There’s also a live music stage and a lawn for general activities.
“Whether it’s brunch, post-work happy hour or late-night matches under the lights, people come to Electric Pickle looking for more than just activity,” Conti says. “They’re here for an experience, and they bring their friends. That sense of togetherness is what Tempe is all about.”
Pri-fixe menu deal ($33 per person): One choice of starter, one choice of entree and one choice of dessert.
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Social Hall
Think of the ultimate hang-loose and equally energetic bar and restaurant, with a full game room and you have Social Hall. This Tempe locale is known for hosting duos, trios and large party groups alike (reservations are required for 7-plus people).
The aptly-named cocktails reflect the creativity of Social Hall’s vibrant atmosphere, such as the Jam Packed Capri Sun with Ketel One Botanical vodka, seasonal puree
Blend and lemonade and the Monkey in a Suit with Rum, amaro, banana liqueur, orgeat and lime.
Guests love Social’s game room, complete with arcade games, shuffleboard, skeeball, pool tables, ping pong, foosball and electronic darts. They also have indoor and outdoor spaces, including a courtyard with a stage and fire pits, and a covered patio with games (for cooler summer nights).
In between a super-sized game of Connect Four or ping pong, noshes are for the ordering, such as nachos, buffalo mac, burgers, salads and more.
Pri-fixe menu deal ($40 per person): Once choice of cocktail, one choice of starter and one choice of entree.
Snakes & Lattes
Summer days are meant for more relaxed schedules and long hours spent with favorite people. Knowing this, Snakes and Lattes cultivated a primo spot to gather for good food and feel-good games.
Landing at Snakes & Lattes for an afternoon gives visitors access to more than 1,000 gaming choices. From classic board games, strategy games and party games to card games and classics, there’s something for everyone. Fan favorites include 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Dominion, Battlestar Clue, Guess Who and Apples to Apples.
All the gaming gets appetites going, which makes having a tasty menu on-site a major plus. Korean Fire Chicken, Loaded Poutine and Sonoran Nachos, the Espresso Martinini and the Santorini Latte are just a few coveted dishes to enjoy.
Pri-fixe menu deal ($25 per person): One free game, one choice of beverage and one choice of entree.
Drink Me! Tea Room
High Tea is meant to be savored and shared! Drink Me! Tea Room is the ultimate destination to do both.
Suited to both intimate parties or groups, this tea contains more than meets the eye. With holiday-themed and beloved storybook backdrops (Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter as examples), guests often come to Drink Me! Tea Room in character — or in the style for which high-tea celebrates (fancy and fun). “Harry Potter,” “Alice and Wonderland,” and other beloved characters are welcome!
Whether dressed to impress or in comfy clothes, patrons of this charming tea house enjoy scones, coffee cakes and teas — the Alice tea even changes color when citrus is added!
Pri-fixe menu deal ($45 per person): Choice of one Special-Tea Cocktail, one tray of sweets & savories and one pot of premium tea.
To find out more on Tempe’s hottest summer deals as well as participating hotels and restaurants, visit SummerInTempe.com.
