Downtown Tempe is an epicenter for elevated culinary experiences, shopping and entertainment. This summer, Valley visitors can spend the day exploring the city’s most celebrated restaurants, cafes, boutiques and small businesses — with special dining deals all through July. Whether you’re spending a day, two or enjoying a staycation weekend, the following downtown destinations are perfect additions to a daily itinerary.
“Downtown Tempe has long been a place for social connection, especially over great food and drinks,” said Lori Foster, Downtown Tempe Authority president and CEO. “And we’re excited to be inviting Valley locals to be tourists in their own downtown, supporting local, independent eateries as part of Taste in Tempe.”
Fill your days and nights with these ‘Taste in Tempe’ restaurants
Alter Ego at Canopy by Hilton Tempe
Tucked inside the lobby of Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown Hotel, Alter Ego blends modern Asian‑fusion and New American fare in an urban chic setting. Dinner fan favorites include Buffalo Tempura Cauliflower, Miso Salmon and St. Louis Butter Cake. Taste in Tempe deal ($55 per person): One starter, choice of one entree and St. Louis Butter Cake for dessert.
Caffe Boa
Past meets present at Caffe Boa — with artisan pastas and Arizona’s only all-natural wine list. Caffe Boa offers an enchanting atmosphere in Mill Avenue’s 1899 Casa Loma Building. For over 31 years, this Italian restaurant has been serving up such dishes as Antonio Street Corn, Ravioli Zucca with butternut squash and Homemade Tiramisu — all of which are part of this nearly hidden gem’s prix-fixe menu (all for $30 per person).
Foch Café & Bistro
Often described as a downtown hidden gem, Foch is known for its bright and airy atmosphere and American‑European fusion flavors. For lunch, think duck wings, fried pickles, Fork & Knife Caesar and Fried Chicken n’ Gravy Crepes. Lunch deal ($20 per person): Choice of one starter and choice of one entree. For the dinner deal ($75 for two people), choose between five tartines or a cheese board, one salad for sharing and two of the three featured entrees: Duck Confit Burger, Poulett and Caldo de Marisco.
Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU’s popular ground-floor concept, Neighborhood Services, has received rave reviews for its chic and stylish surroundings, scrumptious menu and craft cocktails. Show-stopping menu items, including Dip Duo (pimento cheese, spicy guacamole and corn chips), Rigatoni Alla Vodka and Ding Dong with chocolate ganache and chantilly cream round out this roster of food and drink served in the American tradition. Deal ($40 per person): Choice of one starter, choice of one entree and the Ding Dong for dessert.
Postino Winecafe (Tempe Annex location only)
For a cozy dinner after enjoying downtown activities, pairing Postino’s bruschetta boards with a glass (or bottle) of wine is the perfect crowd pleaser. Bruschetta choices range from smoked salmon and pesto; to Brie, apple and fig spread; and so many more creative pairings. Deal ($40 per person): Choice of one starter, choice of one entree (with a bruschetta board as one option) and choice of one dessert.
Snakes & Lattes
The largest board game bar and cafe in the state, Snakes & Lattes is the perfect place to unwind with a board game and bites and beverages in tow. Deal ($25 per person): One game fee and choice of one cocktail, beer pint or mocktail, paired pair with a salad, handheld (sandwich or burger), flatbread pizza, entree or poutine (add $10 for steak or salmon).
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ASU Art Museum
A visit to the ASU Art Museum is the perfect aperitivo this summer. Featuring rotating exhibits with national and international contemporary artists, the museum always offers free admission.
Candle Chemistry
An ideal afternoon activity, this downtown sweetheart hosts DIY sessions for making candles, soaps and scrubs. Candle enthusiasts can choose from a robust scent collection to infuse custom coconut wax candles.
Knee Deep Denim
This female-owned fashion haven is the vintage shopper’s dream. Recognized for its size‑inclusive brand, the store offers a wide range of jeans, shorts, skirts and tops blending modern flair with vintage charm and quality.
TuTugether
This super-trendy DIY crafting studio on Mill Avenue invites you to try your hand at rug tufting, paint pouring, decoden art and more. Unleash your imagination, experiment with colors and craft unique masterpieces that reflect your unique style.
The Plant Mill
Visitors love the (literal) homegrown feel and vibe of The Plant Mill, where guests can shop for succulents, have a professional pot a new plant, peruse artisan goods (like jewelry and candles) and more.
“Downtown Tempe has a taste for every palette, including options you won’t find anywhere else,” Foster added. “Whether it’s the ravioli zucca paired with a natural wine at Caffe Boa or the fabulous duck bacon, lettuce, tomato and egg sandwich at Foch Cafe & Bistro, Taste in Tempe offers foodies a chance to try them all.”
To find out more on Tempe’s hottest summer Taste in Tempe deals as well as participating hotels and restaurants, visit SummerInTempe.com.
