Location: Tempe
Top Restaurants in Tempe
Countries
Arizona, United States Food Guide: 10 Southwestern food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tempe
Discover Restaurants offering the best Southwestern food in Tempe, Arizona, United States. Located just 10 minutes east of downtown Phoenix, Tempe exudes its own personality and the youthful spirit of a college town. Home to Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States, Tempe has a vibrant downtown that’s active day and night. You’ll find locally-owned eateries and microbreweries, annual festivals, arts and cultural events. And plenty of opportunities to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year on a bike, hiking trail or stand-up paddleboard.
Things to do in Tempe
10. Casa Reynoso
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By LuvAZTravel
Our bill was $40 for two lunch specials and two sodas - overpriced for the quality and atmosphere. The chicken enchilada had hardly any chicken except for a few small pieces that looked like ground chicken with pepper. It was bland. We ordered one meal very specifically with no cheese due to a food allergy but it still came with cheese, then took forever to be remade correctly as ordered, after the other meal had been finished. The visit to the bathroom was an experience in itself. To get there you walk through an empty (at lunch) lounge that is a time capsule from the 70âs which might of been cool had it not had the stale smoky smell of my first crummy apartment. After you cross the room, you open an old door that leads two more doors to the bathroom. It was an odd location and a little scary being over there all by myself.
9. Rosita's Fine Mexican Food
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By PastorPastor
A few friends and I went there last night for dinner by accident. We intended to got to Rosita's Place because they had churros with caramel; however, we found that our driver took us to the wrong restaurant. Our waiter, Flow, understood our dilemma but encouraged us to stay. Since it wasn't crowded, we were able to be served very quickly. The food was good and the atmosphere very friendly. Wish they had the churros though (SMILE) . Recommend you go, dine and ask for Flow.
8. LA Fonda Mexican Foods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Silverio M
Reserved this place with one week notice to celebrate my parents 60th anniversary. Janet the owner was accommodating and attentive to all of our requests. She allowed me to bring in a mariachi band for a couple of hours and my group of 30 had a great time. The waitresses were on top of everything and went out of there way to make us feel at home. Not good with names but both young ladies were awesome. The food was excellent and they made sure our glasses were always full. I can't thank them enough for all they did. I will definitely be returning to personally re-thank them and look forward to dining with them again. Thank you all.
7. Loco Patron
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Vegasbum45
We stopped to get some drinks and food before going to Glendale for a football game. I got their shrimp tacos. They were so good. The staff was friendly. Itâs right next to the Rail service.
Arizona, United States Food Guide: 10 Pub food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tempe
6. Serrano's Mexican Food Restaurants
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Jeri W
Delicious. That's the term that comes to mind when I think of the lunch we had at Serranos.The location was perfect and timing couldn't be better since it was just after the lunch hour. The three of us were seated right away by a gracious hostess. Our server showed up in a reasonably short period of time. With him he brought a yummy bean dip and a red sauce dip. They were both very good. The bean dip was to die for it was so good.Our lunches consisted of a beef chimichanga, cheese enchilada platter and a taco salad. It was all very good. We loved the food.Definitely five stars for the lunch we had at Serranos.
5. Ghost Ranch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By abqsage
We had done a Google search for New Mexican restaurants in Phoenix (since we are from New Mexico), and found this new one located fairly near ASU, where one of our friends goes to school. We found the atmosphere/ambiance to be very nice with lots of Southwest pictures and cactus, but it really wasn't New Mexican. They didn't have your standard red and green chile sauces found in EVERY New Mexican restaurant, and the menu was more of an updated, innovative Mexican menu, but it was tempting and tasty. We had their cheese crisp appetizer, which had lots of sausage and veggies and was served like a little pizza, and it was really super. They have a menu item called Aztec Cake, which served in a bowl, and made of layered tortillas, chicken, green chiles, cheese and corn, it was was just delicious!! For dessert we tried the Burnt Banana, which was made of a banana, corn ice cream, caramel popcorn and caramel sauce, and it also turned out to be something really special. The service was excellent- Collin was knowledgeable, warm and enthusiastic, and checked on us often. Menu items were a little expensive (much more so than a "real" New Mexican restaurant), but we really enjoyed it and would definitely return when we come back to PHX.
4. Manuel's Mexican Restaurant-Tempe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Manuel's Mexican Food restaurants were established in 1964 at 32nd Street and Indian School Road by Manuel and Alice Salazar. Our desire to serve the community with a friendly atmosphere and to serve our guests with the finest in Mexican food still holds
Reviewed By rugerjim
Go to Phoenix area once or twice a year. Went to Manuel's in Dec. 2017. Went a few weeks ago and same great food. Had Carlos as a server and he was great. Felix came by to talk, we had Felix as a server in 2017. Don't remember for sure but I think Felix said he has been their for 28 years. If that is not correct it is pretty close. He has been their decades. So that should tell you what kind of place Manuel's is. Enjoy!!!!
3. Macayo's Depot Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 219 reviews
At Macayo's Depot Cantina, you'll find four generations of lovingly crafted family recipes, paired with innovative contemporary dishes inspired by Mexico's regional culinary diversity. Our locally and family-owned Mexican restaurant is located at Ash Ave
Reviewed By BSinPNS
Arrived about and were immediately informed about happy hour offerings. Excellent bar and food options. The guacamole was superb as was the warm spinich queso dip. Service was spot on.
2. Harlow's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Since 1980 Harlow's Cafe has been serving the Tempe community with classic cafe/diner specialties. It is a family establishment and very popular with regulars. Close to the ASU campus. Specials include May's Egg Benedict, House made salsa, Chorizo and Egg
Reviewed By michaelfN9587PN
We stayed at a nearby hotel and found Harlow's by doing a Google search. We were very glad we chose this place. Food and Service was excellent.
Where to eat Mexican food in Tempe: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Aunt Chilada's Tempe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By BG7189
We were looking for a good spot while out and about Phoenix/MesaThis place was very crowded, usually a good sign.We were seated immediately and ordered and BOOM! Food out piping hot and fresh. Tasted very good!We can definitely recommend!We are very happy to hear that you were provided with fast service and that our food met your standards! Thank you for dining with us, come back and see us again soon!
Where to eat Thai food in Tempe: The Best Restaurants and Bars
