Top spots for grub near ASU campuses
School’s back in session for ASU next week, and all those soon-to-be studiers will work up an appetite. And everybody needs to blow off a little steam with a cocktail on weekends (the over-21 students, that is).
Local bars and restaurants near the university’s downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses are happy to oblige. Here are some of our favorites.
TEMPE CAMPUS
Like a newly minted college graduate, the dining scene around Arizona State University in Tempe has a lot going for it.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
Country music star and hometown boy Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row at Mill Avenue and Sixth Street features appetizers like grilled whiskey wings, burgers like the All American and sliders like the Picnic Chicken with fried chicken and apple jicama slaw. The bar boasts more than 60 kinds of whiskey.
Details: 640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-7941477, dierkswhiskey row.com. other pizza-centered, fast-casual chains, Blaze puts the power of creation into the hands of diners. Customers build pizzas choosing their crust, sauce, cheese and toppings.
Details: 105 W. University Drive, Tempe. 480829-3775, blazepizza.com.
The Chuckbox
Watch your burger or chicken cook over a woodfired grill at this funky joint that opened in 1972. Add toppings such as bacon or spicy guacamole and order a side of beerbattered onion rings. Just don’t forget to bring cash; the Chuckbox doesn’t take plastic.
Details: 202 E. University Drive. 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com.
Revelers never run out of options in beer-loving Tempe, with a number of breweries and beer bars opening on busy Mill Avenue and south of downtown.
Pedal Haus Brewery
music. You’ll find energetic bands on Friday and Saturday nights, and open jam sessions on Tuesdays. For a more relaxed experience, drop in on Wednesdays for the pub quiz at 8:30 p.m. When the weather is nice out, the patio is often full with sparkling lights and plenty of room to mingle. Food, served until 1 p.m., includes fish and chips, Irish potato skins and loaded fries.
Details: 401 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-9299500, rulabula.com.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House
Details: CityScape, 50 W. Jefferson St., Suite 100, Phoenix. 602-603-9363, chicomalo.com.
Harumi Sushi
During lunch, Harumi speeds up service for busy downtown diners by having them place orders at the cash register and then pick up their food. There’s an even faster option of grabbing freshly made pre-packaged rolls and sashimi from the togo counter. At dinner, it switches to sit-down service. The signature Harumi roll is a must-try.
Details: 114 W. Adams St., Suite 101, Phoenix. 602-258-0131, search “Harumi sushi az” on Facebook.
Desoto Central Market
lapiazzaphx.com.
Short Leash Sit … Stay