Beyond the bars
With its proximity to the Arizona State University campus, Tempe’s Mill Avenue is a bustling hub for restaurant, bars and nightclubs.
And while most of these nightlife spots are strictly for those over 21, there are places to go out in Tempe before you hit the big 21st birthday. Options include local concerts and restaurants that double bar destinations at night, and some of Tempe’s nightclubs also cater to a younger crowd on certain nights of the week.
For those who haven’t yet hit 21-years-old, here are seven options for nightlife in Tempe and on Mill Avenue.
Head to a show at Aura Tempe
Aura, one of Mill Avenue’s prime nightclub locations, hosts an array of 18 and up shows throughout the semester. Head to one of the
many shows that play until 2 a.m. for a true Mill Avenue experience. Upcoming 18 and up shows include Moody Good on Jan. 11, Shiverz on Jan. 18 and ARMNHMR on Jan. 25.
Details: Aura, 411 S. Mill Ave. #201, Tempe. auratempe.com.
Listen to live music at Illegal Pete’s
Illegal Pete’s is not just a good place to grab a quick lunch between classes. At night the casual taco joint turns into a bar with occasional live music. Double check the events as they’re posted to social media, but most of the shows are open to all ages.
Details: Illegal Pete’s, 525 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 623-233-4311, www.face book.com/IllegalPetesMill
Enjoy dinner at El Hefe
Many of the spots along Mill Avenue that turn into nightclubs in the evening operate as full service restaurants during the day. So, not only can students under 18 grab some lunch or dinner, but partake in the party atmosphere as well. With the central bar, neon signs and pop art covering the walls, El Hefe is always a party. The restaurant serves modern Mexican food before turning into a club at night. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. and anyone who orders dinner before then can stay until they finish their meal. Once the meal is paid for, under 21 year old’s have to bounce. Security will do a sweep to check IDs.
Details: El Hefe, 640 S Mill Ave #110, Tempe. elhefe.com/tempe-az.
Play at Snakes & Lattes
While the menu does include beer and wine, Snakes & Lattes was practically made for students under 21. The large space, mostly filled with tables and booths, has one entire section dedicated to board games. Grab a coffee and some nachos to fuel a board game filled night that is anything but boring.
Details: Snakes & Lattes, 20 W 6th St, Tempe. snakesandlattes.com/ location/tempe.
Enjoy late-night ice cream
There’s only so much ice cream under 21 year olds can eat, but luckily in Arizona it’s hot enough for the frozen treat almost year round. And the ice cream shops along Mill Avenue are ready to help customers beat the heat late into the night. Sparky’s Old Town Creamery closes at 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Friday and Saturday and Slickables Ice Cream Sandwich closes at midnight every night for that late night sugar rush.
Details: Sparky’s Old Town Creamery, 510 S Mill Ave, Tempe, sparkyscrea mery.com and Slickables, 699 S Mill Ave #117, Tempe, slickables.com.
Laugh at Tempe Improv
Those looking to have a fun and funny night out can head to the Tempe Improv Comedy Theater. Unless otherwise specified, the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, late Friday and Sunday shows are 18 and up. All other shows are 21 and up. Double check each show before booking, but grab some tickets and get ready to laugh the night away.
Details: Tempe Improv, 930 E University Dr, Tempe, tempeimprov.com.
Catch a concert at Tempe Marketplace
Not only are the concerts at Tempe Marketplace open to all ages, they are also free —music to any college student’s ears. The concerts take place most Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. Upcoming shows include rx Soul on Jan. 10, the Secret Destroyers on Jan. 11, House of Stairs on Jan. 17 and INSOMNIACS on Jan. 18. The shows run from 7 p.m-10 p.m. at the District Stage.
Details: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock Drive. tempemark etplace.com/events.