Pre-football lunch in Tempe or there-

[bleen68]

We will be in Tempe next month for a college football game. Any suggestions for a great lunch prior to the game. We will have a car so we can wander a bit if the miles are worth it but close is better. Any cuisine is welcome, except maybe Bar-BQ.

[bleen68]

Closing the loop: Thanks for all the suggestions. We chose the House of Tricks and even on the hottest October 17 on record (103 degrees) the outdoor patio was pleasant. The food was excellent topped by my wife's Schwarma Chicken and fruit salad. Unique menu. The dinner menu looked even better.

[Poerz]

I would park at one of the free park and ride lots and use the light rail to get to the game. Less expensive and way less hassle. Depending on where you are staying and which lot would use it opens up many opportunties.

[achicken]

Two new options should be available to you by next month- (both within walking distance of Sun Devi)
Smashburger (chain out of CO) on College/ University.... I have heard good things but never been.
Dave's Electric Brewery (same owner as Electric in Bisbee, AZ).... they are directly across the street..... I have no id3a what the menu will be like, but I'm eager to find out.
You could be the first to review them. :-)

[ziggylu]

Smashburger is not yet open. I believe they are set to open in the next week as all the fixtures have been installed in the last couple days. There's a sign in the window with the soft opening date. I'll try and remember to look at the date when I walk by there today.

I might recommend avoiding Rula Bula on game days. As much I enjoy the place myself they have been the alumni association has been hosting free tailgate parties there recently on game days(And I know there's one planned this coming Saturday, not sure of future dates ) so the crowds might be thick.

I'm a fan of the above mentioned Paradise Hawaiian also. Very convenient to the stadium and the light rail, too.

[ciaogal]

We tailgate @ the Corner of 6th Ave and College directly across from Paradise Hawaiian. I have to say they are my guilty pleasure! I love their Macaroni Salad and their gravy on their loco moco. They do a great Chicken Katsu! They also have Huge Flat panel tv's to watch the earlier games!
You are more than welcome to join our tailgate!!! We are the group across the street ... w/ the big HD satellite dish!

[bortukan]

Silverbear's recommendations are some of my favorites too. I'd add:

Restaurant Mexico: central Mexican food, items with green sauce and white Mexican cheese are especially good

Chuck Box: non-fast-food burgers, cooked on an actual charcoal grill, and not much else

If you'd prefer a bar-type place to hang around for a while, Rula Bula has fairly good pseudo-British items, and Casey Moore's is also fine. Four Peaks has by far the best beer and food of the local bars IMO, but it's also a longer walk to the stadium.

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House of Tricks
114 E 7th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

Four Peaks Brewing Co
1340 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

Restaurant Mexico
423 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Rula Bula
401 S Mill Ave Ste 101, Tempe, AZ 85281

Casey Moore's Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Chuck Box
202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Phoenicia Cafe
616 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Paradise Hawaiian
580 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

[silverbear]

There a lot of really good restaurants within walking distance of Sun Devil Stadium. Since parking is tight around there, I would not recommend trying to drive somewhere. Park once and walk between lunch and the game, or leave the car at a light rail park-and-ride and take the train to the game.

Here are some of my favorites right by the stadium:

Paradise Hawaiian BBQ -- Yes, it's BBQ but with a twist. Lots of Korean influence here with sides like kimchee and seaweed. Great plate lunches for a reasonable price.

Phoenicia -- Middle Eastern restaurant with good falafel, hummus, couscous dishes

House of Tricks -- the most upscale of the bunch (although still fine for game day casual dress). French and Southwestern influences.

[duck833]

We usually setup camp at the "Library". EZ walking distance to stadium, cute servers in dirty schoolgirl outfits, good TV's and OK bar food.

Go Ducks!