Arizona, United States Food Guide: 10 Southwestern food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tempe

April 26, 2020 Moriah Teneyck

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

3138 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282-3657 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 480-966-0776 http://casareynoso.com/menu.html
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 58 reviews

Casa Reynoso

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 70’s 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

960 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281-7808 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Television, Highchairs Available +1 480-966-0852 http://www.RositasFineMexicanFood.com
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 101 reviews

Rosita's Fine Mexican Food

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

1831 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283-1501 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Parking Available, Table Service +1 480-966-8001 http://www.lafondatempe.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 71 reviews

LA Fonda Mexican Foods

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.

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7. Loco Patron

222 S Mill Ave Ste 115, Tempe, AZ 85281-2889 Mexican, Southwestern, Bar Lunch, Dinner Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Reservations, Table Service +1 480-699-0922 http://www.locopatron.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 65 reviews

Loco Patron

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. It’s right next to the Rail service.

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6. Serrano's Mexican Food Restaurants

6440 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283-2908 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 480-345-0044 http://serranosaz.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 71 reviews

Serrano's Mexican Food Restaurants

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.

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5. Ghost Ranch

1006 E Warner Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284-3226 Mexican, Southwestern, American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Reservations +1 480-474-4328 https://www.facebook.com/GhostRanchAZ/
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 38 reviews

Ghost Ranch

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.

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4. Manuel's Mexican Restaurant-Tempe

2350 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282-7603 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Breakfast, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Free Wifi, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Serv +1 480-897-0025 http://www.facebook.com/ManuelsTempe
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 83 reviews

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant-Tempe

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!!!!

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3. Macayo's Depot Cantina

300 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service [email protected] +1 480-966-6677 http://www.macayo.com/location/tempe-depot-cantina/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 219 reviews

Macayo's Depot Cantina

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.

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2. Harlow's Cafe

1021 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281-3417 American, Southwestern Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, Highchairs Available [email protected] +1 480-829-9444 https://www.cafetempeaz.com
Food
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4 based on 129 reviews

Harlow's Cafe

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

2021 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283-1054 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Television [email protected] +1 602-431-6470 http://www.auntchiladastempe.com/?utm_source=TripAdvisor&utm_campaign=business_website
Food
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4 based on 746 reviews

Aunt Chilada's Tempe

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!

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