Casa Romo Jones’ (formerly Laird Lair) Guide to Tempe + Phoenix
City/town information
The city of Tempe is home to more than 185,000 residents and one of the largest universities in the country and our house is right in the heart of it. We are conveniently located less than one mile from Arizona State University, a variety of restaurants, and a plethora of activities.
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Tempe
The city of Tempe is home to more than 185,000 residents and one of the largest universities in the country and our house is right in the heart of it. We are conveniently located less than one mile from Arizona State University, a variety of restaurants, and a plethora of activities.
Where to Eat | Tempe
Hands down our favorite restaurant in Tempe. What started as a narrow restaurant in a strip mall on the corner of University and Hardy has now expanded to multiple locations across the valley and taken over a full corner of the strip mall of the original location due to its popularity. Pasties (pronounced “past-e”, not “paste-e”) of all flavors, including an extensive vegetarian selection, are served on oval metal plates with accompanying sauces. This is always our go-to restaurant to bring guests and we have yet to bring someone here who doesn’t love it. Personal favorites: The Pilgrim (Thanksgiving in a pasty); The Royale (decadence to the max); The Mexican (tastes like it sounds); and The Chicken Tikka (a little Indian flavor for those who like spice).
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Cornish Pasty Co
3800 N Goldwater BlvdHands down our favorite restaurant in Tempe. What started as a narrow restaurant in a strip mall on the corner of University and Hardy has now expanded to multiple locations across the valley and taken over a full corner of the strip mall of the original location due to its popularity. Pasties (pronounced “past-e”, not “paste-e”) of all flavors, including an extensive vegetarian selection, are served on oval metal plates with accompanying sauces. This is always our go-to restaurant to bring guests and we have yet to bring someone here who doesn’t love it. Personal favorites: The Pilgrim (Thanksgiving in a pasty); The Royale (decadence to the max); The Mexican (tastes like it sounds); and The Chicken Tikka (a little Indian flavor for those who like spice).
Connected to a covered outdoor space with corn hole, ping pong, and foosball, Culinary Dropout has delicious food in addition to activities. We love the Mac Burger (basically a gourmet Big Mac) and their Fried Chicken. Don’t forget to order a side of their homemade ranch dressing for your fries.
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Culinary Dropout
7135 E Camelback RdConnected to a covered outdoor space with corn hole, ping pong, and foosball, Culinary Dropout has delicious food in addition to activities. We love the Mac Burger (basically a gourmet Big Mac) and their Fried Chicken. Don’t forget to order a side of their homemade ranch dressing for your fries.
Known for their bruschetta boards and $5 glasses of wine and pitchers of (good) beer before 5pm, Postino’s is the place to meet for a catch up session on life’s latest.
They have an outdoor patio with views of A-Mountain and if you go on a Monday or Tuesday after 8pm, you can get a bruschetta board (normally $14 on its own) and a bottle of wine for $20.
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Postino Annex
615 S College AveKnown for their bruschetta boards and $5 glasses of wine and pitchers of (good) beer before 5pm, Postino’s is the place to meet for a catch up session on life’s latest.
They have an outdoor patio with views of A-Mountain and if you go on a Monday or Tuesday after 8pm, you can get a bruschetta board (normally $14 on its own) and a bottle of wine for $20.
Great for quick and healthy lunches, the Original Chop Shop has smoothies, protein bowls, salads, and sandwiches. We love the Thai Coconut Chicken with sweet potato hash.
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Original ChopShop
7158 E 5th AveGreat for quick and healthy lunches, the Original Chop Shop has smoothies, protein bowls, salads, and sandwiches. We love the Thai Coconut Chicken with sweet potato hash.
Charcoal burgers grilled up on a mesquite grill with a salad bar of toppings to create your own masterpiece. This old, wood paneled building has been a mainstay in Tempe for decades and survived extensive development around it. The Tijuana Torpedo with its grilled hatch chile paired with onion rings and a beer is our favorite. Cash only.
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The Chuckbox
202 E University DrCharcoal burgers grilled up on a mesquite grill with a salad bar of toppings to create your own masterpiece. This old, wood paneled building has been a mainstay in Tempe for decades and survived extensive development around it. The Tijuana Torpedo with its grilled hatch chile paired with onion rings and a beer is our favorite. Cash only.
On the corner of University and Mill, Pita Jungle Tempe serves up fresh Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Each location in the valley is uniquely decorated by a local artist, giving each location its own unique vibe. Personal favorites: Chipotle Chicken Lavosh Pizza, Hummus Trio with Chicken, and Tropical Iced Tea.
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Pita Jungle - Tempe
4 E University DrOn the corner of University and Mill, Pita Jungle Tempe serves up fresh Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Each location in the valley is uniquely decorated by a local artist, giving each location its own unique vibe. Personal favorites: Chipotle Chicken Lavosh Pizza, Hummus Trio with Chicken, and Tropical Iced Tea.
A favorite of ours for celebration dinners, House of Tricks is a 1920s bungalow turned restaurant. They serve elevated American fare and boast a nice wine collection. Charming outdoor seating has you dining under a canopy of trees covered in café lights, making an evening here a romantic affair.
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House of Tricks
114 E 7th StA favorite of ours for celebration dinners, House of Tricks is a 1920s bungalow turned restaurant. They serve elevated American fare and boast a nice wine collection. Charming outdoor seating has you dining under a canopy of trees covered in café lights, making an evening here a romantic affair.
Delicious pizza and yummy salads, Oregano’s is the go-to for cheeky Italian fare in Phoenix. We recommend getting an extra-large pizza and taking home the leftovers – their thin crust is our favorite cold breakfast the next day.
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Oregano's Pizza Bistro
523 West University DriveDelicious pizza and yummy salads, Oregano’s is the go-to for cheeky Italian fare in Phoenix. We recommend getting an extra-large pizza and taking home the leftovers – their thin crust is our favorite cold breakfast the next day.
In walking distance from the house, Harlow’s is classic diner fare and we often found ourselves in one of their booths after a night out. We love the Chorizo-rito Burro.
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Harlow's Cafe
1021 W University DrIn walking distance from the house, Harlow’s is classic diner fare and we often found ourselves in one of their booths after a night out. We love the Chorizo-rito Burro.
Known for the enchiladas, Gadzooks serves fresh, modern Mexican fare.
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Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
3313 N 7th StKnown for the enchiladas, Gadzooks serves fresh, modern Mexican fare.
Where to Drink | Tempe
Located in a strip mall, Tops doesn’t necessarily call you into its doors via curb appeal. But it is known locally as the liquor shop with the most diverse and varied collection, especially for microbrews. They have a tasting room “Taste of Tops” next door.
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Tops Liquors
403 W University DrLocated in a strip mall, Tops doesn’t necessarily call you into its doors via curb appeal. But it is known locally as the liquor shop with the most diverse and varied collection, especially for microbrews. They have a tasting room “Taste of Tops” next door.
Located a block from University Ave, this brewery is a staple to student life in Tempe (if you’re 21 and older). Going to Four Peaks isn’t just beer and food; it’s a rite of passage, a coveted club that everyone is invited to if only they meet the age requirement. Due to Four Peaks’ popularity with locals, there is usually a wait, but don’t get mad, get a beer. Our personal favorites are Kiltlifter and 8th Street Ale, but everyone has a different favorite and they all go down smooth. The seasonal Pumpkin Porter, which has only recently been available in stores, has a cult following (of which we are a part) so if you are visiting during October or November, we highly recommend trying a pint. Food: Nachos, Thai Hummus (extra pita and sliced avocado on the side), Enchiladas with a fried egg on top.
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Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E 8th StLocated a block from University Ave, this brewery is a staple to student life in Tempe (if you’re 21 and older). Going to Four Peaks isn’t just beer and food; it’s a rite of passage, a coveted club that everyone is invited to if only they meet the age requirement. Due to Four Peaks’ popularity with locals, there is usually a wait, but don’t get mad, get a beer. Our personal favorites are Kiltlifter and 8th Street Ale, but everyone has a different favorite and they all go down smooth. The seasonal Pumpkin Porter, which has only recently been available in stores, has a cult following (of which we are a part) so if you are visiting during October or November, we highly recommend trying a pint. Food: Nachos, Thai Hummus (extra pita and sliced avocado on the side), Enchiladas with a fried egg on top.
Also in walking and biking distance from the house is Arizona Distilling Co.’s tasting room. If hard liquor is more your style, this is a fun place to try some locally distilled spirits.
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Arizona Distilling Company
601 W University DrAlso in walking and biking distance from the house is Arizona Distilling Co.’s tasting room. If hard liquor is more your style, this is a fun place to try some locally distilled spirits.
Our favorite local micro-brewery and short bike ride from the house, The Beer Shop Co. always has a multitude of beers on tap as well as a frequent food truck. Outdoor and indoor seating available. We recommend taking some cans home for later (we are suckers for their cool labels).
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The Shop Beer Co.
922 W 1st StOur favorite local micro-brewery and short bike ride from the house, The Beer Shop Co. always has a multitude of beers on tap as well as a frequent food truck. Outdoor and indoor seating available. We recommend taking some cans home for later (we are suckers for their cool labels).
Best Coffee | Tempe
Our favorite coffee shop in Tempe is a short bike ride away from the house (we also provide a bag of beans for your stay). Locally owned and roasted, an iced latte is the perfect start to a warm AZ day.
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Cartel Coffee Lab
7124 E 5th AveOur favorite coffee shop in Tempe is a short bike ride away from the house (we also provide a bag of beans for your stay). Locally owned and roasted, an iced latte is the perfect start to a warm AZ day.
What to Do
With 55 acres of expertly landscaped gardens, the Desert Botanical Gardens, or as it’s more fondly known: “the DBG”, provides enough trails to explore for a full or half day. Themed trails ranging from prehistoric peoples of the Southwest to modern gardening provide a variety of landscapes to explore. Lunch or dinner at their onsite restaurant, Gertrude’s, makes for a pleasant all around experience.
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Desert Botanical Garden
With 55 acres of expertly landscaped gardens, the Desert Botanical Gardens, or as it’s more fondly known: “the DBG”, provides enough trails to explore for a full or half day. Themed trails ranging from prehistoric peoples of the Southwest to modern gardening provide a variety of landscapes to explore. Lunch or dinner at their onsite restaurant, Gertrude’s, makes for a pleasant all around experience.
Where to Eat | Phoenix
If you love a well-designed space paired with excellent food (not to mention an outdoor patio surrounded by a beautiful xeriscape garden), this is the place to come. While known for their roasted chicken, everything we have ordered here has exceeded expectations. This has quickly become a favorite restaurant of ours.
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Ocotillo Restaurant
3243 N 3rd StIf you love a well-designed space paired with excellent food (not to mention an outdoor patio surrounded by a beautiful xeriscape garden), this is the place to come. While known for their roasted chicken, everything we have ordered here has exceeded expectations. This has quickly become a favorite restaurant of ours.
The original breakfast spot in Phoenix, Matt’s Big Breakfast used to be located in a teeny tiny brick building on a corner lot in downtown that always seemed to have at least an hour long wait. They’ve since expanded, and now have 4 locations in the Valley, and while their wait has shortened, their food continues to draw people in. Simple ingredients, and generous portions place Matt’s Big Breakfast as one of the best breakfast spots in Phoenix for us.
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Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st StThe original breakfast spot in Phoenix, Matt’s Big Breakfast used to be located in a teeny tiny brick building on a corner lot in downtown that always seemed to have at least an hour long wait. They’ve since expanded, and now have 4 locations in the Valley, and while their wait has shortened, their food continues to draw people in. Simple ingredients, and generous portions place Matt’s Big Breakfast as one of the best breakfast spots in Phoenix for us.
Don’t let the bars on the windows deter you. Carolina’s is locally known for the best homemade tortillas and we love their salsa so much, we drink it straight from the little plastic cups it’s served in. Order the Chorizo w/Egg, Potatoes, and Beans Burro or the Oaxacan Special (our personal favorite).
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Carolina's
1202 E Mohave StDon’t let the bars on the windows deter you. Carolina’s is locally known for the best homemade tortillas and we love their salsa so much, we drink it straight from the little plastic cups it’s served in. Order the Chorizo w/Egg, Potatoes, and Beans Burro or the Oaxacan Special (our personal favorite).
No other breakfast sandwich can compare with La Grand Orange’s Commuter (especially if you add avocado in addition to your bacon). For those of you with a sweet tooth, we recommend their French Pancakes. For lunch, they serve delicious pizzas and salads – we often try to recreate their kale + quinoa salad at home.
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La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria
4410 N 40th StNo other breakfast sandwich can compare with La Grand Orange’s Commuter (especially if you add avocado in addition to your bacon). For those of you with a sweet tooth, we recommend their French Pancakes. For lunch, they serve delicious pizzas and salads – we often try to recreate their kale + quinoa salad at home.
The restaurant we fondly call TMI lassoed us in with its fresh, delicious fare at reasonable prices, its location on the up-and-coming 7th street, and its building – an old bungalow with a charming patio, café lights hanging overhead. The atmosphere is relaxed (you seat yourself) and the servers laid back (but not so laid back they forget about you!). Our favorite sandwiches are the Chipotle BLT and Acapulco Cheesesteak with mixed green salad. Mainly, at the Main Ingredient, you can’t go wrong, especially if it’s happy hour
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The Main Ingredient Ale House & Cafe
2337 N 7th StThe restaurant we fondly call TMI lassoed us in with its fresh, delicious fare at reasonable prices, its location on the up-and-coming 7th street, and its building – an old bungalow with a charming patio, café lights hanging overhead. The atmosphere is relaxed (you seat yourself) and the servers laid back (but not so laid back they forget about you!). Our favorite sandwiches are the Chipotle BLT and Acapulco Cheesesteak with mixed green salad. Mainly, at the Main Ingredient, you can’t go wrong, especially if it’s happy hour
Upscale Jamaican fare in downtown Phoenix. We love their chicken lollipops served with a freshly mixed rum cocktail (or two).
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The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
1 E Pierce StUpscale Jamaican fare in downtown Phoenix. We love their chicken lollipops served with a freshly mixed rum cocktail (or two).
Pizzeria Bianco’s less busy sister-restaurant that serves up simple, but exquisite sandwiches.
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Pane Bianco
4404 N Central AvePizzeria Bianco’s less busy sister-restaurant that serves up simple, but exquisite sandwiches.
Located in the up-and-coming Garfield neighborhood, Welcome Diner serves burgers and other diner fare. Order at the window and then find a place to sit outside. Known for their biscuit sandwiches.
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Welcome Diner
929 E Pierce StLocated in the up-and-coming Garfield neighborhood, Welcome Diner serves burgers and other diner fare. Order at the window and then find a place to sit outside. Known for their biscuit sandwiches.
Gallo Blanco
928 E Pierce StModern Mexican fare. We recommend the churro trio for dessert.
Voted “Best Place to Take a Foodie” by the Phoenix New Times, Restaurant Progress delivers on delicious farm to table dishes in a beautifully designed, unfussy aesthetic space. One of our newest favorites.
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Restaurant Progress
702 W Montecito AveVoted “Best Place to Take a Foodie” by the Phoenix New Times, Restaurant Progress delivers on delicious farm to table dishes in a beautifully designed, unfussy aesthetic space. One of our newest favorites.
An urban market and food hall, The Churchill offers a little something for everyone!
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The Churchill
901 N 1st StAn urban market and food hall, The Churchill offers a little something for everyone!
Our favorite venue for concerts also happens to serve up really good, Arizona eats. Think oil cloth covered tables, modern Mexican fare, and cold beers.
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Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveOur favorite venue for concerts also happens to serve up really good, Arizona eats. Think oil cloth covered tables, modern Mexican fare, and cold beers.
Where to Shop (Boutiques) | Phoenix
Local Nomad
100 E Camelback RdPhoenix General
214 E Roosevelt St