I want to give 5 stars for the amazing dinner experience at Filthy Animal. I've been a few times…read morenow, and the food and service during dinner have always been incredible. The oysters are a must, the steak is cooked perfectly, and everything is plated so thoughtfully it really feels like a full experience, not just a meal. The dinner staff has also always been attentive, friendly, and on point. That said, I recently came in for brunch and had a very different experience. I'm a huge pancake person, so I was excited to try the strawberry pancakes, but they were honestly disappointing. They were soggy, lacked any fluff, and had more of a cornbread texture than a pancake. The strawberry topping also wasn't very appetizing--it seemed like it was meant to be more of a sauce, but it didn't quite work. I completely understand that higher-end restaurants like to get creative with their dishes, but I think some basics like pancakes should still be done really well. I'll definitely be back for dinner, but I'd probably skip brunch next time.

Stopped in on a busy Mother's Day afternoon after a long walk to get some drinks. Place was…read moreabsolutely crowded but room at the bar. Inside is truly unique blend of African safari, Aussie chefs complete with hats wood grilling tomahawks and tons of meat right in the middle of the restaurant. Decor is again rather unique with a mix of wood, soft furnishings, drapes, brass and stuffed exotic animals (which im sure are clever fakes) Josh at the bar was awesome, not just for me but extremely attentive and quick at delivery. Remembered drink preferences, even an unusual order i made which he delivered perfectly after serving 2 others who joined me. Everyone behind the bar kept my water topped up and the bar free of soiled napkins and empty glasses. Prices were extremely reasonable. Few drafts on tap and am extensive bar and cocktail selection. Definitely going to return back to enjoy the food, smelled wonderful.

Finally stopped in after driving by this place for a while and not realizing what it was and I'm…read moreglad I did. The restaurant and outdoor entertainment complex is huge and has a really fun, energetic vibe. According to the bartender, they have ping-pong, pickleball, and a big upstairs outdoor patio with amazing views of Tempe and the surrounding area. There's also a large parking lot, lots of outdoor seating, and even a dog park area, which makes it really easy to spend time here. The bartenders and wait staff were very friendly. Azbel was a great server. I had the bistro steak and fries and the Szechuan lettuce wraps, and both were really good. Portions were generous. During late-night happy hour my total was about $55 for a main entrée, an appetizer, a cocktail, and tip, which felt like a great deal. I was pleasantly surprised that happy hour runs every day Monday through Sunday from 3-6 PM and again from 8 PM to close. I also checked out the event venue on site, and it looks like it would be a great place for a company party, corporate event, or group gathering. I'll definitely be returning in the near future.

After a previous experience here, I thought the food was great, so I decided to share it with my…read morefamily, with the hopes they too would enjoy. The Service was "electric" for us as we were celebrating a birthday at the table during lunch. It was too Hot for us to do pickleball, but they do have a fully shaded area that had people playing outside ~105 degrees. As for the food, we had the Fish & Chips with a Mahi Mahi Slaw & Fries, the Ahi Poke Tacos which come in Wonton shells. Hot Honey and Sausage Pizza was great. The Barbacoa Nachos had all the right ingredients & the Double Smash Burger had only some "fancy sauce" on the plate. The Tempura Green Bean, can't remember who ordered, but were good with the chipotle ranch sauce. With me, I'm all about the cocktails, so I treated myself to both the Froze Margarita & the Chi Chi. They call them spiked slushes, I call them "heaven sent" during the Arizona Summer. All of the food was a hit for the table and my family understood why I suggested EP for lunch! I said our Server was "electric" and that's because they made our experience very enjoyable. It was appreciated and I will return again for lunch and pickleball (in the evenings) during the hot summer!

What a find in the heart of Tempe! A friend invited me to lunch here on. Monday and wow, they were…read morebusy! Full parking lot! That was good sign. We shared a Berry Avocado Quinoa Bowl and a Perfectly Grilled Cheese. They even plated them separately for us! (2 plates with half a grilled cheese and French fries on each and 2 bowls with our Berry Avocado quinoa! So sweet and helpful!) Everything was very delicious--fries were seasoned and crispy! The grilled cheese and sweet and salty (they use their spiced pear bread, a delicious four cheese blend and bacon). Quinoa bowl was very hearty! The space was cozy and not too loud--my friend and I were able to catch up without having to raise out voices. Cannot wait to come back to try the rest of their menu!

This was a quaint little place that I picked out based on reviews and the fact that they had a…read moreCuban sandwich on the menu. It was very tasty. And hit the spot. I ordered one of the side salads but I asked if I could have them add fresh pear to it because of course the name of the place is Perfect Pear Bistro so I was naturally craving pears. The ambience was cute and classy. I sat on the patio because it was gorgeous outside, but I did take a peek inside and it has a low lit upscale rustic vibe. There was plenty left in the salad after I housed my sandwich (elegantly) and I finally had to tap out and get a to-go box. Lovely little stop, would come back.

We had an awesome birthday celebration at Culinary Dropout. The facility is huge and incredibly…read morelively, with a fun outdoor area that has games for all patrons to play. The long bar is impressive and the drinks were excellent. I had the Campfire Vibes, which I highly recommend. For food, we started with the pretzel bites, which Culinary is known for, but I also tried the crispy katsu chicken sandwich, which was out of this world. Great food, great service, and an all-around great vibe. Definitely a fun spot to visit in Tempe.

Came here for an early lunch and the restaurant was half empty. Somehow that meant we still had to…read moreget slow service and a server who wasn't able to check on our table. I have never been a huge fan of the ambience of this chain because it's a little too trendy compared to the lack of imagination in the quality of food offered. We were less than impressed with our server who brought us a cast iron fondue of cheese atop a votive candle that was unlit. He needed to be asked to light it. He didn't check on our drinks for refills and hardly checked on our table, yet had time to stand off by the bar socializing with his co-workers. This wasn't my first time here but it was nearby our planned event in town. I think this wasn't my lesson that service is never going to get better. Lots of better options for the same budget around.

Odd description on their Yelp "About" because this is not a rooftop view. It's on the street…read morelevel. Nonetheless, this place was a great surprise. Our group of 8 ended up here when another Tempe restaurant had a kitchen emergency and cancelled our reso an hour before dinner. Alter Ego was able to accommodate us, and we were glad they did. If you enter from the street side you'd never know you're in a hotel restaurant. It's got an upscale, classy vibe not usually seen in hotel dining. The waiter and bartender were attentive and knowledgeable. The menu wasn't huge but it was a great variety of options. Table had some salads, flatbreads, burgers and a round of butter cake desserts. Each was really, really good. Way more sophisticated plates than expected. Also had a bunch of craft cocktails, unique and well made. Sometimes the best experiences are unplanned. But you SHOULD plan to give this place a try.

I've been here a total of four times prior and never had complaints. Today was different. I…read moreunderstand the changes of seasonal menu but I just seem like the recent menu had no main concept. My boyfriend got the pizza and it tasted as if it were a frozen pizza. I got the bang bang shrimp and it was good (6/10). The problem that I have is the pistachio gin fizz was an absolute no! I am a HUGE fan of pistachio and gin so immediately I had to get his drink but it was beyond mediocre. Are we drinking only syrup??? My last complaint is the coconut tres leches dessert.... Do we actually know how to make tres leches or we just naming desserts however we want? Just curious. It came out super hot, steaming more like a molten cake. As a Hispanic woman, I was expecting a creamy moist cake to celebrate my graduation but this was not it as well. Last but not least if the bald manager with the orange shirt wants to eat in the back of the kitchen, not the problem I get it (I work at restaurants) HOWEVER shoving your two index fingers into your mouth to get your debris out was my last straw. Like I said I like this restaurant and never had problems but today felt like a fever dream there.

Had the philli cheese steak this morning. Joe at the bar was the most wonderful bartender I've had…read morehere in Arizona. Super kind and friendly. Service was fast and attentive. Really appreciate the Hudson and Joe for the wonderful morning!!

If you blink, you might drive right past this little bar and grill, as it's set back offv the road…read moresnuggled up next to a bigger building. There is plenty of bar space if you're popping in for a drink.. of course, the actual bar that runs along the shelves of liquor, and there is also a bar on the other side of a roll-up door, perfect for people who come with dogs. There's also a bar space that runs along the window that separates the small dining room and the patio. There are a few tables inside as well as some bigger tables on the patio. The patio is nice with lots of shrubs right outside the rail. The murals on the wall are pretty darn cool - - they're like enlarged historic photos of the area. I love them! And I'm not sure who's giant face is hanging on the ceiling but it's short a spark conversation. The menu here has a little something for everyone. There's the regular loaded fries and wings, salads, and a nice election burgers. We ordered the Philly Salad and the Very Summer Salad with a side order of fries. They make their own ranch, and it is good. I will say they don't seem to skim on salad ingredients either - - the Philly salad was covered with shaved beef, and my berry salad had a lot of chicken and tons of blue cheese. The fries were delicious - - slightly seasoned and crispy. This place is clearly dog friendly. In fact the day we went there was a sweet Pitbull named Daisy who literally hopped up on a bar stool and sat there like a little angel the entire time. The bar had a dog full of water that they sat down on the counter next to her owner's beer. They also have dog biscuits to give. It made my day to see that sweet little dog hanging at the bar having a treat. This really is kind of a spot that feels like it's probably the hangout spot of many people. Great bar food and a good selection of beers. What's not to love?

Such a great spot for the whole family! I love that you can eat, drink, and play all in one place…read more The decor has such a fun vibe and makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. We ended up staying for hours trying out so many games, sharing appetizers, and I enjoyed a latte. Definitely one of those places that makes for such a fun and memorable outing. The kids are asking to go back!

I'm a regular, paying customer who has spent significant time here across multiple visits…read more On a recent visit, I was asked to give up my table due to a reservation conflict after being seated for hours and actively ordering. The issue wasn't the food or atmosphere, but how the situation was handled once a conflict arose. As a visibly queer patron with mobility considerations, this raised concerns about how long-stay customers are treated, particularly when accessibility and inclusion are part of the venue's public messaging. This was a situation that could have been resolved with clearer communication and basic service recovery (including acknowledgment or compensation for the disruption). Instead, it left me feeling dismissed. I've documented the full experience, including accessibility observations, for anyone who wants additional context. Sharing this so others can make informed decisions. Read the full review including notes about accessibility on Medium.com @accessible_tempe https://medium.com/@accessible_tempe

first time visit for our 40th wedding anniversary . the whole staff was very gracious and Jen…read moretreated us like family. the food was so fresh and delicious with wonderful portions! cannot wait to return and try more on this so satisfying menu. cheers to 40 years , see you again soon!

My boyfriend and I had our date night at Oliver's modern American and it was lovely. I've never…read morebeen here before but the decor is super cute and classy. I loved the little Coca-Cola truck out front. Our server gave great suggestions when we asked what to order, and my boyfriend loved his Queen cocktail which was pretty sweet. I got a pecan espresso martini which was also delicious. For food, I ordered a hamburger which was huge! I couldn't eat half my fries because the portions here are outstanding. I had a bite of my boyfriend's pasta and the sauce was to die for. For a cute, casual date night I'd highly recommend this spot, but they also have larger tables for bigger groups and the outside seating looked like a fun vibe as well!

My husband booked this for a Saturday dinner for our anniversary. We got seated outside by the…read moreshade where there was a great breeze and incredible views. The food was decently priced but expect to atleast spend $200-$250 for two people minimum. The menu was small which was not bad cause the food was incredible. We got the pork chop which was cooked perfectly and seasoned perfectly. The pasta was also really good! There were only two scallops and 3 shrimp on there and it was black squid ink pasta which I have had elsewhere before and it didn't color my lips and teeth like it did with this so if this was a first date, I'd say no to that dish haha but it was delicious. We got a bottle of moscato to share which was a great choice and then we got dessert for free which we did not expect but definitely appreciated as it was delightful. We watched the sunset and it was gorgeous, the sky was like a painting. Pictures didn't do justice so I didn't have night time pics. You'll just have to go see it for yourself! Also, our server was very nice. She was attentive in all the right moments

Took my partner to Top of the Rock in Tempe Arizona for her 40th birthday, tucked inside the…read moreMarriott with a view of the city. My girlfriend loved the views, but if I'm being honest, I was a bit underwhelmed. I'm from San Diego and I've seen far better. A view overlooking the freeway just isn't all that impressive to me personally. Still, I've passed this place on the freeway so many times and always wondered about it, so it felt special to finally check it off the list. We arrived about 10 minutes late, and I'll say the host that greeted us was a bit rude. We waited a few minutes before he took us back to our table. I will say there's an odd smell when you first walked in and I'm grateful that we sat outside. Once we sat down though, our waitress was attentive the entire night. We started with the charcuterie board, which honestly felt a little basic to me. The smoked Gouda was fine, but I would've preferred something sharper like an aged Gouda, and a more thoughtfully curated spread overall. The meats were okay, nothing that really stood out. On the drinks side, I tried two. The berry limeade was absolutely delicious, highly recommend that one! The traditional margarita though? Not it. Way too sweet for my taste. I don't think most Americans really know what a true margarita is supposed to be. I was hoping for something less sweet and more authentic. It is what it is, I drank it anyway (more because of the price than anything). But the entrées? Spot on. My girlfriend got the Miso Glazed Sea Bass served over potato purée with asparagus and a citrus beurre blanc. She said it was delicious. I had the Seasonal Ravioli with grana padano, white truffle oil, and added wild mushrooms on top. Incredible flavor, did not disappoint. I will say though, the ravioli plating wasn't all that appetizing. The sauce color came off bland and boring, and a little garnish like some micro greens on top could've gone a long way to elevate it. For a place like this (and the price), I expect the plating to be just as on point as the flavor. I'd say the same for the table setting, lighting and cleanliness of the table, I'd really rate that C level. Our waitress surprised us with complimentary champagne for the birthday, which was such a sweet touch. No clue what it was, but it was so good she ordered a second glass. They also brought us a small dessert that said Happy 40th Birthday for my girlfriend, which was really thoughtful. And the sunset? That part was genuinely beautiful. We got some great photos. All in all, a decent experience overall. It's pricey, and not somewhere I'd rush back to, but for a special occasion every now and then? Worth it to my GF and that's all that matters at the end of the day because it was her birthday celebration.

Came for lunch because the last time they gave us a coupon for $5 off. Tried the nachos…read moretoday......... And the QUAD MELT which seems to be every one's favorite. It was so good we ordered another one, and then we ordered one to go for our son. Nachos were very good I recommend adding chicken. *OH MY LAWDY THE SWEET POTATO FRIES ARE 100% the BEST I've ever had anywhere. They are sooooooooo sooooooo good! Might come back just for the sweet potato fries. *I did find out today that they use seed oils for their food. So while it is top notch and delicious and unique, it'll probably be avoidable for us in the future.

I will start by saying I usually love this place, but today it was not so perfect…read more.. I ordered the Perfectly Grilled Cheese with sweet potato fries as the side. The bread on the sandwich was tough, the bacon bits were chewy, hard knots, and the sandwich was dry overall. The sweet potato fries were greasy and tough and not hot. Nothing about what I ordered today was good with the exception of the appetizer, which was the Crisp Korean Brussels and Cauliflower. It was hot, delicious and plentiful so I did not go hungry. Our server was friendly and prompt. He was very quick to refill my drink. I will say that both my chair and our table rocked terribly, so was not very comfortable. Hoping for a better experience on my next visit.