What you need to know about Arizona State University
Founded in 1886, ASU has its main campus in Tempe and Sparky the sun devil is the school’s mascot.
The Republic
Even students on a tight budget need to eat. And since they spend all day cramming for finals, getting up to make it to 7:30 a.m. class, and participating in late-night study groups, they deserve more than a sad block of ramen or an even sadder, soggy drive-thru burger. And a party bag of regular potato chips isn’t something you can pass for dinner every day.
Fortunately, there are much better alternatives within easy walking or biking distance of Arizona State University at Tempe. We’ve rounded up 14 of them—all within two miles of campus.
You won’t find any fast-food chain offerings on this list. Instead, these spots are fast-casual and sit-down restaurants—most of them independent and Arizona-based—where you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner for $10 or less before tax. All suggestions include an appetizer or a combination of sides to make an entree and a drink, and some even include a side or dessert.
Here are more than a dozen places to get a good, cheap meal near ASU Tempe.
Venice’s Pizzeria
This pizzeria has been a beloved institution for more than 25 years, with multiple locations throughout the Valley. The newest pizzeria is located in the heart of the ASU area in the Sun Devil Marketplace and offers deals for just under $10, like a slice of pizza, salad and drink ($9.95) or two slices and a drink ($9.78). Add 70 cents to your budget and you can splurge on a three-pack of chicken wings, salad and a drink ($10.70). It’s open late every day and on weekends. Just steps from Mountain America Stadium, it’s a convenient pre- and post-game hangout.
Details: 660 S. College Ave., Suite 221. 480-992-9278, venezias.com.
Salad and go
This spot, which makes healthy salads and wraps to order, has more than 130 locations in four states but started with a single location in Tempe more than a decade ago. With a clear focus on affordable, healthy fare and a fast-casual model, it’s ideal for eating during college schedules. The menu offers 11 main-course salads and 11 wraps, all with or without meat, plus a build-your-own option, for $6.79 each. Choices include fajita, buffalo chicken, Caesar salad, barbecue ranch, Cobb, and Thai and Greek variants. The 24-ounce drinks are a steal at $1.49. You can opt for a flavored tea, lemonade, or an Arnold Palmer. But we like variety with the Arnold Palmer with mint and cucumber for the same price.
Details: 909 E. Broadway Rd. 480-761-2717, saladandgo.com.
Shawarma Paradise
This small, neat spot focuses on takeout orders, but there’s also seating if you want to eat your lunch or late-night study meal right away. The menu is full of burgers, shawarmas, wraps and platters that are easy on the wallet, so you’ll have plenty of choices. Bottled water or canned soda costs $1.79, so there’s plenty of room to explore. All dishes can be customized with toppings or sauces, so you only pay as much as you want. Some options: Single vegetarian falafel platter on rice or fries ($5.99), single samosa platter ($5.99), crispy chicken burger ($4.99), chicken shawarma ($4.99) or beef and lamb gyros ($5.99). Choose from vegetable sides like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cucumbers, and sauces like tzatziki, hummus and garlic, all for 40 cents a piece. The opening hours are a bit complicated – 11am to 2pm and 7pm to midnight – but with these prices, it’s worth planning ahead.
Details: 1045 E. Lemon St. 480-968-8646, order.toasttab.com/online/shawarmaparadise.
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
This family-run local chain offers plenty of options for under $10. Opt for the bean and cheese burrito ($5.99) or make a budget-friendly combo with a veggie taco ($1.89) along with rice and beans ($3.99) or chips and guacamole ($3.49). There are flavored teas and lemonade for $2.99, but why not grab a Jarritos bottle of lemonade for the same price?
Details: 505 S. Mill Ave. 480-550-7052, eatmesquite.com.
Nocawich
Come here Monday through Friday before or between classes for a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheddar and garlic aioli on focaccia ($6) or a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheddar and hash browns with tomatillo salsa ($7). For $8, the Caesar salad or wrap is an affordable lunch option. For $6, you can get a grilled cheese sandwich or a Smash Burger with cheddar, pickles, red onions and burger sauce on a King’s Hawaiian bun—add bacon for $2. Or use the money to buy a bag of chips ($1.50). Soda and bottled water are $1.50.
Details: 777 S. College Ave. nocawich.com.
Hajj Baba
This family-run eatery has been a go-to spot for decades for hearty dishes and big portions at student-friendly prices. Seven sandwiches cost $6.49 or less, including falafel ($5.49), chicken shawarma ($5.99), and gyros ($6.49). Sip on the famous rosewater lemonade ($2.49). If you do the math right, you can treat yourself to a piece of baklava ($1.89), baked fresh daily for dessert.
Details: 1513 E. Apache Blvd. 480-894-1905, hajibabamiddleeasternfood.com.
Original Chop Shop
Order online and get a 16-ounce tea, lemonade or Arnold Palmer for a dollar, so your budget will stretch a little further. An egg-vegetable hash of two fried eggs, sweet potato hash, smashed avocado, corn, onion, roasted red pepper and spinach with a whole-wheat tortilla on the side ($9) is a great way to start the day, as is the sunrise wrap, filled with scrambled egg whites, onion, tomato, cheddar and avocado pesto ($9). There’s also classic avocado toast ($8.75). For $9 a piece, fruit-filled, granola-topped acai and pitaya bowls make for a refreshing breakfast or lunch.
Details: 222 E. University Drive. 480-307-9336, originalchopshop.com.
Some donkeys
Stop by before your first class and for $7.45 you can get an egg-and-potato burro stuffed with chorizo or bacon. Or forgo the meat and go for the onion variety ($6.85). For lunch and beyond, you can choose from burros stuffed with beans and cheese, chicken, beef with red or green chiles, or vegetables, each for $7.25 or less. If you opt for a trio of beef or chicken taquitos and guacamole ($6.85), you’ll still have enough for a 20-ounce soft drink ($2.95). Or grab a bottle of water ($2.55) or orange juice ($2.45) for your breakfast outing.
Details: 1314 S. Rural Rd. 480-446-8226, someburros.com.
Hummus Xpress
This small Lebanese spot in a nondescript strip mall serves up great flavors. Build your own pita bread ($7.50) and fill it with your choice of meat, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Start with lemon garlic chicken, Aleppo beef, Lebanese falafel, or fire-roasted gyros. Then, dress it up to your heart’s content with one of around 25 sides, like grains, four flavors of hummus, cooked and raw vegetables, and savory sauces. The combinations are nearly endless, making this spot great for repeat visits. Lemonade is $2.50.
Details: 930 W. Broadway Rd. 480-968-2311, hummusxpress.com.
Bags of sandwiches
Build your own peanut butter and jelly sandwich starting at $4.99. If you’re feeling fancy, you can toast or grill it. Stick with classic bread like 12-grain, baguette, white, marbled rye or sourdough bread, which are available at no extra charge, and you can indulge in a side of coleslaw ($1.49) or potato or pasta salad ($1.95) and have just enough for a small chocolate chip cookie (65 cents). The grilled cheese sandwich is doable starting at $6.29 and includes your choice of three cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, American or provolone. You’ll still have room for a side or a large cookie ($1.95), but not both. A classic, plain egg salad sandwich ($7.49) stays within reach. Depending on your bill, you can add one of the various bottled and canned beverages ($1.99) or sparkling water ($1.69).
Details: 839 W. University Drive. 480-967-2980, sackssandwiches.com.
The Chuck Box
This iconic cash-only burger joint is known for its old-school charm and meaty fare. A small ⅕-pounder ($6.16) or hot dog ($6.45) will satisfy you. A small drink is $3.10.
Details: 202 E. University Drive. 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com.
Old Mill Avenue is dead. Long live old Mill Avenue: OG Tempe restaurants enter a new era
The Halal Boys
Menu planning takes some creativity, but if you combine hummus with pita bread ($4.50) and a serving of falafel (4 for $3.75), you’ve got a solid lunch. If you go 24 cents over your budget, you can grab a bottle of water ($1.99).
Details: 1015 S. Rural Rd. 480-275-7502, thehalalguys.com.
Poke 2 U
Order a California, Spicy California or Veggie Roll for $6.99. In addition to the usual vending machine drinks and bottled soft drinks, there are canned Arizona mango and watermelon fruit cocktails and UCC iced coffee and tea for $2 each.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. 480-773-7454, poke2u.com.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
There’s a lot to marvel at at this long-standing Mill Avenue eatery. The cheese quesadilla ($5.59), bean and cheese burrito ($4.99) and bean and cheese nachos ($5.59) can be paid for with a debit card. Craving breakfast for lunch? Egg and cheese-filled burritos with bacon, potatoes, chorizo or shrimp ($6.39) are just what you need. A regular soft drink is $2.99.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. 480-968-8226, fuzzystacoshop.com.
