Tempe restaurants featured on ‘Check, Please! Arizona’

With ASU’s fall semester in full swing, Tempe continues to be a hot spot for community and quality local restaurants. Our show “Check, Please! Arizona” has featured some great spots in Tempe, so we compiled a list for you. Let us know if you’ve dined at any of the restaurants below and share your favorite Tempe spots with us at Arizona PBS on Facebook.

Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen

Nestled in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen is a neighborhood gem that has been delighting pizza lovers for over four decades.

What sets Spinato’s apart from other pizzerias is their commitment to using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. From their homemade pizza dough to their signature sauces, every item on the menu is crafted with care and attention to detail.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Louie Flores loves dining at Spinato’s. “The combination of flavors is simply delicious,” Flores said. One of the most popular items Flores orders is the Meaty Pizza, which is topped with pepperoni, sausage and Canadian bacon. 

You can visit Spinato’s Pizzeria at 96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, or visit their website for more information.

Spokes on Southern

Looking for a fun and unique dining experience in Arizona? Look no further than Spokes on Southern, a bike-themed bar and grill offering a little something for everyone.

With a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, Spokes on Southern offers a diverse menu featuring everything from turkey sliders to carne asada tacos, salmon salad to pepper burgers. The star of the show, however, is their wide selection of craft brews from Arizona and around the world, including 26 local beers. 

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Violet Ponce-Vowel ordered the spinach enchiladas with black beans and rice. “The flavors were really fresh, it wasn’t too spicy, all the ingredients tasted like they are really sourced,” Ponce-Vowel said.

You can visit Spokes on Southern at 1470 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, or visit their website for more information.

Harlow’s Cafe

Since 1980, Harlow’s Cafe has been serving up delicious, classic home cooking in the heart of Tempe. The local diner is known for catering to your morning mealtime cravings, serving lunch and breakfast all day long.

“Our ambiance is pretty much like being at home,” Owner John Essaff said. Comparing the cafe to grandma and grandpa’s house in the Midwest, Essaff said he simply wants people to have a great meal and a good time.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Laurie King, an education specialist, said she split the restaurant’s Belgian waffle with her friend. She summed it up in one word: “phenomenal.”

You can visit Harlow’s Cafe at 1021 W. University Drive, Tempe.

Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch is bringing the untamed flavors of the Southwest to South Tempe with a modern twist.

Ghost Ranch’s lively atmosphere is also great for group outings. In addition to its unique food menu, it also has an extensive beverage menu with refreshing alcoholic cocktails.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Tara Anderson recommended Ghost Ranch which is conveniently located in her neighborhood. Anderson said she was immediately drawn to this spot because every community needs an “awesome Mexican restaurant.”

You can visit Ghost Ranch at 1006 E. Warner Road #102-103, Tempe, or visit their website for more information.

Perfect Pear Bistro

If you’re looking for salads, quinoa bowls and wraps, Perfect Pear Bistro is the restaurant for you. Taking a modern twist on comfort food, the dine-in spot offers a little bit of something for everyone.

“My wife and I developed all of these recipes,” Owner Chris Hove said. “We just use a lot of really good solid ingredients, really unique and interesting things that you don’t see on everybody’s menu.”

Located in the vibrant heart of Tempe, the restaurant is keen to attract young adults, students and families alike.

You can visit Perfect Pear Bistro at 603 W. University Drive, Tempe, or visit their website for more information.

Want more Arizona restaurant recommendations? Watch “Check, Please! Arizona” for inspiration for your next meal out, with diverse options all over the state!