Restaurants and dining near ASU Gammage

How to plan your meal around a show at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage sits on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, surrounded by campus eateries and the Mill Avenue dining area. Many visitors choose a restaurant within walking distance before the performance, then use theater concessions mainly for drinks or light snacks during intermission. Because individual restaurants set their own hours and booking policies, check each place’s current opening times and whether they take reservations on the day of your show.

Very close options within about 300 meters

If you want to stay closest to the theater, these spots on or just off Apache Boulevard are among the nearest named places to ASU Gammage. They are close enough that you can finish your meal and walk over without leaving the immediate campus area.

• TapacuboAbout 250 m from ASU Gammage at 225 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe; a restaurant-category spot very close to the theater.
• The Normal DinerRoughly 270 m away at 225 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe; another restaurant-class option near Apache Boulevard.

Coffee and quick meetups near the venue

For a lighter stop, caffeine before the curtain, or a place to meet your group, several cafes sit within a short walk of ASU Gammage. These range from independent coffee shops on Mill Avenue to campus-area Starbucks locations.

• King CoffeeAround 320 m from ASU Gammage at 1020 South Mill Avenue, Tempe; categorized as a cafe and coffee shop.
• Starbucks (East Lemon Street)About 350 m from the theater on East Lemon Street, Tempe; listed as a cafe and coffee shop with internet access.
• Starbucks (525 East Orange Street)Roughly 600 m away at 525 East Orange Street, Tempe; another nearby cafe-style coffee option with internet access.
• Cartel Roasting Co.About 680 m from ASU Gammage at 225 West University Drive, Tempe; an additional coffee shop-style cafe with internet access.
• Café ZupasApproximately 680 m away at 105 West University Drive, Tempe; categorized as a cafe.
• The Crêpe ClubRoughly 730 m from the venue at 550 East Tyler Mall, Tempe; listed as a cafe-style spot on campus.

Mill Avenue and University Drive restaurants within walking distance

Mill Avenue and nearby University Drive form a key dining cluster a short walk northwest of ASU Gammage. This area includes restaurants, bars, and pizza places, giving you several named choices within roughly 650 to 750 meters of the theater.

• Alter EgoAbout 645 m from ASU Gammage at 108 East University Drive, Tempe; categorized as a restaurant.
• AlibiAround 660 m away at 108 East University Drive, Tempe; listed as a bar.
• The ChuckboxRoughly 670 m from the venue at 202 East University Drive, Tempe; categorized as a restaurant with a burger focus.
• First WatchAbout 680 m away at 111 West University Drive, Tempe; classified as an American-style restaurant.
• Filthy AnimalAround 690 m from ASU Gammage at 740 South Mill Avenue, Tempe; listed as a restaurant.
• University Sports GrillApproximately 710 m away at 740 South Mill Avenue, Tempe; another restaurant option on Mill Avenue.
• Otto Pizza & PastryAbout 710 m from the theater at 804 South Ash Avenue, Tempe; categorized as a pizza restaurant.
• Terra Tempe Kitchen & SpiritsRoughly 720 m away at 11 East 7th Street, Tempe; classified as an American restaurant.
• Sauce Pizza & WineAround 730 m from ASU Gammage at 705 South Myrtle Avenue, Tempe; listed as a pizza restaurant.
• H.O.T. House Of TcaosApproximately 745 m away at 740 South Mill Avenue, Tempe; categorized as a Mexican restaurant.

Bars and lounges for drinks near ASU Gammage

If you are mainly looking for a drink before or after a performance, several named bars and lounges are within walking distance of the theater. Their exact drink lists and policies are set by each business, so confirm details directly with the venue you choose.

• Casey Moore's Oyster HouseAbout 650 m from ASU Gammage at 850 South Ash Avenue, Tempe; categorized as a bar with limited wheelchair access noted in mapping data.
• AlibiAround 660 m away at 108 East University Drive, Tempe; listed as a bar close to Mill Avenue dining.
• Skysill Rooftop LoungeRoughly 740 m from the theater at 11 East 7th Street, Tempe; categorized as a bar and rooftop lounge.

What to double‑check before you go

Because nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars around ASU Gammage operate independently of the theater, they control their own hours, menus, and reservation policies. Before your show, confirm current opening times for your chosen spot, especially if you plan to arrive close to curtain. If you are attending a popular performance, consider checking whether the restaurant accepts or recommends reservations, and allow enough time to walk from Mill Avenue or Apache Boulevard back to the theater. For more on timing your arrival, see the general ASU Gammage faq guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there restaurants within walking distance of ASU Gammage?

Yes. Mapping data shows multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars within roughly 250 to 750 meters of ASU Gammage. Very close options include Tapacubo and The Normal Diner on East Apache Boulevard. A short walk north brings you to the Mill Avenue and University Drive area, with places such as Alter Ego, The Chuckbox, First Watch, Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits, Sauce Pizza & Wine, and several others.

Where can I get coffee near ASU Gammage before a show?

Several cafes appear within walking distance of ASU Gammage. Nearby choices include King Coffee on South Mill Avenue, Starbucks locations on East Lemon Street and East Orange Street, Cartel Roasting Co. On West University Drive, Café Zupas on West University Drive, and The Crêpe Club on East Tyler Mall. Each operates independently, so check current hours before you go.

Is there a bar scene near ASU Gammage for pre‑ or post‑show drinks?

Yes. Bars and lounges within walking distance include Casey Moore's Oyster House on South Ash Avenue, Alibi on East University Drive, and Skysill Rooftop Lounge on East 7th Street. The broader Mill Avenue area also includes additional restaurant‑bar hybrids, such as University Sports Grill and Filthy Animal.

How far is Mill Avenue dining from ASU Gammage?

The Mill Avenue and University Drive cluster sits roughly 650 to 750 meters from ASU Gammage, depending on the specific restaurant. Examples like Alter Ego, The Chuckbox, Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits, and University Sports Grill fall in this range, which is a reasonable walk for many visitors planning to eat before heading to the theater.

Do nearby restaurants around ASU Gammage require reservations?

Reservation policies are set by each individual restaurant or bar, not by ASU Gammage. Some places in the Mill Avenue and University Drive area, such as Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits or Sauce Pizza & Wine, may offer or recommend reservations at busy times, but this is not listed centrally. If you are attending a high‑demand performance, check your chosen restaurant’s website or contact them directly to confirm whether reservations are available or advisable.

Can I rely on nearby restaurants for a late meal after the show?

Theater and restaurant hours are managed separately, and specific closing times for places like Tapacubo, The Normal Diner, Casey Moore's Oyster House, or Mill Avenue restaurants are not listed by ASU Gammage. If you hope to eat after the performance, check each restaurant’s posted hours for the exact night of your show to make sure their kitchen will still be open when you arrive.