We went to every single bar on Mill Avenue in Tempe. Here's your guide to ASU nightlife
Every college city has one. (Or at least, every college city worth living in.) The area to go for food, drinks and nightlife that's close enough to campus, yet far enough away to forget about homework. In Tempe, near Arizona State University's main campus, Mill Avenue is that place.
You can't walk one block along Mill without passing multiple bars, clubs or restaurants. And with that much choice, it's hard to know which ones to actually go to.
The coronavirus pandemic also altered the look of Mill Avenue, with some previous mainstays closing permanently.
Here's the good news: We checked out every single one, so you wouldn't have to. Whether you're looking to get cute and go out or get comfy and play some board games, this field guide will help you find the right vibe for your ideal night out.
This is your guide to every spot on Mill Avenue, between Tempe Town Lake and University Drive.
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Mill Avenue mainstays (a.k.a. the staples)
Mill Cue Club
Open for more than 25 years, this Mill Avenue staple is clearly doing something right. Head to Mill Cue Club for a night of pool, giant blue cocktails and the bar's signature Long Island iced tea. It's a must for any true Sun Devil.
Details: 607 S. Mill Ave. 480-966-0068, millcueclub.com.
Zuma
This Mill Avenue bar turns into a club at night and you can dance the night away with a live DJ.
Details: 605 S. Mill Ave. 480-829-6775, facebook.com/ZumaMillAve.
Fat Tuesday
It's Mardi Gras every day at this New Orleans-themed bar, where the music and the daiquiris are spinning seven nights a week. With flavors like orange banshee and electric lemonade, it's easy to suck down a yard (by the way, they're really only 14 inches long) of flavor or mix and match to create unlimited combinations. Fat Tuesday also serves food during the day, including three varieties of loaded fries.
Details: 680 S. Mill Ave. 480-967-3917, fattuesdayaz.com.
Rodeo Ranch
If mechanical bulls are your vibe, Rodeo Ranch is the nightclub for you. Western-themed decor and leather accents set the tone, which is finished off with a large dance floor and arcade games in the back. Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly, the bar starts with happy hour and switches to a full-on club as the night goes on. "Slice Gang Tuesdays" include EDM and free pizza after 10 p.m.
Details: 501 S. Mill Ave. 480-534-8620, therodeoranch.com.
Aura
If you are looking for a real night club experience, look no further than Aura. This 5,000-square-foot club has a dance floor, DJ booth, stage, LED screens and lighting. Check the bar's website for upcoming events with shows that range from local to international DJs. For the big ballers out there, Aura also has VIP tables and bottle service.
Details: 411 S. Mill Ave. 480-210-2872, auratempe.com.
Low-key spots
Handlebar
Enter through the extra-wide wooden door into this bicycle-themed bar. Restaurant during the day and live music venue and bar at night, this spot is a great place to kick back and enjoy one of 24 craft beers on tap.
Details: 680 S. Mill Ave. 480-474-4888, handlebaraz.com.
Snakes & Lattes
If you're looking for a slightly more chill spot where you can still get a drink, head to Snakes and Lattes. This hangout has a library of more than 600 board games that are available for use if you buy a $5 pass. The menu includes coffee options, a full bar and food.
Details: 20 W. Sixth St. 480-361-6644, snakesandlattes.com.
Mellow Mushroom Pizza
Get your pizza, calzone, hoagies, wings, pretzel bites and more for lunch, dinner or midnight snack. The menu also offers 48 beers on tap, cocktails and wine, which you can have at half price during happy hour and reverse happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and every day from 10 p.m. to close. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Details: 740 S. Mill Ave., Suite D100. 480-967-6355, mellowmushroom.com.
Slangin' Birdz
If you're a Nashville fried chicken kind of person, Slangin' Birdz has you covered. Depending on your level of courage, you can order no heat, which they call Walk of Shame, to 1st Base mild up to Hotter Than Your X and Game Over, if you love extreme heat. Wings, waffles and beer on tap are some of the other options.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. #101. 480-805-2021, slanginbirdz.com.
Tacos Calafia
If you are in need of munchies at 3 a.m. on the weekend, look no further. Tijuana-style tacos and burritos served in handmade tortillas with fresh salsa and guacamole made daily are this restaurant's claim to fame. Grab two-for-one margaritas and $3 beers during happy hour.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. Unit 115. tacoscalafia.com.
Perfect patios for drinking outside
Casa Tempe
With only outdoor seating available during the day, this Mill Avenue staple will keep you cool with its signature 32-ounce buckets of booze. Chow down on modern Mexican fare or try a mac and cheese-filled burrito. Inside, the bar features DJs on weekend nights and half-off drafts during the week.
Details: 5 E. Sixth St. 480-557-8226, casatempe.com.
Pedal Haus
If you are looking to break up a routine of drinking flavorless canned beer at college parties, head to Mill Avenue's only brewery. Pedal Haus offers a giant patio and a spacious interior with a view of the brewing tanks while you eat. The restaurant's menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options to accompany the classic pub fare.
Details: 730 S. Mill Ave. 480-314-2337, pedalhausbrewery.com.
Catch some live music or a DJ at these spots
Anoche Cantina
If you're looking for more elevated food, and club vibes, this is your spot. Anoche, which translates to last night is brand new to Mill Avenue and promises a "sexy by day, party by night" situation. The 5,000-square-foot modern cantina offers "classico" and "loco" Latin-inspired dishes and a make-your-own margarita bar. An example of classico section is a regular margarita as opposed to loco's sour candy-infused tequila shot in red or blue. After dark, the restaurant transforms into a party scene with DJs playing house and top 40 and bottle service.
Details: 640 S. Mill Ave. B110. 813-995-7159, anochecantina.com.
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Darkstar
Darkstar announces its musical guests on Instagram and via its website. Concert tickets range between $18 and $25. According to Dono Smith, a member of the management team, the plan is to expand to the adjacent space sometime later this year. They plan to open a cocktail lounge and kitchen and guests will be able to move freely between the two spaces.
Details: 526 S. Mill Ave., #201, Tempe. 480-408-5010, darkstartempe.com.
The Lone Beast
Metal lovers, this place is for you. Open since March 2022, The Lone Beast has indoor and outdoor seating as well as vegan options on the menu
Details: 425 S Mill Ave., Suite 111, Tempe. 480.284.5442, Instagram @thelonebeastmillave
GLOW Shots & Cocktails
Located above Tacos Calafia, GLOW Shots & Cocktails hosts live DJ nights throughout the weekend. The dark dance floor is lit up by a rainbow assortment of spotlights adding to the glow. The drinks menu focuses on shots and bottle service.
Details: 414 S. Mill Ave. #215. 480-329-4090, instagram.com/glowshotsandcocktails.
Low Key Piano Bar
Low Key Piano Bar offers live dueling piano battles on Mill Avenue and it's one of the only dueling piano bars in town. But this isn't a stuffy old-school joint; you can still get a jello-shot syringe or a fishbowl if you want to turn up.
Details: 501 S. Mill Ave. 480-355-1705, lowkeypianobar.com.
414 Pub & Pizza
If you feel like putting your singing talent to the test, 414 has you covered with karaoke. But first, build up the energy and courage with food, including pizza, calzones and wings plus beer and cocktails. After you're done singing, replenish yourself with dessert.
Detail: 414 S. Mill Ave #118. 480-829-3536, tempe.414pizza.com.
Bars with food (that's actually worth eating)
Illegal Pete's
Whether you're looking for some quick tacos and nachos or are hunting for a margarita and some live music, this Colorado-based chain has it all. Great for grabbing a quick bite to go or for settling in to watch the band on the patio, Illegal Pete's has quickly become a college student's go-to since it opened in October 2018.
Details: 525 S. Mill Ave. 623-233-4311, illegalpetes.com.
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Loco Patron
Loco Patron sits at the very top of Mill Avenue, close to the light-rail stop. Hit this casual spot, which is known for tacos, tequila and multiple happy hours every day. The menu includes seven flavors of margaritas and the restaurant hosts live music on Friday nights.
Details: 222 S. Mill Ave. 480-699-0922, locopatron.com.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Slide on up to the counter at Fuzzy's and get your fill of Baja tacos and burritos for brunch, lunch, dinner and $1.99 tacos on Tuesdays. Don't forget to order a FuzzyRita, which Fuzzy's makes by taking a frozen margarita and throwing in either a Corona or Dos Equis.
Details: 350 S. Mill Ave., Suite 101, Tempe. 480-968-8226, fuzzystacoshop.com.
Taco Bell Cantina
Whether Taco Bell Cantina's food is worth eating may be debatable, but as the night goes on, and the shots go down, somehow it sounds better and better. When you need a chalupa at 1 a.m., Taco Bell Cantina has got your back. If you want to also order a vodka-spiked slushy, well that might be the definition of living más.
Details: 423 S. Mill Ave. 602-675-8380, locations.tacobell.com/az/tempe.
Places where you can watch the game
Detroit Coney Grill
From Detroit Coneys to made-from-scratch burgers, hand-cut fries, pita sandwiches and a full bar of Michigan's "finest beer," this place has something for everyone. Travel Channel ranked their burgers ninth best in America. So, grab a burger and beer and settle in to watch a game on the numerous TV screens. There is also a patio for when the weather cools down a bit.
Details: 699 S. Mill Ave, Suite 119. 480-350-7707, detroitconeygrill.com.
Zipps Sports Grill
If the big game is on and you're not going, head to Zipps to watch. With TVs in every corner of the bar and multiple sports-themed murals, this location of the popular Valley sports bar chain is a Sun Devil fan haven. Classic sports bar fare plus rotating taps are on the menu and bar games are available.
Details: 690 S. Mill Ave. 480-404-7255, zippssportsgrills.com.
Varsity Tavern
After a rocky couple of months, this sports bar is open once again. Eat, drink and dance at Varsity Tavern and enjoy people-watching along Mill Avenue from the second-story patio.
Details: 501 S. Mill Ave. 480-534-8620, varsitytavern.com/tempe.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Guide to the best ASU nightlife on Mill Avenue in Tempe
