Here are my go-to spots around campus. I found all the best hidden gems and local faves. Did I miss anything, let me know and I'll add it to the list!
Sections
4
Eats
Study
Shopping
Activities
Eats
There's a lot because I'm a biggie, and there's so many food places in downtown
So delicious and the decor is beautiful. I recommend the mango roll and the dynamite and rainbow lunch special.
Harumi Sushi
Just went there, omg the carne asada tacos are so delicious. $4 each so I think my total was only like $8
Gallo Blanco
Pricy but the most beautiful restaurant I've ever been in. Good for special events. Their tacos are great. I tried a salad, but that was a mistake, I didn't like it.
Carcara
This place is my second home 😂 Iced chai w/ oatmilk and caramel drizzle! Their chai is so good. I also love their avocado toast. My fav place for breakfast and lunch.
Fillmore Coffee Co.
Literally just went here with my friends! I love their pad thai. The mango smoothie and mango sticky rice is also so good! Make sure to choose a low level of spice to start. I eat spicy food all the time and can barely handle the medium 😭
Thai Basil Signature: HOME - Phoenix
The price is really good and it's close by. Love getting this as takeout
Pho Noodles - 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
They have this banana bread pudding that is to die for! Kinda pricy for dinner, idk if i would go here all the time. Best dessert hands down though
The Vig
Bruschetta boards are so yum!
Postino Central
Pink rice and noodles! You customize the order by choosing your base, dumpling type and sauce. Best for takeout but definitely worth trying!
LoveBite Dumplings
The BEST boba in the area. It's tucked away in this corner of the middle of nowhere but the boba is so good
Milk Run Premium Ice Cream & Boba
Build your own pizza and salads! Way better than the taste budzz and pomo's imo
Dough Boy Pizza
Also pretty pricy but good for a date night or birthday. They also are like the only place that validates parking, so at least parking is free.
Wren & Wolf
Study
I study better in a pretty environment, so I did some exploring and I like these places
Their lobby is so beautiful and you can charge your laptop, free wifi too! 10% discount for students at the cafe called &more. Super clean bathrooms too
Phoenix Hotel | Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
By Moontower, this is probably the most aesthetic cafe. I've ever been to
Daydreamer Coffee
three story library/cafe! it's beautiful there
Provision Coffee
I honestly stumbled upon this place by accident. I was was on my way back from the sushi place and it was way too hot so I stopped here. It's also very nice, love cutting through here to study for a bit or catch the AC
Renaissance Square - HOME
The study rooms in fusion are way better than the ones in UCENT. Or tbh me and my friends would just hang out in a random classroom
Fusion on First - Capstone Development Partners
If you head downstairs, there's a meditation room that I used to use for naps lol or study sessions with friends! super cozy and quiet
Student Center @ the Post Office | Virtual Tours
Shopping
I like it, they have a lot of cool chip flavors and stuff I don't see in other stores. If you sign up with email you get random $4 off coupons so you can get your snacks for free or almost free
CVS
Probably the best mall in AZ, but not nearly cool as the ones in China tbh. I'm also biased bc I'm from Chandler, I love the Chandler mall. Just don't go to AZ mills, it's not safe
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Walking into a grocery store on my own for the first time was so exciting, I love coming here! It's pretty hard to carry the groceries back with no car though. I usually buy small things here and there.
Fry's Food And Drug
Activities
I like it here, great view and is fun to go tanning with friends
Pool Hours - Sun Devil Fitness - Arizona State University
Small concert venue but its super close!
The Van Buren
Beautiful photo spot! Go here on first Friday when it's free. Wait till it cools down so you can have more time to take photos and walk without the heat
