El Paisano Market

- 1035 E Lemon St, Tempe, AZ 85281

For those of us in the Tempe area of Arizona, El Paisano Market is a recognized local hybrid—a combination convenience store and a counter-service restaurant specializing in a blend of Mexican and American comfort food. This unique establishment, located near the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, has become a staple for students and locals alike, primarily known for its extensive menu, late operating hours, and affordability.

The concept of El Paisano Market is simple: provide a one-stop-shop for both essential market items—including a vast array of beverages, chips, and sweets—and freshly prepared, hearty meals. The restaurant side of the business offers a fun, high-energy menu that leans into generously portioned, 'drunk food' style items, perfect for satisfying major cravings. While the market side offers convenience, the restaurant is the main draw, featuring a comprehensive selection of burritos, tacos, nachos, and even classic American comfort food like burgers and chicken tenders. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and particularly popular with the younger crowd in the area.

Its unique fusion of menu items, such as the famous Carne Asada Fries and the inventive Hot Cheetos Burrito, reflects a modern take on comfort cuisine. The business is also known for its commitment to serving the community by accepting SNAP/EBT payments, further cementing its role as a key resource for the local Tempe population.

Location and Accessibility

The location of El Paisano Market is strategically important, situated directly adjacent to the eastern edge of the ASU Tempe campus, making it highly accessible for the student body.

The full address is: 1035 E Lemon St, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.

This spot is known for its convenient hours, often staying open very late, which is a significant factor in its popularity for late-night food. Accessibility features include a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. For those driving, the location provides a free parking lot as well as free street parking options, adding to the convenience for quick stops or longer meals. The central Tempe location ensures it is an easy destination to reach for anyone in the East Valley.

Services Offered

El Paisano Market offers a wide range of services that go beyond a typical fast-food restaurant.

• Dine-in seating is available in a casual atmosphere.
• Takeout and Delivery services are offered, with the option for Onsite services and No-contact delivery.
• Outdoor seating is available for enjoying a meal or snack outside.
• The market component offers a vast array of beverages, chips, candy, and other convenience store items.
• The restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, accommodating various dining times.
• Offerings include Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine, allowing for a complete late-night experience for customers of legal age.
• Payments can be made using Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, and notably, SNAP/EBT.

Features / Highlights

What makes El Paisano Market a local favorite in the Arizona food scene are its unique features and service emphasis, particularly for the ASU community.

• Exceptional operating hours, staying open very late (often until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM), cementing its status as a premier late-night food spot in Tempe.
• Menu focuses on a creative Mexican-American fusion of comfort food, including signature dishes with unique ingredients like Hot Cheetos and Takis.
• Noted for its fast service, allowing for quick bites despite the potentially large crowds, especially during late hours.
• Offers a good selection of alcoholic beverages (Beer, Hard liquor, Wine), complementing the comfort food menu.
• Menu is diverse, covering not just Mexican staples like burritos and quesadillas, but also American comfort food (burgers, Philly Steak, Fish and Chips) and breakfast items.
• The combined format of a restaurant and a convenience market allows customers to purchase a full meal, snacks, and a wide variety of drinks all in one stop.

Contact Information

For those in the Arizona area looking to contact the Tempe location:

Address: 1035 E Lemon St, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 557-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 480-557-5000

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting El Paisano Market, Arizona locals often gravitate towards the highly-rated, massive, and indulgent menu items. The Carne Asada Fries is consistently highlighted as a top favorite, providing a hearty combination of crispy fries topped with savory grilled steak. The diverse and often oversized Burritos are another major draw, with the Paisano's Burrito and the California Burrito being popular classics, while the Hot Cheetos Burrito and Takis Burrito offer a spicy, crunchy, and inventive experience unique to the restaurant. The Quesabirria Tacos are also a popular choice for those seeking the traditional rich flavor of Birria.

For customers seeking classic American fare, the Double Cheeseburger and Fries is also consistently well-received. Furthermore, the extensive selection of snacks, chips, and chilled beverages from the market section—including specialty drinks and a wide range of Arizona Iced Teas and energy drinks—makes it the ideal pit stop for restocking and grabbing a bite. The various Value Combos, which pair popular items like the 4 Pack Tacos with Carne Asada Fries, offer a satisfying meal at a promotional price point.

It is important to note that the experience can occasionally be inconsistent. While many customers praise the friendly staff, quick service, and excellent food, there are isolated reports indicating that food temperature and overall quality can vary, particularly during peak late-night rushes. For instance, one review cited cold fries and stale chips on a late-night visit, coupled with what was perceived as sloppy preparation and poor customer service. Conversely, numerous five-star reviews consistently praise the fantastic service, friendly staff, and the consistent correctness of their orders, suggesting that the positive experiences are widespread. Given its popularity and status as a late-night anchor, visitors should go in expecting a bustling, casual environment that delivers large, satisfying, and creative comfort meals, especially when ordering their highest-rated items. The combination of market convenience and a dedicated late-night grill is what truly makes El Paisano a valuable and unique asset to the Tempe dining scene.

El Paisano Market

1035 E Lemon St, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA