Engrained Cafe

- 2, Memorial Union Building, 1290 S Normal Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287

For residents, students, and visitors in the Arizona Valley, finding a truly committed, sustainable, and health-conscious restaurant can elevate a simple meal into an experience. Engrained Cafe, nestled in the heart of the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus, is one such gem. Created with a strong core focus on sustainability back in 2008, this establishment is far more than typical campus dining; it is a full-service, dine-in restaurant designed to serve the ASU community—students, faculty, and staff—as well as the wider local community of Tempe and beyond.

Engrained Cafe distinguishes itself immediately through its “Six Intentions,” a comprehensive set of sustainability guidelines that inform nearly every aspect of its operation. These intentions include 'Radius 150,' which prioritizes utilizing food resources from within a 150-mile radius of the university whenever seasonally possible. This local focus means patrons in Arizona are directly supporting local farms and suppliers, boosting the local economy and ensuring the freshest possible ingredients land on their plates. They actively seek out organic produce, fair-trade coffee, locally grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, all-natural chicken, and sustainable seafood. This deep commitment to ethical sourcing and ingredient quality ensures a difference you can taste, making it a compelling choice for anyone prioritizing both health and environmental responsibility.

The culinary offerings at Engrained Cafe are diverse and tailored to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. The menu, which changes seasonally to reflect what is locally available, includes everything from hot entrees and soups to fresh salads, sandwiches, and brick-oven pizza. For a lighter fare, you might opt for the Soup and Salad ($9.25) combination or the vibrant Summer Tomato and Mozzarella Salad ($10.35). Entree highlights include the sustainably sourced Pan Seared Salmon ($13.50) and the flavorful Miso Shrimp Bowl ($12.50). Sandwich options are equally robust, featuring a plant-based Organic Black Bean Burger ($11.75) and the Arizona Grass Fed Beef Burger ($12.60). Pizza lovers can enjoy a classic Cheese Pizza ($10.25) or Pepperoni Pizza ($11.00), with the flexibility of requesting gluten-free pizza crust and vegan shredded cheese, demonstrating the cafe’s dedication to accommodating all diners. Smaller plates, such as the Futomaki Vegetable Roll Plate ($8.00) or the Futomaki Crab and Mango Roll Plate ($10.50), provide perfect options for a quick bite or shared starter. The complimentary items often included with meals, such as chili dusted potato chips and drinks (as mentioned in a customer review), further enhance the value and overall dining experience.

Engrained Cafe is strategically located on the second floor of the Memorial Union Building on the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe Campus. While it is on campus, it is readily accessible to the public, offering a bright, inviting, and modern space for lunch and dinner. The address is:

2, Memorial Union Building, 1290 S Normal Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA

For those concerned about ease of access, the cafe has made significant efforts to be inclusive:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Its location on the bustling ASU campus means it's a central spot for both the university crowd—including college students and groups—and local Arizona residents seeking a quality meal in a relaxed setting.

Engrained Cafe provides a comprehensive suite of dining options to fit various schedules and preferences:

• Dine-in: Full-service table seating is available for a comfortable meal.
• Takeout: Convenient options for those on the go, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
• Outdoor seating: Patrons can enjoy the Arizona weather and campus atmosphere while dining.
• Table service: Ensuring a traditional, relaxed restaurant experience.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is useful for groups or during peak dining times.
• Accepts various payments: Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted for ease of transaction.
• Good for kids: The casual atmosphere and diverse menu make it a suitable choice for families.

The cafe’s highlights are centered around its philosophy and the quality of its offerings:

• Great Dessert: A standout feature, as noted by customer feedback, ensuring a delightful finish to any meal.
• Sustainability Commitment: Operates under the 'Six Intentions,' including the 'Radius 150' local sourcing policy and extensive waste minimization programs (composting, recycling).
• Health-Conscious Menu: Extensive offerings categorized as Healthy options, Organic dishes, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options.
• Fair Trade Products: Commitment to ethical buying, including fair-trade coffee.
• Atmosphere: Described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, providing a welcoming environment for solo dining, groups, or professional meetings.
• Catering to Dietary Needs: Features like the availability of gluten-free pizza crust and vegan shredded cheese are key for diners with specific requirements.
• Popularity: A recognized and popular choice for both Lunch and Dinner, as well as for solo dining.

For inquiries, reservations, or general information, the restaurant can be contacted via phone or visited at the following address:

Address: 2, Memorial Union Building, 1290 S Normal Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA

Phone: (480) 965-4239 or +1 480-965-4239

What truly sets Engrained Cafe apart and makes it a worthwhile choice for any Arizona resident is its uncompromising commitment to quality and sustainability. Customers often praise the food for being "Really good locally sourced organic food." In an era where many people are seeking transparency in their food sources, the cafe provides exactly that, with a dedication to ingredients harvested within a 150-mile radius, directly supporting Arizona's local economy and minimizing environmental impact.

Furthermore, the menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse and modern dietary needs, proactively including "vegan and gluten free items on the menu," making it a safe and reliable option for those with restrictions. The combination of healthy, organic, and ethically sourced food—from the Arizona Grass Fed Beef Burger to the numerous vegan options—ensures that diners do not have to choose between convenience and conscience.

While some minor inconsistencies in produce naming have been noted in customer feedback, the overwhelming sentiment focuses on the cafe's excellent quality, particularly its great dessert, the complimentary value-added items, and the inviting, accessible atmosphere. For a local Arizona dining experience that is friendly, environmentally responsible, and consistently delicious, Engrained Cafe offers a unique and positive option right in the heart of Tempe.

Engrained Cafe

2, Memorial Union Building, 1290 S Normal Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA