Main Event Tempe Introduce
For families, groups, and students across the Valley looking for a break from the Arizona heat, Main Event Tempe stands out as a premier destination that perfectly blends high-energy entertainment with a quality dining experience. Far more than just a restaurant, Main Event is a sprawling entertainment center that offers a wide array of activities, including an upscale bowling alley, state-of-the-art video arcade, and laser tag center, making it the ideal spot for a full day or night out.
The atmosphere is described by local visitors as energetic and family-friendly, designed to keep both kids and adults thoroughly entertained under one expansive roof. The venue features bright neon lights and a lively vibe, ensuring that every visit feels like a fun escape. Whether you are hosting a charity event, celebrating a child's birthday, or just seeking an affordable family fun day, Main Event delivers an experience where the excitement is palpable and the staff is committed to great service, even when the place is packed.
While the focus is on fun, the food and beverage offerings at Main Event are anything but an afterthought. The menu is diverse, featuring classic comfort food and game-day favorites designed to fuel hours of fun. Patrons rave about the quality of the 'bites' and are often pleasantly surprised by menu standouts like the legitimately crispy and tangy fried pickles. The dining experience is casual yet well-organized, with table service available and staff members like 'Roy at the bar' ensuring that food and drinks are delivered quickly and with a great attitude, even during busy hours.
The culinary selection is designed for sharing and includes popular appetizers perfect for passing around the bowling lane or arcade, hearty burgers and handhelds, fresh salads, and 'Game Changing' pizzas. The food is solid, satisfying, and designed to match the fun, energetic environment. The offerings are complete with a full bar service, featuring a great selection of beer, cocktails, and hard liquor, alongside fun mocktails for the younger crowd, ensuring that every member of the group, regardless of age, has a delicious option.
Location and Accessibility
Main Event Tempe is strategically located at 8545 S Emerald Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA. Situated conveniently off major roads, the location is highly accessible for residents coming from Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and other parts of the Southeast Valley. It is part of a commercial center, which contributes to its ease of access and parking. Accessibility for all guests is a high priority, evidenced by the following:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating throughout the venue.
- Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces.
- Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities.
- Plenty of free parking available in the large, free parking lot, plus free street parking options.
Services Offered
- Dine-in and Table Service for a relaxed meal.
- Takeout and Curbside pickup for convenient, on-the-go orders.
- Delivery and No-contact delivery options through various services.
- Onsite services including a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor.
- Venue rentals and party packages for Children's birthdays, corporate events, and group gatherings.
- Accepts reservations for groups to ensure prompt seating and service.
Features / Highlights
- Entertainment Hub: Features 26 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a multi-level Laser Tag arena, Gravity Ropes, Billiards, Shuffleboard, and over 100 video arcade games (including classics and VR).
- Special Promotions: Hosts popular value-added programs, such as 'Kids Bowl Free' passes during the summer/spring and 'Kids Eat Free Tuesdays' (with the purchase of an eligible adult menu item).
- Full-Service Dining: Offers a chef-inspired menu featuring pizzas (like the Mega Pan Pepperoni), gourmet burgers (PBB&J Burger, Triple Lava Burger), wings, and salads.
- Great Bar Program: Features a full bar with great beer and cocktail selections, plus Happy Hour food and drink specials.
- Family-Focused Amenities: Provides a Kids' menu, has changing tables, and offers high chairs, making it truly family-friendly.
- Dining Flexibility: Serves Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and Late-night food, accommodating various schedules.
- Atmosphere: Casual and trendy, suitable for college students, families, and large groups alike.
- Speed and Efficiency: Staff is known for fast and accommodating service, even when the venue is busy.
Contact Information
Address: 8545 S Emerald Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA
Phone: (480) 753-1200
What is worth choosing
Main Event Tempe is the essential choice for Arizona residents seeking affordable, all-in-one entertainment that solves the perennial question of where to eat and play. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that extend beyond a standard restaurant or bowling alley. Firstly, the sheer scope of entertainment—from high-tech bowling to a vast arcade and laser tag—means there is truly something to engage every age and interest, ensuring the fun never runs out.
Secondly, the commitment to value, especially through popular promotions like Kids Bowl Free and Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, provides real, tangible value that budget-conscious Arizona families deeply appreciate. This focus on affordability ensures that a spontaneous 'Family Fun Day' is done right, as customers note, without breaking the bank, which is particularly appealing when seeking an escape from the intense summer heat.
Finally, the quality of the culinary offering is a significant factor. While it's an entertainment center, the food is noted as being solid and surprisingly good, with standouts like the fresh salads and exceptional appetizers. This, coupled with the great service and the convenience of a full bar for adults, positions Main Event Tempe as a genuinely reliable and enjoyable destination for any meal, event, or casual outing. It's the go-to spot where you can be assured of high-energy fun, surprisingly great food, and service that goes the extra mile.
Main Event Tempe Menu
PASS AROUND APPETIZERS
- TWISTED PRETZELS
Garlic butter Brushed, housemade ranch, creamy cheese Dipping sauce
- BAKED CHEESY BREADSTICKS
Five-cheese blend, focaccia bread, marinara, housemade ranch
- LOADED FRIES
Seasoned, applewood-smoked bacon, green onion, cheddar jack cheese, creamy cheese
- LOADED QUESO
Three-cheese queso, seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, tortilla chips
- CHIPS & QUESO
- NACHOS
Tortilla chips, 3 cheese queso, chicken, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, avocado crema, guacamole, salsa
- THE TRIPLE DIP
Three-cheese queso, guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips
- SPINACH DIP
Creamed spinach, five-cheese blend, tortilla chips
- THE WING PLATTER
Choice of sauce or rub, celery, housemade ranch seasoned fries or tots
- JUST WINGS
Choice of sauce or rub, Garlic Parmesan, Honey BBQ, Ranch Rub, Nashville Hot, Lemon Pepper, Honey Sriracha, Cajun Rub
LEVELED UP GREENS
- Chopped Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
Romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, grape tomato, croutons Choice of dressing: Italian, blue cheese, honey mustard, caesar, light balsamic, housemade ranch
- House Salad
Iceberg & romaine blend, red onion, cucumber, tomato, croutons choice of dressing Choice of dressing: Italian, blue cheese, honey mustard, caesar, light balsamic, housemade ranch
- BLT Salad
Iceberg lettuce, crispy applewood-smoked bacon, grape tomato, green onion, house-made ranch Choice of dressing: Italian, blue cheese, honey mustard, caesar, light balsamic, housemade ranch
- No-Bun Burger Bowl
Two burger patties, American cheese, romaine, tomato, pickles, red onion, housemade ranch Choice of dressing: Italian, blue cheese, honey mustard, caesar, light balsamic, housemade ranch
HANDHELD CHICKEN & BURGERS
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion, roasted garlic aioli with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Nashville Hot Chicken
Crispy chicken, Nashville hot sauce, ranch slaw, pickle with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Char-Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion, roasted garlic aioli with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips Platter
Choice of dipping sauce and choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Beyond Burger®
American cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion roasted garlic aioli with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Classic Double Cheeseburger
American cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion, roasted garlic aioli with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Double Bacon Burger
The classic with crispy applewood-smoked bacon with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- Triple Lava Burger
Three patties topped with American cheese & smothered in creamy cheese with caramelized onions with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
- PBB&J Burger
2 Patties, american cheese, peanut butter, blueberry jam, applewood smoked bacon with choice of seasoned fries or tater tots
GAME CHANGING PIZZA
- The Perfect Cheese
Hand-tossed pizza topped with five-cheese blend, garlic butter
- The Goodness Gracious
Italian sausage, giant pepperoni, red onion, green bell pepper, sugar cured ham, mushrooms, garlic butter
- Mega Pan Pepperoni Pizza
Crispy pan pizza crust, five-cheese blend topped with giant pepperoni, garlic butter
- Build your own pizza
Choose hand-tossed or mega pan crust
“THE BIG STUFF” FAMILY FEASTS
- The Classic
One large hand-tossed 1-topping pizza, one order of boneless wings, your choice of sauce or rub, cheesy breadsticks and side house salad
- Nacho Dinner
Tortilla chips, 3 cheese queso, chicken, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, avocado crema, guacamole, salsa
- Crowd Pleaser
Mix & Match three entrees from the following: classic cheeseburger, fried chicken sandwich, fried chicken strips. Includes a basket of fries or tots, mac & cheese, house salad or caesar side salad
KIDDOS
- Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Pie
With a fresh fruit cup
- Chicken Dippers
Dipping sauce choice, fries or tater tots, fresh fruit cup
- Baked Mac & Cheese Please
With a fresh fruit cup
- Burger JR
Single patty, cheese, ketchup, fries or tater tots, fresh fruit cup
MUST TRY SIDES
- Tater Tots
- Seasoned Fries
- Side House Salad
- Side Caesar Salad
- Baked Mac & Cheese
MOCKTAILS & SODAS
- Shirley Temple
Ginger ale, grenadine, cherries, gummies
- Cotton Candy Shirley
Ginger ale, grenadine, cherries, gummies, sour rainbow strip, cotton candy
- Fountain Drinks
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Sierra Mist, Dr Pepper, Schweppes Ginger Ale, Tropicana Lemonade, Iced Tea
SUGAR FIX
- Mason Jar Cheesecake
- Big Super Fun Sundae
Blue monster, cookies & cream, strawberry, chocolate & vanilla gelato, chocolate brownies, cinnamon-sugar donut holes, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, oreo cookie crumble, rainbow sprinkles, sour rainbow strips
- Donut Hole Tower
Cinnamon-sugar, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, powdered sugar
- Warm Skillet Cookie
Giant chocolate chip cookie, vanilla bean gelato, hot chocolate sauce
- Milkshakes
Main Event Tempe Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Good for kids birthday
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Main Event Tempe Photos










Main Event Tempe Location
Main Event Tempe
8545 S Emerald Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA
Main Event Tempe Reviews
bowlinglaser tagarcadegravitybilliardsVRropes courseair hockeywristbandsskeeball
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great experience at The Future for Kids charity event. Staff was great at hosting, thank you! We enjoyed our time for this amazing cause ♥️
September 26 · Lisa Gonzalez-BacaFamily Fun Day Done RightFirst ImpressionsWe headed to Main Event for some classic family fun; bowling, bites, and a break from the Arizona heat. Between their Kids Bowl Free passes and Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, it was already a win before we even laced up our shoes.Atmosphere & VibeEnergetic, a little loud (in the best way), and totally geared toward keeping kids and adults entertained under one roof. It’s the kind of place where the energy bounces off the neon lights and you leave feeling like you actually did something fun.What I TriedWe ordered a mix of chicken tenders, BBQ chicken sandwich, wings, and fries, and everything hit the spot. But the surprise standout? Their fried pickles. Legitimately some of the best we’ve had. Crispy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. Pro tip: don’t skip ’em.Service & ExperienceEven though it was packed, we had fantastic service, especially from Roy at the bar. There’s usually a server for the bowling lanes, but that server let us know things were backed up and encouraged us to order directly with Roy at the bar. He was hustling, juggling a slammed bar, and still made time to get our food and drinks out quickly, with a great attitude. Total MVP.Pro Tips or Heads-Up• Take full advantage of their promotions, they add real value (in this economy?!).• Go early on busy days if you want a less crowded experience.• Bring a little extra for arcade play. It’s hard to walk past the games without getting pulled in.Final VerdictMain Event is a go-to for affordable family fun with solid food, awesome service, and just the right level of chaos. Great way to stay cool and entertained in an AZ summer without breaking the bank. We’ll definitely be back, and we’ll be asking for Roy!⸻#MainEventAZ #FamilyFunNight #FriedPickleFanClub
June 10 · Brittany FacioMy boys and I love to come here to bowl and grab some lunch. We ate their double burger and pepperoni pizza while bowling. It was a great time! Will definitely do it again. Pricing was great and my boys had a great time.
July 27 · Jaimara ParkerI went to Main Event for a work event and had a blast! They’ve got everything from bowling and Lazer Tag to arcade games, obstacle courses, pool tables, and darts, plus a good selection of apps and drinks. It’s more geared toward a younger crowd, but it’s still super fun for everyone I’m already itching to go back for more Lazer Tag!
May 26 · Cheri FloresWe had my daughter's 10th Birthday party here. The staff was really good with communication, and the service was great. They were very friendly and helpful. The kids really had a great time. Thank you!
October 13 · MoxieCBD WellnessShop
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