The Halal Guys Tempe AZ: Authentic American Halal Food Near ASU

The Halal Guys Introduce

For residents and visitors in Arizona, particularly those around the thriving energy of Tempe and the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, finding authentic and high-quality Halal cuisine can be a quest. Thankfully, The Halal Guys provides a legendary and widely celebrated solution. Originating as a modest food cart in New York City in 1990, this Halal restaurant has grown into a global phenomenon, and the Tempe location faithfully delivers the iconic flavors that made it famous. Specializing in what is often termed 'American Halal Food'—a delicious fusion centered around their famous Chicken, Beef Gyro, and Falafel served over rice or in a warm pita—The Halal Guys has firmly established itself as a must-visit dining destination in the Valley.

The Tempe branch offers a casual, trendy, and clean atmosphere, differing from the classic NYC street-side experience but maintaining the exceptional food quality. It's an essential spot for college students, families, groups, and tourists looking for comfort food, a quick bite, or a healthy, satisfying meal. The establishment is known for its fast service, making it an excellent choice for a busy lunch break, a filling dinner, or even late-night food, catering to the diverse rhythms of the university area.

Diners rave about the authenticity of the food, with native New Yorkers even noting that the taste is remarkably close to the original 53rd and 6th street cart experience, especially the all-important balance of the savory, perfectly seasoned meats and the signature sauces. The menu is straightforward, focusing on their core, beloved offerings, ensuring every dish is executed to perfection. The iconic orange-tinted, seasoned Basmati rice serves as the perfect base for the generous portions of Beef Gyro, marinated Chicken, or crispy Falafel.

The legendary status of The Halal Guys largely rests on its proprietary sauces, especially the world-famous White Sauce—a creamy, tangy, and essential component that elevates the entire platter. Equally famous, and requiring caution, is the fiery Red Hot Sauce, which packs a significant punch for those who enjoy a serious kick of heat. Guests are encouraged to customize their spice level by adding just the right amount of White and Hot sauce to their platters or sandwiches. Beyond the mains, the menu is complemented by classic sides and desserts, ensuring a complete and satisfying experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Halal Guys Tempe location is perfectly situated to serve the East Valley community and the ASU demographic. You can find this popular Halal restaurant at:

1015 S Rural Rd #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Its prime spot on South Rural Road places it directly in the bustling college environment, making it incredibly convenient for students and locals alike. For ease of access, the location offers ample parking amenities, including both a free parking lot and free street parking, which is a major benefit in this busy commercial area.

The restaurant is highly committed to accessibility for all guests. The facilities are fully compliant with:

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

Whether you are arriving by car, or simply walking from the ASU campus or surrounding businesses, The Halal Guys Tempe is set up for a convenient and welcoming visit.

Services Offered

The Halal Guys in Tempe offers a comprehensive suite of service options designed for maximum convenience and flexibility, meeting the demands of a fast-paced Arizona lifestyle:

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, modern, and clean restaurant seating area.
Takeout: Quick and easy pickup for meals on the go.
Delivery: Convenient delivery options, including no-contact delivery, through popular third-party services.
Drive-through: A highly convenient option for those who wish to grab their food without leaving their vehicle.
Outdoor Seating: Perfect for enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather while dining.
Catering: Available for groups and events, making it easy to share the unique flavors with a large party.
Online Ordering: Streamlined ordering through various platforms for quick service.
Table Service: Service available for a comfortable dining experience.

Features / Highlights

The Halal Guys Tempe stands out in the Arizona food scene due to several unique features and commitments:

Authentic Halal Cuisine: Serving certified Halal food, a commitment that is central to their identity.
Iconic Sauces: Home to the world-famous White Sauce and the intensely spicy Red Hot Sauce, which are integral to the signature flavor.
Popularity: A recognized and beloved brand, popular for lunch and dinner, and highly favored for solo dining.
Menu Variety: Offers main staples like Chicken, Beef Gyro, and Falafel Platters and Sandwiches, plus vegetarian options (like Falafel), healthy choices, and small plates.
Late-Night Food: A vital feature in a university area, providing delicious meals long after many other establishments have closed.
Atmosphere and Crowd: Features a casual and trendy atmosphere, ideal for college students, families, and groups. It is explicitly noted as a good spot for kids, offering high chairs for convenience.
Value and Portions: Known for generous portion sizes that offer excellent value, ensuring a filling and satisfying meal.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

For Arizona locals and visitors looking to connect with The Halal Guys Tempe, here is the necessary information:

Address: 1015 S Rural Rd #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 716-6255 (Based on public data for the location)

Be sure to check their official website or a trusted delivery platform for the most current operating hours, especially for late-night service on weekends.

What is Worth Choosing The Halal Guys

For anyone in the Phoenix metro area, especially in Tempe, The Halal Guys is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. It offers a unique and highly satisfying culinary experience that is distinct from typical Mediterranean or Middle Eastern fare. The concept of 'Chicken over Rice,' while seemingly simple, is perfected here, delivering a blend of flavor and texture—seasoned Basmati rice, savory marinated meats (or falafel), fresh lettuce, and the generous dousing of their iconic sauces—that is deeply comforting and intensely flavorful.

The restaurant’s commitment to providing Halal-certified comfort food ensures a delicious meal that meets specific dietary needs, filling a significant niche in the Arizona dining landscape. Furthermore, the combination of a convenient location near ASU, flexible service options like drive-through and late-night hours, and a welcoming environment for groups and families makes it an exceptionally practical choice. As one satisfied patron noted, The Halal Guys delivers the genuine New York street food experience—a rare find and a true taste of a different coast right here in Arizona. If you're searching for authentic, fast, and delicious Halal food, particularly the legendary Chicken or Beef Gyro Platter, your search ends in Tempe. It’s an essential stop for a quick, filling, and memorable meal that truly hits the spot.

The Halal Guys Menu

Platters
Chicken/Beef Gyro Platter Rg
Beef Gyro Platter Rg
Chicken Platter Rg
Falafel Platter Rg
Beef Gyro/Falafel Platter Rg
Chicken/Falafel Platter Rg
Beef Gyro Platter Sm
Chicken Platter Sm
Falafel Platter Sm
Beef Gyro/Falafel Platter Sm
Chicken/Falafel Platter Sm
Chicken/ beef Gyro Platter Sm

Sandwiches
Chicken/Beef Gyro Sandwich
Beef Gyro Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Falafel Sandwich
Chicken/Falafel Sandwich
Beef Gyro/Falafel Sandwich

Sides
2 - Pieces Falafel
4 - Pieces Falafel
6 - Pieces Falafel
Side Pita
Side French Fries
Side Hummus
Side Tahini
Side Baba Ghanoush
Hot Sauce Packet To-Go
White Sauce Packet To-Go
White Sauce Pouch
Side Olives
Side Jalapenos
Side Rice
2 oz Tahini
2 oz BBQ Sauce

Beverages
20 oz Fountain Drink
Poland Spring
Diet Coke Bottle
Sprite Bottle
Ginger Ale Bottle
Dr. Pepper Bottle
Coke Bottle
Dasani
Seltzer Water
Fanta Orange

Desserts
Baklava
Chocolate Chip Cookie
2- Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Halal Guys Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Drive-through
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Halal food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

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
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

The Halal Guys Photos

The Halal Guys Location

The Halal Guys

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe South Rural Road

1015 S Rural Rd #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

The Halal Guys Reviews

An average rating of ★3.8 from 1052 user reviews.

gyroplatterwhite saucefalafelpitared saucehummusmediterranean foodcampuscollege

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I'm a native New Yorker and I've been eating at the original Halal Guys NYC cart for decades, as it was parked right by where I worked for many years. And while nobody remembers the taste of anything exactly as it really was, the Tempe location tastes pretty close to what I do remember. I can't say if it's 100% the same, but it's close enough for someone who ate the original regularly for a long time.I've also eaten at a lot of other Halal carts in NYC; they're all similar but not the exact same as each other. So if you think of this location that way, it's really no different than any NYC Halal cart. There may be minor differences from one place to the next but that's part of the fun.My wife and I both got chicken platters, which is what we always got in NYC (technically "chicken over rice"). Of course I got the white and red sauce, which is all I remember being available at the original. The red sauce really is hot, so be careful with it if you're not used to it or don't like spicy food.The white sauce, at least, is really important. Without it, it's just a plate of seasoned but dry chicken and rice. So make sure you get at least that, and my preference is for a lot of it. I told the counter person to just cover the whole thing with it, which is how I always got it in NYC. Ideally, it's best if every bite is wet with white sauce. The red is optional but I like a good amount of it too; I think of this as spicy food.Everything on our platters was fresh, including both the hot and cold parts. If I had any minor thing to complain about, maybe the pita bread was starting to get a little chewy. But that honestly wouldn't have been unusual in NYC either...Flavor-wise, my wife thought there was something unidentifiable that was missing but I didn't notice that. (She did completely demolish her platter, though.) I could taste the marinade on the chicken and the seasoning in the rice and it tasted pretty much right to me. Same with the all-important sauces.The restaurant was clean and looked actually better than I expected given the pictures here. I was kind of expecting it to be like a typical NYC-style run-down little storefront restaurant, but it was more of a typical Arizona fast casual place. It's also not big but it's big enough. It is basically right in the middle of the ASU area so be prepared for a lot of college campus vibes and all that that entails.It's pretty far from where we live in Mesa but we'll definitely go again, as this is really the only place you can get authentic Halal chicken over rice in the entire valley that I've been able to find. Of course there are lots of "mediterranean" restaurants where you can get chicken *and* rice, and Google will recommend all of them to you if you search for "halal chicken over rice", but that's a completely different thing. It's like comparing New York and Chicago style pizza, or something like Japanese ramen vs. Vietnamese pho. Superficially similar but not even close when it comes to the details or flavor.If you want real chicken over rice, this is the only place I've found for it in the area. And it's really good.
September 28 · Jeff Williams
It has been 2 years since i last had a NY/NJ street food untill i found this Halal guys branch , the quantity was fair quality was grrat i loved the food and enjoyed the meal alot, everything is clean and nice , i wish they add lamb meat on the menu , the rice was cooked well hummus had alot of taste to it, definitely rang a bell to the original NY food truck experience, thank you guys keel it up
October 12 · Ahmed Essam
They served us old rice that was HARD we come here often and take our food Togo because we live far from here about 25min from them so we ask for our lecture and tomato and bread on the side so it’s not soggy when we get home and they literally gave us OLD HARD rice when we got home and seen this very disappointed! And they hired a bunch of new kids that don’t really care about their jobs they gave us the worst service and had the worst attitudes! I don’t think we will come here anymore not for old food and bad attitudes —NO THANK YOU!
September 03 · Air Bullies AC and heating
Good food. If you're particularly hungry, you might want extra falafel balls on the falafel sandwich, since they seemed to be smaller this time around and there were only 3 falafel balls on a large pita. The honey Sriracha falafel balls are good but not that flavorful, so I was wondering if I had only the original falafel balls, but they did look darker and slightly redder than the original, so were probably honey Sriracha. The pita on the sandwich was a little dry and a little hard as it broke apart easily so that much of the contents fell out, see photo, although the pita was not completely hard yet. The server/cashier may need retraining on hygiene as he wore food prep gloves while using the register, then later used the register without food gloves, and another time without food gloves picked up a food container with his fingers on the inside of the container, then put the container back for later use, so that's a little concerning. I tried to provide feedback using the link in the email and the app, but those links don't work, so here's the feedback. Hopefully will be better next time.
June 14 · Debbie Hansen
Coming from the East Coast, finding a Halal Guys in Arizona was so exciting. Let me say this food in NY and Philly was the go-to food spot and places were packed, we were surprised to find no line the last few times we’ve gone. Must be the college kids not knowing what they’re missing with this place. The flavors of the sauce and the way the food is cooked is always a 10/10 for sure. Our mouths water before even getting out the car knowing we’re coming in here. In the one picture you’ll see what we call in Philly the “fry platter”, which is a platter with fries added on top. I highly recommend it if you like some crispy bites to your platter, it adds a nice touch. The red sauce here is actually red unlike back home where it’s almost black, so a few extra lines is needed here. Overall customer service has been good every time too and I’m happy to drive the distance to get here. Will be a regular trip for us while in Arizona!
January 07 · Jenna Bishop