The Normal Restaurant and Bar

- 225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

The Normal Restaurant and Bar, nestled within the stylish Graduate by Hilton Tempe hotel, offers a far-from-ordinary dining experience right in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. This establishment is a delightful nod to the area's heritage—its name references the 'Territorial Normal School at Tempe,' ASU’s former title—and its ambiance pays tribute to college dining hall days, but with a thoroughly modern, upgraded twist. The setting is bright, open, and colorful, featuring multi-colored light fixtures, vibrant decor, and a casual yet chic atmosphere that creates a fun and welcoming environment for students, alumni, locals, and visitors alike.

Far from just serving standard hotel fare, The Normal has carved out a unique culinary identity by specializing in "comfort food faves with a twist." The menu brilliantly combines classic American dishes with regional Southwestern and Southern influences, ensuring a diverse and engaging range of options for every craving. Diners consistently rave about the show-stopping signature dishes, most notably the "Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles." This dish is highly praised for its light, crisp, and beautifully colored waffles paired with incredibly juicy, boneless fried chicken. Other menu highlights include the signature Graduate smash burger, the regional Green Chili Burger with pepper jack cheese, and the unique, fully loaded Normal Fries, which feature carnitas, chile peppers, and avocado salsa. The diverse offerings make it a great spot for everything from a filling Breakfast or a leisurely Brunch to a dynamic Dinner or Late Night snack.

The restaurant also hosts a small coffee bar and an adjacent bar area, catering to all beverage needs, from morning lattes to evening cocktails. A delightful touch that encapsulates the establishment's playful, academic theme is how the checks are delivered—often presented on little paperback novels. This attention to detail and commitment to a clean, bright, and happy atmosphere ensures that The Normal Restaurant and Bar truly delivers an exceptional and memorable experience despite its unassuming name.

The Normal Restaurant and Bar is strategically located at 225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA. This highly accessible location is situated directly across the street from the iconic ASU Gammage theater, making it an ideal destination for pre-show meals, post-show drinks, or a convenient bite when visiting the Arizona State University campus. The restaurant is part of the Graduate by Hilton Tempe hotel, which positions it near other popular Tempe attractions and major transit routes.

Accessibility is a key feature of the Graduate by Hilton property and its dining outlets. Visitors can expect a venue that provides easy access for all guests. Being associated with a major hotel brand, The Normal ensures all necessary accommodations are met.

The hotel property provides Parking options, including Self service parking (though charges may apply) and general hotel Parking, which is highly convenient for diners. For those attending events at ASU Gammage, the restaurant's proximity is a significant advantage, often providing an excellent option for a meal before or after a performance.

The Normal Restaurant and Bar offers a robust suite of services designed for maximum comfort and convenience for the local Arizona community and hotel guests:

• Dining Options: The restaurant serves a full range of meals, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.
• Quick Service and Takeout: In addition to Seating in the dining room and Patio, the restaurant offers Takeout and Delivery options via various platforms, catering to the busy schedules of the university and local community.
• Bar Service: A full Bar is available, offering a selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine, making it a great spot for Happy hour drinks or a nightcap.
• Catering and Events: Given its hotel affiliation, the venue is equipped to handle Catering requests for events both large and small.
• Accessibility and Amenities: The hotel property is Wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly (charges may apply), with on-site Restrooms and a dedicated Coffee Bar within the restaurant.
• Flexible Hours: The Normal offers late-night dining options with a specific Late Night menu for appetizers and snacks, ensuring guests and locals have delicious food available well into the evening.
• Family-Friendly Provisions: A separate Kids Menu is available, offering simple and delicious options like Grilled Cheese, Mac and Cheese, and Chicken Tenders.

What truly distinguishes The Normal Restaurant and Bar are its defining features and commitment to a high-quality, memorable experience:

• Signature Dishes: The restaurant is famous for its unique and intensely flavorful menu items, such as the must-try Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles, the hearty Graduate Smash Burger, and the inventive Normal Fries loaded with Southwestern ingredients.
• Gammage Pre-Show Destination: Its location directly across from ASU Gammage makes it a prime choice for dinner before a performance, though guests should note the restaurant often utilizes a streamlined, smaller menu during show times to ensure quick service.
• Unique Decor and Vibe: The establishment features a vibrant, colorful, and clean interior, with fun, quirky touches like random pictures on the wall and multi-colored light fixtures that elevate the "diner" concept to a modern, engaging aesthetic.
• Comfort Food with a Regional Twist: The menu's focus on integrating local ingredients and regional flavors, like in the Sonoran Dog or the Flourless Chile Chocolate Cake, provides a distinctly Arizonan culinary experience.
• The Novelty Check Presentation: Serving the checks on little paperback novels is a memorable and charming highlight that speaks to the restaurant’s playful, academic-themed identity.
• Coffee Bar: The presence of a dedicated coffee bar allows The Normal to cater seamlessly to guests throughout the day, from an early morning cup to an after-dinner espresso.
• Exceptional Quality: Reviewers often praise the high quality of the ingredients, such as the boneless, “juiciest pieces of chicken,” and the crisp, flavorful waffles, indicating a commitment to excellence beyond what is typically expected from a hotel restaurant.

For more information or to inquire about reservations or events, please use the following contact details:

Address: 225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 387-5917

The Normal Restaurant and Bar is absolutely worth choosing for anyone in the Arizona region seeking a dining experience that is both comfortably familiar and surprisingly inventive. Unlike its name suggests, this is not just a “normal” restaurant; it is a vibrant, flavorful hub where classic American comfort food is elevated and infused with regional Southwestern flair.

It is the premier choice for ASU Gammage attendees, providing a stylish and convenient spot for a pre-theater meal—just be sure to check if the show menu is in effect for quick service. Beyond the convenience, what is truly compelling is the food itself. Dishes like the Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles are lauded as delivering "MORE THAN EXPECTED," making it a destination dish worth traveling for. The commitment to a clean, bright, and aesthetically pleasing environment, coupled with the great service and unique touches like the book-themed check presentation, ensures that every visit is a genuinely exceptional and brag-worthy experience. The Normal is an essential and celebrated part of the Tempe dining scene.

The Normal Restaurant and Bar

225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA