Thirsty Lion is a scratch-kitchen restaurant in Tempe, Arizona, serving a large variety of globally inspired dishes alongside craft cocktails. Its menu offers something for many occasions and preferences, from comforting favorites and healthy options to quick bites, late-night food, desserts, coffee, alcohol, and happy-hour food and drinks.
Whether you are stopping in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, enjoying a casual solo meal, meeting friends, or planning a catered gathering, Thirsty Lion provides a welcoming setting with seating, table service, and a cozy yet trendy atmosphere.
Guests can choose from dine-in, takeaway, delivery, outdoor seating, and on-site services. The restaurant is known for fast service, great cocktails, great desserts, local specialties, and a sport-focused atmosphere, making it a flexible choice for a quick visit, a relaxed meal, or time spent watching the game.
Reservations are accepted, and convenient amenities include restrooms, Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi. Credit cards are accepted for payment.
Accessibility is an important part of the Thirsty Lion experience, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, as well as an assistive hearing loop. Customers have rated the restaurant 4.40 out of 5 based on 5,325 reviews, reflecting its broad appeal and consistently positive reception.
Thirsty Lion is located at 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States. For more information or to make plans, call +1 480-968-2920.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Thirsty Lion
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Hear from our valued guests
We waited 30 mins for a table for two, they were busy with large groups. They called us and took us to a table that was dirty and said we needed to return to the hostess desk til they could find someone to clean it. We pointed out other empty tables but was told they were reserved. Food was very good. We had the black cherry pork tenderloin. Fabulous but the pork has a rub on it with a kick. I liked it, my friend did not appreciate it. We wore our jackets because the doors to the patio were kept open. We will be back.
Walked into here just to watch the New York Knicks game. This place was super chill and the bartenders were all awesome. They put on my game right away and made sure my drink was full. Lachlyn was nice and made sure I had a good time. I would definitely recommend this place.
Haven't been here in over a year, but their service is still amazing with our server checking on us regularly and making sure this first meet up was great. We had the sliders and spinach and artichoke dip. The dip size waa smaller than we expected, but full of flavor and not super spicy. Both of us enjoyed it along with the warm and crispy tortilla chips! Absolutely loved the company as well as the videos, it brought back so many memories of college and my club days...lol. I will be back!
Maria was our server and she was awesome! We sat outside in the comfortable seating with the gentle mist keeping us cool. Our food was delicious and scratch-made. So glad we stopped here!!
Love this spot. Chris and Hannah took good care of me for happy hour. The Salted Carmel Moroccan Hot Choc is the best I ever had. Perfect combo of texture and flavors.
The food is always on point here. The menu has a large variety to choose from. Be sure to ask if the drinks have free refills or not. One time I went I was able to get the basil lemonade with free refills the next time I went I wasn't able to get free refills.
I've been here twice and would recommend it to anyone. Food - My first visit I had a steak, it was perfectly done, the cut was good and the sides were delicious. On my second visit I had a basic burger, the toppings were all high quality and the beef was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and juicy without making the bun soggy. The fries were great too. I happily cleared my plates. Atmosphere - The atmosphere was a little loud but not overwhelming, and the lighting is nicely low key without feeling dark. I had a side booth the second time which was nicely lit by an atmospheric low overhead hanging light. Service - Although I showed up during busy hours service was quick. I never felt like my time was being wasted in waiting, and I received regular check ins after my order was delivered to refill my drink and ensure quality. Neither over attentive nor under, all of my needs were promptly met. (thanks Karlie) My one minor detraction is that my request for a table for one was met with resistance at the door on both occasions, but not a lot. The drinks menu is varied and interesting as the food menu; I think this is a good spot to let everyone in a mixed party find something both agreeable and satisfying. I will be returning.
So happy 😊 to have a late birthday 🎂 🥳 dinner with my friend. I always wanted to go there and boom it finally happened. What a beautiful ambiance and delightful dinner.
Thirsty lion is always a good choice. Their seasonal menu is usually excellent and compliments. Their standard menu.. Cheyenne was lovely, very knowledgeable and attentive. The seasonal Wagyu burger was 10 star and the grilled chicken sandwich Was also a hit this is our go to place I recommend thirsty lion thank you!
So very pleasantly surprised at how delicious the food was. I was expecting a “bar food” menu which was definitely so much more than that! It was late evening (after 9pm) chill vibes, and most enjoyable. Even better yet was the service, our server Ryan was absolutely amazing! Her recommendations were top notch and she was extremely accommodating. I highly recommend asking for her specifically. We had the fish and chips, salmon cakes and one of the best clam chowders around! 😋😋 Bon Apetit’
Common questions about Thirsty Lion
Thirsty Lion is located at 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States, Tempe, AZ, United States.
You can reach Thirsty Lion by calling +1 480-968-2920.
Thirsty Lion has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 5325 customer reviews.
Thirsty Lion features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Assistive hearing loop.
Thirsty Lion features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Thirsty Lion features the following highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Serves local specialty, Sport.
Thirsty Lion features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Thirsty Lion features the following offerings: Alcohol, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Happy-hour food, Healthy options, Late-night food, Quick bite, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
Thirsty Lion features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Thirsty Lion features the following amenities: Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Thirsty Lion features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
Thirsty Lion features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, University students.
Thirsty Lion features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Thirsty Lion features the following payments: Credit cards.
Thirsty Lion features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Thirsty Lion features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, On-site parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Thirsty Lion features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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