As it turns out, being a student of the "New American University" means that suddenly, one semester, all of one's classes could be moved downtown. Gasp! Not going to class in Tempe anymore? No more Coor Computing ComAs it turns out, being a student of the "New American University" means that suddenly, one semester, all of one's classes could be moved downtown. Gasp! Not going to class in Tempe anymore? No more Coor Computing Commons, Mill Avenue or Taco Bell on Rural Road?
While many students are worried they may have to drastically change their lifestyle to take classes at the downtown campus, others have already found that being an ASU student downtown is not so bad. So, quit worrying. Here are some of the best parts of being downtown, whether it's because your classes are moving or you're just looking to experience a city bigger than Tempe. mons, Mill Avenue or Taco Bell on Rural Road?
While many students are worried they may have to drastically change their lifestyle to take classes at the downtown campus, others have already found that being an ASU student downtown is not so bad. So, quit worrying. Here are some of the best parts of being downtown, whether it's because your classes are moving or you're just looking to experience a city bigger than Tempe.
Before class
Downtown offers breakfast options that go beyond the regular Einstein bagel or chain IHOP. First Watch (602-340-9089) is located on the corner of Washington and First streets. Its Floridian French toast has a unique twist — the usual sourdough French toast but with bananas, blueberries and kiwi on top. First Watch is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which should fit well around any morning classes.
Matt's Big Breakfast (602-254-1074) is also located on First and McKinley streets, a bit farther north than most classrooms. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The food is served in a mom-and-pop style diner, and most of it is organic.
There's a Starbucks in the Arizona Center, located on Van Buren Street between Third and Fifth streets. Grab a small breakfast there and eat it in the Grotto located nearby. Dipped lower than the rest of the buildings and hidden by tall trees, the Grotto is a well-manicured garden with windy paths and plenty of benches. It may even make you forget you're in the middle of a major city for a moment.
Between class
Just like Tempe, downtown Phoenix has dozens of small cafés and places for lunch. But because the city works around the clock of most of the major offices and businesses, many close after 3 p.m.
Focaccia Fiorentina (602-252-0007) is a perfect stop for lunch, but is only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its sandwiches are served on thick focaccia or baguette pieces and often drizzled with olive oil. The lunchery and pizzeria is located on Central Avenue, just south of Monroe Street.
Next door, Café Roma (602-258-4170) also serves hot and cold Italian sandwiches that cost between $6 and $7, as well as pizza by the slice, pasta and calzones.
Between classes is also a good time to experience some of the art that packs downtown Phoenix. Biology and society senior Jessica Shank suggests students make a stop at the Phoenix Art Museum (602-257-1222) on Central Avenue, north of McDowell Road. "It's pretty amazing. The gift shop has awesome Andy Warhol tote bags and wallets," Shank says. "And, if you're into the whole Chinese Zen thing, they have great table settings and decorations."
The Herberger Theater (602-254-7399) on Second and Van Buren streets hosts a Lunch Time Theater on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The shows feature emerging theater companies and last for an hour, and start around noon. Tickets are $6.
For more shopping and local art, there's a strip of art galleries, boutiques and coffee houses on Fifth Street between Roosevelt and Garfield. Made is an art boutique full of unique gift ideas and books, while Conspire also has local art mixed with some amazing coffee and tea.
After Class
Most of downtown Phoenix shuts down starting in mid-afternoon. While that may change as more and more students fill the city, for now, most of late-night downtown life comes with a baseball or basketball game or major art event.
However, for everyday activities, there are still a few options. Although there's no SRC, Shank says that the YMCA is just as good for getting some exercise in after class. Plus, almost all of the facility is free to anyone that flashes an ASU I.D. card. The Lincoln Family YMCA (602-257-5138) is located on First Avenue, a block away from the downtown University Center.
A few dinner places are open. 101 Bistro (602-261-7777) is open until 8:30 p.m. and has gourmet pizzas for $7, panini for $8 and thick burgers for $8 to $9. The bistro is located on First Avenue and Adams Street. The Matador Restaurant (602-254-7563) is one of the few open all seven days of the week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It serves Mexican dinners for about $10 a plate and has a bar and liquor store next door if you're planning on hanging around for a long while.
Karen Babbs, a graduate student who takes night classes downtown, says she and her groupmates often stop by The Roosevelt tavern on Third Street north of McKinley street after class (602-254-2561). "It's a house that's been turned into a bar, so it has a really great atmosphere," she says. "They have great house wine and beer on tap. It's a really good place to unwind while you're downtown."
