Restaurants > Eclectic, Fusion, New American

House of Tricks

http://www.voiceplaces.com/locations/directions/locationId:2559898/ View on Large Map
Get Directions

4 people have posted a review, snapped a photo, checked in, or tipped this place. Use your voice!

http://media.voiceplaces.com/7143084.1.jpg

+ Add Photos

00000 - 00000 of 00000

+ Add A Photo

00,000 of 00,000

114 E. 7th St. Tempe, AZ 85281

480-968-1114

http://www.houseoftricks.com

3 User reviews Write A Review

Phoenix New Times
Recommended
Best Outdoor Dining
Award Winner 2012

114 E. 7th St. Tempe AZ 85281

Cuisine(s): Eclectic, Fusion, New American

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Price: $$$$ $$, $$$, $$$$

Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, Diners Club, cash, check
Attire: casual

Features: Banquet Facilities, Fireplace, Kid Friendly, Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Private Party, Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible

Serving: Dinner, Lunch

Alcohol: Full bar
Reservations: Accepted, Recommended

Parking: Lot Available, Meters, Street

Description

Situated in a 1920s cottage and 1903 adobe brick house, adjoined by a romantic outdoor bar and fireplace, House of Tricks feels far from the bustle of Mill Avenue and the ASU campus, but is actually just a couple blocks off the beaten path. Here, guests can get cozy while tucking in to chef Kelly Fletcher's scrumptious New American fare. Harissa-spiced mussels, perfectly seared foie gras, juicy coffee-cardamom-crusted duck, and fork-tender braised osso bucco keep us coming back for more, along with inventive yet comforting desserts. Even if you're just here for wine and nibbles on the front patio, this place is perfect for an intimate date or a luxurious, laid-back feast with their nearest and dearest.

Details »
Showtimes »
Places »
Venue »
Venue Info »
Previews »
Events »
Other Events at this Venue »
Awards »
Reviews »
Deals »
Promotions »
Community »
Night Life »
Menu »

Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

By Dominique Chatterjee | Fri, May 17, 2013

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We've got you covered. Check out what's on our plate. See also: - Food Truck Caravan Rolls into Downtown Scottsdale Starting This Saturday Ni... More »
9 Great Places to Drink Outdoors in Metro Phoenix

By Nikki Buchanan | Mon, March 11, 2013

It's March. The weather is as damn near perfect as it's ever going to get, and most of us want to be outside doing something -- or better yet, nothing -- every gloriously balmy minute. You've probabl... More »
7 Favorite Romantic Restaurants in Greater Phoenix: Cozy Home Edition

By Laura Hahnefeld | Mon, February 11, 2013

When it comes to romantic restaurants, there's something about those set in refurbished old homes that makes them more charming, more interesting in their history, and more full of character than the ... More »
12 Favorite Places to Eat Outdoors in Greater Phoenix

By Nikki Buchanan | Mon, October 29, 2012

At last! Blissfully cool mornings, evenings with a hint of chill and daytime temps that mean we can lunch on a shaded patio without swimming in sweat. This right here, this seasonal slice of heaven is... More »
House of Tricks: Happy Hour Report Card

By Nikki Buchanan | Tue, October 16, 2012

The Spot: House of Tricks 114 E. 7th Street, Tempe, 480-968-1114 www.houseoftricks.com See also: -- Tastemaker #57: Robin Trick -- Cartwright's: Happy Hour Report Card -- Timo: Happy Hour Report Car... More »
Loading More Critics Reviews

2012 | Best Outdoor Dining

Bob and Robin Trick opened their charming restaurant in 1987. The restored 1920s cottage that houses about a dozen tables is adorable, but the real draw to this Tempe oasis is the brick patio shaded by a thick canopy of mature trees and dotted with pots of overflowing ferns and flowers. If the outdoor dining area doesn't win your heart, executive chef Kelley Fletcher's signature dishes and the eatery's award-winning wine list will. Be sure to try the mussels on a cool fall night under the... More »
2011 | Best Romantic Dinner

News flash: Most restaurants in the Valley are trapped in aesthetically challenged strip malls. Many of these restaurants are very, very good. Still, they are in strip malls, which, by definition, are soul-sucking paeans to crass consumerism and ugly land development. Not House of Tricks, an excellent bistro in the heart of Tempe. Situated in two vintage bungalows just blocks away from busy Mill Avenue, House of Tricks is a welcome respite from so much of what defines the Valley... More »
2010 | Best Place for a Twilight Drink

House of Tricks isn't perched on a hill or tucked up against a mountain. It's pretty much what it sounds like -- an old house in downtown Tempe, rehabbed before rehabbing old houses was the thing to do in these parts, and it's so damn charming that we'll take the view of twinkly lit trees and a roaring outdoor fireplace over red rocks any day. We are also partial to Tricks' bag when it comes to cocktails, served by the aforementioned fireplace on a pretty deck. Belly up to the funky... More »
2010 | Best Use of Veal

Chef Kelly Fletcher may not be the first to make a VLT, but he'd argue that his is absolutely the best. And we wouldn't disagree. He's no stranger to using controversial ingredients -- not that he thinks veal should even be in that category. But he loves telling the story about the time he shot a segment with a local television station and was asked to make a few dishes. His last dish used foie gras. Within minutes of the segment airing, Fletcher says, the restaurant phone was... More »
2009 | Best Place to Take Your Parents

Mom and Dad don't come to town often enough, so you've got to choose wisely when it's time for them to treat you dinner. Whether you're 18 and a college freshman or 42 and a shameless middle-aged freeloader, House of Tricks is a good choice. You don't want to waste a free meal on the likes of Chili's -- not when Tricks is in the 'hood. This sweet little restaurant has charmed parental units for years, located blocks from Arizona State's Tempe campus, far enough off Mill Avenue to avoid... More »
2008 | Best Funhouse

You won't find any wacky mirrors in this funhouse, although House of Tricks does have a way of skewing one's perspective -- in a good way. Once you set foot into the outdoor patio, sheltered by huge leafy trees and decked out with tiny white lights, all feels right with the world. Your mood is bound to improve even more once you find something on the interesting wine list. Inside, the charm of this 1920s cottage starts to work its magic on you, and expert service only heightens the... More »
2007 | BEST CAESAR SALAD

It takes more than creamy dressing and Romaine lettuce to make a good caesar salad, and rare is the restaurant that makes one substantial enough to eat as a meal. But come lunchtime, the memorable version at House of Tricks always satisfies. Here, it's a generous heap of fresh Romaine tossed with lightly garlicky dressing, crisp, homemade croutons, capers, kalamata olives, and shredded Parmesan, served on an enormous dinner plate. You can order it topped with grilled chicken, or even... More »
2006 | BEST GARDEN BAR

The Tricks' garden has Eden beat, no contest. Built around two old houses in downtown Tempe -- well off the beaten beer-spilled path of Mill Avenue -- the trellised, bricked, vine-covered spot is the perfect place to sit at the bar or relax at a table, with a good glass of wine. And one more thing we can guarantee: No one in Eden knew how to cook the way the Tricks do -- with menu temptations like marinated quail with a coffee honey vinaigrette or pistachio-crusted rack of lamb. Paradise. More »
2005 | BEST PATIO DINING

A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou patio, House of Tricks. That's all we ask. Well, you might want to throw in a field green salad with beets and a Dijon sherry vinaigrette alongside the basket of bread and bottle of wine (from a fine selection). And the coriander-crusted rack of lamb with serrano-mint syrup and pear salsa's not bad. We know we're making this place sound super-fancy, but you can show up in shorts and no one will blink. Instead, you'll be treated to the best seat in the... More »
2004 | BEST PATIO DINING

One of the first things we do as soon as fall arrives is call House of Tricks for a lunch reservation. We love to sip a raspberry iced tea (the trick is real raspberries) on the patio in front of this decidedly non-chain restaurant right off Mill Avenue. There's still enough hustle and bustle to keep our eyes busy as we watch the downtown Tempe and Arizona State University traffic, and the best part is that we feel like we're guests at someone's home, dining under a vine-covered trellis.... More »
2002 | Best New American Restaurant

What do we love best about House of Tricks? It must be the setting, a small 1920s cottage with just 12 tables and an old river rock fireplace. Or maybe it's the patio, feeling like someone's front porch under a canopy of grapevines. Even as the restaurant has grown -- the property now includes a 1903 brick and adobe house next door -- the place has never lost its charm.We think it's the wine list we love the most, selected from a temperature-and-humidity-controlled cellar holding more... More »
2001 | Best Patio Dining

It's easy to miss House of Tricks as you drive by on the two-lane street next to ASU -- and that's part of the reason we love it so. Set, amazingly enough, just steps from a row of Tempe's rowdiest bars and restaurants, this Victorian-inspired 1920s chateau lolls in quiet splendor behind a thick flush of trees, trellises and a picket fence. Sure, other places tout spectacular desert views, but at night -- or when you want to forget you're in tumbleweed country -- this is the place to go to... More »
2000 | Best Old Arizona Charm

Newcomers may find it hard to believe, but there once was a time when the Valley offered more than stucco-wrapped pink houses with red-tile roofs. It's true. Once upon a time, we had a lovely landscape of eclectic, Victorian-inspired homes.You can still see one of those relics, a charming, 1920s cottage that now houses some of the Valley's most satisfying contemporary American food. The visual tour starts in a relaxed, trellised garden leading to the bungalow with wrap-around veranda.... More »

Share Like (0) Dislike (0) Flag

phoenixnewtimesbestof | Phoenix, AZ | 315 Reviews

4
| Wed, May 6, 2009

You won't find any wacky mirrors in this funhouse, although House of Tricks does have a way of skewing one's perspective — in a good way. Once you set foot into the outdoor patio, sheltered by huge leafy trees and decked out with tiny white lights, all feels right with the world. Your mood is bound to improve even more once you find something on the interesting wine list. Inside, the charm of this 1920s cottage starts to work its magic on you, and expert service only heightens the feeling that life is grand, indeed. As for the New American menu — well, that will make you smile, too. Options run the gamut from black tea-spiced ahi tuna to pistachio-crusted rack of lamb to smoked chile-glazed hanger steak. Nope, House of Tricks isn't the typical funhouse. But, hey, it's a restaurant in an old house — and eating here sure is fun.
Share Like (0) Dislike (0) Flag

Heaven0507 | Phoenix, AZ | 13 Reviews

4
| Fri, October 15, 2010

Sultry atmosphere, food to die for, and a very laid back crowd makes a great night out!!
Share Like (0) Dislike (0) Flag

JessicaHill | Phoenix, AZ | 143 Reviews

4
| Thu, April 22, 2010

I used to drive past this cute little house with twinkle lights all the time when I was going to ASU. Finally a year after I graduated, I made it to House of Tricks for a nice dinner out with a colleague in town from Denver. The food was cooked to perfection and the sauces were to die for. We all had to try a little off of each others' plates. This would be a great date place.

People Who Like House of Tricks

JessicaHill
Phoenix, AZ

Dinner Menu

Lunch - Starters

$5.00

Today’s Homemade Soup

$5.00

Spring Mix Salad

$7.00

Caesar Salad

$12.00

Selected Gourmet Cheeses And Fresh Fruit
with water crackers

$10.00

Pecan Smoked Salmon
with avocado puree, red onion, lemon-caper crema, and olive tapenade

$11.00

Mediterranean Tapas Platter
with toasted cumin hummus, falafel, french feta, cerignola olives, tzatziki and warm pita

$9.00

Roasted Poblano, Spinach And Artichoke Dip
with water crackers and toasted baguette

$12.00

Grilled Salmon Lettuce Wraps
with cilantro, carrot, daikon, red peppers, peanuts and sweet and spicy asian vinaigrette served with chilled pad thai glass noodle salad

Lunch - Salads

$11.00

Grilled Vegetable Greek Salad
with mixed greens, bell peppers, asparagus, summer squash, kalamata olives, feta cheese and chickpea vinaigrette

$11.00

Moroccan Fruit And Chicken Shawarma Salad
with mango, melon, strawberries, toasted almonds, citrus cous cous and baby field greens with preserved lemon vinaigrette

$12.00

Bistro Beef Salad On Mixed Greens
with fresh mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, grilled onions, kalamata olives, croutons and basil vinaigrette

$12.00

Furikake Spiced Albacore Tuna Steak, Seared Rare
with cabbage, onions, bean sprouts, slivered almonds, carrots and bell peppers in a ginger-sesame vinaigrette with pickled cucumbers

$12.00

“tinga” Braised Chicken Taco Salad
with romaine, roasted corn, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, tortilla chips and cilantro crema tossed in serrano-lime vinaigrette

$10.00

Caesar Salad
with grilled chicken breast and kalamata olives

$12.00

Caesar Salad
with pecan smoked salmon, fresh lemon and capers

Lunch - Sandwiches

$11.00

Albacore Tuna Melt
with tomato, bacon and havarti cheese on sourdough with spring mix salad

$9.50

Oven Roasted Turkey Club
with brown sugar bacon, tomato, avocado, havarti and honey-dijonaise on sourdough with tri-color pasta salad

$10.00

Grilled Italian Ciabatta Sandwich
with toscana salami, pepperoni, copa hot ham, mortadella, ementhaler and olives with chive potato salad

$9.50

French Dip On A Toasted Baguette
with thin sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, mushrooms, horseradish cream and au jus with potato salad

$9.50

Corned Beef Reuben On Marble Rye
with russian dressing, gruyere and sauerkraut served with chive potato salad

$8.50

Curry Macadamia Nut Chicken Salad
with baby greens and tomatoes on toasted 9-grain bread with fresh fruit

$10.00

Asian Barbeque Pork Tenderloin ‘banh Mi’ Sandwich
with pickled carrots, daikon, napa cabbage, jalapeno, onion, cilantro and sriracha aioli on a french baguette with sesame green bean salad

$10.00

Seared Burrata Caprese On Ciabatta
with arugula, sweet roasted yellow peppers and pesto aioli with fresh fruit

$8.50

Albacore Tuna Salad
with scallions, water chestnuts and avocado with baby greens on marble rye with fresh fruit

$9.50

Grilled Chicken Sandwich
with capricho de cabra goat cheese, fig jam, bacon and arugula on toasted ciabatta. served with fresh fruit &greens with rosemary-balsamic vinaigrette

Lunch - Specialties

$8.50

Homemade Quiche Of The Day
with fresh fruit and choice of spring mix side salad or cup of today’s homemade soup

$13.00

Grilled Fresh Water Trout
with edamame succotash, wilted spinach and white miso beurre blanc

$13.00

Chili Rubbed Hanger Steak And Asadero Cheese Stuffed Tortillas
with roasted ancho guajillo sauce, avocado puree and cilantro rice

$12.00

Grilled Salmon And Baby Lettuce
with sweet roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes, fresh avocado, chive risotto cake, tortilla strips and chipotle-grapefruit vinaigrette.

$11.00

Grilled Chicken Breast Chipotle Pasta Tossed
with oven dried tomatoes, scallions and spinach in a spicy pepper cream sauce

Lunch - On The Side

$3.75

Chive Potato Salad

$3.75

Fresh Fruit

$3.75

Sesame Green Bean Salad

$3.75

Tri-color Pasta Salad

Dinner - Starters

$14.00

Artisan Cheese Plate
with seasonal fruits and accompaniments

$12.00

Pecan Smoked Salmon
with lemon crema, red onion, avocado and capers

$10.00

Hazelnut Profiteroles
with humboldt fog bleu cheese and apricot preserves

$14.00

Mongolian Barbecue Shrimp
with pink peppercorn-lemongrass grits and kimchee

$12.00

Rare Black Cod Anticuchos
with sweet white miso glaze, crispy sweet potato and micro radish

$16.00

Harissa Spiced Pei Mussels
with charred yellow tomato, chorizo and creamy sweet cilantro vinaigrette pickled shallots and cornichons

$17.00

Smoked Salt Roasted Bone Marrow
with pinot noir syrup, grilled baguette, caramelized shallot jam and arugula

$18.00

Foieberry Shortcake:
seared foie gras on sweet gingered shortbread with strawberry marmalade and five spiced chantilly cream

$14.00

Smoked Korean Style Baby Back Ribs
with spicy red chile paste and barely pickled cucumber salad and warm grand marnier maple syrup

$11.00

Black Truffle Salted Butterfish Sashimi
with micro radish, asian pear and lemon oil

$13.00

Sashimi Of Yellowtail
with avocado, pink grapefruit, olive oil and crispy garlic

Dinner - Soups/salads

$7.00

Chef’s Soup Du Jour
chef’s soup du jour

$7.00

Spring Mix Salad
with tomato, cucumber, radish, goat cheese and white balsamic-honey vinaigrette

$8.00

Caesar Salad
with garlicky dressing

$12.00

Roasted Beets
with oregonzola bleu cheese, beet syrup, olive oil gelee, micro arugula, spicy candied walnuts and champagne vinegar shallots

$9.00

Hazelnut Breaded Goat Cheese
with frisee, mango chutney, red onion, sweet & sour black plums and sliced radish

$10.00

Poached Cherries And Buratta Salad
with watercress, prosciutto, balsamic-cherry gastrique and crispy apple miso vinaigrette

Dinner - Entrees

$34.00

Grilled Filet Mignon
with charred scallion potatoes, sautéed spinach and brandy demi glace

$29.00

Togarashi Seared “rare” Ahi Tuna
with smoked soy-dashi broth, egg noodles, grilled baby bok choy, ginger-pickled shiitake and creamed sambal

$23.00

Tempura Portabella Mushroom
with pineapple sweet & sour, red and green bell peppers, snap pea-carrot fried rice and summer squash

$32.00

Grilled Halibut
with artichoke beurre blanc, preserved lemon aioli, polenta, spicy harissa, asparagus and oyster mushroom ragout

$28.00

Red Chili Braised Short Rib
with creamed sweet corn, garlic haricot verts and smoked anaheim chili potatoes

$27.00

Apricot Glazed Tender Belly Pork Tenderloin
with caramelized onion risotto, bacon vinaigrette and sautéed spinach with toasted almond

$27.00

Sugar-spiced Salmon
with chinese long beans, mustard sauce, sweet soy-ponzu, sticky rice and nori

$25.00

Brown Sugar Brined ½ Chicken
with mustard barbecue sauce, coriander-candied beets and chicken stock poached potatoes

$36.00

Grilled Herb Marinated Lamb Chops
rosemary jus, oven roasted balsamic tomatoes, french feta fingerling potatoes and mixed olive tapenade

$28.00

Thai Spiced Duck Breast
with ginger-tangerine barbecue glaze, soba noodle-daikon radish, snap peas and green papaya slaw

Looking for another city?

House of Tricks

114 E. 7th St. Tempe, AZ 85281

480-968-1114

Description

Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

By Dominique Chatterjee | Fri, May 17, 2013

9 Great Places to Drink Outdoors in Metro Phoenix

By Nikki Buchanan | Mon, March 11, 2013

7 Favorite Romantic Restaurants in Greater Phoenix: Cozy Home Edition

By Laura Hahnefeld | Mon, February 11, 2013

12 Favorite Places to Eat Outdoors in Greater Phoenix

By Nikki Buchanan | Mon, October 29, 2012

House of Tricks: Happy Hour Report Card

By Nikki Buchanan | Tue, October 16, 2012

2012 | Best Outdoor Dining

2011 | Best Romantic Dinner

2010 | Best Place for a Twilight Drink

2010 | Best Use of Veal

2009 | Best Place to Take Your Parents

2008 | Best Funhouse

2007 | BEST CAESAR SALAD

2006 | BEST GARDEN BAR

2005 | BEST PATIO DINING

2004 | BEST PATIO DINING

2002 | Best New American Restaurant

2001 | Best Patio Dining

2000 | Best Old Arizona Charm

phoenixnewtimesbestof | Phoenix, AZ | 315 Reviews

Heaven0507 | Phoenix, AZ | 13 Reviews

JessicaHill | Phoenix, AZ | 143 Reviews

People Who Like House of Tricks

Voice Places

Happy Hour App

Daily Deals

Best Of...