House of Tricks - Tempe

I first had the pleasure of dining at House of Tricks when I was taken by surprise--almost ambushed--and ended up going on a date. I've been there several times since in differing settings, but let me tell you, for a date or otherwise, this is a restaurant that approaches perfection and more than made up for my embarrassing social awkwardness the first time around. House of Tricks is set inside an historic house in downtown Tempe and it's every bit as charming as that sounds. You'll sit at a cozy table and if there's a wait it's worth it because the wait is a hallmark of the intimacy of the dining experience. The service here is excellent. You might inexplicably stay away from the restaurant for quite some time and return to see familiar faces nonetheless. The menu itself is varied and delicious. Some personal favorites of mine? I love the Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Strawberries, Pine Nuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette; the Grilled Scottish Salmon on a Potato, Fennel, and Green Apple Salad with Cider Cream and Mustard Seed Vinaigrette; and the Black Tea Spiced Ahi Tuna with Sweet Soy Vinaigrette, Shiitake Salsa and Glass Noodle Stir Fry With Siracha Aioli. My various companions have especially enjoyed the Caesar Salad; the Avocado and Papaya Salad with Watercress, Red Onion, Tarragon and Orange-Vanilla Vinaigrette; the Fire Roasted Poblano Stuffed with Sweet Corn, Monterey Jack, Cilantro and Sweet Red Pepper Coulis; the Midwestern Corn Fed Beef Short Rib Bourguignon on Fresh Herb Dumplings, Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots and Braised Button Mushrooms; the Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb with Green Onions, Grilled Potatoes and Tropical Fruit Crème Anglaise; and, in the words of a colleague, duck prepared in any fashion. And save room for dessert! Because neither I nor anyone I've ever dined with there has ever had anything less than excellent for dessert at House of Tricks. And if you're in the mood for fun, eat on the deliciously lit patio or hang out in the garden bar complete with trellis. House of Tricks has something for everyone and you will not be disappointed coming here.

I had a reservation and still had to wait. Every time I came I was turned away because I didn't have a reservation. And I didn't realize I made a reservation for the last day they were open forever. Just my luck. Can't really say I ate here but can say they never were able to seat me.

This was my second time ever going. We wanted to go before they close and decided to meet some friends for dinner. Food was good, but I wished the portion sizes were slightly bigger for the price. Also, the woman seating guests was really rude to my friend before we arrived. I'm glad we got to go again before they close, but it was not the ideal last visit there. Service: Dine in

Beautiful patio. We had appetizers and 1 drink each. Dinner pricy for my budget! Closing soon too

This place will be missed! Lovely menu, lovely place.