Postino Annex is a wine café and brunch restaurant at 615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, in the ASU campus area just east of Mill Avenue. Set in the former Arizona State University art annex where a Postino co-founder studied in the 1990s, the low-key converted academic building draws travelers and locals for shareable bruschetta boards, a deep wine list, casual cocktails, and long, sociable meals.
What to Expect at Postino Annex
Postino Annex is designed around the board: diners select four bruschetta combinations on crisp grilled bread, making it an easy format for a light lunch, pre-show snack, or dinner shared over wine. The menu extends beyond toast with snackable plates and comfort food, including mixed olives, crispy cauliflower with sultana raisins, capers and romesco, house meatballs with pomodoro and goat cheese, shrimp scampi with artichokes and Calabrian chili, and the OMG Grilled Cheese with layered cheeses, smoked bacon, and tomato-soup dip.
The mood is relaxed rather than formal: expect a busy dining room, patio seating, groups ordering bottles, and an ASU-adjacent crowd that builds through dinner. The beverage program is central to the experience, with wine by the glass and bottle, beer, cocktails, and a daily happy hour until 5 PM offering $6 glasses of wine and $6 beer pitchers. Brunch begins at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday; the late-night Board + Bottle offer gives two people a particularly good reason to arrive after 8 PM on Monday or Tuesday.
- Four-piece bruschetta boards: Build a shareable board from the restaurant’s rotating bruschetta selection, the signature Postino format.
- Former ASU art annex: Eat in a repurposed campus art building with a direct connection to the founders’ Tempe years.
- Smoked salmon plate: Whipped feta, cold- and hot-smoked salmon, cucumber, pickled onion, cornichons, crispy capers, baby Caesar, and crostini.
- Daily happy hour: Until 5 PM, $6 wine glasses and $6 beer pitchers make an early visit especially appealing.
- Board + Bottle nights: After 8 PM Monday and Tuesday, a bruschetta board and bottle of wine cost $25.
Postino Annex at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Arizona State University campus area, near Mill Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 11 AM–11 PM; Fri 11 AM–midnight; Sat 10 AM–midnight; Sun 10 AM–10 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ dining. Board + Bottle is $25 after 8 PM Monday and Tuesday. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours; allow longer for brunch or a bottle of wine |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Mill Ave/3rd Street Valley Metro Rail and Tempe Streetcar stop; paid ASU-area garages and metered street spaces nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | Postino Annex official website; 480-927-1111 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, Sunday brunch, and large groups; use the restaurant’s official location page for reservations, online ordering, and current menu details. For a calmer meal, arrive near the 11 AM weekday opening or before the happy-hour cutoff. Late-night Monday and Tuesday is the value play, but the $25 Board + Bottle promotion is built for sharing, so it is best with at least two diners.
From downtown Tempe, Valley Metro Rail and the Tempe Streetcar both stop at Mill Ave/3rd Street, roughly a short walk west of College Avenue. Drivers should expect paid campus-area parking rather than a large dedicated restaurant lot; the University Center garage and metered spaces around ASU are practical options. The former annex is a ground-level venue with dining and patio seating, making it easier to navigate than a multistory restaurant; call before arrival to arrange an accessible table or confirm current restroom access. Pair a meal with The Chuckbox, about a three-minute walk away, a stroll through the Mill Avenue District, or an Arizona State University Gammage performance about 15 minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Postino Annex’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
It opens at 11 AM Monday through Friday and 10 AM Saturday and Sunday, with midnight closing Friday and Saturday. Weekday opening and early afternoon are the easiest times for a more relaxed table; dinner and weekend brunch are considerably busier.
How much does Postino Annex cost, and do I need a reservation?
This is a $$ restaurant with no admission fee. The confirmed value specials are daily $6 wine glasses and $6 beer pitchers until 5 PM, plus a $25 bruschetta board and bottle after 8 PM on Monday and Tuesday; reserve in advance for peak evenings and brunch.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Budget 1 to 2 hours for a board, a few snack plates, and drinks. A quick pre-event stop can take about an hour, while brunch or bottle-sharing easily stretches beyond two hours.
Is Postino Annex suitable for dietary needs, families, and wheelchair users?
The menu identifies gluten-free and vegan items, including olives and crispy cauliflower, and staff can help with allergen questions. Its ground-level layout suits strollers and mobility devices, while shareable boards and familiar grilled-cheese options work well for families; confirm seating needs directly with the restaurant.
When planning your Tempe travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Tempe, pair this stop with standout local spots including Perfect Pear Bistro, Top of the Rock Restaurant, Selleh Park, and The Chuckbox (0.2 km away).
